Gammon named dean of Arts & Sciences

Steven Gammon named dean of Arts & Sciences at EOU

News contact: Tim Seydel, VP University Advancement & Admissions
Phone: 541-962-3740 | E-mail: ua@eou.edu

May 22, 2012
LA GRANDE, Ore. (EOU) – The department chair from one of the country’s top undergraduate chemistry programs is joining Eastern Oregon University as its next dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Steven D. Gammon, Ph.D., professor of chemistry and science education and chair of the department of chemistry at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Wash., was selected following a national search that included on-campus interviews and meetings with students, faculty and staff. Gammon holds a doctorate in chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Bowdoin College.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to have Steve on board,” said Steve Adkison, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “His leadership and focus on liberal arts education, teaching and collaboration are key ingredients to our success. I would also congratulate the search team on an outstanding process and their work to identify a great match for us.”

Gammon will begin his duties at EOU in August. He and his wife Jodi are planning to move to La Grande this summer, where they are in the process of buying a home.

“I am tremendously excited and honored to serve as the new dean of Arts and Sciences,” Gammon said. “My wife and I are looking forward to being a part of the vibrant La Grande community. During my recent interview and campus visit I was impressed by the commitment to students by all who work at EOU. This commitment combined with the outstanding qualities of the students themselves makes this job very appealing.”

Upon arrival at EOU, Gammon anticipates spending time meeting with local and regional faculty, staff and students to learn about their work. He also intends to build strong relationships with the university’s provost and president.

Bob Davies, EOU president, couldn’t agree more.

“I am excited about working with Dr. Gammon as we build on our strong academic programs,” Davies said. “Our College of Arts and Sciences is a critically important part of our current and future development. I was immediately impressed with Steve’s efforts to build a collaborative environment between his department and university leadership.”

“EOU truly is a gem of a university,” Gammon said. “As such, it is already doing great things for the students of the region. I cannot think of a better place to be as we all grow together while providing exceptional liberal arts educational experience to students on campus or wherever they may live.”