EOU Board adopts ‘The Ascent’ strategic planning framework

EOU Board adopts ‘The Ascent’ strategic planning framework

News contact: University Advancement
Phone: 541-962-3740 | E-mail: ua@eou.edu

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LA GRANDE, Ore. — At its May 24 meeting, the Eastern Oregon University Board of Trustees approved a strategic framework for the institution, establishing goals and performance indicators for achievement by the school’s centennial celebration in 2029.

“This is a critical part of our work together as we create an exciting future for our university with a focus on student success,” EOU President Tom Insko said. “Serving as an institution of access and opportunity, it is important that we are aligned on these goals to ensure we fulfill our mission.”

A cross-section of students, faculty and staff embarked on the process last fall to connect EOU’s mission with an institutional analysis, statewide strategies focused on student outcomes and sustainability, and elements of student support and experiential learning.

Titled “The Ascent,” the board-approved framework contains six goals. They represent a commitment to the following:

• Student success – graduating students with the competence and confidence to succeed
• Transformational education – enrich academic quality and enhance intellectual vitality
• Grow the number of lives impacted – expand student access, opportunity, and completion
• Thriving university community – a great place to work and learn
• Relevance and interconnection – serve as the educational, economic, and cultural engine for rural places
• Financial sustainability – stewardship in financial sustainability and in growing financial and capital resources

“Supporting each goal are objectives and performance indicators,” Board Chair David Nelson said. “We feel it is important to articulate what we mean by these goals and can quantify our performance. The board is pleased with the outcome of the comprehensive and broadly informed process used to arrive at this strategic framework.”

Work will proceed over the summer to complete the strategic plan document for presentation to the board in November.

“Achieving success, as defined by this strategic framework, will be challenging and truly transformational,” Insko said. “I am confident we have the people and talents necessary to succeed.”

The strategic plan framework is available with this press announcement and online with the scope of work and the full board docket at eou.edu/governance.