From the President, August 30, 2023

Several busy and eventful summer weeks have passed as EOU moves closer to the start of a new academic year. I can feel the excitement building and am enjoying the flurry of activities in preparation for the fall term, from our new faculty orientation to the upcoming Summer Bridge program, and having Mountaineer athletic teams back on campus!

EOU received a prestigious award from the American Chemical Society’s Richland ACS local section. The University earned a ChemLuminary award for the Most Creative National Chemistry Week Celebration Using the Yearly Theme. EOU faculty, staff, and volunteers organized a forensic mystery at the Investigators of Science outreach event that took place last October on campus. Students in grades six through eight used science to solve the mystery of how Dracula died, who killed him, and why. 

Congratulations to everyone who took part in the event, and all of you share this award! 

Another big win for EOU came from the Washington Monthly. The magazine named Eastern one of their Best Bang for the Buck Colleges. This exclusive list ranked the University according to how we help non-wealthy students attain marketable degrees affordably. EOU ranked 69th in the nation! We are all working hard to help our students access life-changing education, and that work is being recognized! 

Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with the leaders of Oregon’s public universities in Salem. Many of the presidents are like me – new to their posts and excited to advocate for higher education in Oregon. 

I returned to La Grande from Salem hopeful that we will be able to energize the state around what Oregon higher education offers: a transformative educational experience that is vital to all of our futures.

There is a lot of positive energy going into the next academic year. 

Recently I had lunch with the Associated Students of Eastern Oregon University, (ASEOU) President Calvin Bennett, who is eager to see the University provide an exceptional experience for our on-campus students. 

We all agree that we want this year to be special, connective, and meaningful for our students. 

I met with leadership from the City of La Grande to discuss how we can connect EOU students with the city. I am hopeful our community will be great partners in advancing student life.

In only two months of service at EOU I have had many opportunities to learn about the University. I toured our extensive fine arts and theater facilities, our amazing climbing wall, and the terrific Outdoor Adventure Program rental facilities. Finally, I met with superintendents from the InterMountain Education Service District to enhance Eastern’s connections with our local schools. I’ll be meeting with them regularly to be sure they know that EOU is here for them and their students.

Sincerely,

Kelly Ryan, Ph.D.

President