Office of the President

From the President – March 18, 2025

The opportunity to change

Dear EOU Community,

We’re about to slide into spring break, which marks the end of our winter term! I hope some of you are able to take some time for yourself over the next week, and I know many are also preparing for the beginning of the spring term.

The changing seasons and terms, as well as the end of the Oregon legislative session, mean I am able to devote more time to planning for the future of EOU while continuing to advocate for EOU and higher education both regionally and nationally.

I read an essay by Brianna Wiest this morning that inspired me as I engage in this work. “You either see yourself as a victim of what happens to you or as someone given the opportunity to change, grow, see differently, and expand. You either see uncomfortable feelings as suffering you have to deal with or signals you have to learn from.” I’m hopeful we can all use our agency to do our very best because we can all choose growth and adaptation.

Speaking of opportunities, I have a few goodies to share:

Thank you to those of you who came out for our Employee Appreciation event. I enjoyed getting to show you around the office and discuss the pros and cons of different snack mixes!

TRIO is still looking to expand the number of students we serve (opens in a new tab)! First- generation, low-income, or disabled students are able to find tailored support through TRIO services. We would be grateful if you would share this information with in-person and online students!

Congratulations to Dr. Daniel Costie, whose Community Partner event was well attended and generated meaningful connections to our community. Dr. Costie aims to provide students with more learning opportunities through field placements, and members of the Rural Engagement and Vitality Center, REV, and Shawna Elsberry were on hand to answer questions. I look forward to seeing our students being offered even more opportunities.

Congratulations to all our winter sports coaches and student athletes on an exceptional season. EOU finished No. 1 in the 2025-26 Cascade Collegiate Conference (opens in a new tab).

Special congratulations to Director Anji Weissenfluh, who was named Cascade Collegiate Conference Co-Coach of the Year for Women’s Basketball – marking her 9th win for basketball (and we also count her three former wins for softball too!).

Congratulations to both our Women’s and Men’s Basketball teams for their remarkable seasons and advancement in NAIA postseason play. The Women’s team completed another historic run in Mitchell, South Dakota, finishing the 2025–26 season ranked No. 14 in the NAIA Top 25 Coaches Poll and securing its seventh straight appearance in the NAIA National Championship Tournament. The Men’s team also earned national recognition to close out the season, receiving 14 votes in the final NAIA Top 25 Coaches Poll and advancing to the Second Round of the NAIA National Championship Tournament.

I am encouraging EOU to raise its voice to share your thoughts and concerns with the Governor’s Prosperity Council (opens in a new tab). Prosperity won’t happen without a thriving rural Oregon and strong educational systems. The Council’s goals (opens in a new tab) are to focus on improving the business climate, workforce development, and tools for economic growth.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been shifting gears. I attended a Northeast Regional Solutions Advisory Council meeting, and we met with Tim Knopp, Chief Prosperity Officer, of the Prosperity Council. The OPU presidents gathered to build consensus as we prepare for the 2027 legislative session and our budget requests. I also discussed EOU’s latest trends at the La Grande Rotary. I enjoyed watching current and former students perform in “Thou Hast Thy Will.” I also visited my parents, and it was nice to tune out after a very busy and hectic legislative session.

Wishing each of you continued growth and opportunities,

Sincerely,