Western Oregon University (WOU) is a public university located in Monmouth, Oregon, United States. Founded in 1856, WOU has a long history of providing high-quality education to students from all walks of life. The university is located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, an area known for its natural beauty and vibrant culture.
WOU offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as education, business, nursing, and psychology. The university is also home to several specialized centers, including the Regional Resource Center on Deafness and the Teaching Research Institute, which conduct research and provide outreach services to the community.
In addition to its academic programs, WOU is known for its vibrant campus life. The university has a variety of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in, including sports teams, academic clubs, and cultural organizations. WOU is also home to several campus events throughout the year, such as the annual Homecoming celebration and the International Festival.

Western Oregon University (Wikimedia)
It’s a good idea to look at these 25 interesting facts about Western Oregon University to know more about this public university.
- Western Oregon University was originally established in 1856 as Monmouth University.
- The university is located in Monmouth, Oregon, which is about an hour south of Portland.
- The mascot of Western Oregon University is a wolf named “Werner”.
- The university’s official colors are black and orange.
- The campus of Western Oregon University covers over 157 acres.
- The university has a student population of approximately 5,500.
- Western Oregon University is a member of the NCAA Division II Great Northwest Athletic Conference.
- The university has won 13 national championships in track and field.
- Western Oregon University has a strong focus on sustainability and has been recognized for its efforts in this area.
- The university offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
- The most popular majors at Western Oregon University include education, business, psychology, and health sciences.
- Western Oregon University is the only public university in the state of Oregon to offer a degree in interpreting.
- The university’s Teaching Research Institute conducts research on education and provides professional development opportunities for educators.
- Western Oregon University is home to the Regional Resource Center on Deafness, which provides services and support for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- The university has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and has been recognized for its efforts in this area.
- Western Oregon University has an Honors Program that provides opportunities for high-achieving students to pursue advanced coursework and research.
- The university’s student newspaper is called “The Western Howl”.
- Western Oregon University has a number of study abroad programs that allow students to study in countries all over the world.
- The university has a large number of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in, including sports teams, academic clubs, and cultural organizations.
- Western Oregon University is home to the Werner University Center, which houses the student union, dining facilities, and a variety of offices and services.
- The university has a strong commitment to community service and encourages students to volunteer in the local community.
- Western Oregon University is located near a number of outdoor recreation areas, including hiking trails, lakes, and mountains.
- The university has a number of art galleries on campus, including the Dan and Gail Cannon Gallery of Art and the Hamersly Library Gallery.
- The university’s Department of Music hosts a variety of concerts and performances throughout the year.
- Western Oregon University has a number of athletic facilities on campus, including a track and field complex, a football stadium, and a fitness center.
Western Oregon University is a vibrant and dynamic institution that offers students a high-quality education in a supportive and inclusive environment. With its strong commitment to sustainability, community service, and diversity, the university prepares students to become engaged citizens and leaders in their communities. Whether you are interested in pursuing a degree in education, business, nursing, or one of the many other programs offered at WOU, you are sure to find a welcoming and stimulating academic community that will help you achieve your goals.