Western Oregon University welcomes seven new trustees

Western Oregon University welcomes seven new trustees

Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees recently welcomed seven new trustees after being nominated by Governor Tina Kotek and confirmed by The Oregon State Senate on September 25, 2024.  The new trustees are as follows:...

Western Oregon University’s Destination Western program kicks off

Western Oregon University’s Destination Western program kicks off

Destination Western’s 23-24 cohort MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s 2024 Destination Western Program starts September 11 through September 20. Destination Western is an all-expenses paid ten-day residential bridge orientation program designed to help...

Western Oregon University announces 2024-2025 Smith Fine Arts Series

Western Oregon University announces 2024-2025 Smith Fine Arts Series

Photo by Lucia Micarelli & Leo Amuedo  MONMOUTH, Ore. –A half-dozen music and dance groups will delight and amaze audiences with their diverse styles and world-class abilities during the 2024-25 Smith Fine Arts Series beginning in October at Western Oregon...

Western Oregon University Foundation releases annual report

Western Oregon University Foundation releases annual report

MONMOUTH, Ore. –The Western Oregon University Foundation released its annual report for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The report includes total contributions to the Foundation for 2023-2024, and recent budgetary year results on Endowment, Scholarships, and Competitive...

Western Oregon University Board of Trustees elect new Chair

Western Oregon University Board of Trustees elect new Chair

MONMOUTH, Ore. –The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees recently elected Angela Fasana to serve as the third board chair.  Fasana has been a Western Oregon University Board of Trustee since July 2022, (her current term ends June 30, 2026) and serves on the...

Western Oregon University selects new Institutional Research Director

Western Oregon University selects new Institutional Research Director

Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. –Western Oregon University has named Adeya Powell, Ph.D., the new Institutional Research Director, effective August 30, 2024. Powell holds a doctorate in Research, Evaluation, Measurement, and Statistics from the University of...

Western Oregon University announces spring 2024 Honor Roll

Western Oregon University announces spring 2024 Honor Roll

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces the undergraduate students that have been named to the Honor Roll and President’s list for their academic honors for spring 2024. In recognition of academic achievement, the university makes public at the close of...

Western Oregon University announces new Foundation board members

Western Oregon University announces new Foundation board members

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Foundation announces three new board members: Brenda Rocio Martinez, Jordan Carpenter, and Miranda Garrison ‘09. Brenda Rocio Martinez is a first-generation student from Woodburn and currently serves as the Associated...

Western Oregon University hosts regional gaming competition

Western Oregon University hosts regional gaming competition

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University hosted the 17th season of the Oregon Game Project Challenge, a video game development competition for middle and high school students.  Each fall, OGPC announces a theme for the year’s competition, which is typically held in...

38th Annual Wolves Athletics Auction again a success

38th Annual Wolves Athletics Auction again a success

Photo: Hannah Rispler (left) and Randi Lydum (right) Photography: Eddie Bruning MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University hosted the 38th Annual Wolves Athletic Auction presented by Oregon State Credit Union on Saturday, June 1, 2024. The event drew nearly 300...

Western Oregon University student wins prestigious poetry competition

Western Oregon University student wins prestigious poetry competition

Pictured: Jasper Beck (left) and Henry Hughes Ph.D. (right) MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University student Jasper Beck, an English major, recently won the prestigious College Undergraduate Poetry Competition sponsored by the National Federation of State Poetry...

Western Oregon University showcases undergraduate research on May 30

Western Oregon University showcases undergraduate research on May 30

Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. The Western Oregon University Program for Undergraduate Research Experiences (PURE) is proud to announce that its annual Academic Excellence Showcase will occur in person on Thursday, May 30. The showcase allows Western...

Western Oregon University sponsors Monmouth Has Pride with grant

Western Oregon University sponsors Monmouth Has Pride with grant

Photo credit: Monmouth Has Pride MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University, for the second consecutive year, is a partner sponsor for Monmouth Has Pride, hosted by the City of Monmouth. The sponsorship is part of a LGBTQ2SIA+ Student Success Grant, awarded to Western...

Western Oregon University alum thrives as business owner and lobbyist

Western Oregon University alum thrives as business owner and lobbyist

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is proud to highlight the accomplishments of alum Justin Martin ‘96, a business owner and lobbyist. Martin received his bachelor’s in public policy and administration from Western, which helped him achieve career...

Western Oregon University Board of Trustees approves tuition increase

Western Oregon University Board of Trustees approves tuition increase

Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees convened on April 16 and 17 to consider and approve several items, including the tuition & fees for the 2024-25 academic year. The Tuition Advisory Committee, which includes...

Western Oregon University rugby teams qualify for nationals

Western Oregon University rugby teams qualify for nationals

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s men’s and women’s+ rugby clubs have qualified for the Rugby 7s Collegiate National Championships.  This is the first time both teams qualified in the same year, and the first time Western’s women’s+ team...

Western Oregon University student competes in American Ninja Warrior

Western Oregon University student competes in American Ninja Warrior

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University student Caiden Madzelan is a first-year majoring in exercise science and has competed on the hit show, American Ninja Warrior, three times at 19. American Ninja Warrior is a competition show where elite athletes compete on...

Western Oregon University hosts Panamanian percussion musician

Western Oregon University hosts Panamanian percussion musician

Photo: Carlos Camacho teaching his masterclass to Western students MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s percussion ensemble hosted guest artist Carlos Camacho from the University of Panama for a week-long residency in March. The percussion ensemble recently...

Western Oregon University alum highlights social work career

Western Oregon University alum highlights social work career

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is proud to highlight the accomplishments of alumnus Michael Waller ‘08. Waller received a bachelor’s degree in social science from Western, leading him to a career in social work. Western introduced Waller to his two...

Western Oregon University celebrates successful Giving Day

Western Oregon University celebrates successful Giving Day

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s annual Giving Day, Howl from the Heart, held on March 5, saw great engagement. With 696 donors giving to nearly 60 funds, Giving Day raised $208,406 as of Friday, March 15. These funds will support scholarships, campus...

Western Oregon University highlights recent publications and resources

Western Oregon University highlights recent publications and resources

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University highlights the publications of new works by staff and faculty. From October 2023 to February 2024, 37 works have been published, showcasing the dedication and expertise of the Western community. In addition to traditional...

Western Oregon University unveils new strategic plan

Western Oregon University unveils new strategic plan

Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. –  Western Oregon University unveils its new transformative strategic plan accompanied by a new mission and vision statement and core values that was approved by the Western Oregon University Board of Trustees at the February...

Western Oregon University staff selected for NWCCU fellowship

Western Oregon University staff selected for NWCCU fellowship

Pictured from left to right: Malissa Larson, Megan Habermann-Guthrie, Leanne Merrill Ph.D., and Melanie Landon-Hays Ph.D. MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University staff from the Division of Student Affairs has been selected for The Northwest Commission on...

Western Oregon University serves the community through mentorship

Western Oregon University serves the community through mentorship

Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. –  Since 1999, Western Oregon University’s Division of Behavioral Sciences has supported Talmadge Middle School students in Independence, Oregon to foster positive mentoring relationships. Juniors and seniors at Western...

Western Oregon University Alum and Community Leader Makes a Difference

Western Oregon University Alum and Community Leader Makes a Difference

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is proud to highlight the accomplishments of former Oregon State Representative and alum Teresa Alonso Leon ‘02. Alonso Leon received a bachelor’s degree in social science from Western and a Master of Public Administration...

Western Oregon University celebrates Annual Giving Day on March 5

Western Oregon University celebrates Annual Giving Day on March 5

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces its annual Giving Day, Howl from the Heart, on March 5, 2024. Giving Day is a crowdfunding day that allows everyone to financially contribute to the projects they want to focus on. Since its inception in 2016, the...

Western Oregon University to host Health & Exercise Science career day

Western Oregon University to host Health & Exercise Science career day

Photo credit: @woucampusrecreation MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University will be hosting its annual Health & Exercise Science Career Day on February 8. This event invites current and prospective students to explore the exciting opportunities in public health...

Western Oregon University awarded grant to boost services for veterans

Western Oregon University awarded grant to boost services for veterans

Pictured: Students hanging out in the Veterans Resource CenterMONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University recently was selected as one of 14 institutions to receive funding from the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs through the Campus Veteran Resource Center Grant,...

New VITA tax site hosted at Western Oregon University

New VITA tax site hosted at Western Oregon University

AARP and the IRS sponsor Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs that offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. The VITA program has operated for over 50 years. VITA sites offer free tax help to...

Western Oregon University honors the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Western Oregon University honors the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Image of Western students participating in day of service for MLK Jr. Day MONMOUTH, Ore. – In honor of the enduring legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., Western Oregon University is excited to share the opportunities happening this month to commemorate his life and...

Western Oregon University announces Fall 2023 Honor Roll

Western Oregon University announces Fall 2023 Honor Roll

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces the undergraduate students that have been named to the Honor Roll and President’s List for their academic honors for fall 2023. In recognition of academic achievement, the university makes public at the close...

Western Oregon University professor receives recognition for film

Western Oregon University professor receives recognition for film

Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Professor of Theatre and Dance, Leslie Watanabe, has received several prestigious awards for his film Bonsai released this year. It was showcased at various film festivals this year. Bonsai is a...

Western Oregon University announces new major in Ethnic Studies

Western Oregon University announces new major in Ethnic Studies

Pictured from left: Ricardo Pelegrin Taboada, Ph.D., Mary Pettenger, Ph.D.MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is proud to announce a new major in Ethnic Studies, starting fall 2024-25. This major aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to navigate...

Western Oregon University alumnus a changemaker in education

Western Oregon University alumnus a changemaker in education

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is excited to highlight the successful journey of alumnus Juan Larios ‘01, ‘06, who currently serves as Superintendent for the Woodburn School District. Larios, who received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in...

Western Oregon University celebrates first-generation day

Western Oregon University celebrates first-generation day

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University proudly celebrates First-Generation College Celebration Day, a day that recognizes and celebrates the achievements and aspirations of first-generation college students. As an institution dedicated to fostering student success...

Western Oregon University Foundation adds four new board members

Western Oregon University Foundation adds four new board members

Top left: Hunter Hall, bottom left: Dave Novotney, top right: Joyce Peters, bottom right: Linda Yorke MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University Foundation announces four new members to its Foundation Board. The new members, Hunter Hall ’23, Linda Yorke, Dave Novotney...

Western Oregon University appoints Venu Nair as General Counsel 

Western Oregon University appoints Venu Nair as General Counsel 

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University President Jesse Peters announced the appointment of Venu Nair as the General Counsel for the institution. Nair will begin this role Oct. 23. “Mr. Nair’s deep experience in higher education and his commitment to diversity,...

Western Oregon University celebrates over 50 new Diversity Scholars 

Western Oregon University celebrates over 50 new Diversity Scholars 

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Multicultural Student Services and Programs (MSSP) hosted its annual Diversity Scholars recognition celebration for the 2023-2024 academic year, dedicated to celebrating students’ academic excellence and commitment to...

Western Oregon University Celebrates Homecoming Week 2023

Western Oregon University Celebrates Homecoming Week 2023

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is thrilled to kick off its highly anticipated homecoming week, a time-honored tradition that brings together alumni, students, and the local community for a week filled with fun, festivities, and school spirit. This...

Western Oregon University recipient of prestigious award

Western Oregon University recipient of prestigious award

By Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is one of 21 higher education institutions in the country recognized for their leadership and commitment to continuous improvement by The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)....

Western Oregon University welcomes new scholars

Western Oregon University welcomes new scholars

By Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is proud to partner with the nation’s largest scholarship and success program for immigrant youth, TheDream.US, to help more Dreamers achieve their college and career goals. This year, Western Oregon...

Western Oregon University announces Summer 2023 Honor Roll

Western Oregon University announces Summer 2023 Honor Roll

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces the undergraduate students that have been named to the Honor Roll and President’s List for their academic honors for summer 2023. In recognition of academic achievement, the university makes public at the close...

Western Oregon University welcomes students back to campus

Western Oregon University welcomes students back to campus

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University welcomes the 23-24 incoming students with PACK Welcome Week (Prepare, Advise, Connect, Know), a jam-packed week of exciting activities to help them become acclimated to campus life, one week before classes begin. From...

Western Oregon University Foundation releases annual report

Western Oregon University Foundation releases annual report

MONMOUTH, Ore. –Western Oregon University Foundation released its annual report for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. The report includes total contributions to the Foundation for 2022-2023, as well as recent fiscal year results on Endowment, Scholarships, and...

Western Oregon announces Spring 2023, Honor Roll

Western Oregon announces Spring 2023, Honor Roll

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces the following undergraduate students’ names for the Honor Roll for their academic accomplishments in the spring 2023 semester. The honor roll is composed of students who earned 12 credits or more which are not...

Maureen Brakke named Director of Marketing and Communications

Maureen Brakke named Director of Marketing and Communications

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University President, Dr. Jesse Peters, recently named Maureen Brakke as the university’s Director of Marketing and Communications, effective July 31st. “Not only does she have the experience and skills to immediately have a...

Western Oregon celebrates 166th Commencement Ceremony

Western Oregon celebrates 166th Commencement Ceremony

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University held its 166th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, June 17, 2023.  The ceremony was held on McArthur Field under ideal weather conditions for Monmouth, Oregon. Following three years of alternative Commencement ceremonies,...

Western Oregon names Jamiere Abney, Director of Admissions

Western Oregon names Jamiere Abney, Director of Admissions

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University Vice President of Student Affairs, Tina Fuchs, recently named Jamiere Abney as the university’s Director of Admissions, effective June 30. “Jamiere is a high-level strategic thinker with a strong enrollment management...

Western Oregon selects Provost & VP of Academic Affairs, Dr. Jose Coll

Western Oregon selects Provost & VP of Academic Affairs, Dr. Jose Coll

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University President Jesse Peters named Dr. Jose Coll as the university’s next Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. Coll will start in the new role on June 30th. “Dr. Coll’s experiences in higher education leadership have...

Western Oregon announces Commencement keynote speaker, Dan Rayfield

Western Oregon announces Commencement keynote speaker, Dan Rayfield

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is pleased to announce that Dan Rayfield, who serves as Oregon’s 69th Speaker of the House, will be this year’s keynote speaker for the 2023 Commencement Ceremony on June 17th, 2023.  A WOU alum 03’, Speaker Rayfield...

Western Oregon selects Executive Director of Human Resources Desiree Noah

Western Oregon selects Executive Director of Human Resources Desiree Noah

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Dr. Jesse Peters, Western Oregon University President, names Desiree Noah as the university’s Executive Director of Human Resources. Please join us in congratulating Desiree Noah, who will begin her role on June 26th. “Desiree Noah is the right leader...

Western Oregon hosts 2nd Hispanic-Serving Institution Summit

Western Oregon hosts 2nd Hispanic-Serving Institution Summit

MONMOUTH, Ore. –  On April 26th, 2023, Western Oregon University hosted its 2nd Annual Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Summit. The first Summit, in April 2022, focused on developing a shared understanding of what it means to be a federally-designated HSI. This...

Western Oregon University’s 2023 Athletic Auction

Western Oregon University’s 2023 Athletic Auction

MONMOUTH, Ore. – The Western Oregon University Wolves Athletic Auction is returning for its 37th year on Saturday, June 3, and again will feature an in-person and online silent auction with several great items up for bid. This is the most impactful...

The Write Place moves to Western Oregon University

The Write Place moves to Western Oregon University

MONMOUTH, Ore. – The Write Place, a nonprofit founded at Western Washington University in 2013 and dedicated to creating and supporting literary and artistic projects that inspire appreciation of humanity’s intimate relationship with the natural environment, is moving...

Honor Roll Winter 2023

Honor Roll Winter 2023

Congratulations to all Western Oregon University students who made Honor Roll! Please note: The lists are published two days after grades are posted for the preceding term and are not updated with grade changes received after that date. Victor...

Another successful Giving Day for Western Oregon University

Another successful Giving Day for Western Oregon University

MONMOUTH, Ore. – The 2023 Western Oregon University Giving Day (Howl from the Heart) was a great success! More than 500 benefactors made gifts to support 74 different funds to benefit students and programs. As of Friday, March 17, $205,795 has been raised due to your...

Ricardo Lujan Valerio named Director of Government Relations

Ricardo Lujan Valerio named Director of Government Relations

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University President, Jesse Peters, recently named Ricardo Lujan Valerio as the university’s Director of Government Relations, effective January 16th. “I am pleased to welcome Rico to the leadership team at Western. Not only does...

Western Oregon presents Considering Matthew Shepard

Western Oregon presents Considering Matthew Shepard

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Smith Fine Arts Series presents a striking lineup of shows this 2022-2023 season, including Considering Matthew Shepard on March 3rd and 11th, 2023. The March 3rd performance supports the WOU choral program....

Western once again receives Tree Campus Higher Education recognition

Western once again receives Tree Campus Higher Education recognition

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University has met the Tree Campus Higher Education standards for 8 years now. WOU is one of just eight higher education campuses in Oregon that obtained this recognition. Acquiring and maintaining this status has created many...

Western remains the largest preparer of new teachers in Oregon

Western remains the largest preparer of new teachers in Oregon

MONMOUTH, Ore. – According to the U.S. Department of Education’s Title II report, Western Oregon University remains the largest preparer of newly licensed teachers in Oregon for the second year in a row. WOU graduated 14.56% of all licensed teachers in the state...

Katie Wojke named Vice President of Advancement at WOU

Katie Wojke named Vice President of Advancement at WOU

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University President, Jesse Peters, recently named Katie Wojke as the university’s Vice President of Advancement, effective January 30. “She is a productive fundraiser, partnering with donors to support students, faculty, and...

Outdoor Program Connects Students with Oregon’s Beauty

Outdoor Program Connects Students with Oregon’s Beauty

It’s no secret that one of the biggest Western Oregon University selling points is its location. From its vantage point in the Mid-Willamette Valley, WOU is primed to dispatch students to day trips on the sandy beach shore, up snow-capped mountains or into lush...