Western Oregon’s first Doctoral Program, the first Occupational Therapy Program in Oregon’s public university system

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces its first doctoral program in Occupational Therapy (OT). Classes will be held at the WOU: Salem campus beginning in the fall of 2024. “It is wonderful to see Western Oregon moving to address the needs of the state in this area,” said President Jesse Peters. This will be [more…]

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 majored in Geography. After graduating from WOU, Speaker Rayfield attended Willamette University [more…]

Western Oregon selects Executive Director of Human Resources Desiree Noah

Image of Desiree Noah in a portrait with a greenery background.
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 at the right time for the Human Resources Team at Western Oregon University. [more…]

Western Oregon’s Board of Trustees Approve Tuition & Fees for 23-24 Academic Year

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Board of Trustees convened April 18th and 19th to consider and approve several items, including the Tuition & Fees for 2023-2024 Academic Year & Summer 2023. The Tuition Advisory Committee, which includes students, staff, and faculty submitted a suggested tuition increase of 3.09% which was accepted by the president [more…]

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 fundraiser of the year benefiting our current and future Wolves student-athletes. Proceeds will impact all [more…]

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 to Western Oregon University.  The Write Place board approved WOU English professor Henry Hughes as its new [more…]

Another successful Giving Day for Western Oregon University

Press Release
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 generous support. Two scholarship endowments were fully endowed thanks [more…]

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 he have key experience, he is also a first-generation college graduate of a regional university. He [more…]

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. Considering Matthew Shepard, a Grammy-nominated, three-part fusion oratorio by Craig Hella Johnson, was written as a musical [more…]

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 opportunities and has helped improve, maintain and celebrate our campus trees.  To obtain this [more…]

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 of Oregon in 2021-2022. “Preparing educators is one of the strengths [more…]

Western Oregon named NCAA Division II 2023 Award of Excellence finalist

Press Release
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University (WOU) is one of 22 universities named finalists for the 2023 NCAA Division II Award of Excellence, an award that recognizes events which promote student-athletes giving back and serving as leaders within their communities and on their campuses. WOU was nominated for the award in recognition of the partnership [more…]

Katie Wojke named Vice President of Advancement at WOU

Katie Wojke
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 programs. Katie is driven by the compelling mission of access to higher education and the development of outstanding future [more…]

Western Oregon Wins Prestigious NWCCU Beacon Award

Press Release
MONMOUTH, OREGON — Western Oregon University’s recent comprehensive review and revision of undergraduate degree requirements has been selected as the winner for the 2022 Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) Beacon Award for Excellence in Student Achievement and Success.  Beginning in 2017, WOU faculty investigated alternatives to its existing general education and university degree [more…]

New Trustees Join Western Oregon University’s Board of Trustees

Press Release
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Cristian Mendez-Garcia and Guadalupe “Lupe” Diaz were confirmed by the Oregon Senate to serve on the Western Oregon University Board of Trustees, succeeding former trustees Zellee Allen and Linda Herrera.  Mendez-Garcia and Diaz join new trustees Kari Nelsestuen, Angela Fasana, and Michael Reis, who were all confirmed during the June Legislative Days [more…]

SEIU and Western Oregon Announce SEIU Local 503 Members Tuition Discount

Press Release
MONMOUTH, OREGON— In an historic move, Western Oregon University is offering SEIU Local 503 members discounted tuition for up to 12 credits per term. This partnership will enable SEIU students the ability to access over 200 programs of their choice.  SEIU students will be able to work towards or finish a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or [more…]

Western Oregon University Offers In-State Tuition Rate to all Enrolled Members of Federally Recognized Indigenous Nations

Press Release
MONMOUTH, OREGON—Starting fall 2022, Western Oregon is offering in-state tuition to any enrolled member of federally recognized tribes within the US. The Native American Tuition-Western Oregon University (NAT-WOU) initiative allows incoming indigenous students to pay the equivalent of WOU resident tuition regardless of their state or country of residence. Oregon’s oldest public university, Western Oregon was established [more…]

Supreme Court Ruling on Roe v. Wade

Press Release
MONMOUTH, OREGON — Western Oregon acknowledges the momentous impact on many of our faculty, staff and students, with the US Supreme Court’s recent decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Our university remains committed to the power of liberty in the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and observes that any threat to the liberty of our community and its members is a detriment [more…]

WOU’s Board of Trustees Slated to Appoint Dr. Jesse Peters as University President

 MONMOUTH, Ore.—The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees plans to appoint Dr. Jesse Peters as the university’s next president at its June 8, 2022 meeting. Dr. Peters will succeed retired president Dr. Rex Fuller and interim president Dr. Jay Kenton.  Dr. Jesse Peters is the current Dean of Arts & Sciences at Ft. Lewis College [more…]

Valley Shakespeare Company at Western Oregon University to receive National Endowment for the Arts grant

MONMOUTH, OREGON —Valley Shakespeare Company at Western Oregon University has been awarded a $10.000 Grant for Arts Projects from the National Endowment for the Arts to support El Bardo en el Valle: with Milagro at Valley Shakespeare Company. This project will bring a Spanish-language production to the stage of Valley Shakespeare Company in the summer of [more…]

Western Oregon University collaboration involves the public in conserving Oregon’s freshwater turtles

MONMOUTH, OREGON —Western Oregon University in collaboration with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) are proud to announce the launch of a bilingual website and ‘community science’ app to help monitor Oregon’s freshwater turtle populations. This collaborative project was developed over a period of years, with The Oregon Native Turtle Working Group, the [more…]

Academic publication shows new details of Hispanic origins of Oregon

MONMOUTH, OREGON —Western Oregon University and the Instituto de Cultura Oregoniana proudly announce the launching of “Hispanic Origins of Oregon,” a collaborative work that tells of the time of commerce between Native Americans, Hispanics, British and Russians along the Pacific coast of North America. The launch will take place at Western Oregon University’s Hamersly Library [more…]

Western Oregon University chosen as newest Amazon Career Choice Partner

MONMOUTH, OREGON —Western Oregon University is partnering with Amazon to offer Amazon employees in the Salem area a new option for pursuing a college degree. Eligible local employees will be able to enroll in one of Western Oregon’s over 200 unique majors, minors, certificates, and concentrations with annual tuition assistance covered by Amazon. Amazon’s Career [more…]

Western Oregon University receives $8.4 million to assist Oregon Early Learning

MONMOUTH, OREGON —Western Oregon University’s The Research Institute, led by Robyn Lopez Melton, has been awarded $8.4 million from the Oregon Early Learning Division to build capacity within Oregon’s early learning system. This funding will allow Western Oregon’s The Research Institute’s Center on Early Learning and Youth Development to design, implement, and manage Oregon’s first [more…]

Western Oregon University Board of Trustees approves presidential search prospectus, legislative request

The Western Oregon University (WOU) Board of Trustees on Tuesday approved the presidential prospectus presented by search firm Anthem Executive and agreed that WOU should request $16 million in emergency funds from the Oregon Legislature to pay for an extensive steam pipe repair project. During fall term, Anthem Executive engaged groups from across campus, including [more…]

Western Oregon University’s Smith Fine Arts Series opens season with international jazz singer Halie Loren

The Smith Fine Arts Series at Western Oregon University (WOU) is pleased to celebrate its 44th season returning to live, in-person performances at Rice Auditorium on the WOU campus. The 2021-22 season includes six events, and each begin at 7:30 p.m.   The season opens on Friday, Oct. 8 with international jazz singer/songwriter Halie Loren. [more…]

Western Oregon University receives $2.1 million to increase support for DeafBlind individuals

The DeafBlind Interpreting National Training & Resource Center (DBI) in Western Oregon University’s Research & Resource Center with Deaf* Communities received a $2.1 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). The grant supports the DBI’s work to increase the number of qualified Protactile language interpreters with the expertise to [more…]

Western Oregon University and Willamette University develop program for WOU students to seek a graduate law degree

Screenshot of a Zoom meeting with six people; three across the top and three across the bototm
Western Oregon University (WOU) and Willamette University signed an agreement yesterday to make it easier for WOU students interested in law to pursue a graduate degree at Willamette University College of Law (Willamette Law).   This program admits WOU undergraduate students and alumni who meet certain academic credentials to Willamette Law and gives each student [more…]

Valley Shakespeare Company to Present Shakespeare’s Classic Comedy, Twelfth Night

The Valley Shakespeare Company at Western Oregon University (WOU) will present Twelfth Night (or What You Will), one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, on the Leinwand outdoor stage at WOU for a limited live audience. Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. nightly July 22-24 and July 29-31. The Friday performances will be interpreted in American [more…]

Western Oregon University Celebrates Passage of Bill Allowing Professional Doctoral Degrees

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s recent signature on SB 230 allows the state’s three regional public universities to offer professional doctoral degrees and aids Western Oregon University’s goal of offering doctoral degrees in high-demand, high-paying fields. The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2022.   Since 1997, when the three regional colleges were redefined as comprehensive universities, [more…]

Western Oregon University Board of Trustees Appoints Interim President, Approves Standing Diversity Committee

The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees on Wednesday approved the appointment of Jay Kenton as interim president for 2021-22. It also  approved the creation of a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, the first standing committee of its kind at an Oregon public university.   Kenton’s nomination for interim president had been reviewed June 1 [more…]

Western Oregon University announces plan to require COVID-19 vaccine for fall 2020

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University (WOU) announced today that in preparation for a predominantly in-person fall 2021, COVID-19 vaccinations will be required for students and employees who study or work in person at either the Monmouth or Salem campuses.   The vaccine requirement, among other efforts, was announced earlier today to current students in [more…]

Western Oregon University Board of Trustees approves 2.17% tuition increase, diversity statement, new certificates

Exterior of Peter Courtney Health and Wellness Center
The Western Oregon University (WOU) Board of Trustees on Wednesday approved a 2.17% increase in resident undergraduate tuition for the 2021-22 academic year, a decision that confirms WOU’s commitment to affordability for Oregon students.   The 2.17% increase is the smallest among all seven public Oregon universities with the exception of Easter Oregon University. The [more…]

Western Oregon University Board of Trustees Lauds Affordability, Accessibility Advancement in Quarterly Meeting

Aerial view of campus. Todd Hall in the foreground.
The Western Oregon University (WOU) Board of Trustees on Wednesday  learned of a number of new academic offerings and heard a report from President Rex Fuller about accessibility and affordability at WOU.   Since 2017, the university has made strategic changes to offer to become the most affordable public university in Oregon for resident undergraduates. [more…]

Western Oregon University Board of Trustees Committee Takes Steps Toward Search for Interim President

The Western Oregon University (WOU) Board of Trustees Executive, Governance and Trusteeship Committee (EGTC) on Thursday met to consider language for a new presidential search policy. As part of the discussion, the group affirmed its intention, pending full board approval, to search for an interim president to replace retiring President Rex Fuller.   The committee [more…]

Western Oregon University board approves revised FY21 budget

Picture of a "Western Oregon University" sign with flowers in front and trees behind
The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees on Wednesday approved the adjusted fiscal year 2021 budget, which required an update based on actual enrollment numbers for fall 2020.   The previous FY21 budget, initially adopted at the board’s June meeting, had been based on a projected enrollment decrease of 2.5%. However, because of the COVID-19 [more…]

Western Oregon University receives $1 million grant to support rehabilitation and mental health counseling

Western Oregon University’s (WOU) Research and Resource Center with Deaf* communities (RRCD) has received a $1 million grant from the federal Rehabilitation Service Administration (RSA). This grant supports WOU’s Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling (RMHC) program, which trains people to facilitate employment, independent living, community integration and more for individuals who are Deaf or have [more…]

Western Oregon University waives admission application fee for freshmen and transfer students

Western Oregon University (WOU) has announced several admissions policy changes, effective immediately. There is no application fee for freshman and transfer students until Sept. 1, 2021. Also, high school seniors and transfer students can self-report their cumulative grade point average when completing their admissions application.   “Western Oregon University recognizes that students are facing challenges [more…]

WOU announces new trustees confirmed to the board

Werner University Center exterior with blue skies in background
 The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees welcomes new members Susan Castillo, Leah Mitchell, Dr. David Foster (faculty) and Danielle Campbell (student), as well as a second term for Malissa Larson (staff).   “The board is excited to work with our new members and looks forward to having their voices join our important conversations as [more…]

Western Oregon University Board of Trustees Hears COVID-19 Response Plan for Fall 2020

Western Oregon University entrance sign with flowers along the front. Trees and a brick building in the background
The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees approved the university’s Fall 2020 Safe Operation and Instruction Plan, a requirement from the governor’s office as part of Executive Order 20-28. The approved plan will now be submitted to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission. The university’s strategy is built on the guidance the Oregon Health Authority provided [more…]

Western Oregon University one of 10 institutions selected for national program focused on learner success

WOU sign at the front of campus, glossy black with gold lettering, greenery behind it. Campus appears wet from rain.
Western Oregon University (WOU) is one of 10 institutions selected to participate in the American Council on Education’s (ACE) inaugural Learner Success Laboratory (LSL). LSL is part of a suite of Transformation Labs offered by ACE to guide colleges and universities through a structured strategic planning process to advance critical institutional priorities. Participants will work [more…]

Western Oregon University Professor and Advisor Receives International Recognition

Person smiling at the camera
Western Oregon University Assistant Professor and Advisor Brooke Dolenc Nott’s compassionate and thoughtful approach to empower students has earned her international recognition. Nott is the recipient of the 2020 Outstanding New Advisor in the Faculty Advising category from the NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising, an organization with more than 14,000 international members promoting and supporting [more…]

Western Oregon University Board of Trustees Approves Undergrad Resident Tuition Increase of 4.55%

Sunny day with a photo of several kinds of trees and one with pink blossoms
MONMOUTH, Ore. – The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees approved a tuition increase of 4.55%, or $8 per credit, for Oregon resident undergraduate students in the 2020-21 academic year at its meeting Wednesday. The 10 WOU students, two administrators and two faculty members who make up the Tuition and Fee Advisory Committee (TFAC) recommended [more…]

Western Oregon University Board of Trustees pledges to keep tuition rates affordable

Group of four students sitting at a table outdoors and smiling
The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees discussed on Wednesday updates concerning a budget shortfall for the 2019-20 fiscal year and strategies for the 2020-21 university budget that address several universal higher education hurdles. President Rex Fuller reiterated his intention that the university remain affordable to Oregonians seeking a four-year degree. “WOU is not immune [more…]

Western Oregon University activates dedicated resources to help Concordia students finish their degrees

Students walking on a sidewalk next to trees and brick buildings
Western Oregon University (WOU) has created a dedicated team to support Concordia students with WOU employees from areas including Graduate Programs, Admissions, Academic Advising, Financial Aid, Housing and more. WOU is striving to be the most affordable transfer opportunity for Concordia students and offers personalized support to help students find pathways to graduation. Any current [more…]

Western Oregon University Welcomes Two Former U.S. Reps. to Share the Value and Impact of Public Service

U.S. Capitol building with colorful sunset behind it
Former Congress members Nick Lampson (Democrat; Texas 9th district) and Rod Chandler (Republican; Washington 45th district) will visit Western Oregon University (WOU) for a series of events Feb. 10-12 focused on sharing how the U.S. Congress functions, promoting bipartisanship and discussing the value of careers in public service. A Congress to Campus Public Forum will [more…]

Western Oregon University Announces New American Sign Language Assessment Service

Group of students in an American Sign Language class
Western Oregon University’s (WOU) Regional Resource Center on Deafness (RRCD) is the first to offer a nationwide American Sign Language assessment service (RSLA) in the western United States. The service uses Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) conducted in American Sign Language (ASL) model to assess the individuals’ ASL skills. The service has widespread value to [more…]

Western Oregon University Board of Trustees Welcomes New Members Jerry Ambris and Linda Herrera

Western Oregon University welcomes Jerry Ambris of Habitat for Humanity of Mid-Willamette Valley and Linda Herrera of Atala Consulting, LLC to its Board of Trustees. The Oregon Senate confirmed Ambris and Herrera on Nov. 20. Ambris has worked a decade for Habitat for Humanity, most recently as the executive director for the Mid-Willamette Valley affiliate. [more…]

Western Oregon University Board of Trustees approves Aquarium Science program

A photo of the Western Oregon University sign on campus.
During its quarterly meeting Wednesday, the Western Oregon University Board of Trustees approved a new Bachelor of Science in Aquarium Science that encompasses a partnership with Oregon Coast Community College. In the new academic program, WOU students will study three years in Monmouth followed by a final year at OCCC where they will take their [more…]

Western Oregon University receives $1 million grant to support rehabilitation and mental health counseling

Person standing and signing in American Sign Language. Several others sitting and looking up at them.
Western Oregon University’s (WOU) Regional Resource Center on Deafness (RRCD) has received a $1 million grant from the federal Rehabilitation Service Administration to support its Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling (RMHC) Program. The grant begins immediately and runs through Sept. 30, 2024. RRCD will receive $200,000 annually for the grant, which supports RMHC students with [more…]

Western Oregon University buys Vick building in downtown Salem to expand its Salem presence

Photo of Vick Building in Salem with WOU:Salem logo and text reading "permanent home, opening fall 2020"
Western Oregon University (WOU) finalized today the purchase of the historical Vick building in downtown Salem at 525 Trade St. WOU’s Board of Trustees voted Wednesday to approve the purchase. The Vick building will be WOU’s Salem home for several programs, including the brand new Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership. “We’re thrilled to be [more…]

Western Oregon University Trustees Approve Strategic Tapping of Reserves as Legislature Mulls Funding

Sunny day on the WOU campus with someone riding a bike
The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees on Wednesday approved a deficit budget for 2019-2020, which reflects a previously approved 2.33% increase in resident undergraduate tuition. The budget passed even as the Oregon Legislature has yet to release its Public University Support Fund. WOU was one of the first state universities to finalize its new [more…]

Western Oregon University and Linn-Benton Community College to Announce Degree Partnership Program

WOU and LBCC logos
Western Oregon University and Linn-Benton Community College on May 10 will finalize a partnership that makes it easier for LBCC students to transfer to WOU, a four-year university, and earn a bachelor’s degree in the expected timeline. The Degree Partnership Program (DPP) between the two institutions marks a collaboration that ensures students who begin at [more…]

Western Oregon University Board of Trustees Approves Undergrad Resident Tuition Increase of 2.33%

Western Oregon University campus sign with flowers around it
The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees approved an increase of 2.33%, or $4 per credit, for Oregon resident undergraduate students in the 2019-20 academic year at its quarterly meeting Wednesday. WOU is one of the first state public universities to finalize its new tuition rate in advance of the Oregon Legislature’s budget decision for [more…]

WOU in the News: Oakland Raiders Sign Wide Receiver Tyrell Williams

ALAMEDA, Calif. – The Oakland Raiders have signed unrestricted free agent WR Tyrell Williams, the club announced Wednesday. Originally an undrafted free agent following the 2015 NFL Draft, Williams signed with the San Diego Chargers and spent the first four seasons (2015-18) of his career with the club. Over his four-year career, Williams has appeared [more…]

Western Oregon University Announces New Salem Presence in Partnership with WESD

WOU in Salem logo and Willamette Education Service District logo
Western Oregon University will begin offering classes in Salem beginning January 2019 at the Willamette Education Service District building on Pringle Road. The number of WOU offerings in Salem will increase gradually, with a much larger range of classes available starting fall term 2019. WOU:Salem courses are designed to help working adults get the higher [more…]

WOU Honors Major University Benefactors at Annual Event

Don Duncan and Richard Woodcock
Western Oregon University celebrated scores of donors Sept. 21 at its annual President’s Club Dinner on the university campus. More than 125 people attended the event, which highlights donors who generously supported WOU with significant financial gifts in 2017-2018. Dr. Richard Woodcock, who made the largest single gift of $1 million, attended the dinner, which [more…]

Western Oregon University’s Cannon Gallery of Art Showcases Salem Artist David George Andersen

Maid in China by David Anderson
Western Oregon University’s Cannon Gallery of Art in Campbell Hall will present David George Andersen’s Wish You Were Here beginning Feb. 21. The exhibit opens to the public with a reception from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 21 and will be on display through March 23. Andersen (1960-2017) was a Salem artist known for creating politically [more…]

Western Oregon University Chapter Named National Student Veteran Chapter of the Year

WOU student veterans of america accepting national chapter of the year award
Western Oregon University’s Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter won the Chapter of the Year award Jan. 6, 2018, at the organization’s national conference in San Antonio. Student Veterans of America is a national organization based in Washington, D.C., that is committed to veteran welfare and ensuring that today’s and tomorrow’s veterans are supported in [more…]

News Release: Western Oregon University Enrollment Shows Uptick in Transfers, Strong Diversity

Western Oregon University has released official enrollment figures for fall 2017, and highlights include a higher-than modeled enrollment number and a strong showing in diverse populations. As a reflection of consistent declines in the number of high school graduates in Oregon, WOU’s spring enrollment projections had modeled a drop in enrollment of up to 5 [more…]