The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees welcomes Lydia Muniz, a recent retiree from the Office of Equity and Multicultural Services (OEMS) within the Oregon Department of Human Services. The state Senate confirmed Muniz on Feb. 13, 2018 and she will attend her first board meeting this month.

Muniz served as director of the OEMS for four years. That office works to ensure Oregonians have equal access to services and that the state’s workforce reflects the diversity of its population. She also served in the Advocate’s Office for Minority, Women and Emerging Small Business from 1995 to 2011 while Govs. John Kitzhaber and Ted Kulongoski were in office.

Her experience in equity, diversity and community engagement will be an important addition to the Board of Trustees.

“It is an honor to be selected as a member of WOU’s Board of Trustees,” Muniz said. “As a long-time Salem-area resident, I am very familiar with WOU and the outstanding work going on there. We have the potential to change the trajectory of an individual’s life through education and to directly impact not only their life, but the community’s well-being as well. I look forward to supporting the work of WOU and to contributing my expertise to the board.”

Muniz will attend the board’s quarterly meeting April 18, 2018. She is filling the seat formerly held by Ivan Hurtado.

“We are excited to have Lydia join us on the WOU Board of Trustees,” said President Rex Fuller. “Her work in equity and years of service to diverse populations will be valuable as we continue to make public higher education accessible to the widest range of students possible.”

To see profiles for all WOU Board of Trustees members or for more information, visit wou.edu/board.