MONMOUTH, Ore. – �ֲ���Ƶ announces that Melanie Landon-Hays, Ph.D., has been named Acting Dean of the College of Education, effective immediately. Landon-Hays, a faculty member in the College of Education at Western since 2013, brings extensive institutional knowledge, deep pedagogical expertise, and a strong commitment to educator preparation to her new leadership position.

A full professor in the Division of Education and Leadership specializing in Literacy, Landon-Hays’ roots in Western’s College of Education run deep. For more than a decade, she has helped shape the experiences and success of Western’s teacher candidates.

From 2016 to 2022, Landon-Hays served as MAT Program Coordinator, overseeing student recruitment and admissions and leading comprehensive program curriculum reviews designed to improve student outcomes. During that period, she also acted as edTPA Coordinator for the Division of Education and Leadership, managing the implementation of assessment efforts across all initial licensure programs. Her hands-on dedication to the college’s students is further reflected in her leadership as chair for dozens of MAT Action Research Projects and MSED curriculum projects, as well as her consistent supervision of student teachers during classroom placements.

In addition to her contributions within the College of Education, Landon-Hays has been a proven university leader focused on advancing student success and academic excellence. Most recently, she served as Director of General Education and Student Transitions, where she led key initiatives including streamlining course scheduling, maximizing transfer credits for incoming students, and building sustainable transfer protocols with Oregon community colleges.

Landon-Hays has shown collaborative campus leadership, serving as Co-Chair of the University Budget Advisory Committee (2022–2025) and holding roles in the Faculty Senate. She also served as President of the WOUFT Union (2021–2025), advocating with state legislators for higher education and participating in legislative education advisory committees. She earned her Ph.D. from Utah State University and serves as an elected member of the Central School District School Board.

“Stepping into this leadership role within the College of Education is a profound honor. In my work across the university—from teacher preparation to student transitions—I have seen firsthand how much we can achieve when we focus on removing institutional barriers,” shares Landon-Hays. “I am thrilled for the opportunity to continue building the supportive systems and structures that allow both our students and our faculty to truly thrive.”

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About �ֲ���Ƶ

�ֲ���Ƶ, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – �ֲ���Ƶ is proud to announce the second annual Loie Bunse Prize for Nature Writing winners, which recognizes exceptional student writing that reflects a deep engagement with the natural world.

First prize was awarded to Malia Vican, a junior majoring in psychology with minors in writing and literature. The events in her narrative occurred in her hometown, Cordova, a small coastal community in southeastern Alaska.

Second-prize winner Sadie Latimer is a third year English major who has “recently discovered a love for poetry.” She grew up in Lebanon, Oregon, where she and her family continue to enjoy hiking the nearby trails of McDowell Creek Falls. She also reads thriller novels and sings in WOU’s a cappella club.

The Loie Bunse Prize for Nature Writing is made possible through the generous support of Meta and Garth Bunse. Garth Bunse was also a final judge who shared praise for both pieces.

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About �ֲ���Ƶ

�ֲ���Ƶ, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – �ֲ���Ƶ will host the fifth annual Hispanic Serving Institution Summit on April 17, 2026. This year’s summit will highlight how data can inform, align, and advance commitment to serving students.

Following the previous four years, this summit invites local, state, and national partners and all interested community members to share ideas and best practices for serving and supporting students.

This year, Marla Franco, Ph.D., will serve as keynote speaker. Franco has worked in higher education for nearly 25 years at public universities in California and Arizona, having served in various roles within academic and student affairs to champion greater college access and degree attainment among underserved and minoritized communities, which strongly informs her work today.

“We are pleased to have Dra. Franco share her expertise with our broader community. This work is important and having an open dialogue on how data informed decisions can help all of our students is crucial in higher education.” shared Cristian Mendez Garcia, assistant director of Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives.

Western is a Hispanic Serving Institution, with more than 27 percent of its undergraduate students identifying as Hispanic/Latiné. The goal of hosting these summits is to bring together the university, community, and regional and national partners to discuss what it means to be an HSI, how to collaboratively engage in this work, and why it is critical to the success of students and the greater community.

In addition to a keynote and workshop facilitated by Franco, there will be a student panel, an afternoon of concurrent sessions, and networking time for attendees. Registration is open to everyone through April 10.

This year’s summit is supported by the Oregon Community Foundation (OCF). OCF has supported Western’s HSI Initiatives; both the HSI Summit and the upcoming Leadership Conference for high school students across the region on May 8, 2026. OCF’s Latino Partnership Program centers the voices and experiences of the Latinos/x in their efforts by leaning into the strengths and collective wisdom of our comunidades (communities) across Oregon.

Register for the HSI Summit.

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About �ֲ���Ƶ

�ֲ���Ƶ, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.

MONMOUTH, Ore. — The Research Institute at �ֲ���Ƶ is pleased to announce the receipt of its fourth Rural Facility Improvement Grant from the Ford Family Foundation, totaling $1,482,500. This funding will support ongoing efforts since 2021 to enhance capital improvements for child care providers in Douglas, Klamath, Lake, Coos, and Curry counties.

This grant addresses a crucial funding gap affecting early learning and care programs, particularly in rural areas. While Oregon provides funding for essential health and safety equipment, significant gaps remain for capital improvements. Many early learning programs operate as small businesses, lacking the financial resources for costly enhancements before opening or expanding. Financial support from this grant will assist providers looking to license new child care businesses, expand existing ones, or make necessary capital improvements.

Individual grants range from $5,000 to $25,000, depending on project needs and program qualifications. Providers may reapply for the Rural Facility Improvement Grant every two years, contingent on funding availability. The Ford Family Foundation retains the discretion to waive this requirement in cases of significant need within programs.

“As we see a steady rise in applications from child care providers, it becomes increasingly vital to offer ongoing financial support,” said Betsy Paniagua Chavez, Bilingual Project Coordinator. “Many of these providers are long-term business owners seeking to maintain their current capacity rather than expand.”
Douglas County has emerged as the county with the highest number of grant applications, reflecting the pressing need for funding in the region.

A recent case illustrates the impact of this grant. A program operating for three years faced significant ventilation issues due to dated windows from 1979, which compromised both safety and comfort. The grant provided funds to replace all the home’s windows, significantly improving the environment for children and staff alike.

“This grant directly contributes to keeping child care programs operational, especially in child care deserts,” Paniagua Chavez added.
Funding from this grant will support various improvements, including:

Indoors

• Addressing heating, cooling, and ventilation issues
• Remediating lead paint and lead pipes
• Installing age-appropriate plumbing, including child-sized toilets and sinks
• Flooring and painting enhancements
• Mitigating water leaks and repairing fixed equipment

Outdoors

• Purchasing play equipment and creating sheltered outdoor areas
• Installing fencing and safety enclosures
• Improving outdoor surfaces with grass, cement, or decking
• The Research Institute remains committed to improving child care facilities and supporting the valuable work of providers in these communities.

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About �ֲ���Ƶ
�ֲ���Ƶ, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.

MONMOUTH, Ore. — In light of recent, deeply troubling reports regarding Cesar Chavez, �ֲ���Ƶ will remove his name from its annual student leadership conference to protect the integrity of the event’s mission to create a space where students can envision their future, and provide them with tools to empower them as leaders for social justice and civic responsibility.

The conference has provided a space for students to engage in community and learn from various presenters and educators with the intent to uplift high school students as they vision for the next step in their journeys.

“Our priority is the safety, dignity and trust of the students and communities we serve,” said Dominique Vargas, Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “The leadership conference exists to empower Oregon students and cultivate leaders. Given the seriousness of the allegations, continuing to use Cesar Chavez’s name would undermine that mission and the mission of our university. Removing the name and rebranding the conference ensures the event remains focused on student voices, building community, and leadership development.”

For this year’s conference, the theme Estamos Aquí (We Are Here): Asserting Our Presence and Protecting Our Stories will remain the central focus of the event. The University will thoughtfully engage community members in decision making around the leadership conference, and will share details about the conference name and rebrand in the coming weeks.

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About �ֲ���Ƶ
�ֲ���Ƶ, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.

MONMOUTH, Ore. — Sonali Salgado Soto, a �ֲ���Ƶ alum of the FLEX Program (Flexible Licensure Educator Pathways), and Master’s of Education Scholar programs, has been nominated for the 2026–2027 Oregon Teacher of the Year. This nomination celebrates Salgado Soto’s extraordinary dedication to her students, their families, and the broader community she serves.

Colleagues and community members who have worked alongside Salgado Soto recognize that this honor speaks to her commitment and excellence in education. Her journey from scholar to nominee for Oregon’s highest teaching accolade highlights her individual achievements and the positive impact of the educator preparation programs she represents.

Salgado Soto currently teaches Spanish at Salem-Keizer Public Schools and provides support for multilingual students and families. She began her educational career as a parent assistant working with migrant families, helping parents access essential resources and educational opportunities for their children. This valuable experience motivated her to return to college as a non-traditional student, where she pursued a career in education and leadership.
Now completing her graduate studies in , she is passionate about advocating for migrant and Spanish-speaking families to ensure they have access to higher education and community resources.

The Flexible Licensure Educator Pathway at �ֲ���Ƶ is designed for students who need flexible options to degree completion, whether they’re transferring from another college, working as an instructional assistant, teaching on an emergency license, or living far from campus, Western welcomes students from all backgrounds and circumstances who are ready to make a difference in their communities.

The FLEX Pathway meets students where they are and honors the cultural wealth students bring and connects with local schools, classrooms, and families through meaningful, place-based partnerships. Western has built every aspect of this pathway with accessibility and flexibility at the core because students are balancing real life.

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About �ֲ���Ƶ
�ֲ���Ƶ, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.

MONMOUTH, Ore. — �ֲ���Ƶ announces its selection to participate in the Sensemaking & Strategic Prioritization process with the . This program, made possible through the generous support of the Gates Foundation, focuses on enhancing student success at institutions like Western that demonstrate a commitment to accessibility, particularly for undergraduate students with a Pell recipient population of 25 percent or more.

As a proud member of the (COPLAC), Western actively pursues best practices in higher education. This unique initiative, titled “Advancing Student Success: Strategic Prioritization for Student Success,” is a membership benefit to selected COPLAC members.

“We are thrilled to be selected for this initiative. WOU’s application focused on our General Education program because it has incredible momentum right now to work across divisions and departments and fully realize this curriculum as a primary driver of student retention and equity,” said Melanie Landon-Hays, Director, General Education and Student Transitions. “This partnership will give us the essential tools and framework to build consensus across campus with structured insights that help us ensure that our academic pathways are intentionally designed to support the success of every student.”

• Participants in the program will benefit from a comprehensive set of resources, including:
• A facilitated Sensemaking Conversation on campus with Gardner Institute staff to interpret results and set priorities.
• Customized reports and dashboards summarizing Institutional Transformation Assessment and Readiness for Transformation Assessment findings.
• A focused Strategic Prioritization plan outlining both near-term and long-term actions for enhancing student success.
• A Transformation Roadmap aligned to the Gardner Institute’s Six Transformation Principles to guide implementation.
• A fully funded two-day on-campus Sensemaking session.
• A $1,000 stipend for Western’s Institutional Research office upon completion of the Gardner Institute data upload.

“We look forward to engaging in this process, and what we learn will enhance strategies that support our student achievement and success,” said Western President Jesse Peters. “Opportunities like this align with our strategic plan and underscore our commitment to placing students at the center.”

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About �ֲ���Ƶ
�ֲ���Ƶ, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.

MONMOUTH, Ore. — �ֲ���Ƶ will host on Saturday, May 16, 2026. This year’s event theme “For the Common Good,” will spotlight influential speakers and performers dedicated to addressing solutions that impact the shared challenges facing our communities. This gathering aims to unite individuals working in or preparing for careers that strive to enhance the world and strengthen local communities.

Participants will have the unique opportunity to connect with fellow community leaders across Oregon, allowing them to rest, find inspiration, and revitalize their energy. The event promises to be a powerful platform for networking and collaboration.

Speakers include artist in residence , conservationist , rare disease champion , voting rights champion , the nation’s first Native American Dean of a College of Engineering, , capital systems architect , vocalist , cellist , growth steward , and a performance by . Additional speakers will be added.

Ticket price includes:

• Three engaging sessions featuring speakers and performers
• Two hands-on breakout sessions with a variety of activities to choose from
• Light breakfast, snacks, lunch, and a closing reception
• An attendee gift
• An event program and custom name tag
• Opportunities to forge new friendships and connections

Join us in exploring ideas and solutions that matter to everyone while fostering a sense of community commitment and collaboration. Get details about the event and ticketing.

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About TEDx
x = independently organized event
In the spirit of discovering and spreading ideas, is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)

About TED
is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to discovering, debating and spreading ideas that spark conversation, deepen understanding and drive meaningful change. Our organization is devoted to curiosity, reason, wonder and the pursuit of knowledge — without an agenda. We welcome people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world and connection with others, and we invite everyone to engage with ideas and activate them in your community.

About �ֲ���Ƶ
�ֲ���Ƶ, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.

MONMOUTH, Ore. — �ֲ���Ƶ’s Student Engagement and Student Media groups teamed up with , a program of , for the Boxes of Hope project this past November. This initiative allowed Western students to create care boxes filled with essential items and personal notes for children in foster care.

The Boxes of Hope project is designed to foster connections among students while enhancing their sense of belonging, confidence, and purpose. It also encourages them to gain new perspectives on the challenges faced by others. “This project gave students something real to be part of. It invited them to do something that matters. Helping others can restore a sense of purpose. That’s the heart of this project,” said Linden Loren, student engagement coordinator & student media advisor.

Benefits of the Project Include:

• Enhanced Connection: Provides students with a chance to connect, enhancing their sense of belonging and purpose.
• Community Strengthening: Aligns with WOU’s strategic plan and mission to build a stronger campus community.
• Showcasing Achievements: Produces content that highlights student contributions, showcasing WOU’s commitment to community service.
• Support for Vulnerable Children: Directly assists children experiencing one of the most challenging moments of their lives.

One of the most effective ways to empower oneself and establish purpose is to ask, “Who can I help?” The Boxes of Hope project encourages this valuable inquiry by giving students the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of children in need. Participants not only served their community but also gained volunteer experience for their resumes, with the added incentive of being entered into a drawing for a $250 tuition-based scholarship.

Watch the project documentary and learn more about this program.

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About �ֲ���Ƶ
�ֲ���Ƶ, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.

MONMOUTH, Ore. —�ֲ���Ƶ is proud to announce that it has selected seven honorees for its annual Alumni Awards. Awarded to deserving alumni since 1985, the �ֲ���Ƶ Alumni Awards are among the most prestigious awards presented by the university and recognize Western alumni for contributions and service to the university and community, as well as for their distinguished professional work.

Each year, the WOU Foundation solicits nominations for Alumni awards from alumni, faculty, and staff, and winners are selected by a specially appointed alumni committee.

The 2026 Alumni Awards Recipients

Alumni Award of Excellence

Jane Berry-Eddings ‘75

Professional Achievement Award

Jordan Meekins ‘15

Amanda Stevens ‘16

Alumni Volunteer of the Year Award

Kenn Letho ‘76

Community Impact Award

Prudencio “Pro” Escobedo III ‘04

Entrepreneurial Spirit Award

Miranda Garrison ‘09

Distinguished Alumni Educator Award

Janell Davis ‘17

�ֲ���Ƶ is proud to publicly recognize our alumni for their exemplary contributions to communities across Oregon and will celebrate them at the annual �ֲ���Ƶ Alumni Awards Dinner. The annual awards dinner will be held on Friday, April 3, 2026 at �ֲ���Ƶ. .

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About �ֲ���Ƶ
�ֲ���Ƶ, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.