EOU President's Office

From the President – September 30, 2026

Homecoming is here!

Dear EOU Community,

Homecoming week is here, and there’s so much to do (opens in a new tab)! Our Alumni and Foundation boards will meet and host a ton of activities, in addition to our football and volleyball games. My favorite event is the parade – this Friday, October 16,  at 4:30 p.m. – join us or come out and watch!! I love how we take over Main Street for the afternoon! I look forward to connecting with you while I’m out and about over the weekend!

At Homecoming, we celebrate our Alumni of the Year. Our Alumni and Foundation Boards are honoring Richard Hermens and George Mendoza. Both are dedicated Mounties who enhance our community with their wisdom and generosity. Dr. Richard Hermens, a retired EOU chemistry professor, shared decades of dedicated service to EOU, leaving a legacy through the founding of the Eastern Oregon Science Journal, organizing EOU’s American Chemical Society student chapter, developing the Summer Science Camp, and helping design Badgley Hall’s chemistry facilities. George Mendoza, an EOU graduate and superintendent of the La Grande School District, was named Oregon’s 2025 Superintendent of the Year for his visionary leadership and dedication to student outcomes. Serving rural students and families for over two decades, George’s impact spans numerous state leadership roles. As one of EOU’s longest-serving Trustees and former Board Chair, his dedicated service helped guide the university through a period of significant growth and change. Through steady advocacy, he regularly partners with EOU to expand access across the region, recently establishing direct admissions pathways to create seamless college opportunities for local high school students. 

Congratulations as well to Professor of Art Susan Murrell, whose work is currently featured in two regional exhibitions! Professor Murrell is presenting a solo exhibition titled Future Islands at Oregon State University’s Fairbanks Gallery in Corvallis. Additionally, several of her pieces are featured in the group exhibition Language of the Hand: DRAW Project at Boise State University’s Blue Galleries. Both exhibitions are currently open to the public. Check them out when you are in town!

The past few weeks have been spent planning and positioning the university for the future. Senior Leadership and the deans attended a half-day meeting to learn about the National Incident Management System, which has us better prepared for incidents and events that may affect the safety of our community. A day-and-a-half gathering with Risepoint solidified our partnership and offered key learnings on innovations in marketing, academic programming, and university/college searches. I met with a member of HECC and the Governor’s office to discuss our BMCC partnerships and our behavioral health programming. We convened the Northeast Oregon Regional Solutions Advisory Council to review infrastructure projects in the region. I held my regular individualized meetings, received updates on facilities projects, attended University Council, and let’s not forget  . . . the cupcakes!  

I also wanted to share that I hope you will mark your calendars for the afternoon of Thursday, October 29. EOU will host its own gathering to celebrate the life and achievements of Michael Hatch. I hope you will make time for this in addition to the family and friends gathering occurring this weekend.

Sincerely,

Kelly A. Ryan, Ph.D.
President