Ralph Munro Institute for Civic Education

Western Washington University’s Ralph Munro Institute for Civic Education is devoted to promoting civic literacy within secondary education and the public at large. It offers students, teachers and community members an opportunity to work with professors, activists and political leaders to learn how local, state and national politics develop.  Each Fall, in cooperation with Western's Political Science department, the Institute sponsors the annual Munro Seminar for Civic Education. Attendance is free and open to the public.

For more information about the Munro Institute and its activities, please visit our Facebook or contact Kate Destler, the Munro Institute Director.

Upcoming Events

Western’s Munro Institute for Civic Education Presents:

Ukraine-Russia Teach-In

March 4, 2022

3-4:30 pm

Miller Hall 138 and on Zoom (password: wwu)

Co-sponsored by the WWU International Affairs Association.

Learn More Here

Ralph Munro in glasses and black suit with red check tie

About Ralph Munro

Ralph Munro is a Western Washington University alumnus and former trustee. Munro was elected Washington’s Secretary of State in 1980 and continued in that position until his retirement in 2001. In 1966, after graduating from Western, Munro went to work for the Washington State House of Representatives in Olympia. In 1969, Governor Dan Evans appointed Munro as Washington State’s first Volunteer Coordinator. This job led to a White House request for him to help formulate a new federal agency called ACTION. In 1972, the Governor called Munro home to serve on his personal staff. As Secretary of State, he promoted legislation that improved voting practices in Washington, streamlined corporate registration, promoted economic development, tirelessly promoted wildlife preservation, and sponsored programs to benefit people with disabilities. A graduate of Western Washington University with a BA in Education/Political Science, Munro continues to support Western’s educational values. He and his wife Nancy reside in Olympia.

Munro Institute Advisory Committee

Keith Wagoner, Washington State Senate, 39th District (R-Sedro Woolley)

Becca Kenna-Schenk, Director of Government-University Relations, Western Washington University

Dr. Todd Donovan, Whatcom County Council member, Professor of Political Science, Western Washington University

Dr. Vicki Hsueh, Professor of Political Science, Western Washington University