When University of Oregon Advocates travel to Salem, they carry with them stories that show the power and urgency of investing in higher education. 

One of those voices belongs to Jolene Bettles, a dedicated supporter of scholarship funding.  

“I have advocated for continued funding for the student basic needs packages, Pell Grant funding, as well as the state-funded Oregon Tribal Student Grant and our University of Oregon’s Home Flight Scholars Program, all of which work to promote academic success and remove barriers to attainment of a higher education degree for tribal students,” she said. 

Jolene’s passion reflects the spirit of the UO Advocates program, a dynamic group of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members organized by Government and Community Relations. Together, they amplify the UO’s voice in state policymaking and champion access, affordability, and opportunity for all students. 

One of the year’s most impactful events was UO Day at the Capitol, when nearly 90 advocates traveled to Salem in April to meet with close to 60 legislative offices—representing almost two-thirds of Oregon’s Legislative Assembly. Throughout the 2025 legislative session, advocates also joined more than half a dozen smaller lobby days focused on issues such as financial aid, programmatic funding, and student success. These priorities align closely with Oregon Rising, the strategic plan announced by University President Karl Scholz. 

For Jolene, this work is deeply personal. 

“Advocacy for higher education has deep roots, for I come from a tribal community in Oregon whose Native students had a high school dropout rate of 95% after Federal Termination in 1954,” she said. “Since the restoration of our Federal recognition as Klamath people in 1986, our community has fought for opportunities in higher education for the next generations, which is why I continue to advocate for higher education funding for not only tribal communities, but for anyone who has dreams of attaining a higher education degree.” 

The results speak for themselves. UO Advocates formed more than 1,000 connections with policymakers in 2025 through messages, lobby meetings, town halls, and other forms of direct engagement. They also reached 118 policymakers, primarily within Oregon’s Legislature and congressional delegation. Although most of the engagement came from Oregonians, advocates from 10 additional states—Washington, California, Nevada, Idaho, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, and Florida—also participated, showcasing the widespread involvement and commitment of the UO community. 

Targeted advocacy also advanced key campus initiatives such as the Sustainable City Year Program, the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, and the Oregon Hazards Lab. In a year marked by financial pressures and statewide cuts to higher education, these voices made a compelling case for continued investment in Oregon’s future. 

Want to be a part of the movement advancing opportunity for every Duck? Learn more about UO Advocates or donate to the Oregon Rising fund today.