From the President – May 16, 2024

From the President – May 16, 2024

Dear EOU Community:

Today, I am pleased to share that we have completed our nationwide searches for the Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Vice President of Student Affairs! Both leaders bring external experience and enthusiasm to serve in our rural environment, with the bonus of one candidate having a history and deep knowledge of this community.

Dr. Peter Geissinger will serve EOU as the Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, beginning July 1, 2024. Having served as interim Provost and Dean of STMHS, Peter is extremely knowledgeable about EOU, our community, and region. The feedback I received celebrated his authenticity and passion for our students, and his commitment to partnering with our faculty and staff. I also heard how individuals appreciated his open and accessible leadership style and his dedication to enhancing student success. His deep understanding of our academic environment and commitment to optimizing our operations for sustainability are just a few of the strengths Peter brings to the role.

One colleague shared, “Dr. Geissinger demonstrated a deep understanding of the strengths and weaknesses in student enrollment. Although he is already a member of the EOU community, he shows an openness to change.”

Another colleague shared, “I think that Peter would be amazing in this role because he is already doing it. His answers were honest and straightforward. He knows the situation and is working to improve everything he can. He is focused on students and making sure we are successful and that is shown by his experiences. I think we have a great person in the job right now that cares about EOU and its students.”

Peter said, “I am thrilled to be appointed Provost of Eastern Oregon University and am grateful to President Ryan for her confidence. I look forward to working with the entire EOU community on our joint goals of fostering student success and securing EOU’s future as an access point to higher education in Eastern Oregon.”

In our search for a new Vice President for Student Affairs, I am happy to announce that Dr. Mollie Rockafellow will join the EOU community on July 15, 2014. Mollie brings a vision for enhancing student engagement to her new role, and her presentations and interactions on campus revealed her deep understanding of the transitional challenges students face from high school to university life. Her approach is data-driven, community-focused, and aims to foster strong connections between students, faculty, and staff – something we have focused on this year.

One of our colleagues noted “Dr. Rockafellow exhibited a strong interest in student success. She is charismatic and has relevant experience overseeing programs that are an integral part of the student experience. Her lived experience of being a first generation college student could provide greater insight to some of the challenges first generation college students face at EOU.”

Mollie said, “While on campus I could feel the energy of employees and the students. There is a great deal of passion for EOU and La Grande. I choose this role because the community has such a strong legacy of beauty and arts. EOU is poised to be a hub for student success and hands-on learning. My family and I are excited to be a part of this wonderful community.”

I’m incredibly grateful to both of our search committees for vetting and bringing our candidates to campus, and I want to thank our community for sharing your deepest enthusiasms and frank concerns. These priorities for leadership are important as we develop our leadership team for EOU and you.

Leadership transitions are pivotal moments that can redefine an institution. I am confident that Dr. Geissinger and Dr. Rockafellow will help our campus grow in its care for each other and our responsiveness to our students and the community. I’m excited to have them joining in our shared work!

I am also incredibly grateful to Interim VP Colleen Dunne-Cascio providing leadership for student affairs this past year.Her patience and dedication is deep and abiding, and I’ve learned a lot from her about our region, our students, and our staff!

Thank you once again for your enthusiastic engagement and support during this journey. Let’s extend a warm EOU welcome to our new leaders, embracing the fresh perspectives and transformative initiatives they bring to our community.

Sincerely,

Kelly Ryan, Ph.D.
President