President’s Letter — Summer/Fall 2017

Fellow Alumni and Friends of EOU,

As we set out on another academic year at Eastern Oregon University, I am incredibly proud to welcome new students, faculty and staff to the Mountaineer family. We are moving with purpose toward EOU’s centennial anniversary in 2029.

We’ve identified an ambitious set of goals focused on student success, financial sustainability, and engagement with rural communities throughout Oregon. “The Ascent 2029,” a comprehensive strategic plan adopted by the Board of Trustees this spring, incorporates all areas of the university and serves as a practical document, providing benchmarks and objectives against which we can measure our progress.

Our strategic aims include:
(1) propelling students toward graduation and successful careers,
(2) enriching the academic experience through real-world learning experiences,
(3) reaching a growing number of individuals,
(4) developing our thriving university community,
(5) building meaningful relationships with organizations and leaders across the state, and
(6) securing the university’s future financially.

Running parallel to these goals are EOU’s new Values and Principles. A collaborative group of faculty, students and staff outlined and presented six key institutional values that have been adopted by the university community. They are: altruism, civility, discovery, integrity, interdependence, and quality.

To help drive our plans and programs, I am thrilled to share that our leadership is team fully in place for fall term. Please join me in welcoming Vice President for Student Affairs Lacy Karpilo; Dean of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Nate Lowe; Dean of Science, Technology, Math and Health Sciences Peter Geissinger; and Executive Director of Regional Outreach and Innovation David Vande Pol. Their commitment to this institution and its vision is remarkable and will help us achieve new heights.

Guided by our collective goals and values, powered by the contributions of passionate alumni and friends, and equipped with an energized academic leadership team — I am confident EOU has the tools to become a leading regional university (or Oregon’s Rural University).

We have set the bar high, and as we embark on this journey toward our 100th anniversary, I look forward to the support and engagement of our alumni and friends and continue to be certain that “together, it’s possible.”

Sincerely,

Thomas A. Insko, ’94

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NOTES:

STRATEGIC PLAN FRAMEWORK
Goal 1: Student Success – Graduate students with the competence and confidence to succeed
Goal 2: Transformational Education – Enrich academic quality and enhance intellectual vitality
Goal 3: Grow the Number of Lives Impacted – Expand student access, opportunity, and completion
Goal 4: Thriving University Community – A Great Place to Work and Learn
Goal 5: Relevance and Interconnection – Serve as the educational, economic, and cultural engine for rural places
Goal 6: Financial Sustainability – Stewardship in financial sustainability and in growing EOU’s financial and capital resources

VALUES:
Altruism, Civility, Discovery, Integrity, Interdependence, and Quality

CORE THEMES:
Access for all, high-quality programs, live-learn-succeed