Strategic Framework: Ascent 2029

Rooted in EOU’s Mission and Values and initially developed in 2016, the Ascent 2029: Strategic Framework defines six interconnected high-level goals designed to elevate the university’s impact and ensure long-term vitality. These goals reflect our aspirations to empower students, enrich the learning experience, expand access, foster a positive campus culture, strengthen our rural partnerships, and steward our resources wisely. The objectives with each goal are expanded upon in the Strategies & Goals and Implementation sections of this blueprint. 

Amendments were adopted by the Board on 05-15-2024.

Goal 1: Student Success – Graduate students with the competence and confidence to succeed
Objective 1: All graduates engage in high-impact, experiential learning activities
Objective 2: Graduates engage in post-graduate planning and preparation

Goal 2: Transformational Education – Enrich academic quality and enhance intellectual vitality
Objective 1: Excellence in teaching and scholarship
Objective 2: Graduates possess the essential learning outcomes employers seek

Goal 3: Grow the Number of Lives Impacted – Expand student access, opportunity, and completion
Objective 1: Serve as a growing and thriving rural university
Objective 2: Students are retained
Objective 3: Efficient degree attainment

Goal 4: Thriving University Community – A great place to work and learn
Objective 1: Foster an inviting and supportive university culture that exemplifies EOU’s values and principles
Objective 2: Support intercultural competency, inclusiveness, and diversity
Objective 3: Provide and maintain a campus that promotes quality of life for students, faculty, staff, and the community

Goal 5: Relevance and Interconnection – Serve as the educational, economic, and cultural engine for rural places
Objective 1: Educational partnerships are cultivated
Objective 2: Be recognized as a leader in promoting rural community prosperity and resilience

Goal 6: Financial Sustainability – Stewardship in financial sustainability and in growing EOU’s financial and capital resources
Objective 1: Develop and foster a culture of fiscal responsibility, accountability, and security for all university funds
Objective 2: Foster a culture of philanthropy that significantly increases engagement with and giving to the university
Objective 3: Expand revenue from alternative sources such as grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and alternative uses of campus property