Partner Spotlight: Eastern Oregon University

Eastern Oregon University, designated as Oregon’s Rural University in 2018, serves a vital role as an educational, cultural, and economic nexus for Eastern Oregon and other rural areas throughout Oregon. 
 
Founded in 1929 as Eastern Oregon Normal School, EON had over 200 men and women enrolled in the two-year certificate program in teacher education.  In 1932, EON was fully accredited as a teacher training program. The Oregon Legislature changed the name to Eastern Oregon College of Education in 1939.  In 1956, the words “of Education” were dropped and in 1973, the Oregon Legislature changed EOC’s name to Eastern Oregon State College.  Finally, in 1997, EOSC became Eastern Oregon University.
 
Throughout this time, Eastern Oregon University has evolved into a well-rounded institution offering the opportunity to learn in a small classroom setting.  With four colleges, students can choose from more than 30 academic programs, including sciences, humanities, teaching and business with undergraduate and graduate degrees awarded.
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​Eastern Oregon University’s stated values revolve around altruism, civility, discovery, integrity, interdependence, and quality.  These values enhance their mission of guiding student inquiry through integrated, high-quality liberal arts and professional programs that lead to responsible and reflective action in a diverse and interconnected world.  In addition, Eastern Oregon University, as an educational, cultural, and scholarly center, connects the rural regions of Oregon to the wider world through partnerships with colleges, universities, agencies, and communities.
 
The goals of Eastern Oregon University are put forth in the “Strategic Framework:  The Ascent 2029.”  This includes six goals with two or three objectives for each, which are pathways toward achieving those goals.  EOU’s goals are:  (1) Student Success, (2) Transformational Education, (3) Grow the Number of Lives Impacted, (4) A Thriving University Community, (5) Relevance and Interconnection, and (6) Financial Sustainability.  For a more in-depth discussion of Eastern Oregon’s goals and the individual objectives, please check out:  https://www.eou.edu/about/mission.  You will also find EOU’s “Statement on Freedom of Expression,” which was developed through collaboration with the University Faculty Senate, the University Council, and the Associated Students of Eastern Oregon University (ASEOU).
 
As Oregon’s Rural University, Eastern Oregon University combines a beautiful setting and a small size with far-reaching academic and professional connections for a truly well-rounded and inclusive educational experience, as well as serving as an educational, economic, and cultural touchstone for La Grande and Northeast Oregon.