Government & Community Relations at Eastern Oregon University

EOU faculty and students standing outside the Oregon state capitol in Salem

Government & Community Relations

Building partnerships that strengthen rural Oregon

What We Do


Public Policy and Advocacy

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.


Community Engagement and Outreach

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.


Institutional and Intergovernmental Partnerships

We build relationships with the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC), legislative committees, public agencies, and peer institutions to strengthen statewide and regional coordination.


Student and Alumni Civic Engagement

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.


Event Collaboration and Hosting

We help coordinate legislative visits, community roundtables, town halls, campus tours, and other events that encourage meaningful dialogue and partnerships.


Community 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.


Meet the Team

Tim Seydel

Tim Seydel

Vice President, University Advancement
tseydel@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.

Suzannah Moore

Suzannah Moore

Manager, Government Relations & Operations, University Advancement
mooresm@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.


Contact Us

Office of Government and Community Relations
University Advancement
Eastern Oregon University
Inlow Hall
(541) 962-3740
GovRelations@eou.edu