EOU Trustees Focus on Enrollment Growth and Retention at Fall Meeting

EOU Trustees Focus on Enrollment Growth and Retention at Fall Meeting

LA GRANDE, Ore. – The Eastern Oregon University Board of Trustees focused on enrollment and student support programs, received reports from students, faculty, and staff, and recognized outgoing trustees at its first regular 2024-25 academic year meeting on Wednesday, November 13 and Thursday, November 14. 

EOU President Kelly Ryan presented updates and information on the university’s recruitment, retention, student achievements, and financial sustainability efforts.

“We have had incredible growth in retention,” Ryan shared with the Board. “The growth we saw this year is special, EOU has momentum, and we will continue to push student success.”

Ryan reported that student recruitment and retention rates are rising at EOU. Fall 2024 saw a 2.7% increase in overall enrollment, bringing nearly 100 additional students to campus, including a larger group of first-year students. Additionally, the number of credit hours students take has grown by 4.4%, reflecting a shift in academic progress to graduation.

Board Chair George Mendoza expressed enthusiasm for EOU’s enrollment growth, “The new Mountaineer Information Center in Inlow Hall, designed as a one-stop hub for student support, is now open, and campus life is buzzing. I’m grateful for EOU’s commitment to recruitment and retention. President Ryan’s leadership is driving significant growth in on-campus enrollment, and I’m thrilled to see more students actively engaging on campus.”

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Peter Geissinger and College of Business Dean Scott McConnell presented EOU’s Prison Education Program for Board review and approval. The initiative is designed to allow incarcerated individuals the opportunity to earn bachelor’s degrees. In partnership with Treasure Valley Community College, EOU will provide degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies and minors in business at the Snake River Penitentiary near Ontario and Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution in Pendleton. The program aims to reduce recidivism, improve prison conditions, and create better opportunities post-release, supporting EOU’s mission to expand educational access across Oregon’s rural communities.

Vice President for University Advancement, Tim Seydel, provided updates on national and state-level government relations. EOU is actively advocating for critical funding support for the upcoming Oregon legislative session, including much-needed renovations of Loso Hall. Interim Vice President of Finance and Administration, LeeAnn Case reported on the University’s positive financial position.

In other business, the Board approved a cost of living increase and student credit hour bonus for President Ryan. The increases are at the same levels university administration staff and faculty received. The Board also recognized the contributions of retiring Board Chair Cheryl Martin and trustees Deidre Schreiber, and Brad Stephens. Resolutions of Appreciation acknowledged their dedicated service to EOU and its mission.