EOU Board approves contract to advance equity initiative with EAB Global, Inc.

EOU Board approves contract to advance equity initiative with EAB Global, Inc.

June 27, 2022, LA GRANDE, Ore. – The Eastern Oregon University Board of Trustees convened via Zoom for a special meeting on Monday, June 27.

Following discussion the board authorized President Insko to enter into a contract with educational consulting firm EAB Global, Inc. focused on closing the attainment gaps within regional cohorts of two- and four-year colleges and universities by 2030.

Board authorization is required because the contract exceeds $1 million.

Governor Kate Brown recently announced the initial funding necessary to support inclusion in this regional initiative to participate in a national program, Moon Shot for Equity. The three schools, Eastern Oregon University, Treasure Valley Community College (TVCC), and Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC) will work together as part of a five-year, student-centered comprehensive strategic plan to identify and remove systemic barriers that prevent access and attainment of a post-secondary education degree. 

This initiative advances the Governor’s vision for public universities and community colleges to embrace innovation and focus on working smarter across education sectors to support students through every stage of education.

“This initial investment is a critical first step to launching this five-year initiative,” said Tom Insko, President of EOU. “Together I believe we can reshape the future of post-secondary education in eastern Oregon, which means eliminating the higher education attainment gap and making sure all students reach their educational goals in less time and money and set the path to better career  and life outcomes.”

Working with national experts with proven success, EOU, TVCC, and BMCC will work with education firm EAB and other national experts on student success to use research, technology, and advisory services focused on change management and equity training. Moon Shot for Equity universities and colleges must also commit to removing systemic barriers to success, and collaborate with other schools in their area to establish common academic pathways that facilitate student transfers between two- and four-year institutions.

“EAB launched the Moon Shot project in the fall of 2020 with a focus on removing systemic barriers to graduation among first-generation students as well as students of color,” said EAB Vice President of Partnerships, Tom Sugar. “Our work with this new cohort of institutions in Eastern Oregon adds a new focus around bridging the rural versus urban divide that too often leaves students from more remote areas with reduced access to higher education and all of the opportunities that go along with that.”

Meeting materials and complete minutes are available at eou.edu/governance/board-meeting-schedule. Members of the public can watch a recording of the meeting at youtube.com/user/EOUAV. 

For more information about Moonshot for Equity, visit eab.com/moon-shot-for-equity/.