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 .

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 – 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. — Holly Sorenson never expected her Bachelor of Music degree from ��ݮ��Ƶ (EOU) to pave the way to a career in community health. Yet, more than a decade after graduating in 2013, Sorenson has blended her passions for music and helping others into a career that transforms lives.

As the Outreach Programs Manager at the Northeast Oregon Network (NEON), Sorenson leads teams dedicated to connecting individuals with healthcare resources and community services. She credits her time at EOU for fostering a spirit of adaptability and a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives—skills she uses daily.

“I didn’t set out to work at a nonprofit,” Sorenson said. “But during my final year, I completed an internship with NEON through a community service program. That experience opened my eyes to a field I’d never considered.”

A Path to Purpose

During her internship, Sorenson impressed her team with her quick learning and ability to build connections. By the time she graduated, NEON offered her a staff position, and her role grew over the years. Today, she works with community health workers who help clients navigate complex systems, such as the Oregon Health Plan, and access vital resources like transportation and language interpretation.

Her team’s efforts have significantly impacted rural communities by reducing healthcare barriers and empowering individuals to utilize their benefits.

“One of the most rewarding moments is seeing the relief on someone’s face when they realize they’re getting the help they need,” Sorenson said. “It’s a reminder of why this work matters.”

Music and Mardi Gras: A Balancing Act

While her career demands focus and dedication, Sorenson hasn’t left her music behind. She performs regularly with Bag of Hammers and the Depot Street Syncopators, local ensembles known for their energetic shows and community spirit.

“Mardi Gras has become such a rich tradition for us,” Sorenson said. “The music, rooted in cultural expression and resilience, is a yearly reminder of how art brings people together.”

On March 4, Sorenson will take the stage with the Mardi Gras Band for their annual celebration. Reflecting on her journey, she sees parallels between her music and her work at NEON.

“Both are about connection,” Sorenson said. “Whether it’s through a song or helping someone access healthcare, it’s about reaching people where they are.”

A Foundation at EOU

Sorenson started at EOU in 2009, drawn by the university’s strong music program. She graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor of Music degree, having gained exposure to diverse musical styles and cultures that shaped her as a musician and a person.

“My time at EOU helped me develop a deeper understanding of people and their stories,” Sorenson said. “That foundation has been invaluable in my work with underserved communities.”

Advice for Aspiring Students

Sorenson encourages current and prospective students to embrace exploration and adaptability. “You don’t have to know exactly where you’re headed,” she said. “Be open to discovering new paths—your experiences will guide you.”

For those considering a creative career, her advice is simple: “Enjoy it. Don’t worry about being perfect. Dive in and let your passion lead you.”

As Sorenson prepares for another busy year of community outreach and music performances, she remains committed to blending her talents and passions to make a difference.

“Whether it’s in the office or on the stage, it’s about bringing joy and support to others,” Sorenson said. “That’s what drives me every day.”

To learn more about connecting with fellow alumni, building lifelong Mountaineer relationships, and supporting ��ݮ��Ƶ, visit the EOU Alumni Association page at /alumni/.

LA GRANDE, Ore. – The solo exhibition of 2022 ��ݮ��Ƶ graduate Sophia Aimone, whose artistic vision comes to life at Art Center East this Friday, May 3, 2024, is titled “all tangled up.” 

 “This opportunity presented itself to me, and I love La Grande,” Aimone said. “Having worked at Art Center East, I felt a strong connection to the community and wanted to return to share my work.”

The exhibit features 29 pieces that reflect Aimone’s intent to, “make people feel invited into a creative world that doesn’t exist outside of my paintings.” Using pastel colors, her work aims to establish a playful world, inviting viewers to experience her unique creative expression.

Aimone credits her preparation and confidence for the exhibit to the education she received at ��ݮ��Ƶ

“The professors were exceptional, and the small program size allowed me to acquire the tools I needed to move forward confidently,” said Aimone.

The opening reception for “all tangled up” is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Art Center East, 1006 Penn Ave, La Grande. 
For more information about the exhibition and Sophia Aimone’s work, visit or contact the center directly.