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Government and Community Relations at Eastern Oregon University connects our campus with local, state, tribal, and federal partners. Rooted in our identity as Oregon’s Rural University, we advocate for public investment in rural education, foster regional collaboration, and engage with communities to address shared challenges and opportunities.
Through strong relationships and thoughtful engagement, we work to amplify the voices of eastern Oregon and contribute to a stronger, more resilient future for our students, our region, and the state.
Welcome to the Regional Public Universities’ economic impact dashboard. Oregon’s regional universities (Eastern Oregon University, Southern Oregon University, and Western Oregon University) are more than educational institutions – they are vital economic drivers and community anchors.
As employers across the state face persistent talent shortages, EOU, SOU, and WOU serve as a critical pipeline, supplying the teachers, healthcare workers, public safety professionals, and business leaders that Oregon communities need to thrive.
How do these numbers translate to our region, our workforce, and our shared future? We invite you to explore the data for yourself.
Click below to access the Regional Public Universities Impact Dashboard and see how EOU and the other regional universities are fueling Oregon’s economy every single day. If you would like a copy of the full technical report (PDF) please email govrelations@eou.edu.
About the Data: The figures presented in this dashboard are drawn from an independent economic impact study commissioned jointly by EOU, SOU, and WOU, and conducted by Econsult Solutions, Inc.
We represent EOU’s institutional priorities at the state and federal levels, advocating for policy and budget decisions that support access, affordability, and investment in rural higher education.
We collaborate with city and county governments, school districts, nonprofits, chambers of commerce, tribal partners, and other civic groups to align EOU’s resources with regional needs.
We build relationships with the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC), legislative committees, public agencies, and peer institutions to strengthen statewide and regional coordination.
We support students and alumni who seek to be involved in public service and civic leadership—whether through internships, advocacy training, public testimony, or community-based learning.
We help coordinate legislative visits, community roundtables, town halls, campus tours, and other events that encourage meaningful dialogue and partnerships.
We support and sponsor community events and regional initiatives that align with EOU’s mission and values. Through partnerships and sponsorships with local organizations, we promote visibility, mutual support, and shared investment in eastern Oregon’s success.
Vice President, University Advancementtseydel@eou.edu | (541) 962-3740
Tim Seydel is Vice President for University Advancement at Eastern Oregon University. In this role, he oversees government and community relations, development and fundraising, alumni engagement, and marketing and communications. Tim has more than two decades of leadership experience in higher education and public relations, having served at EOU since 2004 in progressively senior roles. Prior to his appointment as Vice President, he directed university marketing and advancement efforts, helping secure state investments, expand scholarship support, and strengthen EOU’s visibility across Oregon.
A graduate of EOU, Tim is deeply rooted in the region and passionate about connecting the university’s mission with the needs of rural communities. He works closely with elected officials, business leaders, and community organizations to advocate for policies and projects that expand opportunities for students and support economic vitality in eastern Oregon. His leadership has been pivotal in guiding major capital campaigns and legislative initiatives that ensure EOU continues to thrive as Oregon’s Rural University.
Director of External Affairsmooresm@eou.edu | (541) 962-3740
Suzannah Moore is the Government and Community Relations Manager at Eastern Oregon University. She manages advocacy, legislative affairs, and community engagement efforts for the university, building strong partnerships with policymakers, alumni, and local stakeholders. In addition, she supports the work of the EOU Board of Trustees and Foundation and Alumni Association Boards of Directors, ensuring alignment between the university’s priorities and its governance and philanthropic leadership.
Suzannah brings a background in nonprofit leadership, communications, and higher education advancement to her role. Before joining EOU, she served as President of the La Grande Main Street Downtown Board, where she worked with city officials, business owners, and community partners to strengthen economic development and engagement in Union County. At EOU, she has also contributed to scholarship stewardship, board relations, and strategic communications initiatives that highlight the impact of donor and legislative support.
A graduate of EOU, Suzannah is dedicated to promoting access to education and strengthening rural Oregon’s voice in Salem and beyond.
Office of Government and Community RelationsUniversity AdvancementEastern Oregon UniversityInlow Hall(541) 962-3740GovRelations@eou.edu