LA GRANDE, Ore. 鈥� The question students and families are asking about higher education has shifted. It鈥檚 no longer just 鈥淐an we afford this?鈥� but also 鈥淚s this worth it?鈥� Colleges of Distinction is proud to name 鲸鱼传媒 (EOU) a 2026-2027 Affordable College of Distinction, recognizing an institution that answers both questions with confidence.

This recognition is not awarded based on sticker price alone. Colleges of Distinction conducts a thorough analysis of each institution鈥檚 true cost to students, its support for lower-income families, and the outcomes that follow graduation.

“At 鲸鱼传媒, we believe a college education should be both accessible and transformative,” said EOU President Kelly Ryan. “This recognition reflects our commitment to keeping higher education affordable while providing students with the personalized support, academic opportunities, and career preparation they need to succeed. We are proud to help students achieve their goals without placing an overwhelming financial burden on them or their families.”

EOU was selected based on demonstrated strength in the following areas:

• You鈥檝e set your sights on college, so now comes the BIG question:聽 How do you pay for it? At 鲸鱼传媒, we鈥檙e ready to work with you to make it possible and affordable!
• Strong financial support for Pell Grant recipients and other aid-eligible students across all income brackets.
• Low median debt among graduates reflects a commitment to keeping borrowing manageable throughout a student鈥檚 academic career.
• Positive career earnings: EOU has the lowest average annual cost of attendance among Oregon鈥檚 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 achieve the best earnings-to-cost ratio among Oregon Public Universities.
• Accessibility across socioeconomic backgrounds, with intentional structures that reduce barriers to enrollment and completion.

To explore EOU鈥檚 full profile, visit .

LA GRANDE, Ore. 鈥� Today, employers aren鈥檛 just looking for graduates who understand business; they want graduates who can navigate uncertainty, lead across differences, and make decisions in situations that no textbook can anticipate. 

Colleges of Distinction has named 鲸鱼传媒 (EOU) a 2026-2027 Business College of Distinction in recognition of an undergraduate business program that takes such a challenge seriously.

Colleges of Distinction evaluates the full arc of a student鈥檚 business education from how they enter the discipline as first-years to how they enter the workforce as graduates. EOU鈥檚 program earned this recognition by demonstrating depth and intentionality at every stage.

鈥淥ur business programs are continuously innovating, embracing cutting-edge technologies relevant to the future market environment, combining strong academic foundations with practical experience, ethical decision-making, and effective advising so students can apply what they learn in ways that serve their communities, industries, and the region, 鈥� Dean of the College of Business at EOU Scott McConnell said.

EOU鈥檚 School of Business demonstrated excellence in the following areas:

• Stability 鈥� The School of Business has a long-standing presence, operating for at least 10 years with consistent enrollment and an established number of degrees awarded annually.
• Accreditation 鈥� The College of Business, Accounting, and Business programs are accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)
• Multidisciplinarity 鈥� The School of Business offers majors and minors in three or more distinct disciplines, including Marketing, Accounting, and Economics, cultivating both quantitative and qualitative critical thinking, as well as essential soft skills such as leadership, public speaking, and information literacy.
• Practical Experience 鈥� The Economics degree program provides practical, high-quality education on several economic concepts, preparing students for careers in business, education, resource management, and public service.
• Business Ethics 鈥� EOU鈥檚 undergraduate business programs prioritize ethical reasoning and corporate responsibility, preparing graduates who lead with competency and integrity.
• Dedicated Advising and Counseling 鈥� The School of Business offers high-quality academic and career advising throughout the student journey.
• High-Impact Practices 鈥� The Agriculture Entrepreneurship degree is a transfer-friendly program that combines science, business, and agriculture knowledge. It emphasizes hands-on learning and entrepreneurial skills, enabling students to identify market opportunities and strategically capitalize on them..
• Industry Connections 鈥� Our top-ranked FSA program allows fire service professionals to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree fully online, with an optional 24-credit Wildland Fire Track for specialized advancement.

鈥淭he business landscape that students are entering looks fundamentally different than it did even five years ago,鈥� said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction. EOU鈥檚 program doesn鈥檛 just keep up with constant change; it prepares students to lead through it. Their combination of rigorous academics, applied learning, and ethical grounding is exactly what we look for.鈥�

To learn more about EOU鈥檚 business programs and national recognition, visit /college-of-business/#undergrad.

LA GRANDE, Ore. 鈥� The EOU MFA Program in Creative Writing and the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences are excited to announce the third EOU New Nature Writing Con, which will take place June 19-21, Friday evening through Sunday morning.

As part of the MFA program鈥檚 special concentration in Landscape, Ecology, and Community, the conference seeks to highlight authors and recent books that are pushing the boundaries of eco-writing, broadly construed, especially in the Northwest. The conference consists of two days of readings, conversations, and classes that bring together readers, students, MFA faculty, and award-winning visiting writers. All readings and conversations are free and open to the public. The conference鈥檚 six classes are by registration for just $75.00.

The conference kicks off Friday, June 19, at 7 p.m. at hq (112 Depot Street) with an EOU MFA Faculty reading featuring Claire Boyles, Laura Da鈥�, and Melissa Mathewson reading from new and forthcoming books. 鈥榮 second book and debut novel is (W.W. Norton), forthcoming in August. s latest poetry collection is (U Arizona P 2025). 鈥榮 second essay collection is due out later this year.

At 8 p.m. at hq, visiting writer presents her book (Torrey House Press 2026), an ornithological tale in which 鈥渢hree lives are drawn together by fate, flight, and the healing power of nature.鈥� She is a professor of creative writing at the Washington State University Honors College. Among other honors, she is the recipient of a literature fellowship from the Idaho Commission on the Arts and a national wilderness artist鈥檚 residency through the Bureau of Land Management. She lives in Pullman. She鈥檒l read and be in conversation with Megan Kruse.

A full day of programming follows on Saturday, June 20, in EOU鈥檚 Zabel Hall. At 11 a.m. in Zabel 101 (Lewis Auditorium), visiting writer presents her book (Milkweed 2025), 鈥渁n elegant collection of lyric essays that embraces fractures, contradictions, and the interconnectedness of life on Earth.鈥� She is the recipient of the Yale Series of Younger Poets Award for her first book Radial Symmetry as well as a Ruth Lily Fellowship and Kate Tufts Discovery Award, among other honors. She lives in Tucson. She鈥檒l read and be in conversation with .

At 1 p.m. in Zabel 101, visiting writer presents her debut novel (Stillhouse Press 2025), 鈥渁 tale of queer love, new motherhood, and ecological interconnectedness.鈥� She is also the author of a poetry chapbook and book of spells, The Cemetery Cure. Her writing has appeared in Triquarterly, Orion, Electric Literature, Catapult, and other places. She lives in Portland. She鈥檒l read and be in conversation with .

Saturday night will feature the MFA program鈥檚 annual thesis reading from 7-9 p.m. at hq. It will showcase 12 graduating students reading short excerpts from their work, each introduced by their faculty mentor. 

For registered participants, the conference also offers six 1-hour classes taught by visiting writers Annie Lampman, Katherine Larson, and Miranda Schmidt and by MFA faculty members Laura Da鈥�, Melissa Matthewson, and Molly Reid. These classes will run on Saturday at 9 am, 10 am, 2 pm, and 3 pm, and on Sunday at 9 am and 10 am. Topics include 鈥淲riting with Trees,鈥� 鈥淭he Remote & Forgotten: Writing Place as Character,鈥� 鈥淲riting Toward Your Dead Nature Writers: Literary Ancestors as Craft,鈥� 鈥淗aibun Workshop,鈥� 鈥淥n Walking the Land and Memory Palaces: Considering Land and History in the Creative Process,鈥� and 鈥淚f these Walls Could Talk: The House as More than Setting.鈥� All classes will be held in Zabel Hall 107.

Additionally a light luncheon on Saturday is also included as part of conference registration. A full schedule can be found via the conference website: /mfa/2026-new-nature-writing-con/. Registration for classes is via: .

LA GRANDE, Ore. 鈥� 鲸鱼传媒’s (EOU) elementary teacher preparation programs have earned A+ ratings from the , placing them among the nation’s highest-rated programs for preparing future teachers to teach reading.

In its 2026 Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation, NCTQ awarded A+ grades to EOU’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Concentration and Multidisciplinary Studies Major and its Master of Arts in Teaching: Elementary Education program.

The review examines how well programs equip future teachers with the five core components of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

“Learning to read is one of the most important skills students develop in school, and teachers play a critical role in that process,” said Dean of the College of Education at 鲸鱼传媒, Dr. Rae Ette Newman. “We’re proud that NCTQ recognized the work our faculty has done to ensure teacher candidates graduate prepared to provide effective reading instruction.”

The recognition reflects EOU’s ongoing commitment to preparing educators for classrooms across Oregon, particularly in rural communities where schools continue to face teacher shortages, and students benefit from strong literacy instruction early in their education.

EOU’s College of Education serves students throughout the state through both on-campus and online programs. Graduates go on to teach in communities large and small, helping meet the demand for qualified educators in Oregon schools.

According to NCTQ, exemplary teacher preparation programs provide aspiring educators with the knowledge and skills needed to teach reading using methods explicitly supported by decades of research.

“Strong reading instruction changes the trajectory of a student’s education,” said Newman. “This recognition affirms that EOU graduates enter the classroom with the tools they need to help students succeed.”

LA GRANDE, Ore. 鈥� 鲸鱼传媒 will hold its Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, June 13, 2026, starting at  9:30 a.m. in Community Stadium on the La Grande campus.

The main commencement ceremony will be held on the green. Guests are encouraged to come prepared for the sun, wearing hats, and bringing sunscreen. High heels are not permitted on the field as they can damage the turf. 

The university anticipates that over 420 students will walk across the stage. Graduates will sit and walk in the ceremony with classmates from their academic college.

Those receiving master鈥檚 degrees can participate in a special hooding ceremony inside Quinn Coliseum at 8:30 a.m. Students participating in the Master鈥檚 Hooding Ceremony also participate in the main Commencement Ceremony. 

Check-in time for the Master鈥檚 Hooding Ceremony is at 7:45 a.m. in Quinn Coliseum lobby. Check-in for the main Commencement Ceremony starts at 8:15 a.m. in the EOU Fieldhouse

This in-person event is open to the public. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis with ADA seating directly on the field. The event will be live-streamed at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMountieNetwork/streams. 
Additional Commencement information is available at eou.edu/commencement.

LA GRANDE, Ore. – 鲸鱼传媒’s Psi Chi chapter has been honored as a 2025-26 Model Chapter by Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, in recognition of the chapter’s commitment to academic excellence, student leadership, service, research, and active engagement in the field.

The Model Chapter designation recognizes Psi Chi chapters that demonstrate strong communication, cooperation, teamwork, and engagement with their campus communities and the national organization. EOU’s chapter was one of 45 chapters, out of more than 1,150 Psi Chi chapters, to earn Model Chapter status this year.

“We completed a number of steps to be considered for the award, including demonstrating how our leadership engages in teamwork, engaging in community service projects, and special topic workshops,鈥� said Felicia Kademian-Saini, assistant professor of psychology at EOU and advisor of the Psi Chi chapter. 鈥淲orking with the officers of the Chapter, we focused on our numerous accomplishments this past year.鈥� 

EOU’s Psi Chi chapter earned the recognition after completing several milestones: The chapter created its first bylaws, set standards higher than national membership requirements, elected its first officers, hosted induction ceremonies for in-person and remote participants, and partnered with EOU’s Psychology Club on events, speakers, and campus outreach to increase mental health awareness.

The chapter’s service and awareness work included a suicide awareness campaign, stress-reduction activities, a month-long sexual assault awareness campaign in partnership with Shelter from the Storm, and a May mental health awareness event, “A Day in the Life Of…,” where student panelists spoke openly about their experiences with mental health.

Psi Chi members at EOU were also active in research and presentation opportunities. EOU psychology students presented at the university’s Spring Symposium and capstone symposium, and Psi Chi members delivered five presentations at the Western Psychological Association conference.

For students, Psi Chi membership provides national recognition for academic excellence in psychology. It also provides opportunities to connect with others in the discipline, learn about educational and career pathways, develop leadership skills, participate in service, and pursue research and presentation opportunities.

“Our graduates have the opportunities to take their experiences at EOU and be successful in many different professional areas,” said Kademian-Saini. “Our alumni work in behavioral health, family therapy, school psychology, neuroscience research, and law enforcement.”

Students are invited to join Psi Chi after completing the psychology core and meeting academic requirements, including a minimum GPA of 3.3 and a psychology GPA of 3.5. Members are recognized at two induction ceremonies held during the academic year.

EOU’s Psi Chi chapter is also marking its 45th year, adding national longevity recognition to a year of renewed chapter activity and the chapter’s first known Model Chapter designation.

For more information about the Psi Chi Honor Society at 鲸鱼传媒, visit .

LA GRANDE, Ore. 鈥� The 鲸鱼传媒 Board of Trustees concluded its spring meeting May 21 after two days of public sessions focused on fiscal planning, student access, board governance, enrollment, and strategic priorities.

In unanimous votes, trustees approved the rates package for the 2026-27 tuition, mandatory fees, and room and board; the establishment of an advisory Board Executive Council; the preliminary Education and General budget; the use of the Oregon State Treasury for investment services; and the EOU Ballfield Complex project.

The approved tuition rate package includes a 2.7% increase, a 4.75% increase in room rates, a 4% increase in board rates and meal plans, and a  $59-per-term decrease in the Student Health Fee, and a $3-per-term increase in the Student Incidental Fee. Trustees discussed the shared-governance process behind the recommendation, including student participation on the Tuition Advisory Committee, as well as EOU鈥檚 guiding principle of maintaining access and value amid rising costs and constrained state funding.

鈥淓OU鈥檚 value is to try and make higher education as affordable as possible,鈥� President Kelly Ryan said during the tuition discussion. 鈥淭he number one reason why students don鈥檛 go to college is financial. The number one reason why students leave is financial.鈥�

The preliminary budget keeps the university near balance while maintaining the Board鈥檚 fund balance goals. Trustees also approved the Ballfield Complex project, advancing a refined $6.6 million Phase 1 scope that includes South Campus infrastructure, a basic competition baseball facility, and initial softball improvements. The project is funded through capital improvement and renewal dollars, sports lottery funding and donor support, and does not include Education and General or tuition dollars.

Beyond the action items, trustees reviewed annual key performance indicators tied to Ascent 2029, the university鈥檚 strategic plan; received a trustee enrollment support toolkit; heard state and federal advocacy updates; and received shared governance reports. The EOU Foundation also briefed trustees on the leadership phase of the 鲸鱼传媒 Centennial Campaign, with a seven-year, $17 million working goal focused on academic innovation, student scholarships, a vibrant university experience, and Mountaineer athletic facilities.

President Ryan noted to the Board that despite some challenging trends across the state, there are still great things to celebrate about EOU, including graduating seniors and their successes, top rankings with Mountaineer athletics, and state and national recognition of EOU programs.  鈥淒espite the trends in Oregon, there are still things to celebrate at EOU,鈥� President Ryan said.

LA GRANDE, Ore. 鈥� Five 鲸鱼传媒 students will step onto the podium later this month as the EOU Chamber Choir presents its spring concert, 鈥淲e Are One,鈥� at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday,聽 May 28 in McKenzie Theatre.

Admission is free, and donations will be accepted at the door.

The concert follows the choir鈥檚 February performance, 鈥淭rue Colors,鈥� and highlights the work of student conductors Jillian Newman, Jakob Graffunder, McKenzie Jonas, Hannah Brown, and Laylah Lucas. Each student is enrolled in EOU鈥檚 Choral Methods course and has spent the past eight weeks rehearsing and preparing the ensemble for performance.

For many of the students, the experience has provided a first opportunity to lead an ensemble in a live rehearsal setting.

鈥淭he first time we stood in front of the choir was terrifying,鈥� Lucas said. 鈥淏ut it鈥檚 been really fun seeing all of us get more comfortable and realize that we鈥檙e helping create the music, not just directing it.鈥�

Many of the student conductors are preparing for careers in education, and the course gives them practical experience leading rehearsals, communicating musical ideas, and working with singers in real time.

鈥淚t鈥檚 an incredible opportunity to jump right in,鈥� Jonas said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 helped me become more comfortable leading students and developing teaching strategies.鈥�

Graffunder said the experience has strengthened both his teaching skills and musicianship.

鈥淭his class gave me a foundation for teaching and managing an ensemble,鈥� Graffunder said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 helped me become a more well-rounded musician and better prepared for what comes next.鈥�

Brown said the course also emphasized the importance of connection and collaboration within an ensemble.

鈥淚鈥檝e learned a lot about myself, new ways to teach, and how important it is to build connections with students,鈥� Brown said.

Newman, who plans to become a music teacher, said conducting introduced a new kind of leadership experience.

鈥淚鈥檝e had to learn different teaching approaches and how to connect with the ensemble,鈥� Newman said.

The concert repertoire explores themes of unity, connection, and shared human experience through music from a variety of traditions and cultures. Selections include 鈥淪isi Ni Moja鈥� by Jacob Narverud, 鈥淎n Earth Song鈥� by Marques Garrett, 鈥淲ade in the Water,鈥� arranged by Kevin Phillip Johnson, and 鈥淚ndlu yeGagu,鈥� arranged by Sizwe Mondlane.

Professor of Music Peter Wordelman said the course allows students to develop conducting skills through direct experience with an ensemble.

鈥淵ou can study technique, but conducting only improves when you鈥檙e working with real people,鈥� Wordelman said. 鈥淟earning how to lead an ensemble happens in the moment.鈥�

The concert program includes:

Full Choir

• 鈥淪isi Ni Moja鈥� by Jacob Narverud 鈥� conducted by Jillian Newman
• 鈥淗ela Rotan鈥� (Indonesian Folksong), arranged by Ken Stevens 鈥� conducted by Jakob Graffunder
• 鈥淎n Earth Song鈥� by Marques Garrett 鈥� conducted by McKenzie Jonas

Soprano/Alto Choir

• 鈥淪wifter Than Flame鈥� by Elaine Hagenberg 鈥� conducted by Hannah Brown
• 鈥淲ade in the Water,鈥� arranged by Kevin Phillip Johnson 鈥� conducted by Jakob Graffunder

Tenor/Bass Choir

• 鈥淐onnected鈥� by Brian Tate 鈥� conducted by Laylah Lucas
• 鈥淭he River鈥� by Susan La Barr 鈥� conducted by Jillian Newman

Full Choir

• 鈥淜ama Muta鈥� by Aaron Gage 鈥� conducted by Hannah Brown
• 鈥淚ndlu yeGagu鈥� (South Africa), arranged by Sizwe Mondlane 鈥� conducted by McKenzie Jonas
• 鈥淟ovely Chance鈥� by Jacob Narverud 鈥� conducted by Laylah Lucas

For more information about EOU鈥檚 music program and upcoming performances, visit eou.edu.

LA GRANDE, Ore. 鈥� 鲸鱼传媒鈥檚 Greater Oregon STEM Hub (EOU GO STEM) has received first place in the 14th annual Oregon Ag Fest Agricultural Education Awards for its innovative Artificial Intelligence and Agriculture (AI + AG) program, recognizing this program鈥檚 impact on agricultural education and technology outreach across rural Oregon.

Presented during the 2026 Oregon Ag Fest in Salem, the annual award honors organizations that promote agricultural education and increase public understanding of Oregon agriculture. GO STEM received the top honor and a $2,000 award for its efforts to connect students and educators with emerging agricultural technologies.

The award-winning AI + AG program was designed by Elaine Swanson, GO STEM鈥檚 AI + Tech educator and instructor in EOU鈥檚 s Agriculture Entrepreneurship program. The initiative was created to help bridge gaps in agricultural education throughout Eastern Oregon while exposing students to the growing role of technology in modern farming.

鈥淔or me, this award represents not just recognition of the work, but also that our communities belong in the future of the ag tech space. This program was built around the simple idea that our rural ag students need access to the same emerging technology and opportunities as everyone else. Through AI + AG, I鈥檝e taught artificial intelligence, satellite data, and the future agriculture workforce all across our region. What has been most meaningful is seeing students move from uncertainty to curiosity and answering their tough questions about water, technology, and our food systems as a whole,鈥� Swanson says. 

鈥淭his role has also expanded my definition of 鈥榟ome鈥� and how Eastern Oregon can be a part of this massive industry. . I think it is a disservice not to prepare our students for what is coming,鈥� she adds.

Since its launch, the AI + AG program has reached almost 500 middle and high school students and over 70 agriculture and Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers across Baker, Wallowa, Umatilla, Union, Grant, Harney, and Morrow counties. Through hands-on learning labs, students explore how artificial intelligence and satellite data can support crop monitoring and water management. 

鈥淭his award reflects the dedication of GO STEM鈥檚 staff in fulfilling our mission: to provide free STEM programming that will prepare students for the future workforce and the evolving needs of their communities,” said Dr. Stefanie Holloway, Program Director of the Greater Oregon STEM Hub. 鈥淓laine has designed and delivered an innovative, homegrown program for Eastern Oregon students to discover new opportunities within modern agriculture and technology, as well as the impacts all of this will have on rural communities. Our AI + AG program curriculum can be adapted for students across the state and nation as well, in service of their communities’ needs.鈥�  

The , a nonprofit organization dedicated to agricultural education, has provided hands-on agricultural learning experiences for Oregon families for nearly four decades. More than 23,000 people attend the annual event each year to learn about where their food and fiber come from, and to experience Oregon agriculture firsthand.For more information about EOU鈥檚 GO STEM Hub, visit /college-of-education/go-stem/ and .

When Lisa MacPherson opened her acceptance email from 鲸鱼传媒, she didn鈥檛 expect to cry. Confetti fell across the screen, and for Lisa, that moment carried so much weight.

鈥淚t was the moment I realized I was finally doing something for me,鈥� Lisa said. 鈥淚 felt so much pride knowing I was going to the same school my dad once did.鈥�

Lisa, now an online psychology student at EOU, returned to the university her father attended in the early 1970s. When the institution was known as Eastern Oregon State College. He passed away in 2006 at the age of 55.

鈥淚 regret not asking him more about his college experience,鈥� Lisa said. 鈥淣ow I鈥檓 always looking for ways to feel connected to him.鈥�

She softens her tone and smiles with affection when talking about him.

鈥淢y dad was everything that you would hope for in a parent. He was loving, kind, patient, and funny. He loved to make us laugh. He was a really good listener鈥� really empathetic. He was just a really good man.鈥�

Inspired by her journey, Lisa and her partner created a video reflecting on returning to college, the influence of her late father, and the sense of connection she has found at EOU.聽

After moving to Oregon just over a year ago, Lisa found herself closer not only to her roots but to a long-delayed goal.

鈥淚 always knew I wanted a college degree,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut the timing never seemed right. And then life happened.鈥�

She married young, became a single parent, and focused on raising her daughter, now 20,  while building a career in mental health. For years, school felt out of reach.

鈥淚 was 21,鈥� Lisa said. Life just took me in a different direction for a really long time. School just wasn鈥檛 something I felt like I could prioritize.鈥�

Working alongside students pursuing their own goals, Lisa draws inspiration from the young people around her.

鈥淚 used to tell them, 鈥業f I could go back 20 years, I鈥檇 be doing exactly what you鈥檙e doing,鈥欌�� she said. 鈥淎nd they would always respond, 鈥榃hy don鈥檛 you start now?鈥欌��

When her daughter graduated from high school and Lisa relocated to Oregon, the timing seemed right, but more importantly, her perspective shifted.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 when I realized you have to make those opportunities happen. You can鈥檛 just wait for them,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 scary, you take a breath and jump.鈥�

Lisa enrolled in EOU鈥檚 online psychology program.

鈥淎s an online student, I really feel like part of the EOU community,鈥� she said. 鈥淓veryone, from professors to classmates, wants you to succeed. You can feel that.鈥�

That support became tangible early on when a faculty mentor, Felicia Kademian-Saini, Ph.D., an assistant professor of Psychology, helped direct her path.

鈥淪he reached out and said, 鈥榃e should talk,鈥欌�� Lisa said. 鈥淪he helped me really focus on what I鈥檇 be good at, got me involved in research, and helped guide me toward grad school. She didn鈥檛 have to do any of that, but she chose to.鈥�

The experience, Lisa says, changed her trajectory.

鈥淲hen I decided to come back to school, I came back with a purpose, and EOU has fulfilled everything for me along the way,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 know if it鈥檚 because I鈥檓 older or it鈥檚 just that good of a school, but that鈥檚 how I feel. I love EOU.鈥�

Even while studying remotely, she describes the university as something rare.

鈥淭here鈥檚 something special here. You can feel it,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t still feels like a small, tight-knit family.鈥�

Balancing school and life hasn鈥檛 always been easy. As her coursework intensified, so did the demands on her time.

鈥淎t first, the balance was pretty easy,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut as I got further along, it became really heavy. I had to learn where my limits were.鈥�

With support from faculty and peers, she鈥檚 adjusted her workload and learned to give herself time.

鈥淚t鈥檚 something you have to keep finding,鈥� she said. 鈥淓very term is different.鈥�

Through it all, her journey has remained deeply personal.

鈥淢y dad walked these paths decades ago,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd through my own journey, I get to walk beside him.鈥�

When asked what he might say if he could see her now, Lisa didn鈥檛 hesitate.

鈥淚 think he鈥檇 smile his proud smile and pull me in for a hug,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd he鈥檇 say, 鈥榊ou found your way.鈥欌��

Her voice cracked, recalling her late father鈥檚 belief in her. 

鈥淗e always believed in me more than I ever did鈥� and that would be enough.鈥�

Today, Lisa encourages others, especially those waiting for the 鈥渞ight time鈥�, to reconsider.

鈥淚f you鈥檙e on the fence, you might be waiting for a while,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he truth is, it鈥檚 up to you to make it happen.鈥�

For her, returning to school has been more than earning a degree. It鈥檚 been a way to reconnect with her past, invest in her future, and honor the person who helped shape both.

鈥淎nd I know,鈥� she said, 鈥渉e鈥檇 be proud.鈥�

The Nightingale Gallery of 鲸鱼传媒 will close out our 2025-26 exhibition season with our annual celebration of student artists. The annual All-Campus Juried Student Exhibition will run from May 20 through June 12. The exhibit features work by EOU students from a variety of disciplines. There will be an opening reception on Wednesday, May 20, from 5-7 p.m. with presentation of awards at 5:30 p.m. Please note the day of the opening is on Wednesday for this particular exhibit, not our usual Friday opening reception.

Our juror this year is Katherine Shaughnessy. Shaughnessy is the Co-Founder and Curator of The Common Well. The Common Well is a dynamic community of artists and entrepreneurs who share space, collaborate, and network in an old factory located in Garden City, Idaho. Shaughnessy curates the dynamic gallery space located on the premises and is also an artist in her own right. She has had solo exhibitions in Chicago, Marfa, and Albuquerque, and her work has been in group shows at The Cleveland Museum of Art, National Museum of Women in the Arts, Port Angeles Fine Arts Center, Boise Art Museum, Sun Valley Museum of Art and most recently, Maintenant in Marfa, Texas, in a spring 2026 show titled “What Are You Fighting For?” 

Shaughnessy鈥檚 artistic practice is rooted in her examination of the natural world and its awkward intersection with human demands and desires 鈥� from bioengineering and borders to bridges and climate change. Her work鈥檚 medium and materiality shifts and responds to the concept she is investigating and includes painting, drawing, sculpture, textiles, video, and installation. Shaughnessy thrives on the meditative process of art making, as well as its healing force, both personally and politically.

Shaughnessy will present a public talk on her curatorial and studio practices on Thursday, May 14, at 6 p.m. in Huber Auditorium, Badgley Hall. The presentation is free, and the public is encouraged to attend.

In addition to selecting works to include in the exhibit, Shaughnessy will select several works to be recognized with monetary awards.  In addition to the juror鈥檚 awards will be the presentation of the sixteenth annual Kathelene Galloway Memorial Scholarship and our seventeenth annual presentation of the Joseph Dickerson Memorial Award. 

The Kathelene Galloway Memorial Scholarship is a $500 award presented to a sophomore or junior-level Art major who exhibits exemplary technical and conceptual skill. The award is made in memory of Kathelene Galloway, who was a professor of printmaking and drawing at EOU. Galloway, who passed away suddenly in December of 2009, was a highly dedicated and much-loved artist, teacher, and colleague. She was a passionate advocate for her students, art, artists, and EOU. She lived to share knowledge and the wonder that comes with discovery. Galloway exemplified the excellence to which we encourage our students to aspire. 

The Joseph Dickerson Memorial Award is in memory of Joe Dickerson, an EOU freshman tragically killed in a 2009 auto accident. Following the loss of their son, Joe鈥檚 parents, Doug and Kyla Dickerson, made a gift of funds to the EOU Art program. Joe was a model student whose creative energy and enthusiasm for learning were infectious. In light of this, the EOU Art Program chose to use the funds so generously given by the Dickerson family to endow an award in their son鈥檚 name to be presented annually to a student who the Art faculty feels best exemplifies Joe鈥檚 dedication, curiosity, and creative spirit. 

All awards will be announced at the reception at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20. Please join us in celebrating the creativity of our EOU students.

The Nightingale Gallery is located in Loso Hall on the campus of 鲸鱼传媒 in La Grande, OR.  Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.  For more information, follow the Nightingale Gallery on and.
To request images of artwork for publication or to schedule an interview with one or more of the artists, please contact Gallery Director Cory Peeke at cpeeke@eou.edu.

LA GRANDE, Ore. 鈥� 鲸鱼传媒 is one of 10 universities across the country to participate in workshops led by the Association of American State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) focused on the value of higher education. 

The Postsecondary Value Framework (PVF) defines and measures whether postsecondary education delivers meaningful value for students and society. It was developed by the Postsecondary Value Commission, launched in 2019 with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and managed by the Institute for Higher Education Policy.

University leadership, faculty, and staff spent an intensive day and a half examining how the PVF informs EOU鈥檚 projects and programs, focusing on outcomes for students, families, business, industry, and communities. 

鈥淭he Postsecondary Value Framework (PVF) is highly aligned with EOU鈥檚 existing strategic direction,鈥� said EOU President Kelly Ryan. 鈥淭he framework asks institutions to organize strategy around whether students receive equitable access, affordability, support, completion, earnings, and wealth-building value from a postsecondary credential. At EOU, that is exactly what we are doing.鈥�

Recent initiatives at EOU, including graduate student enrollment growth, expanded scholarships, the Mountaineer Success Team Program, TRIO Student Support Services, workforce grants, rural educator pathways, and new entrepreneurship and behavioral health programs, show that Oregon鈥檚 Rural University is focused not only on providing access to higher education but on ensuring that students complete, thrive, and contribute to the vitality of rural communities. EOU has also been noted for having some of the highest average alumni earnings in Oregon and the lowest tuition rates. 

鈥淚 firmly believe in the life-changing power of higher education,鈥� Ryan said. 鈥淎nd I believe in the people here at EOU who volunteered to do this workshop because they are committed to supporting our students and serving our region.鈥漈o learn more about the Postsecondary Value Framework, visit or at AASCU .

Sometimes higher education takes students away from home. Sometimes it brings them back.

For Cassie Moore, 鈥�01, her return to the rural community of Unity, Ore., completed a circle. Moore now serves as superintendent of Burnt River Charter School in Unity, one of the most rural school districts in Oregon. The school serves just over 30 students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

In April, 鲸鱼传媒鈥檚 choir tour made a stop at Burnt River. For Moore, the visit carried both professional and sentimental meaning.

鈥淚t鈥檚 really important because I have a couple of kids who are really interested in music, and we don鈥檛 have music programs,鈥� Moore said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 really enlightening to have something they can be inspired by and relate to.鈥�

The visit doubled the population of the small school. When the EOU choir arrived by motorcoach with 44 members, they more than doubled the school鈥檚 population for the day. For many students, it was a rare chance to experience a live choral performance.

Burnt River faces the same challenges as many rural schools across the country, especially limited access to programs and resources. Opportunities like the choir tour help bridge that gap, even if briefly.

鈥淭his is a first for EOU coming here, so we鈥檙e super excited,鈥� Moore said.

Moore鈥檚 path to Unity began at EOU, where she studied education. She said the university offered both opportunity and support.

鈥淓OU was big enough that you got the full college experience, but small enough that they took care of you,鈥� Moore said. 鈥淭he education department was one of the best in the northwest. It probably still is.鈥�

After graduating, Moore began her career teaching in Ontario, Ore. Moore, who has lived in the Burnt River Valley for 19 years, worked in Baker City, Ore., for 22 years, including as dean of students at South Baker Intermediate and principal at Haines Elementary.

Her connection to the region runs deep. Moore recalls commuting daily over Dooley Pass, a winding mountain route along Oregon Route 245 known for its sharp turns and steep grades. Today, her commute is shorter. She and her husband operate a ranch in the Unity area, surrounded by the Blue and Elkhorn mountains.

Moore said EOU prepared her well for the classroom, especially in teaching foundational skills.

鈥淚 felt really prepared to teach when I left,鈥� Moore said. 鈥淚 felt really confident teaching students to read and to be a professional.鈥�

That confidence has shaped not only her career but her recommendations to others. Moore encourages students, especially those interested in education, to consider EOU.

Asked whether she would recommend EOU to her students, Moore is quick to reply. 鈥淎bsolutely, I would recommend it,鈥� Moore said. 鈥淓specially for aspiring teachers.鈥�

Her ties to the university extend beyond her own experience. Her husband also attended EOU through the agriculture program in partnership with Oregon State University. Their son is graduating this year with college credits earned through EOU鈥檚 outreach programs. Several members of their extended family are also alumni.

鈥淓OU was affordable, it was small enough, but big enough,鈥� Moore said.

As the choir鈥檚 voices filled the Burnt River gym this spring, Moore saw more than a performance. She saw a continuation of the same institution that once prepared her, now reaching the next generation of students in rural schools like Unity.

And for just an afternoon, EOU came to her home.

LA GRANDE, Ore. 鈥� Inside the Fieldhouse at 鲸鱼传媒, EOU junior Bella Henneke guides a group of older adults as they work through a balance exercise. The junior Health and Human Performance major watches as participants shift their weight, steady themselves, and try again. It鈥檚 simple on the surface, but not easy.

The Balance Class is a collaboration between 鲸鱼传媒 and Grande Ronde Hospital. Held twice a week during the spring term, it brings together students, health professionals, and community members with a shared goal: improving stability and helping prevent falls.

The idea started with Dean of EOU’s College of Science, Technology, Mathematics and Health Sciences Darren Dutto, and continues under the direction of Jackie Morgan, instructor in the Health Science department. It builds on the partnership between the University and the hospital, blending classroom learning with real interaction in the community.

鈥淭his is a great student experience,鈥� Morgan said. 鈥淎 lot of our students are thinking about working in allied health fields. This gives them a chance to work directly with the community.鈥�

Students begin the term learning the basics of balance and mobility. By the second week, community members join them in the Fieldhouse. From there, the class becomes active and hands-on. Students help with assessments and guide participants through a series of stations that mix physical movement with small mental challenges.

Corrine Dutto, a physical therapist with Grande Ronde Hospital, said the space makes a difference. 鈥淲e can do a lot more in here than we could in a conference room,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he goal is to prevent falls and provide education, but it鈥檚 also about giving students real experience working with a population they may not otherwise interact with.鈥�

That interaction is part of what keeps people coming back. Students gain experience, but they also get to know the participants, many of whom return each week.

For Henneke, that connection stands out. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a really good opportunity to help people and immerse myself in the community,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 also love being around the people and seeing them enjoy the class.鈥�

The program runs without a formal budget, relying on flyers, word of mouth, and support from the hospital to spread the word. Even so, participation has stayed steady, and organizers hope to continue offering the class each spring.

Morgan sees it as a simple idea with lasting impact. 鈥淚t brings together students, the University, and the community in a meaningful way,鈥� she said.

Around the room, participants move from one station to the next. Nearby, students watch and encourage one another, building skills they鈥檒l carry into their careers, shaped by moments just like these.

LA GRANDE, Ore. 鈥� 鲸鱼传媒 (EOU) and the Office of Strategic Equity Initiatives invite the campus community to the 15th annual CEAD (Celebrate, Educate & Appreciate Diversity) Conference on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to  1:30 p.m. on the EOU campus in La Grande. This milestone year celebrates a long-standing campus program focused on learning, connection, and shared understanding. This conference is free and open to all students, faculty, and staff. Some parts of the conference will be livestreamed. More details, including a registration link, will be shared soon. This conference is made possible through support from the Student Council for Cultural Affairs.

Over the years, the CEAD Conference has explored a range of topics, including the value of different perspectives, how systems shape experiences, and, more recently, building relationships, communicating effectively, and strengthening a sense of community. This year鈥檚 conference will continue to focus on community, connection, constructive dialogue, and navigating conversations around identity and lived experiences, particularly within rural settings. The event is designed to bring together students, faculty, staff, and community members for thoughtful discussion and reflection.

There will be a free breakfast and lunch for conference attendees. 

鈥淎s we mark 15 years of CEAD, we see this as an opportunity to bring people together in meaningful ways,鈥� said Mika Morton, Director at 鲸鱼传媒鈥檚 Office of Strategic Equity Initiatives. 鈥淥ur goal is to create space for respectful conversation, shared learning, and a stronger sense of connection across our campus.鈥�

The conference will feature keynote speaker Eliot Feenstra of Oregon鈥檚 Kitchen Table, known for his ability to bring people together across different perspectives and create space for thoughtful, grounded conversation. Through his work, he has helped communities across Oregon engage in meaningful dialogue around complex issues, with a focus on listening, shared understanding, and finding common ground. His approach, centered on curiosity, care, and connection, makes him especially well-suited to help set the tone for this year鈥檚 conference.

鲸鱼传媒 remains committed to fostering a campus environment where all students, faculty, and staff feel a meaningful sense of connection and support. The CEAD Conference is one way the university continues to invest in opportunities for open dialogue, reflection, and shared responsibility in building a strong and connected campus community. Additional details, including registration information, will be announced in the coming weeks. 

For more information about the CEAD Conference, please contact Mika Morton at mnmorton@eou.edu.

LINK TO ADA Digitally Accessible formatted Poster (PDF):

LA GRANDE, Ore. 鈥� 鲸鱼传媒 named 617 students to the dean’s list for the 2026 winter term. Qualifying students achieve and maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale while completing a minimum of 12 hours of graded coursework for the term.

As an educational, cultural, and scholarly center, EOU connects the rural regions of Oregon to a wider world. Our beautiful setting and small size enhance the personal attention our students receive. At the same time, partnerships with colleges, universities, agencies, and communities add to the educational possibilities of our region and state. 

See the Winter 2026 Dean’s List

LA GRANDE, Ore. 鈥� 鲸鱼传媒 (EOU) and Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics (GRH) are pleased to announce a new partnership designed to expand healthcare access for EOU students and strengthen connections with local medical providers.

Through this partnership, students will have access to comprehensive healthcare services at Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics, located just two blocks from campus. Students will be able to establish care with a local provider and request same-day appointments through the clinic鈥檚 patient portal, ensuring timely and convenient access to care.

As part of this transition, EOU will move from an on-campus Student Health Center model to a community-based healthcare approach. The on-campus Student Health Center will permanently close on June 12, 2026, at the conclusion of the Spring term.

鈥淭his partnership represents an exciting evolution in how we support student health and well-being,鈥� said Mollie Rockafellow, Vice President for Student Affairs at EOU. 鈥淏y connecting students more directly with local healthcare providers, we are expanding access to a broader range of services while strengthening their connection to the La Grande community. We are proud to serve as a bridge, helping students navigate care, build relationships locally, and access support that extends beyond their time at EOU.鈥�

The transition to a community-based model is intended to:

• Increase access to a wider network of healthcare providers in La Grande.
• Provide continuity of care beyond a student鈥檚 time on campus.
• Reduce costs for students by proposing a decrease in the student health services fee.

EOU is currently proposing to reduce the student health services fee from $239 per term to $180 per term, pending approval through university governance and Board processes. EOU emphasized that Counseling Center services will remain unchanged. Students will continue to have full access to counseling and mental health support without interruption through the 2026鈥�27 academic year and beyond.

To help students navigate healthcare options, EOU will continue to offer its Benefits Navigator Program, which assists students in understanding insurance coverage and identifying local providers. Additionally, the university plans to enhance health literacy and student support through expanded programming and staffing, including a Health and Wellness Coordinator. Students are encouraged to begin establishing care with a provider that aligns with their insurance coverage and plans. Those without insurance or with questions about local providers can access support through EOU鈥檚 Benefits Navigator.

Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics expressed enthusiasm for the partnership and its role in

supporting student success.

鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to work alongside 鲸鱼传媒 to help care for students close to where they live and learn,鈥� said Jeremy Davis, President and CEO of Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics. 鈥淧artnerships like this matter in rural communities, and this one helps ensure students have access to quality care while strengthening the ties between our organizations. 

EOU also acknowledged its longstanding partnership with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and expressed appreciation for the care provided to students over the years.

This transition reflects EOU鈥檚 ongoing commitment to aligning student services with evolving needs鈥攆ocusing on access, quality, and affordability. University leaders will continue to evaluate and refine services to ensure students receive the support they need to thrive both on campus and in the community.

For more information, contact EOU Student Affairs at saffairs@eou.edu or call (541) 962-3052.

LA GRANDE, Ore. 鈥� 鲸鱼传媒 (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鈥檚 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. 鈥� In what has become both a tradition and a community event, 鲸鱼传媒 is bringing one of the finest musical instruments in the region to the public on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

Community Fazioli Piano Day invites members of the community to sign up and play the $150,000 Fazioli piano on stage at McKenzie Theatre in Loso Hall on the campus of EOU.

鈥淲e warmly invite community members of all ages and experience levels to come play and enjoy this beautiful instrument.鈥� Mio Aoike, faculty member and pianist in the Music Department, said. 鈥淲hether you鈥檙e just starting, returning to the piano after many years, or play regularly, you are very welcome here. We invite the community to come and display their talents.鈥�

This event is a special outreach project providing a unique opportunity for individuals to perform on a world-class instrument. By participating, individuals not only enrich the local musical community but can also support the EOU Music Scholarship Funds in the EOU Foundation.

While the event is free, donations from performers and audience members will be appreciated to support the EOU Music Scholarship funds at the EOU Foundation.

In December 2018, the EOU Foundation premiered the brand-new concert grand piano, the black Fazioli, at the Holiday Music Festival. Generous donors raised $150,000 to purchase, tune, and care for this high-quality instrument in 12 months. The successful campaign highlighted a growing culture of philanthropy and significantly increased engagement among alumni and donors at EOU.

The Fazioli replaced a 64-year-old piano that had been manufactured in 1953. The efforts to raise the $150,000 for the Fazioli worked in conjunction with a renovation of McKenzie Theatre.

鈥淥ur goal is simply to bring people together, share the joy of music, and make this extraordinary instrument accessible to everyone in a supportive and encouraging space,鈥� Peter Wordelman, professor of music at EOU, said.

Hundreds of EOU students, community members, and guests perform alongside the grand piano in McKenzie Theatre every year. Dozens of events, from choir concerts and visiting artists to senior recitals and orchestra performances.

To participate in Community Fazioli Piano Day, simply sign up using this link:

Performances are free for all to enjoy, with donations welcomed to further music education at EOU.

The Music Department is planning a special program as a grand finale, so everyone is encouraged to stay.

LA GRANDE, Ore. 鈥� 鲸鱼传媒 (EOU) has earned the 2026 Military Friendly庐 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庐 School (Small Public category), earning the Designated award for its support of military spouses pursuing higher education.

Military Friendly庐 ratings are based on public and proprietary data collected through the annual Military Friendly庐 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.

鈥淲e are proud to receive the Gold designation,鈥� said Kerry Thompson, EOU Director of Military Services. 鈥淥ur 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.鈥�

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

鈥淲hy not?鈥� Anger said. 鈥淚鈥檓 from here. I don鈥檛 have any complaints 鈥� the smaller class sizes are better for me. Smaller is better.鈥�

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

鈥淚鈥檝e got nothing to say but good things,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t has all been super smooth.鈥�

鲸鱼传媒 will be featured in the 2026 edition of GIJOBS Magazine庐, 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 鲸鱼传媒, .