In the early 1850s, a group of pioneers crossed the Oregon Trail. Upon arrival in the Willamette Valley, they founded both a church and a school. Monmouth University opened in 1856 with a small number of students. Elijah Barton Davidson, Jr. donated the land for the school. Through the years, WOU has undergone seven name changes. In 1865, it merged with another private institution, Bethel College, in Bethel and became Christian College. In 1882, the Oregon State Legislature approved the college's bid to become a state-supported teacher training (or "normal") school, Oregon State Normal School. Later the name was changed to Oregon Normal School. A period of growth in the 1920s more than tripled the school's enrollment to nearly 1,000 students. In 1939, the Oregon Legislature again changed the name to Oregon College of Education. The school entered an extended period of growth, except for a period during World War II when college enrollments dropped nationwide. New programs were added in the areas of liberal arts and sciences. In 1979, the institution was renamed Western Oregon State College to reflect the school's growing academic programs in the liberal arts fields. In 1997 the school's name was changed to Western Oregon University.

Western Oregon University is a comprehensive public university, operating for the public good, which: Provides effective learning opportunities that prepare students for a fulfilling life in a global society; Supports an accessible and diverse campus community; and, Improves continuously our educational, financial, and environmental sustainability.

Kevin Boss � football player, Kansas City Chiefs, Jeff Charleston � football player, New Orleans Saints Marco Hernandez � First Latino to serve as U.S. district court judge in Oregon. Sara Tucholsky � NCAA Softball, Best Moment award at the 2008 ESPY Awards Ariana Richards � Actress Jason Slowey -NFL Player for the Oakland Raiders Dan Straily, starting pitcher for the Oakland Athletics

Rural College Town 157 acres (64 ha)