President's Message
News articles
President’s Letter — Summer/Fall 2017
Fellow Alumni and Friends of EOU, As we set out on another academic year at Eastern Oregon University, I am incredibly proud to welcome new students, faculty and staff to the Mountaineer family. We are moving with purpose toward EOU’s centennial anniversary in 2029. We’ve identified an ambitious set of goals focused on student success,...
From the President – December 10, 2025
Uncertainty seems to be the word of the year. It’s hard to strategize and serve when you can’t always see around the corner. Yet, we must plan to make sure we take care of our community. While the tone of this message is different from my usual communications, the purpose remains unchanged: to inform, to strengthen our community, and to focus on what we can control by preparing together.
From the President – November 25, 2025
Thankful to EOU Dear EOU Community, I really enjoyed being in community with you at our “Fall into an Attitude of Gratitude” all-campus event. Thank you for spending time with us and for sharing your gratitude for one another. Many folks used a post-it note to share what they are grateful for, and the dominant...
From the President – November 12, 2025
Higher education has undergone dramatic shifts in the past year, and EOU strongly maintains its commitment to student success amid these challenges. Last week, I traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with the Oregon delegation regarding our concerns about some of the new uncertainties we face. We asked for their advocacy around Pell and TRIO grants, as well as graduate student funding. In addition, I shared our work in fighting to close the equity gaps between rural versus urban and suburban post secondary attainment.
From the President – October 29, 2025
From the President – October 29, 2025 Gratitude, purpose, and connection Dear EOU Community, The beautiful fall weather and colors are keeping me focused on the here and now. The tangerines, red, and deep greens have captured my attention and kept me focused on the things that make life enjoyable. The ride! The chaos around...
From the President – In the thick of the term!
From the President – In the thick of the term! Dear EOU Community Homecoming week this year was particularly special because it gave me the opportunity to celebrate and smile at a time when I really needed it. What I most like about Homecoming is hearing about how much EOU has changed individual lives. There...
From the President – A great start to the new year!
Dear EOU Community, We’re into our second week of classes, and it’s been great to have all the “new” energy. New students, faculty, and staff, and also to reconnect with everyone across the campus as we discuss our mission and strategies for the coming year. Our Week of Welcome continues to be a rousing success...
From the President – October 1, 2025
Dear EOU Community, As you may be aware, the Federal Government has shut down pending agreement on a funding package. I know that moments like this can create uncertainty, especially for those who are receiving federal financial aid and other resources. I want to assure you that Eastern Oregon University is closely monitoring the situation,...
From the President – September 17, 2025
Wind in our Sails I’m feeling the regular round of excitement and anxiety as we enter the new academic year. Mostly, I’m hopeful. I’m hopeful that we will have a good year and be able to navigate the unexpected with wind in our sails. I had the opportunity to welcome everyone back and center the...
From the President – August 13, 2025
Retreat, Re-TREAT, RETREAT!! Retreat season is well underway again. Occasionally, I think August should just be called the Month of Retreat(s)! Though I jest, retreats offer valuable opportunities to spend extended amounts of time together to build consensus, reconnect with our shared mission(s), and to be engaged. Among the retreats I attended was the Coalition...
From the President – July 16, 2025
Summer has taken off! A month ago, we held a wonderful commencement, and I’m grateful to everyone for their support in making this a special day for our graduates. I hope everyone enjoyed the Juneteenth and July 4th holidays. I know we all needed it! July 1, 2025, was the 10th anniversary of Eastern Oregon...
From the President – June 11, 2025
Dogged Determination We are at the point in the academic calendar when we turn from dogged determination to get to the finish line to celebrations of all of our accomplishments. (And I really mean dogged). I had the opportunity last week to say a few words to Union County GED graduates. I shared with them...