New VP for finance and administration

New vice president for finance and administration joins EOU

News contact: Laura Hancock | University Advancement
541-962-3585 | lhancock@eou.edu

August 2, 2011

Lon Whitaker

LA GRANDE, Ore. (EOU) – Lon Whitaker joined Eastern Oregon University on July 25 as the new vice president for finance and administration. Whitaker’s hire completes a national search process.

“We are excited to have Lon join the EOU family,” said EOU President Bob Davies. “He is a great fit for our university and our community. He brings a number of important strengths to this key position – including a high level of energy and enthusiasm.”

Whitaker’s appointment relieves Darlene Morgan, former EOU vice president for finance and administration, from her role as interim.

“It was truly wonderful to have Darlene step into her previous role and work with us for the past several months, but I know she is looking forward to returning to her much-deserved retirement,” Davies said. “My thanks also go out to the search committee. Their superb and tireless efforts ensured we had a very deep and qualified pool of candidates.”

Prior to Whitaker’s selection, he served as vice president of business affairs at Salish Kootenai College, a tribally controlled college in Pablo, Mont. Whitaker brings to EOU extensive experience in budgeting and planning, information technology, auxiliary service planning, physical plant and equipment resources.

While at Salish Kootenai, Whitaker developed a solid background in grant accounting and working with multiple local, state and federal government agencies. He also oversaw many construction projects and managed the golf course owned by the college.

“Joining EOU and moving to La Grande is a tremendous opportunity for me and my family,” Whitaker said. “This university is doing great things and I’m excited to be part of Eastern’s future.”

Whitaker’s wife Mary, their daughter Elizabeth, who will be a sixth-grader, and their son Zach, who will be a junior in high school, have joined him in La Grande.

Before moving to Salish Kootenai, Whitaker worked for the University of Montana-Helena College of Technology, the Montana Board of Investments and the Montana Legislative Audit Division.

Whitaker received his master’s in business administration from the University of Montana in Missoula and his undergraduate degree from Carroll College in Helena.