As a Western Oregon University alum, Justin Martin ‘96 has been advocating for his tribe, The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, for the past 28 years. With a bachelor’s in public policy and administration from the university, Martin gained valuable skills and knowledge that he has applied to his career as a lobbyist.
In addition to his lobbying work, Martin also owns a vintage guitar store called Guitar Castle in Salem. While the store may seem unrelated to government work, Martin has been able to apply what he learned in college to enhance his business operations.
Martin was well-prepared for his career after graduation thanks to the practical experience he gained through internships while at Western. 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 is Oregon’s oldest public university with approximately 4,000 students. The university is known for its diverse student body which includes individuals from different backgrounds, veterans and non-traditional learners. Western provides an enriching education with faculty-led instruction making it the preferred campus for those seeking support and focus on their studies.