History of Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University is the oldest public school in Oregon. It was founded in 1856 as a private college, just 7 years after the territorial government was organized and three years before Oregon even became a state.

Pioneers who crossed the Oregon Trail founded Monmouth University. Recognizing the tragedies along the Oregon Trail, funding was given to the University for the children orphaned during the trip. From these early beginnings, Western Oregon University has grown from a private institution, to a prominent teacher preparation school, to the comprehensive public liberal arts university that it is today.

WOU has also been under seven different names in its history.

• 1856-1865 Monmouth University
• 1865-1882 Christian College
• 1882-1911 Oregon State Normal School
• 1911-1939 Oregon Normal School
• 1939-1981 Oregon College of Education
• 1981-1997 Western Oregon State College
• 1997-present Western Oregon University

The WOU Mascot is the “Wolf.” The mascot was named, not originally for the animal, but for coach Larry Wolfe. In 1928, Wolfe was appointed to the physical education department and a coaching position. He was known for his “razzle-dazzle” football teams and it was for him that our mascot was named!