Presidential Search

 

 

Eastern Oregon University (EOU) seeks a dynamic, accomplished, and collegial leader committed to instruction, service, research, and community involvement.  All are critical requirements of a public university focused on providing a well-rounded education with an emphasis on learning and achievement as demonstrated through all aspects of University life.  The person will support EOU students, faculty, staff, and alumni; demonstrate a deep sense of commitment to the region while working for positive change across rural Oregon as the University provides opportunities for further learning.

 

The Position

Reporting to the Chancellor of the Oregon University System (OUS), the President of EOU oversees a budget of $61 million, 103 full-time faculty, 25 part-time faculty, 87 administrative faculty, 121 classified staff and 3,448 students.  The president’s cabinet includes the Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Business, Finance and Facilities, Associate Vice President for Marketing, Development & Public Affairs, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Dean of Student Affairs.

 

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.  Oregon residents make up roughly 70% of the total enrollment.  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 (EOU) boasts a very successful, nationally recognized distance education program with 15 centers in Oregon, serving students throughout the state and across the nation. 

 

The Qualifications

Expected qualifications include:

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Possess an earned doctorate, appropriate terminal degree, or extraordinary accomplishment in a field relevant to the mission and vision of Eastern Oregon University

• Have played a senior leadership role in a dynamic organization, preferably a university, including demonstrated ability in team-building, strategic planning, financial management, human resource management and advocacy

• Have experience developing and leading strategies that have increased or are increasing enrollment

• Be an effective communicator in written and spoken word

• Have knowledge of and experience with rural areas and issues; politics and funding

• Ability to foster creativity and innovation

• Have promoted connections between rural areas and the wider world

• Provide evidence of commitment to communities external to an organization, particularly in geographically distributed locations that are both rural and urban

• Possess a strong understanding of the role of a regional university within a statewide university system

 

PERSONAL

• Be comfortable with a transparent leadership style while modeling integrity

• Possess a warm, out-going, approachable personality

• Become part of and relate to the regional community

• Be committed to developing and maintaining a campus presence such as attending campus events, being a good listener, being accessible and visible on campus and within the community

• Relate to rural (often first generation) and urban students and can engage with their parents/guardians

• Value and understand the importance of student recruitment and retention and is knowledgeable about enrollment strategies and student life

• Engage and improve the university, building on assets and successes while keeping the core mission intact

• Believe in equity for, and full participation by, women faculty, staff and students

• Understand and embrace the values of a collaborative, shared governance structure

• Value and understand the importance of developing and maintaining  collaborative, supportive relationships with all university constituents

 

DEMONSTRATED ABILITY TO

• Collaborate and expect excellence and accountability of staff; establish priorities, delegate responsibilities, and expect follow through

• Work closely with fund raising staff, donors, and alumni to increase engagement of EOU community at large and increase EOU resources

• Promote a healthy, safe, and vibrant living/learning environment for the campus community

• Build upon the current strengths of the organization and develop a shared vision for the continued realization of its potential

• Actively seek solutions that increase access and affordability of higher education for rural students and work with K-12 and community colleges to increase student preparation for college

• Partner with local governments and other public or private entities especially as it relates to entrepreneurship, economic development, and rural needs in higher education

• Become knowledgeable about local, county, and state funding policies

• Promote a climate of inclusion and equity through recruiting and retaining a diverse student body, faculty and staff

• Improve campus efficiency in relation to such issues as energy, space usage, and capital expenditures

• Work with the Oregon University System and the State Board of Higher Education for the benefit of EOU and public higher education in the state

• Foster diversity and a climate of acceptance and inclusiveness

• Support all forms of program delivery: onsite, online, and on campus

• Support information technology as a tool to improve campus community, support systems, and operations

• Recognize the importance and role of maintaining strong student life activities such as athletics, residential life, and student organizations on campus

 

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 advocating for gender equity; of effective interaction with multiple constituencies in a culturally and economically diverse community, and demonstrated excellence as a leader in bringing together multiple campus and community constituencies.  Finally, he or she must be firmly committed to ensuring that every student is a full member of the EOU community and that all students recognize and learn through the educational and cultural value of diversity.

 

The Community and the Area

La Grande, Oregon

As the Union County seat, La Grande is a bustling and vibrant small town community.  It has small town warmth with big city conveniences and the exciting recreational activities that only Oregon can provide. La Grande has a population 12,800, and is located on I-84, 260 miles east of Portland, Oregon and 180 miles west of Boise, Idaho, and is nestled between the Wallowa Mountains and the Blue Mountains, in the Grande Ronde Valley. 

 

Downtown La Grande has a pedestrian friendly shopping district. The tree lined streets enhance examples of turn of the century architecture, all adding to your rural shopping experience.  The main campus of EOU is minutes from the shopping district. The University serves twelve counties east of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon.

 

Magnificent scenery, wildlife and waterfowl, historic sites, and outdoor adventure await residents and visitors in La Grande. Uncrowded camping, hiking, backpacking and Nordic and alpine skiing are all available for residents and visitors. La Grande is close to the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. This national forest is over 2 million acres in size and includes all or parts of the Eagle Cap Wilderness, Hells Canyon, Monument Rock and North Fork John Day wilderness areas.  

 

How to apply

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

In the Subject line please refer to 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.