From the President – June 12, 2024

Dear EOU Community:

Thank you for an amazing year. For coming together even when it was difficult. For giving me grace when I couldn’t remember a name or event. For having coffee with me…repeatedly. I am grateful to you for making me a part of this community. 

My hope for you during these upcoming summer months is that each of you have the opportunity to take time to do some of the things that bring you joy.

I am looking forward to a little R&R time myself. 

I know our good work will continue; so while the frequency of my communications may change a bit between now and fall term, they will continue to appear periodically in your inbox over the summer to make sure we keep celebrating our amazing faculty, staff, students, and alumni. 

Speaking of, check out our latest series of awesome news: 

Dr. Cori Brewster and Bennie Moses-Mesubed participated in June 18th the National Humanities Alliance launch event, Expanding Access to Undergraduate Humanities Education presenting on EOU’s summer bridge program. The collaborative building of the program by EOU English and writing faculty and Multicultural Center staff to serve students from historically underrepresented groups, particularly Pacific Islanders was highlighted as well as the programs usage of the tools of the humanities to support students’ successful transition to the campus and immerse them in the history and culture of the region. 

The Chronicle of Higher Education case study “How a Rural College Works to Prevent ‘Brain Drain’” which I shared with you all in May created the opportunity for Rural Engagement and Vitality (REV) director, Grace Donovan to participate in a panel discussion on June 11 focused on partnerships and work that encourages students to stay in their communities and was hosted by the editor-in-chief of the Chronicle of Higher Education. Grace highlighted EOU’s designation as Oregon’s rural university, our innovative model and how EOU, in collaboration with the REV, works with our students to find work within our region. 

Tonya Lubbes shared the wonderful work being done in EOU’s College of Education Oregon Teacher Pathway (OTP) program during the May 28th Complete College America On the Air podcast. I encourage you to listen in to learn more about how OTP leverages partnerships, peer mentoring, and culturally responsive practices to close the academic opportunity gap in Oregon public schools by producing more quality, culturally, and linguistically diverse teachers and diversifying the teacher workforce: https://completecollege.org/media/#ccaontheair 

It’s not been long since I last caught you up on my activities, but here’s a few items of interest. I had some fun getting to visit with Brenna Barthel-Hines’ class at Morgan Lake and also watched our impressive Mountie Athletic Awards ceremony. I joined students on the quad to unload my terrible might upon a very old car and did very little damage. I enjoyed a touching hour with faculty and staff honoring our retirees for this academic calendar year. I was happy to join in on the Data Summit, a program Provost Geissinger organized in response to campus concerns. And of course, I’ve had my usual round of meetings and spreadsheets to advance our fine institution. 

Looking forward to commencement and all of the other recognition events this week!

Take care and be well!

Kelly A. Ryan, Ph.D.
President