Eastern Oregon University Earns Business College of Distinction Honor for 2026-2027

Eastern Oregon University Earns Business College of Distinction Honor for 2026-2027

LA GRANDE, Ore. – Today, employers aren’t just looking for graduates who understand business; they want graduates who can navigate uncertainty, lead across differences, and make decisions in situations that no textbook can anticipate. 

Colleges of Distinction has named Eastern Oregon University (EOU) a 2026-2027 Business College of Distinction in recognition of an undergraduate business program that takes such a challenge seriously.

Colleges of Distinction evaluates the full arc of a student’s business education from how they enter the discipline as first-years to how they enter the workforce as graduates. EOU’s program earned this recognition by demonstrating depth and intentionality at every stage.

“Our business programs are continuously innovating, embracing cutting-edge technologies relevant to the future market environment, combining strong academic foundations with practical experience, ethical decision-making, and effective advising so students can apply what they learn in ways that serve their communities, industries, and the region, ” Dean of the College of Business at EOU Scott McConnell said.

EOU’s School of Business demonstrated excellence in the following areas:

• Stability – The School of Business has a long-standing presence, operating for at least 10 years with consistent enrollment and an established number of degrees awarded annually.
• Accreditation – The College of Business, Accounting, and Business programs are accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)
• Multidisciplinarity – The School of Business offers majors and minors in three or more distinct disciplines, including Marketing, Accounting, and Economics, cultivating both quantitative and qualitative critical thinking, as well as essential soft skills such as leadership, public speaking, and information literacy.
• Practical Experience – The Economics degree program provides practical, high-quality education on several economic concepts, preparing students for careers in business, education, resource management, and public service.
• Business Ethics – EOU’s undergraduate business programs prioritize ethical reasoning and corporate responsibility, preparing graduates who lead with competency and integrity.
• Dedicated Advising and Counseling – The School of Business offers high-quality academic and career advising throughout the student journey.
• High-Impact Practices – The Agriculture Entrepreneurship degree is a transfer-friendly program that combines science, business, and agriculture knowledge. It emphasizes hands-on learning and entrepreneurial skills, enabling students to identify market opportunities and strategically capitalize on them..
• Industry Connections – Our top-ranked FSA program allows fire service professionals to earn a bachelor’s degree fully online, with an optional 24-credit Wildland Fire Track for specialized advancement.

“The business landscape that students are entering looks fundamentally different than it did even five years ago,” said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction. EOU’s program doesn’t just keep up with constant change; it prepares students to lead through it. Their combination of rigorous academics, applied learning, and ethical grounding is exactly what we look for.”

To learn more about EOU’s business programs and national recognition, visit https://www.eou.edu/college-of-business/#undergrad.