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.
Munro Institute Director
Kate Destler is Associate Professor of Political Science in American Politics and Public Policy at Western Washington University and assumed the role of Director of the Ralph Munro Institute for Civic Education in 2021.
About Ralph Munro
Ralph Munro (1943-2025) was a Western Washington University alumnus and former trustee who served as Washington’s Secretary of State from 1980 until his retirement in 2001. A beloved friend and colleague and champion of civic engagement, Ralph was a visionary leader whose commitments made Washington State better in so many ways, visible and invisible. 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. Ralph is deeply missed but his legacy of service continues through the work of the Ralph Munro Institute for Civic Education and the many other programs and projects he inspired and supported.