From the President – September 17, 2025

From the President – September 17, 2025

Wind in our Sails

I’m feeling the regular round of excitement and anxiety as we enter the new academic year. Mostly, I’m hopeful. I’m hopeful that we will have a good year and be able to navigate the unexpected with wind in our sails. 

I had the opportunity to welcome everyone back and center the university on our shared goals at Convocation. Simultaneously, I’m doing my annual meetings with every unit on campus to make sure everyone has a chance to ask questions, create good communication channels, and enhance community spirit. I hope each of you will take advantage of these meetings, university updates, and our coffee series to stay up to date and to share your concerns.  

One of the things I enjoy most is celebrating the incredible work we do every day at EOU. Our shared success, our students’ success, is built on the dedication, creativity, and teamwork that unites us. By recognizing one another’s contributions, we strengthen our culture of appreciation, collaboration, and achievement. Using this survey (https://forms.gle/24f4BYv7dWDBMFnp6), I invite you to share stories of gratitude for divisions, colleges, departments, or units that have made a positive impact—whether through exceptional service, innovative ideas, behind-the-scenes support, or small gestures that made a big difference. These recognitions will be shared during an upcoming staff appreciation lunch. 

Speaking of things to celebrate, I am excited to share that Dr. Felicia Kademian-Saini, our newest Psychology faculty member, recently presented at the Institute on Violence, Abuse, and Trauma conference in San Diego. She and a former student from her previous institution were honored with the IVAT Founder’s Award in recognition of their impactful work.

EOU’s Chemistry Club has been honored with a ChemLuminary Award from the Richland Section of the American Chemical Society for its 2024 Investigators of Science event. EOU was the only institution in Oregon to receive this honor in 2024. Special thanks to Assistant Professor Bri Holmen for all of your work continuing this event, and to all who serve as advisors to the Chemistry club. I am also proud to share that Dr. Anna Cavinato, Professor Emeritus, has received the 2025 Roland F. Hirsch Award for Distinguished Service in the Advancement of Analytical Chemistry from the American Chemical Society’s Division of Analytical Chemistry.

So much work has been done on the campus this year to make it ready for students. Facilities has done a tremendous job readying Hoke and the Residence Halls for the new year. I was particularly touched to learn about the efforts Lisa Bridge made to help out with blinds for Daugherty. I’ve heard other examples of support from across campus in coordinating early move-ins for students, even when spaces weren’t fully ready. Thank you all for being a part of TEAM EOU!

We now have 70 volunteer Mountaineer Success Guides to mentor our students this year. WOW!!  What an amazing community we have to rally behind students like this.  Thank you, Tressa Seydel, for all the organizational work!

It’s been a very busy summer preparing for this new year. Most recently, I attended the Pendleton Round-Up to meet with local leaders, join in the parade with a large number of our students, and host a happy hour with our partners at PSU for an “urban-rural connection” event. It was a wonderful surprise to run into some of our newest Mountaineers experiencing Round-Up while participating in Summer Bridge. I even got to volunteer in the sponsor’s tent. (I was proud to be treated like a local for the first time!) I also attended the OTEC summit, where leaders throughout eastern Oregon come together to discuss economic development and leadership opportunities for our region. I had a lovely lunch with our Resident Advisors, and Oregon State University’s administration came by to pay us a visit.

The start of the academic year is a crazy time for most of us. So many things to do.  SO MANY!  I hope you are handling your load with grace and gratitude, or perhaps with loads of caffeine.   

We’re building out my schedule for the new year, and I hope you will keep me informed of any special classes, events, or ideas you have for my engagement. I know I can’t make everything, but I really enjoy the time I spend with you.

Sincerely,

Kelly Ryan, Ph.D.
President