From the President, July 19, 2023

Summer activities continue to keep EOU energized with tremendous programming for our community and region. 

Mountaineer Athletics just finished up a month of camps and clinics for youth basketball, football, softball, volleyball, and wrestling athletes. What a wonderful opportunity for youth from throughout Oregon to grow, and become familiar with the university. 

The College of Education also completed the Eastern Oregon Teacher Academy, an incredible service as they ignite the dreams of future teachers! This program connects with high school students and paraprofessionals who are considering becoming teachers.

After a fun weekend on Main Street during my very first Crazy Days weekend, I’m looking forward to several upcoming events like the 2nd Annual La Grande Lit Week.

During the first two weeks of July, along with many internal meetings, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with our Foundation Board Chair, Mark Pearson, and our Alumni Association Chair, Adriana DalSoglio. It is inspiring to see so much passion and commitment to EOU from our graduates. This is a great sign for our shared future! I have also met with recently retired Trustee Bill Johnson, and Pricilla Valero, our Ontario Center ROI Director.  

We are planning for our EOU Leadership Retreat to review our strategic plan and prepare for the upcoming Board of Trustee Retreat in John Day. We have also been engaging with the Moonshot for Equity Program, looking to re-energize our commitment to student success through meetings with EOU Strategic Initiatives Project Director Julie Keniry and TVCC President Dr. Dana Young.

One last item: This week will be the last opportunity for you to add your very own comments to our university portrait survey. Please take a moment to complete the survey, if you have not done so already. The survey closes on July 21.

Thank you,

Kelly Ryan, Ph.D.

President