Mary E. Pettenger

Dr. Mary E. Pettenger is a Professor of Politics, Policy & Administration at Western Oregon University (WOU) and serves as the Social Sciences Division Chair. She earned her Ph.D. and M.A. in International Studies from the University of Denver (2000 and 1993, respectively) and a B.A. in Political Science from Whitman College (1988). At WOU, she teaches courses in international relations, environmental politics, U.S. foreign policy, international law, human rights, and comparative politics, including region-specific classes on European and Asian governments.

Her research focuses on the social construction of international climate change policies, environmental policy analysis (notably in the Netherlands and Canada), and active learning pedagogy. She has published an edited volume on climate change (Ashgate Publishing, 2007), a chapter in the Routledge Handbook of International Environmental Politics, and articles in journals such as International Studies Perspectives, Environmental Communication, and International Politics. She also co-founded the Empowered Communities Project and serves as faculty advisor for the WOU Model United Nations Club.

Dr. Pettenger holds regular office hours in Bellamy Hall 205 (Mondays 10-12, Tuesdays 12-3) and by appointment via Zoom. She is actively involved in curriculum development, including co-directing the International Studies major, and offers courses like PS410 Political Internships, PS393 Advanced Model UN, and PS447 Environmental Politics.