Presidential Search

Eastern Oregon University through the Oregon State Board of Higher Education requests nominations and applications for the position of President of Eastern Oregon University (EOU).  EOU seeks a dynamic, accomplished, and collegial leader committed to instruction, service, research, and community involvement. 

Mission:  EOU guides student inquiry through integrated, high-quality liberal arts and professional programs that lead to responsible and reflective action in a diverse and interconnected world.  As an educational, cultural and scholarly center, EOU connects the rural regions of Oregon to a wider world.  Our beautiful setting and small size enhance the personal attention our students receive, while partnerships with colleges, universities, agencies and communities add to the educational possibilities of our region and state.

EOU demonstrates a strong commitment to student centered learning through the offering of 23 bachelor’s degrees, 3 master’s degree programs, over 40 minors as well as 14 pre-professional programs with three degrees available through cooperative partnerships.  The University boasts a very successful, nationally recognized distance education program with 15 centers in Oregon, serving students throughout the state and across the nation. 

EOU, located in La Grande (a mountain valley in northeastern Oregon with a population of 12,800 – see: http://www.unioncountychamber.org/lagrande.cfm, and http://lagrandewebpage.com), was founded in 1929 as a teacher’s college and today serves as a Regional University and center for education scholarship, and culture.  Enrollment on campus, online, and at onsite centers in Fall 2007 was 3,448 students (2,286 FTE) composed of 60% females, 40% males, with about 10% minority students; and 2008 fall enrollment is estimated to be up about 5% from 2007.

Qualifications: The qualified candidate will have an earned doctorate, appropriate terminal degree, or extraordinary accomplishment in a field relevant to the mission and vision of Eastern Oregon University; hold a senior leadership role in a dynamic organization, preferably a University, including demonstrated ability in team-building, planning, financial management, human resource management and advocacy; a demonstrated record of organizational leadership, including strategic planning, effective management of fiscal and human resources, and enrollment; a strong record of successful communication and partnership with external constituencies, including businesses (rural and urban), K-14, and governmental entities; a commitment to shared governance and to diversity of faculty, staff, and students; proven effectiveness in fundraising; a powerful commitment to excellence and professionalism in teaching, research, and faculty/staff development in student-centered environments; provide evidence of commitment to communities external to the institution, particularly in distributed locations that are both rural and urban; possess a strong understanding of the role of a regional university within a statewide university system; knowledge and experience with rural areas and issues, i.e., politics, funding, and community outreach; foster creativity and innovation; and a track record of building connections with rural areas and the wider world.

EOU seeks an individual who will build upon the current strengths of the institution to develop a shared vision for EOU as it continues to realize its potential.  The successful leader will be comfortable with a transparent leadership style, enjoy being accessible and visible to the campus and community while modeling integrity.  He or she will possess a warm, out-going, approachable personality and be committed to becoming part of and relate to the regional community.

The preferred candidate will have a demonstrated record of successful leadership that promotes diversity in areas such as faculty, staff  and student engagement, recruitment and retention; show evidence of effective interaction with multiple constituencies in a culturally and economically diverse community.

For best consideration applications and nominations should be received by December 5, 2008, however, the position is open until filled. Applicants and nominators are strongly encouraged to communicate by email utilizing Word documents. 

All nominations and applications should be directed to:

Sharon Tanabe, Partner
stsearch@storbeckpimentel.com

Subject: EOU Pres
Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates
1111 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 106
Monterey Park, CA  91754
For a confidential inquiry contact Ms. Tanabe at
(323) 260-5045

Eastern Oregon University is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer.