From the President – November 13, 2024

Gratitude, appreciation, and kindness

University presidents spend a lot of time thinking about and planning for the future. I recently attended an EOU Leadership Team meeting where we discussed many of the wonderful new or updated student success work we’re undertaking as a result of the Ascent ‘29 strategy teams. I felt awfully proud of EOU. We’re in the midst of a transition to make EOU even better at serving the students who arrive here, while also taking more time to appreciate each other’s contributions to this transition. There’s something special about that.  

I may be getting particularly emotional because we are entering the season of gratitude. I’m hopeful that this season of gratitude extends well beyond November as we take time to give thanks to each other for the daily contributions we make in each other’s lives.  We support each other in small and large ways, from sharing vacation photos, to attending each other’s events, and donating goods to our students and community. I like that about us.

It’s been another incredible couple of weeks. EOU held several board committee meetings, faculty senate approved the Ascent ‘29 strategies (hooray!), and we held some VPFA interviews.  By the time you’re reading this, we will be in the Board of Trustees full meeting, and on our way to the event in which we will honor and celebrate the staff of EOU. I had a fun visit with Peter Wordelman’s music class, in which they interviewed an old person (me!) about my music tastes. It was a ton of fun! I had an event with Genuine Foods where we made caramel apples with students, and I attended an ASEOU meeting.   

VP Tim Seydel and I made our way to Harney County for a series of meetings to connect with leadership and the community there. We hosted an education roundtable with several school districts, enjoyed an alumni event hosted by Colby and Shelby Marshall, had a visit with the High Desert Partnership, and met with local business and community leaders.  A highlight was a visit to Crane High School to meet with teachers and students.  What a unique experience to see such a treasure in Eastern Oregon! On our final day in the county, we met with members of the Burns Paiute Tribe to discuss opportunities. After that visit, I made my way to SOU to meet with several leaders there and cheer on our football and wrestling teams!

I’m really looking to resume the Koffee with Kelly series which begins November 20th. I look forward to connecting with you there.

In the spirit of the season, let’s remember, kindness – all the time, always. It costs nothing. It hurts no one. It helps everyone.

Sincerely,

Kelly A. Ryan, Ph.D.
President