As a Western Oregon University alum, Justin Martin has been advocating for his tribe, The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, for the past 28 years. Martin received his bachelor’s in public policy and administration from Western and was well-prepared for his career thanks to the practical experience he gained through internships while at the university.
Martin owns a vintage guitar store called Guitar Castle in Salem, which he was able to apply what he learned in college to enhance its business operations. Despite being music-related and not government-related, Martin has been able to apply what he learned in college to excel in his career.
As a non-traditional student who entered college after working in the workforce, Martin appreciated the guidance he received at Western, which helped him focus on his passion. The flexibility of the curriculum at Western allowed him to succeed in his chosen career path.
Western Oregon University is located in Monmouth and was founded in 1856. It is the state’s oldest public university with approximately 4,000 students. Western is a mid-sized NCAA Division II institution with most of its students coming from Oregon. The university prides itself on its diverse student body, including individuals from different backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. It offers a supportive and student-focused environment with faculty-led instruction, making it the preferred campus in Oregon for those seeking an enriching education.
In conclusion, Justin Martin ‘96 has been able to apply what he learned at Western Oregon University to excel in both his lobbying work and own business operations. His experiences at Western helped him realize that majoring in public policy and administration was the right choice for him. Additionally, Western’s flexible curriculum allowed him to succeed as a non-traditional student who entered college after working in the workforce.
