New leader in student affairs

Lacy Karpilo named vice president for student affairs

News contact: Laura Hancock, University Advancement, 541-962-3585

LA GRANDE, Ore. December 9, 2016 – Eastern Oregon University has appointed Lacy Karpilo, Ph.D., as its vice president for student affairs effective February 6.

Karpilo comes to EOU from the University of Alaska Anchorage where she has a seven-year career history, most recently as interim associate vice chancellor for enrollment. Prior to her interim appointment, she served as associate vice chancellor for student access, advising and transition.

While at UAA, Karpilo led numerous departments and programs ranging from new student recruitment and orientation to academic advising and TRiO student support services. She has also worked with military, veteran and native student services, among many other areas, and her first position at UAA was as its director of residence life.

“Dr. Karpilo is a rising star in the student affairs field as demonstrated by her promotions and progressive executive responsibility,” said Tom Insko, EOU president. “With 15 years of innovative leadership experience in higher education, Lacy offers a depth of knowledge and a perspective to lead the division of student affairs and work collaboratively with students, faculty and staff to move EOU forward.”

Prior to joining UAA, Karpilo was the assistant director of residence life at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. She also worked at Colorado State University in Fort Collins and the Art Institute of Colorado in Denver. She has experience working with accreditation and assessment teams, has conducted extensive research and is the recipient of numerous fellowships.

Karpilo completed her doctorate in education and human resources at Colorado State University. She holds a master of arts in counseling psychology from the University of Denver and a bachelor of arts in psychology from Occidental College in Los Angeles. Her background also includes working in behavioral and mental health.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to join the leadership team at EOU,” Karpilo said. “During my on-campus visit, I was energized by the passion and dedication of the entire university community. It was very apparent that the staff and faculty are committed to providing the highest quality education and student life experience for all EOU students,” she added. “I was moved by the students and their deep sense of Mountaineer pride.”

Karpilo was selected following a national search. She is moving to La Grande with her family in January.