Eastern Oregon University Board of Trustees Elects New Chair, Focus on Strong Momentum at Fall 2025 Meeting

Eastern Oregon University Board of Trustees Elects New Chair, Focus on Strong Momentum at Fall 2025 Meeting

LA GRANDE, Ore. – Eastern Oregon University’s Board of Trustees met November 12–13, with a focus on student success, fiscal resilience, and EOU’s mission as Oregon’s Rural University. Trustees elected a new chair, celebrated progress in academics, athletics, community partnerships, and university operations, and reviewed budgets and contracts, looking towards the school’s future. 

President Kelly Ryan reported strong institutional momentum, citing recent accreditation commendations recognizing EOU’s “unwavering commitment to fostering student success,” collaborative culture, and regional partnerships. 

“I continue to believe deeply in the power of this university and our mission,” Ryan said. “We are serving students with heart, purpose, and integrity during an important moment in the history of higher education.”

Ryan also highlighted major successes this fall, including three Cascade Collegiate Conference titles, national recognition for EOU’s online Exercise Science degree, and highly visible community-engaged learning projects. She emphasized the importance of expanding pathways for rural students and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to addressing opportunity gaps across eastern Oregon and the state. On the second day of the Board meeting, Ryan delivered a State of Higher Education presentation, situating EOU within broader sector trends.

The board unanimously voted to renew EOU’s partnership with Risepoint, its online program partner. Also, it approved the Fiscal Year 2026 operating budget, which includes continued investment in students and employee compensation.

Trustees elected Chuck Hofmann, M.D., as the next Board Chair, succeeding George Mendoza, who completed his term with widespread appreciation for his leadership. Mendoza reflected on the significance of the board’s work during a year marked by national shifts in enrollment, affordability, and confidence in higher education. 

“What we do here truly matters,” Mendoza said. “Eastern Oregon University changes lives, strengthens communities, and lifts up this entire region. It has been an honor to serve alongside such dedicated trustees, faculty, staff, and students.”

As chair, Hofmann will lead the Board of Trustees in its work to provide stable, thoughtful governance for EOU. The chair presides over board meetings, sets agendas in collaboration with university leadership, appoints committees, and serves as the board’s representative. Guided by his deep ties to eastern Oregon, Hofmann aims to support the president and administration in strengthening student success and advancing EOU’s mission across the region.

Hofmann grew up in La Grande near the campus, attended EOU and the University of Oregon, and practiced medicine in Baker City for many years. He has also served as Mayor of Baker City, President of the Oregon Medical Association, and President of the Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative.

“The strengths of this university are our students, our faculty, our rural Oregon community, and our leadership,” Hofmann said. “I’m acutely aware of how important EOU is not only to rural Oregon but to the entire state. I’m honored to serve on the Board of Trustees and for the confidence my colleagues have in me as Chair. It’s a task I take very seriously.”

The Board also heard faculty presentations highlighting interdisciplinary teaching and regional engagement, and student leaders emphasized transparency and expanded campus involvement. 

In closing remarks, outgoing chair Mendoza encouraged the board to continue building deep relationships, centering the student experience, and advocating fiercely for higher education across the state. He added, “EOU is filled with good people doing extraordinary work. This university is a bright light for eastern Oregon, and its future is full of possibilities.”

Members of the public were invited to attend in person and via livestream, with a recording available on the Board’s webpage. The Board of Trustees will reconvene for its next regular meeting in February 2026.