LA GRANDE, Ore. – ��ݮ��Ƶ (EOU) will host its annual Career Expo on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Field House. 

The EOU Career Expo brings together a wide range of employers offering part-time positions, seasonal work, internships, and full-time career opportunities. The event is designed to help students explore career pathways, build professional connections, and gain insight into current workforce needs.

New this year, EOU is expanding access to include online students through a dedicated Online Access Station, supported by the Enrollment Support Services Department. Virtual participation will be available from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., creating additional opportunities for engagement beyond the in-person event.

The Career Expo reflects EOU’s ongoing commitment to student success by fostering meaningful connections between students and employers while supporting career readiness and workforce development in Eastern Oregon and beyond.

Students are encouraged to attend and come prepared to network, ask questions, and explore potential career paths.For more information about the EO Career Expo, visit .

LA GRANDE, Ore. – ��ݮ��Ƶ (EOU) has earned the 2026 Military Friendly® School Gold designation in the Small Public category, recognizing its commitment to creating meaningful educational pathways for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.

EOU was also named a 2026 Military Spouse Friendly® School (Small Public category), earning the Designated award for its support of military spouses pursuing higher education.

Military Friendly® ratings are based on public and proprietary data collected through the annual Military Friendly® survey, which is offered at no cost to institutions nationwide. Survey topics are developed with input from an independent Advisory Council of experts in veteran education, and the scoring process is fully automated to ensure objective evaluation standards.

Institutions are assessed on their ability to meet established benchmarks in areas such as student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, and overall support services for the military community.

“We are proud to receive the Gold designation,” said Kerry Thompson, EOU Director of Military Services. “Our goal is to ensure that veterans, service members, and their families feel supported from their first inquiry through graduation. Many of us have military experience ourselves, and we understand the importance of clear guidance, strong resources, and a welcoming campus community.”

La Grande veteran Brandon Anger, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps before enrolling at EOU, said the university’s supportive environment made his transition back to college seamless.

“Why not?” Anger said. “I’m from here. I don’t have any complaints — the smaller class sizes are better for me. Smaller is better.”

Anger, a Health and Human Performance major, said his experience at EOU has been positive from start to finish.

“I’ve got nothing to say but good things,” he said. “It has all been super smooth.”

��ݮ��Ƶ will be featured in the 2026 edition of GIJOBS Magazine®, and its updated designation will appear on MilitaryFriendly.com beginning March 25, 2026.

EOU provides dedicated support services for military-connected students, including personalized advising, assistance with federal education benefits, and connections to campus and community resources.

To learn more about opportunities for veterans and military families at ��ݮ��Ƶ, .

LA GRANDE, Ore. — ��ݮ��Ƶ’s Bennie Moses-Mesubed, Associate Vice President for Strategic Equity Initiatives,  has been named a recipient of the 2026 Outstanding First-Year Student Advocates Award, presented by the National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition in collaboration with Penguin Random House Publishing.

The National Resource Center is dedicated to setting the standard of excellence for supporting student transitions and facilitating educational success for diverse student populations. Each year, presidents of American higher education institutions are invited to nominate one educator who demonstrates exceptional commitment to advancing first-year student success through high-impact practices.

Moses-Mesubed serves as Associate Vice President for Strategic Equity Initiatives and the TRiO Project Director at ��ݮ��Ƶ. TRIO is a set of federal outreach and student services programs designed to support low-income, first-generation, and disabled students in higher education. In this role, she provides leadership and strategic vision to develop and coordinate campus initiatives that advance equity and belonging, working across campus units to foster collaboration and alignment across units toward a shared, campus-wide approach. She also oversees the MOSAIC Center & HUB, International and Native American programs, Study Abroad, and the Benefits Navigator, while supporting efforts that strengthen intercultural competency, inclusion, and improve the enrollment, retention, and completion for underserved student populations.

During her tenure at EOU, Moses-Mesubed helped establish what is now known as the MOSAIC Center and launched several transformative programs, including the Celebrate, Educate, & Appreciate Diversity Conference, the Mountie Allies program, and Kickstart Orientation, now known as Summer Bridge. The Summer Bridge program was recognized as a national model for student success by the National Humanities Alliance.

Her scholarship and leadership extend beyond campus. Moses-Mesubed has presented at the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE), the 44th Annual First-Year Experience Conference, and the Conference on Community Writing. She also co-authored legislation expanding in-state tuition eligibility for students from the Compact of Free Association (COFA) nations and special immigrant visa holders.

Currently a doctoral candidate at Oregon State University, Moses-Mesubed’s research examines how cultural mismatch and systemic barriers impact persistence for Compact of Free Association (COFA) students, and the mechanisms utilized by students to persist and progress; using those findings to inform high-impact practices, highlighting the shared barriers COFA, first-generation, and rural students often experience.All 2026 award recipients will be recognized on the Center’s website, social media channels, and in the spring issue of Insights for College Transitions.

LAGRANDE, Ore. – When Hannah Brown steps onto the stage in Loso Hall this March, she won’t just be performing Shakespeare. She’ll be singing it.

“It’s very different,” said Brown, a senior at ��ݮ��Ƶ. “Nick took all of those Shakespeare words and put them into songs. The words are Shakespeare, but the music is all originally Nick.”

The music belongs to Nicholas Vece, ’24, who returned to campus to premiere Thou Hast Thy Will, a 14-piece song cycle built from Shakespeare’s sonnets and monologues. The Winter 2026 production runs March 12–14 at 7 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on March 15 in the Schwarz Theatre.

For Vece, the idea began during rehearsal several years ago when he was still a student.

“I was working on a monologue, and the director stopped me and said, ‘Shakespeare’s just music. It has rhythm. It has flow,’” Vece said. “That stuck with me. If it’s already music, then it could be music if I wrote it that way.”

Over the next two years, including his final year at EOU and after graduation, Vece began composing. The result blends jazz, folk and musical theater styles, all grounded in Shakespeare’s original language.

The production is intentionally lean. It requires no elaborate set and no costly performance rights. It features four student vocalists, a piano, percussion and bass. For a rural university where creativity often meets practicality, it is high-impact art built with intention.

Junior Jakob Graffunder said the concept drew him in immediately.

“Taking the sonnets and putting them into music, it’s such a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Graffunder said. “I knew I wanted to be part of it.”

Brown said rehearsals have pushed the cast.

“Oh yes, lots of Shakespeare to memorize,” she said, laughing. “But we’ve had so much fun performing it.”

For Vece, returning to campus as a director feels different than being a student.

“When you’re at a place like EOU, you don’t just stay in one lane,” he said. “I worked in the costume shop. I was a teaching assistant for acting and stage combat. I studied jazz theory and music production. You learn how everything fits together.”

That hands-on experience shaped the way he built this production. He writes the music, directs the cast and collaborates closely with student performers. A fellow alum, Hannah Johnson, ’24, serves as music director, and an alum bassist will return to perform with the ensemble, creating a production that bridges graduating classes.

“These are students who remind me of myself a few years ago,” Vece said. “If I can create a space for them to perform something original, that matters to me.”

After graduating in 2024, Vece remained in La Grande. He now works in pediatric behavioral health, running an integrated primary care program that teaches adolescents skills to manage anxiety and depression. He is awaiting word on admission to a Ph.D. program, with the goal of becoming a university psychology professor.

Even as he looks toward five more years of study, he says theater will remain part of his life.

“I never wanted to make it a job,” he said. “I wanted to keep that fire alive.”With Thou Hast Thy Will, that fire returns to the Schwarz Theatre stage, carried by student voices and shaped by an alum who once stood where they stand now. For Eastern Oregon audiences, it is both a new production and a reminder of what can grow when graduates come back to build something.

LA GRANDE, Ore. – ��ݮ��Ƶ will take nearly thirty students, faculty, staff, and Trustees to the Oregon State Capitol in Salem to participate in 2026 University Day, joining the state’s seven public universities for a day of advocacy in support of higher education.

Students participating in University Day represent both EOU’s La Grande campus and its online student population from communities across Oregon, reflecting the university’s statewide footprint and commitment to access for rural and place-bound learners.

University Day provides EOU students with a hands-on opportunity to engage directly in the legislative process, meet with elected officials, connect with higher education advocates, and network with fellow students from across Oregon. Participants will attend meetings, learn about current policy issues affecting public universities, and experience firsthand how advocacy shapes higher education at the state level.

“This is a meaningful extension of EOU’s commitment to civic engagement,” said Tim Seydel, Vice President for University Advancement. “By bringing students from across Oregon into the Capitol and giving them direct access to lawmakers, we are helping them understand how public policy impacts higher education and empowering them to be informed, engaged citizens. These experiences reinforce EOU’s role as a steward of leadership and advocacy for rural Oregon and the state as a whole.”

Presidents from all seven public universities will also be present at the Capitol, spending the day alongside students to advocate collectively for Oregon’s higher education institutions and the importance of continued state investment in access, affordability, and student success.

As part of the day’s activities, EOU students will meet with Representative Bobby Levy and Senator Todd Nash in a regional-focused meeting to connect directly with eastern Oregon legislators, ask questions about current legislation, learn about the career paths that led them into public service, and discuss issues impacting rural communities and higher education.

“For EOU, being visible and present alongside our peer institutions matters,” said Diego Vergara Zuber, President of the Associated Students of ��ݮ��Ƶ. “University Day shows that EOU students—whether they are studying on campus or online all over the state—are part of the statewide higher education conversation. It’s an opportunity to share our perspectives, advocate for our communities, and ensure rural student voices are heard at the Capitol.”

LA GRANDE, Ore. – ��ݮ��Ƶ will host a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program information session for prospective candidates interested in a 10-month, accelerated path to the classroom.

The session will be hosted by Kristin Johnson, MAT pre-admissions advisor, and Christina Thew, MAT program coordinator. Attendees will learn about the MAT program schedule, prerequisites, cost, and outcomes, with time for questions. 

“The session will help prospective candidates decide whether the cohort-based MAT is the right fit,” Johnson said. “We will outline admission steps, time commitment, costs and how the program prepares graduates for licensure and teaching positions in Oregon schools.”

��ݮ��Ƶ’s College of Education offers a full-time, accelerated MAT program that combines real classroom experience with the coursework needed to prepare for teaching. Students move through the program as part of a cohort over four consecutive terms, starting in summer and finishing the following spring. Hybrid classes make it possible for candidates to complete student teaching placements across Oregon while staying on track with the program.

MAT information session details

Date: Feb. 4, 2026

Time: Noon to 1 p.m.

Location: Zabel Hall 224, ��ݮ��Ƶ

Hosted by: Kristin Johnson and Christina Thew

“Participants will leave with a clear plan for next steps, what to expect week to week, and how the 10-month MAT is designed to move candidates from preparation to the classroom.”

The MAT program prepares candidates to teach in public or private schools at either the elementary or secondary level. Because the program is cohort-based, candidates begin together and progress through the full program as a group. 

Prospective candidates can learn more at .

LA GRANDE, Ore. New statewide wage data reinforces what ��ݮ��Ƶ demonstrates every day: an EOU degree delivers measurable economic value for graduates and strengthens Oregon’s workforce. As the public university serving rural eastern Oregon, EOU aligns affordable, career-focused programs with regional and statewide labor needs to ensure students see tangible returns on their education.

Data compiled by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission and reported by The Oregonian shows that graduates of Oregon’s public universities earn a median income of about $57,000. Individuals who stop at a high school diploma earn roughly $40,000 in the same period. The gap reflects a clear and growing return on higher education.

Federal College Scorecard findings strengthen this picture. EOU has the lowest average annual cost of attendance among Oregon’s public universities, with an estimated cost of about $16,000. The Scorecard also reports median alumni earnings of $50,000. Together, these figures indicate that EOU students receive the best earnings-to-cost ratio compared to other Oregon Public Universities. EOU graduates also hold some of the lowest levels of student debt in Oregon, which contributes to long-term financial independence.

EOU’s mission directly supports the industries driving eastern Oregon’s economy. Employers in healthcare, education, forestry, technology, and business consistently seek graduates with the skills EOU develops through applied learning and employer partnerships. The university designs academic pathways that connect students to in-demand roles across the region.

Academic majors continue to influence early career earnings. The statewide analysis found that graduates in STEM and specialized health disciplines often surpass $100,000 annually within five years. Physical science graduates typically earn between $71,000 and $90,000. Many of these high-growth fields mirror EOU’s expanding program areas, including computer science, biology, chemistry, business, and health sciences majors.

“The data confirms what we prioritize at ��ݮ��Ƶ,” said EOU President Dr. Kelly Ryan. “A college degree creates economic mobility. EOU provides affordable pathways and high-quality programs that prepare students for meaningful careers and long-term financial stability.”

EOU continues to invest in technology-rich learning environments, undergraduate research, and career-connected experiences that link academic training with real workforce demand. These investments reinforce the university’s commitment to producing graduates who contribute immediately to Oregon’s economic vitality.

“As Oregon’s economy evolves, EOU will grow degree pathways in fields such as cybersecurity, healthcare, and teacher education so more Oregonians can access the lifelong advantages of completing a college degree,” Ryan said.

��ݮ��Ƶ prepares graduates to meet workforce needs across the state through rigorous liberal arts and professional programs offered on campus, online, and at centers throughout Oregon. Visit eou.edu to learn more.

Sophomore pre-nursing major Conner Fecht is the newest student voice on ��ݮ��Ƶ’s (EOU) Board of Trustees. From his seat at the table, he brings his own perspective as a rural student preparing for a career in health care, along with the story of a family deeply rooted in EOU’s traditions of service and community.

Conner’s parents, Russell ’99 and Jennifer ’99 Fecht, both studied education at EOU. His older brother, Tim, graduated in 2024 after serving in the student government. Now, the Lovelock, Nevada native, is writing the next chapter of that Mountaineer story.

“I like the small community,” Conner said. “You really get to know people here.”

Conner is aiming for the OHSU-La Grande Bachelor of Science in Nursing program based on EOU’s campus. He plans to apply this winter.

“I find joy in caring for people,” he said. “It’s rewarding.”

A family of Mountaineers

For his parents, watching their youngest son step into leadership at their alma mater is powerful.

“As EOU graduates and longtime supporters of the university, watching Conner continue the Mountaineer legacy is both humbling and deeply meaningful,” Russell Fecht said. “His service on the Board of Trustees is something we never could have imagined when we first set foot on campus years ago.”

Conner’s mom, Jennifer Fecht, remembers arriving at Eastern from Long Creek, Oregon, where her high school graduating class had just seven students.

“Transitioning to ��ݮ��Ƶ was a smooth experience,” she said. “The professors recognized me by name, and I could easily reach out to any of them for help when needed. EOU was more than just a college. It was a community that made me feel at home and prepared me for success.”

That sense of connection has lasted. When the Fechts return to campus to support their sons, they still run into professors who remember them.

“That says everything about the kind of institution EOU was and continues to be,” Russell said.

When it came time for Tim and Connor to choose a college, Jennifer tried not to steer them.

“I made a conscious effort not to pressure them into attending EOU and let them make their own decisions,” she said. “Of course, I was delighted when they both chose EOU because I knew they could thrive and participate in as many activities as they wanted. Watching Conner feel confident to join clubs, participate in student government, and become an RA makes me proud that he is living his college life to the fullest.”

A student voice at the table

On campus, Conner’s involvement runs deep. He serves as a student representative on EOU’s Board of Trustees, a significant commitment for a second-year student, and as a justice with the ASEOU student government. He applied for the trustee position as soon as he heard about the opportunity.

“I was interested in the inner workings of the university,” he said. “I didn’t think I’d get it, but I wanted to help, offer a student perspective.”

That perspective felt urgent at his first board meeting.

“It’s very complicated, every component of it,” he said, reflecting on the challenges facing higher education. “It’s sad to see the numbers going down,” he said of national enrollment trends. “I just want to help.”

His parents see this as a natural extension of what he has seen at home.

“Conner’s service on the Board of Trustees has shown me that he is interested in staying informed about educational issues,” Jennifer said. “Having grown up observing his parents and brother, who are educators, he is very aware of various education issues. He pays close attention to details and considers both sides before making decisions. These traits will certainly benefit his career in rural health and emphasize the importance of community service.”

Shaped by rural roots

Conner grew up in Lovelock, Nevada, a town of about 1,600 people, roughly 75 minutes from Reno. On his mom’s side, his family is from near Long Creek, Oregon, and their ranch is just over an hour from La Grande, another tie that makes EOU feel like home.

“There’s a big shortage of health care in rural areas,” Conner said. “But it’s also the community. Everyone looks after each other. I want to be a primary care provider in rural areas, go where I’m needed.”

His parents say that the desire to “go where he’s needed” has been there all along.

“We’ve always seen in Conner a strong sense of purpose and empathy,” Russell said. “The fact that he wants to return to rural communities, places that often struggle to attract and retain health care professionals, speaks volumes about who he is.”

Growing up in a small town, Jennifer said, taught him that giving back is essential.

“He learned that when everyone works together toward a common goal, the result is often positive,” she said. “With this mindset, Conner recognized that volunteering would be an important part of his life. He has dedicated his time to the local recycling center, participated in his church’s events, and assisted the local Lions Club whenever needed. With his kind heart and willingness to help, Conner would fit in perfectly within a rural community. A community would benefit just as much from him as he would from the connections he would form there.”

Russell sees Conner’s career path as more than a job.

“What stands out most is that this isn’t just a career choice for him; it’s a calling,” he said. “He wants to be the kind of person who shows up where he can make the most difference.”

Quiet, steady leadership

Day to day, EOU’s small-school advantages are already shaping Conner’s education.

“The class sizes make a difference,” he said. “I really get to know my professors.”

Even the largest courses feel manageable. Anatomy started with more than 100 students and “dwindled down,” while most of his classes now hover around 20. The relationships, he said, help him learn and keep him moving toward his goals.

His parents see the same quiet leadership they watched grow during his high school years.

One defining moment came when Conner was recognized as a Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) Top Ten Student Athlete for the entire state of Nevada.

“That award wasn’t just about grades or athletic ability; it reflected his leadership, character and sportsmanship across three different sports,” Russell said. “Conner has always led by example. He worked hard, treated others with respect and inspired his teammates simply by the way he carried himself.”

They still remember a comment from a parent who is also a teacher in their school district. That parent told them that Conner exemplified what he wished every Mustang would strive to become, and that his own son looked up to Connor.

“Hearing that as parents was incredibly meaningful,” Russell said. “It showed us that Conner’s influence went far beyond his own achievements; he was making the people around him better.”

Jennifer points to another story that captures who her son is.

“Conner is the kindest person I know,” she said. “He has always been incredibly aware of others and their feelings.”

During his early high school years, a classmate invited the entire class to a party. When Conner realized very few people planned to attend, he quietly gathered his closest friends. He convinced them to go, bought a gift card, candy, and a card for everyone to sign, and showed up.

“We didn’t find out about it until afterward, when we learned that they were the only ones who attended,” Jennifer said. “This story perfectly captures who Conner is. He consistently includes those around him, goes out of his way to make others feel welcome, and befriends everyone.”

“That quiet, steady leadership,” Russell added, “is the same quality we see now at EOU, whether he’s serving fellow students as an RA, pursuing nursing, or representing the entire student body on the Board of Trustees. It reflects who he genuinely is at his core.”

Looking ahead: ‘Get yourself out there.’

Conner is realistic about the competitiveness of nursing. If he’s accepted to the OHSU-La Grande program next fall, he’ll transition to OHSU enrollment while taking classes on EOU’s campus and finish a three-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). After that, he hopes to earn a master’s degree and become a family nurse practitioner serving rural communities.

Would he recommend EOU to other students, whether they’re into nursing, English or theater?

“Yeah,” he said confidently, noting he’s already recruiting friends from home. “It’s a good fit for people who don’t want a huge campus.”

His advice to classmates is equally direct:

“Get yourself out there. Be involved as much as you can while you’re here.”

For the Fecht family, that mindset feels like the perfect expression of what it means to be a Mountaineer: show up, serve others, and make the most of every opportunity.

“It’s the kind of leadership that runs in the family,” Russell said.

For Conner Fecht, carrying on a legacy isn’t about following a script. It’s about going where he’s needed and making sure the communities that shaped his family continue to have the opportunities and the care they deserve.

LA GRANDE, Ore. – ��ݮ��Ƶ’s Board of Trustees met November 12–13, with a focus on student success, fiscal resilience, and EOU’s mission as Oregon’s Rural University. Trustees elected a new chair, celebrated progress in academics, athletics, community partnerships, and university operations, and reviewed budgets and contracts, looking towards the school’s future. 

President Kelly Ryan reported strong institutional momentum, citing recent accreditation commendations recognizing EOU’s “unwavering commitment to fostering student success,” collaborative culture, and regional partnerships. 

“I continue to believe deeply in the power of this university and our mission,” Ryan said. “We are serving students with heart, purpose, and integrity during an important moment in the history of higher education.”

Ryan also highlighted major successes this fall, including three Cascade Collegiate Conference titles, national recognition for EOU’s online Exercise Science degree, and highly visible community-engaged learning projects. She emphasized the importance of expanding pathways for rural students and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to addressing opportunity gaps across eastern Oregon and the state. On the second day of the Board meeting, Ryan delivered a State of Higher Education presentation, situating EOU within broader sector trends.

The board unanimously voted to renew EOU’s partnership with Risepoint, its online program partner. Also, it approved the Fiscal Year 2026 operating budget, which includes continued investment in students and employee compensation.

Trustees elected Chuck Hofmann, M.D., as the next Board Chair, succeeding George Mendoza, who completed his term with widespread appreciation for his leadership. Mendoza reflected on the significance of the board’s work during a year marked by national shifts in enrollment, affordability, and confidence in higher education. 

“What we do here truly matters,” Mendoza said. “��ݮ��Ƶ changes lives, strengthens communities, and lifts up this entire region. It has been an honor to serve alongside such dedicated trustees, faculty, staff, and students.”

As chair, Hofmann will lead the Board of Trustees in its work to provide stable, thoughtful governance for EOU. The chair presides over board meetings, sets agendas in collaboration with university leadership, appoints committees, and serves as the board’s representative. Guided by his deep ties to eastern Oregon, Hofmann aims to support the president and administration in strengthening student success and advancing EOU’s mission across the region.

Hofmann grew up in La Grande near the campus, attended EOU and the University of Oregon, and practiced medicine in Baker City for many years. He has also served as Mayor of Baker City, President of the Oregon Medical Association, and President of the Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative.

“The strengths of this university are our students, our faculty, our rural Oregon community, and our leadership,” Hofmann said. “I’m acutely aware of how important EOU is not only to rural Oregon but to the entire state. I’m honored to serve on the Board of Trustees and for the confidence my colleagues have in me as Chair. It’s a task I take very seriously.”

The Board also heard faculty presentations highlighting interdisciplinary teaching and regional engagement, and student leaders emphasized transparency and expanded campus involvement. 

In closing remarks, outgoing chair Mendoza encouraged the board to continue building deep relationships, centering the student experience, and advocating fiercely for higher education across the state. He added, “EOU is filled with good people doing extraordinary work. This university is a bright light for eastern Oregon, and its future is full of possibilities.”

Members of the public were invited to attend in person and via livestream, with a recording available on the Board’s webpage. The Board of Trustees will reconvene for its next regular meeting in February 2026.

LA GRANDE, Ore. – ��ݮ��Ƶ (EOU) has launched a new EOU Advocacy Platform to empower alumni, students, faculty, staff, and community members to speak up for Oregon’s rural university and the value of higher education statewide.

The platform offers a simple, nonpartisan way for supporters to Oregon’s Rural Voice in Higher Education affecting EOU and to send messages to lawmakers with just a few clicks.

“Advocacy is how we move EOU’s mission forward—how we ensure that the voices of eastern Oregon and rural communities are heard in Salem and across the state,” said Tim Seydel, Vice President for University Advancement. “When supporters sign up to become EOU Advocates, they’re helping position the university to advance opportunities for students, strengthen our region’s economy, and expand EOU’s impact far beyond eastern Oregon.”

Advocates can sign up to receive timely action alerts and share their voices in support of higher education funding, student aid, and regional investment.

Participation is quick, private, and impactful. Visit eou.edu/ua/government-relations to become an EOU Advocate today.

Before turning 22, ��ݮ��Ƶ (EOU) alumna Megan Gustafson turned classroom lessons into real-world success, launching her own marketing firm, landing her first client, and wrapping up her MBA. These days, she balances business plans, client meetings, and soccer coaching with an energy that reflects both drive and purpose.

The Boise native earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing with a minor in Spanish at EOU and is finishing her MBA this term, all while building her brand, MG Creative.

“I came to EOU for soccer,” Megan said with a laugh. “But I stayed for the community. I loved the small classes, how close you could get with professors, and how people there truly helped me grow.”

A Foundation Built at EOU

Megan’s path began on the soccer field, but it really took shape in EOU’s classrooms. Courses in marketing, strategy, and communication helped her discover her passion for telling small-business stories and finding her professional voice.

“From freshman year to now, it’s wild how much I’ve grown in confidence and public speaking,” she said. “Classes like Dr. Shari Carpenter’s pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way, they taught me how to lead, speak up, and take on challenges.”

Mentorship also played a key role in her journey. Megan credits Professor Shari Carpenter of the College of Business for her academic guidance and Shawna Elsberry, Director of Career Services, for providing hands-on experience and encouragement through her campus job.

“Having mentors made such a difference,” she said. “Dr. Carpenter pushed me to be my best, and Shawna kept giving me opportunities to grow. EOU is the kind of place where people invest in you.”

Her experience working on campus gave Megan more than a paycheck; it offered a chance to apply what she was learning in the classroom and discover her strengths in a professional setting.

“Megan developed opportunities at EOU,” said Shawna Elsberry, Director of Career Services. “She turned her student campus job into an advanced internship experience. She took on the challenge of directly applying her coursework and self-learning to design and problem-solve department projects. Megan built confidence in interacting professionally with administrators, community members, faculty, staff, and students. That’s what EOU does so well. We create spaces where students can explore possible routes to solving problems and turn those experiences into career-readiness.”

Building MG Creative

After completing her undergraduate degree in just three years, Megan moved straight into EOU’s MBA program. As graduation neared, she took the next leap—starting her own business.

“When I moved back to Boise after earning my undergraduate degree, I saw how much small businesses needed marketing help,” she said. “Boise is growing fast, and not every small business can afford a full-time marketer. I saw an opportunity to help them tell their stories—and to challenge myself.”

That vision became MG Creative, a firm offering design, photography, and digital strategy for small businesses. Her first client, Mosaic Remodeling, hired her to modernize their logo, design business cards, photograph completed projects, and build a new website.

“It’s so exciting to watch it all come together,” Megan said. “We launched the site, we’re connecting it to Google, and we’re creating lawn signs. Marketing helps people show their work and credibility, that’s rewarding.”

Lessons in Leadership and Balance

Running a business while finishing grad school and working part-time isn’t simple. EOU’s MBA program provided tools Megan uses every day.

“One of my favorite classes at EOU was Emotional Intelligence,” she said. “It focused on building habits for success and balance—how to stay grounded and avoid burnout. Those lessons have been huge as I juggle everything.”

That mindset carries over outside the classroom, too. Megan recently completed a Half Ironman race, a 70.3-mile test of endurance including swimming, cycling, and running.

“Stepping out of my comfort zone always makes me grow,” she said. “After that race, I thought, ‘If I can do this, I can do anything.’ That mindset carries into business.”

Defining Success

For Megan, success isn’t measured by numbers alone, it’s about fulfillment.

“I heard a quote that said, ‘If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life,’” she said. “That really stuck with me. To me, success means finding something I’m passionate about, helping others, and continuing to learn and grow.”

Her advice for current EOU students who dream of starting a business? Don’t wait.

“The first step is just doing it,” she said. “Create a name, make a plan, and take it one step at a time. There’s never going to be a perfect moment—you have to take the leap.”

Looking Ahead

As she finishes her degree and grows MG Creative, Megan plans to stay in Boise for now, expanding her client base and refining her brand. She’s grateful for where she started, and excited for what’s next.

“I’m just getting started,” she said. “EOU gave me the foundation. Now I get to build on it, helping other businesses grow while continuing to grow myself.”

LA GRANDE, Ore. — Teaching for the future starts by honoring the past. On the hillside at the Lower Cove Cemetery, Megan McGinness and her class of EOU students steer a ground-penetrating radar over the ground, tracing a pioneer cemetery so every resting place is remembered.

Eleven ��ݮ��Ƶ students set out across Lower Cove Cemetery, under a perfectly blue autumn sky, a small cart in tow. Inside is ground-penetrating radar (GPR), a noninvasive tool that sends pulses into the soil and records reflections from what lies below. The goal is both practical and profound: help caretakers of the pioneer cemetery, still in use today, locate unmarked or deteriorated graves so future burials can proceed respectfully and accurately.

Leading the project is archaeology professor Megan McGinness, who says the day in the field transforms what students learn in lectures into a lived, career-shaping experience.

“I’ve tried to teach excavation methods in class, but it hits so differently when they can actually get their hands on the tools and physically do the work,” McGinness said. “The application is so much more meaningful than just seeing it on a screen.”

The class will return with an even larger team, 13 students, to complete a full grid of the cemetery. Working in pairs, students establish reference points, pace out survey lanes, collect GPR profiles, and log observations that will later be developed into a subsurface map. Along the way, they practice the habits that make real-world research possible: communication, careful note-taking, ethical decision-making, and a respect for the people and histories beneath their feet.

Sophomore Ali Abbott, who is minoring in anthropology, says that being on site brings home the community impact of the work.

“It’s going to help people’s future… planning and understanding of where loved ones were,” Abbott said. “And [it’s] helping Cove natives know where their history lies… It’s interesting. It’s really cool to be able to see where people are in the ground.”

McGinness remembers feeling the same spark as an undergraduate. “I was in a class like this and realized, ‘You can actually do this for a job?’” she said with a laugh. “There’s a lot more to it than standing outside and looking at the ground, but showing students that science can be hands-on, and that it serves people, is the point.”

Respect, accuracy, and service

Because many markers at the cemetery have deteriorated or disappeared, and because the site remains active, GPR offers a respectful way to confirm burial locations without disturbing the ground. The students’ survey will help cemetery stewards plan new interments while honoring those already at rest. For students, the work underscores that archaeology is as much about care as it is about discovery.

“One student said, ‘We get to do this? This is half our class credit?” McGinness said. “Yes—and it’s the half they’ll remember. For many, it’s their first time doing this kind of work, and it’s an experience you rarely get otherwise.”

By the term’s end, students will have collected and interpreted data, communicated their findings, and reflected on what it means to apply science in the service of people. That is what EOU means by student success and transformational education.

La Grande, Ore. — ��ݮ��Ƶ (EOU), along with EOU Athletics, the EOU Foundation, and the EOU Alumni Association, extends a heartfelt thank-you to all who braved the cold and rain to take part in the 2025 Homecoming festivities.

Alumni, friends, families, students, and guests gathered throughout the weekend to reconnect at events including the Alumni Association Tailgate Zone, the annual Fun Run, the Mountaineer March Homecoming Parade, and alumni athletic matchups.

EOU’s Ag Club took home this year’s Parade Cup Trophy, with the Chemistry Club recognized as runner-up for their creativity, enthusiasm, and design among dozens of parade entries.

EOU also extends special thanks to our proud community partners, Benchwarmers–Family Friendly Pub & Grill for sponsoring the Mountaineer March, Nate Conklin State Farm for sponsoring the MAA golf scramble,  and  Legacy Ford for powering this year’s Tailgate Zone.

“Homecoming brings together the heart of what makes EOU special — the people who love this place,” said Rich Sipe, Chair of the EOU Alumni Association Board. “Even with the weather challenges, our Mountaineer spirit shone bright all weekend.”

EOU extends its appreciation to Athletics, student volunteers, Facilities, Event Services, A/V and IT, Security, University Advancement, and all campus and community partners whose collaboration ensured a successful and spirited celebration.

Plans are already underway for next year’s Homecoming, and the University looks forward to welcoming Mountaineers back to campus once again.

Contact: University Advancement | ��ݮ��Ƶ
advancement@eou.edu | 541-962-3740

PORTLAND, Ore. — Former ��ݮ��Ƶ standout distance runner Nic Maszk crossed the finish line of the 2025 Portland Marathon in first place on Sunday, Oct. 5, completing the 26.2-mile course in an astonishing 2 hours, 26 minutes, and 52 seconds, more than two minutes ahead of the runner-up.

That time ranks Nic within the top one percent of marathon performances worldwide, solidifying Maszk’s place as an elite runner.

“My goal was to win,” he said. “You never really know who’s going to show up, but when all the training lands on the goal, that’s the best feeling.”

From Baker to EOU: Building the Foundation

Maszk’s running journey began at Baker High School, where he discovered a natural talent despite frequent coaching changes. But it was at ��ݮ��Ƶ, under long-time coach Ben Welch, where he said he found the structure and consistency that shaped his growth.

“When I got to college, Ben was my coach the entire time,” Maszk said. “That structure was the majority of my growth as a runner. His coaching style taught me how to be tough and how to give 100% of myself on days I didn’t want to. You can apply that lesson to anything in life.”

Maszk earned his bachelor’s degree in molecular biology in 2017 and a master’s in education in 2018, both from EOU. He went on to teach science at North Powder Charter School for three years before deciding to pursue a new career path. Today, he’s completing his nursing degree.

The Road to Portland

The Portland Marathon marked Maszk’s third marathon, following strong showings in Eugene and Anchorage, where he also claimed a win.

“The race in Portland went really smoothly until the last four miles,” Maszk recalled. “Both my hamstrings started to lock up, and I just kept thinking, ‘How can I finish this without cramping?’ I knew I was on borrowed time.”

Despite the pain, he powered through to victory, proof that his methodical training and mental preparation paid off.

“I’m self-coached,” he said. “I make a training sheet, plan the workouts, and practice the pain every day. Race day is unique, though, there are always unknowns you can’t fully prepare for.”

Motivation and Mindset

Now a father of two, Ari, 4, and Ivy, 2,  Maszk says his motivation extends beyond competition.

“I want my kids to see what discipline looks like,” he said. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found more intrinsic motivators. Running keeps me grounded and healthy, and the better you do, the more opportunities you get to travel and compete.”

Looking Ahead

Maszk isn’t slowing down anytime soon. He’s already preparing for his next challenge and has his eyes on completing all seven of the world’s major marathons.

“There are seven majors now, with Sydney being added recently,” he said. “I’d love to do them all. Boston and Chicago are probably at the top of my list.”

Words for the Next Generation

When asked what advice he’d offer current EOU student-athletes, Maszk stepped into a coach’s mindset:

“Don’t just focus on the physical side of your sport,” he said. “Learn why your training works. Be a student of your sport. When you understand the ‘why,’ you can tweak and adapt, and that makes all the difference.”

He added that athletics teach lessons that carry far beyond the track:

“You learn how to fail and how to lose. Running is fickle; things don’t always go your way. But when they do, you feel like the luckiest person in the world. Learning to be grateful when things go right, that’s the best lesson running ever gave me.”

Maszk continues to represent Eastern Oregon with pride, both on the road and in life. From his days as a Mountaineer to his recent marathon triumph, his journey reflects the resilience, discipline, and heart that define the EOU spirit.

La Grande, Ore. – ��ݮ��Ƶ (EOU) is proud to once again serve as a presenting sponsor and host venue for the Eastern Oregon Film Festival (EOFF) as it celebrates its sixteenth year of bringing world-class independent cinema and live music to La Grande.

From Oct. 15th through the 18th, 2025, downtown La Grande and the EOU campus will showcase screenings, panel discussions, concerts, and community events designed to inspire and connect audiences. Screenings will be held at McKenzie Theater and Schwartz Theater on the EOU campus, as well as at the Liberty Theatre, HQ, and additional partner venues.

“Eastern Oregon Film Festival has become one of the region’s most anticipated cultural events,” said Christopher Jennings. “We are proud of our filmmakers, musicians, and audiences from near and far, and to help foster the kind of community engagement and creative expression that this festival embodies.”

The festivities begin on Wednesday, October 15, with a staged reading of Bad Day for Bigfoot at EOU’s Schwartz Theater, setting the stage for three full days of feature-length films, short film programs, music showcases, and special events.

Highlights include:

• Opening Night (Oct. 16): Double feature at McKenzie Theater — hitoláayca (Going Upriver) and Burrowing Owls: A Love Story — followed by a Q&A and live music.
  
• Short Film Blocks (Oct. 17–18): Innovative programming across multiple venues, including Party Shorts, Oregon Comedy, Drama Shorts, and Horror/Thriller Shorts, spotlighting both regional and international filmmakers.
  
• Feature Documentaries: Firebreak and The Opener, films that explore resilience, creativity, and transformation through powerful storytelling.
  
• Closing Night (Oct. 18): McKenzie Theater hosts It’s Only Love and Into the Unknown: My Cancer Story with filmmaker Matthew Thomas Ross in attendance, followed by a festival-closing celebration at HQ.
  

In addition to in-person events, EOFF will also offer virtual screenings through its online platform, expanding access to audiences beyond La Grande.

Founded in 2009, the Eastern Oregon Film Festival has grown into a cornerstone cultural event for the region, recognized for its bold curation and welcoming atmosphere. EOU’s continued sponsorship underscores the university’s commitment to supporting the arts, strengthening community ties, and providing unique cultural opportunities for students, alumni, and residents of eastern Oregon.

Festival Passes and Tickets
Passes are available online at. Single screening tickets go on sale September 25. Discounted rates are available for students and community members.

Box Office Hours
Opens Wednesday, October 15 at 4:00 p.m. at EOU and Saturday mornings in front of the Liberty Theatre.

For the full catalog of films and schedule, visit:

LA GRANDE, Ore. – When Jamie Acton steps into her new role as General Manager of Metro Transit in Madison, Wisconsin, she brings years of leadership and public service. She also carries something less obvious: the lessons and resilience from a journey that began — and eventually circled back to — ��ݮ��Ƶ.

Metro Transit is Madison’s primary public transportation provider. It runs fixed-route buses, oversees paratransit services for people with disabilities, and manages a $77 million budget with 500 employees. It’s a position that requires strategic thinking, adaptability, and a deep commitment to meeting community needs, qualities Acton credits to her education at EOU.

“I had a non-linear path,” Acton said. “I showed up in person in 1997, played volleyball my freshman year, and in all honesty, I had a rough go. Not a traditional path.”

After leaving La Grande and returning to Anchorage, Alaska, Acton set aside her original plans. But by 2012, she knew she wanted to finish what she had started. Through EOU’s flexible online programs and with the guidance of a supportive advisor, she earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in interdisciplinary writing in 2015.

She calls it her ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ degree, and it has given her the skills she still relies on today. “I’ve done a ton of grant writing,” she said. “That interdisciplinary writing focus has been invaluable.”

Those skills proved essential as she advanced into leadership roles, serving six years as an executive director in Anchorage and later holding a mayoral appointment. Her path took her to Seattle and Phoenix, and now to Madison, where she will help lead a city making significant investments in public transportation.

For Acton, the return to a place with four seasons and a strong sense of community feels familiar. “That was the thing about Eastern, it had that small-town, hometown feel. La Grande prepared me for this,” she said.

Her brother, Blake Acton, also found success at EOU, earning his MBA. Together, they represent the impact of a rural university that supports students no matter where their paths lead.

“I think Eastern taught me how to go into a community and not know anyone, how to stand on my own two feet,” Acton reflected. “Whether it was a straight line or not, it’s something I’m very proud of.”

She wants others to know that finishing a degree doesn’t have to follow one script. “I need people to know it’s okay, I didn’t finish as planned. I did what was right for me, and ��ݮ��Ƶ gave me the freedom to do that. A lot of other schools wouldn’t have provided that flexibility.”

Now, as she leads Madison Metro Transit into its next chapter, Acton sees the direct relevance of her EOU experience. Just as she built her own academic path, she is now tasked with helping shape a transportation system that adapts to the unique needs of a growing and changing community.

For Acton, it wasn’t just about finishing a degree; it was about finishing it on her terms. “Life has a way of working out,” she said. “Eastern gave me exactly the type of education I needed.”

LA GRANDE, Ore. – ��ݮ��Ƶ celebrates Homecoming 2025 from Oct. 9 through Oct. 12. The EOU Alumni Association invites all alumni, families, and friends to join in a weekend full of tradition, connection, and Mountaineer pride.

The long weekend features a wide variety of activities for all to enjoy. Events requiring registration include the Homecoming Fun Run and the Mountaineer Athletic Association (MAA) Golf Scramble. Registration forms are available on the EOU Homecoming webpage.

Festivities begin on Thursday, Oct. 9, with the Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony at 6 p.m., honoring outstanding Mountaineer achievements.

On Friday, Oct. 10, will be the 27th annual Nate Conklin State Farm MAA Golf Scramble, teeing off at 9:30 a.m. with a shotgun start. The four-person scramble raises scholarship funds for EOU Athletics and continues its long tradition of community support. Goss Motors, a sponsor for 24 years, will again host hole-in-one and putting contests, with prizes including Mountie and Nike gear, local dining certificates, and free rounds of golf.

Later in the day, the Homecoming Parade will roll through downtown La Grande at 4:30 p.m., showcasing student groups, alumni, and community pride. At 6 p.m., alumni, athletes, and fans will gather for the Track & Field Celebration and Track & Field Reunion Celebration Reception, starting at 6 p.m. at the David E. Gilbert Center, followed by the traditional Mountaineer Spirit Bonfire at 8:30 p.m. to ignite campus energy.

Saturday, Oct. 11, brings a full day of competition and celebration. The begins at 8 a.m., and the Softball Alumni Game at 9 a.m. on the Peggy Anderson Field. At 10 a.m., the Baseball Alumni Game and the open, leading into the Men’s and Women’s Wrestling Alumni Duels, held on the EOU tennis courts, at 11 a.m.

EOU kicks off at 1 p.m., when the Mountaineers face Arizona Christian in the Homecoming Football Game, in Community Stadium. The day continues at Quinn Coliseum with the Women’s Basketball Alumni Game at 5 p.m. and the Men’s Basketball Alumni Game at 7 p.m.

Homecoming concludes on Sunday, Oct. 12, when the Women’s Lacrosse team takes the field at Community Stadium at 11 a.m. against an opponent to be announced, giving fans one last chance to rally around EOU Athletics. For full details and registration information, visit the Homecoming webpage at .

Homecoming 2025 events: 

Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025

• 6 p.m. | 2025 EOU Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

 Friday, Oct. 10, 2025

• 9:30 a.m. | Nate Conklin State Farm MAA Golf Scramble

• 4:30 p.m. | Homecoming Parade

• 6 p.m.| Track & Field Celebration

• 8:30 p.m. | Mountaineer Spirit Bonfire

 SATURDAY,  Oct. 11, 2025

• 8 a.m. | Homecoming Fun Run

• 9 a.m. | Alumni Breakfast & Awards

• 9 a.m. | Softball Alumni Game

• 10 a.m. | Baseball Alumni Game 

• 10 a.m. | Legacy Ford Tailgate Zone Open

• 11 a.m. | Men’s & Women’s Wrestling Alumni Duels

• 1 p.m. | EOU Football vs. Arizona Christian

• 5 p.m. | Women’s Basketball Alumni Game

• 7 p.m. | Men’s Basketball Alumni Game 

 Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025 

• 11 a.m. | Women’s Lacrosse vs. TBA

La Grande, ORE – EOU’s Johana Sepulveda carried her community with her when she graduated in 2025. With her Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in hand, she returned to her hometown of Boardman, Oregon, to teach fourth grade at Windy River Elementary, the same district where she grew up.

“I didn’t speak any English when I started kindergarten,” Sepulveda said. “I know the challenges my students are facing because I’ve lived them. That’s why I want to provide the kind of support I needed when I was their age.”

Sepulveda’s journey reflects the strengths of EOU’s MAT program: an accelerated, hybrid model that prepares teachers to thrive in rural classrooms. But her experience also illustrates the way student voices continually shape and improve the program itself.

Learning While Leading

The MAT is a demanding 10-month program that blends intensive coursework with full-time classroom experience. Many candidates, like Sepulveda, are already working under restricted teaching licenses when they enroll, teaching during the day and logging into online classes at night.

“It was challenging to balance work and school at the same time,” Sepulveda admitted. “Some nights I was energized and eager to learn. Other nights, I was exhausted. But the professors were approachable and supportive. They always made time for us.”

That accessibility, she said, was surprising. “They got back to me on weekends, they answered questions quickly, and they made me feel like I could reach out whenever I needed help. That support carried me through.”

A Program That Listens

According to Kristin Johnson, Admission and Retention Coordinator for the MAT program, that kind of feedback isn’t just appreciated, it’s essential. Each year, faculty gather input from students through surveys and an advisory council, then use it to refine coursework, structure, and delivery.

“We are continually improving the program by taking student feedback,” Johnson said. “If we’re seeing similar feedback from a lot of students, we make that adjustment. We also meet twice a year with an advisory council that includes school administrators, practicing teachers, and our own students. That helps us stay current and relevant in the field so we’re not teaching outdated practices.”

One of the biggest evolutions has been the program’s shift in modality. Today, MAT students spend only one week on campus at the start of the program. The rest of their coursework is conducted online through weekly Zoom sessions and independent study, an intentional design that supports rural candidates who cannot easily travel to campus.

“In the past, students had to come to campus more frequently, which we loved,” Johnson said. “But that’s just not what our candidates need now. Many are already teaching in their own classrooms, often in rural communities. By reducing the travel requirement, we make the program more feasible and responsive to their realities.”

Staying Relevant in a Changing Field

Education, Johnson added, is not static. Best practices evolve as research deepens and student demographics shift. Some approaches stand the test of time; others are discarded as outdated.

“That’s why it’s so important to stay connected to both our candidates and the field,” Johnson said. “Our faculty are still in classrooms doing observations, so they’re not removed from the K–12 setting. They see the challenges, the successes, and the changes firsthand. That keeps us relevant.”

For Sepulveda, that relevance showed up in practical tools she could use right away. “I learned so much about the science of reading,” she said. “I was able to take strategies from class and apply them to my students the very next day. That gave me confidence and helped me grow as an educator.”

Rooted in Rural Communities

Now in her own classroom, Sepulveda embodies what the MAT program aims to deliver: prepared, resilient teachers who are rooted in the communities they serve. In Boardman, where many families speak Spanish at home, her bilingual skills allow her to bridge gaps for both students and parents.

For now, Sepulveda is happily rooted in her fourth-grade classroom, but she dreams of teaching Spanish again in the future. “I don’t assume students know something,” she said. “I approach it in a way that makes it understandable for everyone. That’s what language learning should feel like.”

“Rural areas don’t always have the same resources as bigger cities,” she said. “But teachers can bridge those gaps. For my students, being able to ask questions in Spanish makes a huge difference. For parents, it means they’re included in their child’s education. That’s the kind of impact I want to make.”

A Program That Grows With Its Students

For decades, EOU’s MAT program has launched teachers into Oregon classrooms. Today, it continues to evolve, driven by feedback from students like Sepulveda and informed by the needs of rural schools.

“I was able to apply what I learned right away,” Sepulveda reflected. “It helped me become a better educator. And that’s what matters most, helping students learn and succeed.”

As Johnson sees it, that’s the heart of the program’s mission: preparing teachers who not only thrive in their own classrooms but also shape the future of the program itself.

“Our students’ voices matter,” Johnson said. “They help us grow, and in turn, we prepare them to go out and make a difference in schools across Oregon.”

LA GRANDE, Ore. – Teach Rural Oregon, a program in the College of Education at ��ݮ��Ƶ (EOU), is proud to announce it is joining the GRAD Partnership as its newest Intermediary and local partner for the state of Oregon.

As a GRAD Partnership Intermediary, Teach Rural Oregon will support the implementation of student success systems in local schools and districts with a focus on rural areas of Oregon. It will also work to involve additional partners in building a sustainable ecosystem for student success across the state.

As Oregon’s designated Rural University, EOU cultivates innovative partnerships with communities across the region to expand economic and educational opportunities for all. Teach Rural Oregon aims to recruit diverse student teachers to complete their student teaching in rural and isolated districts across Oregon, and is also working with like-minded partners to address issues such as absenteeism, graduation rates, career-technical education/university degree attainment, and teacher retention in rural areas.

Student success systems build on earlier evidence-based student support models—such as early warning and on-track systems—to meet the new scope and scale of student needs emerging from the pandemic. Student success systems are a comprehensive, school-wide effort that integrates holistic, real-time data with student, parent, and educator insights to improve strategies that ensure students graduate from high school prepared for lifelong success. This framework ensures the right supports reach the right students at the right time, enabling schools to establish school-wide preventative efforts as well as quickly and effectively respond to emerging challenges at the school, grade, and individual levels.

By integrating supportive relationships and mindsets that promote student belonging and connectedness, student success systems help create school environments where every student feels welcome, supported, and motivated to succeed.

Student success systems originated from a collaboration among national education organizations responding to urgent student needs following pandemic-related school closures. Now in its third year, the GRAD Partnership has grown to include more than 200 districts across over 25 states. The initiative is driven by 12 national partners, all working together to ensure every student graduates high school ready for lifelong success. Teach Rural Oregon will join 15 other Intermediaries, including rural-serving GRAD Partnership Intermediaries in a Rural Cohort of Intermediaries, as part of a professional learning community, and will receive capacity-building support from a GRAD Partnership technical assistance provider.

“Some of the many issues facing rural Oregon school districts, particularly since the pandemic, include high absentee rates and low postsecondary degree attainment among students,” explained Dave Dallas, Director of Teach Rural Oregon and an instructor in the College of Education at EOU. In the most recent Oregon Statewide Report Card, 38% of students statewide were chronically absent. At a local level, 10 of these districts reported that over 50% of their students were chronically absent, and all but two of these districts were 100% rural-serving districts.

A recent report from the Oregon Health Authority showed that rural counties in the state have some of the highest four-year high school graduation rates; however, these same counties had some of the lowest rates for postsecondary degrees among adults 25 or older. “As Teach Rural Oregon’s mission evolves and matures, we don’t just want to recruit teachers into these rural areas. We want to make sure that students are in school and have the tools and resources they need to further their education beyond high school, be it in the trades, community colleges, or higher education,” said Dallas.

The capacity-building support from the GRAD Partnership will empower Teach Rural Oregon to build and improve student success systems in a cohort of schools. Recent data from the GRAD Partnership’s Year Two Impact Report show that schools that began implementing student success systems in 2022–23 and continued using them in 2023–24 saw the average chronic absenteeism rate decline from 29% to 21% over two years, and the average course failure rate decline from 31% to 20% over two years. In ninth-grade classrooms, where early intervention is especially critical, results also showed meaningful improvement: the average ninth-grade chronic absenteeism rate declined from 31% to 26% over two years, and the average ninth-grade course failure rate declined from 32% to 22% over two years.

“We are thrilled to welcome Teach Rural Oregon as the newest GRAD Partnership Intermediary. Intermediaries are vital to our goals of ensuring all students have the support they need to graduate on a pathway to adult success. Because Intermediaries are trusted local partners with strong ties to their community, they are well-positioned to catalyze adoption of student success systems. Teach Rural Oregon brings a wealth of deep connections and local expertise and will be a valued partner in the national movement for student success,” said Patricia Balana, GRAD Partnership Managing Director.

Dallas shared, “Teach Rural Oregon, and the College of Education at EOU, are excited to join this partnership and are confident that it will enhance the knowledge and tools we have available to assist rural school communities throughout Oregon.”

LA GRANDE, Ore. – ��ݮ��Ƶ and Portland State University are teaming up to host a joint alumni social, Downtown to Dirt Roads, on Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at Backfire Station in downtown Pendleton.

The casual drop-in event is designed to bring together alumni and friends in an informal setting to reconnect and celebrate the strong ties between both institutions.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet EOU President Kelly Ryan and PSU President Ann Cudd, along with other special guests.

“Events like this highlight the importance of partnerships and connection, not just between our universities, but within the communities we serve,” said Kelly Ryan, president of ��ݮ��Ƶ.

The social is open to all alumni and friends of EOU and PSU.

Event Details:
Backfire Station, Downtown Pendleton
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Drop-in between 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.For more information, contact the EOU Alumni Association.