Washington Monthly published the ranking on Aug. 30, 2026. The list looks at more than 200 four-year colleges located in small towns and rural areas across the country. It rewards schools that help students from working-class families earn strong wages close to home, without requiring a high bar for admission.

To build the ranking, Washington Monthly measured how many students at each school receive Pell Grants, how much students pay after aid, how much debt they carry at graduation, and how much alumni earn four years later. The magazine also gave credit to schools that keep graduates working in the state and that produce degrees in fields rural communities need most, such as education, nursing, agriculture, and engineering.

“This national recognition is proof that together we are accomplishing our mission to serve rural students and communities,” said President Kelly A. Ryan. “91´«Ã½ is delivering life-changing education that empowers our graduates and strengthens our region.”

91´«Ã½ has trained teachers, entrepreneurs, artists, scientists, and other professionals for rural Oregon since 1929. The University was named Oregon’s Rural University by the state legislature in 2018 and continues to focus on serving students in La Grande and across the region.

For more information about 91´«Ã½ and its academic programs, visit eou.edu.

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For 91´«Ã½ graduate Hailey Rogan, that chance eventually took her all the way to Ecuador.

Rogan, ‘26, graduated from 91´«Ã½ with a degree in Environmental and Ecological Biology. She came to Eastern as a soccer player. Birds weren’t part of the plan.

Then she took an ornithology class from 91´«Ã½ Professor Laura Mahrt.

“I recently got into birds because of Laura’s ornithology class,â€� Rogan said, joking that she has since developed “early-onset bird-watching disease.â€�

That interest grew into research, fieldwork, and eventually an opportunity to join Marht on a two-week bird-banding expedition at Reserva Las Tangaras, a private reserve near Mindo, Ecuador.

Before leaving, Rogan regularly traveled from Boise to La Grande to work with Marht at 91´«Ã½’s bird-banding station. She would finish work, make the drive to La Grande, band birds, and return to Boise. The hours paid off.

When Rogan arrived in Ecuador, many of the expedition’s participants had little or no bird-banding experience and needed training. Rogan did not.

She began banding birds on the first day.

“It made it well worth it to drive up to La Grande,� Rogan said, “and not be a beginner when I got to Ecuador.�

For Mahrt, that is precisely why experiences outside the classroom matter.

“Bird banding jobs, you have to have the experience before,� Mahrt said. “And, of course, getting the experience is the hard part.�

Working together week after week also provided something difficult to duplicate in a classroom: individual mentorship.

“Getting first-hand experience with her was very unique,� Rogan said. “I definitely got the personal experience with her.�

When Rogan struggled with a technique, she said, Mahrt was there to help her work through it.

“She was definitely the perfect candidate for me to learn from,� Rogan said.

That experience matters now because Rogan is facing the same transition generations of 91´«Ã½ graduates have faced before her: turning a college education into a career.

She hopes to eventually attend graduate school and had considered a master’s program in raptor biology. Ecuador, combined with three months she previously spent in Costa Rica, has broadened those possibilities.

“Birds have become my main focus,� she said.

For now, however, Rogan wants to get her foot in the door professionally. She hopes to land several seasonal field positions, continue building experience, and then decide what direction graduate school should take her.

She will enter that search with something she didn’t have before: hands-on experience working with birds in Eastern Oregon and the tropics.

The opportunity also illustrates a relationship that didn’t end when Rogan finished her degree. The professor who introduced her to ornithology became the mentor who trained alongside her and eventually traveled with her to Ecuador.

“I owe a lot to 91´«Ã½ and Mahrt specifically,â€� she said.

For alumni, the details may be different, but the story is familiar. A professor sees potential. A student discovers an interest. Someone opens a door.

For Rogan, that meant driving from Boise to La Grande week after week, learning to handle birds and eventually carrying those skills thousands of miles to Ecuador.

And somewhere along the way, what began as a college class started looking like a career.

Rogan calls Ecuador “a trip of a lifetime.�

She also came home thinking about what might come next.

“If I could open a banding station in the tropics,� she said, “I would.�

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The gathering will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Traveling Taphouse, located at SW Court & 9th Street in downtown Pendleton.

Attendees will have the opportunity to visit with 91´«Ã½ President Ryan, reconnect with classmates, and network across all three regional university communities in a relaxed happy hour setting before heading to Thursday evening Round-Up events.

“The Pendleton Round-Up brings people together from all over, making it the perfect backdrop to celebrate our shared regional university community,â€� said Suzannah Moore, Director of External Affairs at 91´«Ã½. “We look forward to welcoming alumni and friends from 91´«Ã½, SOU, and WOU for a casual afternoon of good cheer and conversation.â€�

The event is free to attend and open to all alumni, families, and supporters. No formal RSVP is required.

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LA GRANDE, Ore. – If you saw the cameras and crews around La Grande you know something big was happening in the valley.

Principal photography for a motion picture, set in La Grande, began in February for a dramatic feature, a film written and directed by H. Nelson Tracey. The film will be titled “Breakup Season.�

“I first visited La Grande, in the fall of 2019 for the annual Eastern Oregon Film Festival. I immediately saw the Grande Ronde Valley as having untapped cinematic potential, and shortly thereafter began developing a project tailor-made for this location. Pairing a cast this strong with a spectacular and unique setting will create the cinematic magic that makes us all love film.â€� – H. Nelson Tracey

The film focuses on a young man who brings his girlfriend to his hometown in Oregon to introduce her to his family for the first time.

That young man is being played by actor Chandler Riggs, most notably known for his eight-year run on The Walking Dead.

His girlfriend will be played by actor Samantha Isler. The Oklahoma native got her start playing “Ellie Harrison� in the NBC series “Sean Saves the World.� She’s also had recurring roles in the CW’s “Supernatural,� and ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy.�

91´«Ã½â€™s alum and founder of the Eastern Oregon Film Festival Christopher Jennings has added producer and actor to his resume as well. Jennings has been integral to bringing the production to La Grande and involving students and programs in CAHSS including our very own Theatre Department.

Film crews were seen filming in Downtown La Grande, The Liberty Theater Cafe, the 91´«Ã½ campus and Morgan Lake.

91´«Ã½ is a proud supporter of “Breakup Seasonâ€�, being produced by Static Films.

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91´«Ã½ is among just 275 colleges and universities nationwide recognized on Phi Theta Kappa’s 2026 Transfer Honor Roll. The honor highlights institutions that go above and beyond to support community college students as they transfer, complete their bachelor’s degrees, and achieve their educational goals.

The Transfer Honor Roll recognizes institutions that have created strong pathways for community college students by evaluating performance across several key areas, including transfer student success, credit transfer and degree applicability, financial support, admissions and recruitment practices, and campus engagement.

“At 91´«Ã½, creating opportunities for transfer students has long been central to our mission,” said 91´«Ã½ President Kelly A. Ryan. “Many of our students begin their educational journey at community colleges throughout Oregon and beyond. We are committed to ensuring they have a seamless transition, receive meaningful support, and graduate prepared for successful careers and lives. This national recognition reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff who work every day to make that possible.”

As Oregon’s rural university, 91´«Ã½ has developed strong partnerships with community colleges across the state, offering flexible transfer pathways, personalized advising, and academic programs designed to help students complete their degrees wherever they live. Through on-campus and online learning opportunities, transfer students can continue their education while staying connected to their communities.

For students considering transferring to a four-year university, the recognition signals that 91´«Ã½ is a place where transfer students can thrive. Phi Theta Kappa’s Transfer Honor Roll highlights institutions that make it easier for students to move from community college to a bachelor’s degree by offering strong academic support, transfer-friendly policies, financial aid opportunities, and an engaging campus experience.

91´«Ã½ has long partnered with community colleges across Oregon and the region to help students continue their education with confidence. From personalized advising and flexible degree options to opportunities for both on-campus and online learning, the university is committed to helping transfer students make a smooth transition and graduate prepared for successful careers.

Being named to the 2026 Transfer Honor Roll reflects 91´«Ã½’s continued investment in removing barriers for transfer students and creating pathways that help them succeed from their first day on campus through graduation.

For more information about transferring to 91´«Ã½, visit eou.edu/transfer.

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When Lisa MacPherson opened her acceptance email from 91´«Ã½, she didn’t expect to cry. Confetti fell across the screen, and for Lisa, that moment carried so much weight.

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

Lisa, now an online psychology student at 91´«Ã½, 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.

“I regret not asking him more about his college experience,� Lisa said. “Now I’m always looking for ways to feel connected to him.�

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

“My 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… really empathetic. He was just a really good man.�

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 91´«Ã½.

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

“I always knew I wanted a college degree,� she said. “But the timing never seemed right. And then life happened.�

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.

“I was 21,� Lisa said. Life just took me in a different direction for a really long time. School just wasn’t something I felt like I could prioritize.�

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

“I used to tell them, ‘If I could go back 20 years, I’d be doing exactly what you’re doing,’� she said. “And they would always respond, ‘Why don’t you start now?’�

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

“That’s when I realized you have to make those opportunities happen. You can’t just wait for them,� she said. “It’s scary, you take a breath and jump.�

Lisa enrolled in 91´«Ã½â€™s online psychology program.

“As an online student, I really feel like part of the 91´«Ã½ community,â€� she said. “Everyone, from professors to classmates, wants you to succeed. You can feel that.â€�

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

“She reached out and said, ‘We should talk,’� Lisa said. “She helped me really focus on what I’d be good at, got me involved in research, and helped guide me toward grad school. She didn’t have to do any of that, but she chose to.�

The experience, Lisa says, changed her trajectory.

“When I decided to come back to school, I came back with a purpose, and 91´«Ã½ has fulfilled everything for me along the way,â€� she said. “I don’t know if it’s because I’m older or it’s just that good of a school, but that’s how I feel. I love 91´«Ã½.â€�

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

“There’s something special here. You can feel it,� she said. “It still feels like a small, tight-knit family.�

Balancing school and life hasn’t always been easy. As her coursework intensified, so did the demands on her time.

“At first, the balance was pretty easy,� she said. “But as I got further along, it became really heavy. I had to learn where my limits were.�

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

“It’s something you have to keep finding,� she said. “Every term is different.�

Through it all, her journey has remained deeply personal.

“My dad walked these paths decades ago,� she said. “And through my own journey, I get to walk beside him.�

When asked what he might say if he could see her now, Lisa didn’t hesitate.

“I think he’d smile his proud smile and pull me in for a hug,� she said. “And he’d say, ‘You found your way.’�

Her voice cracked, recalling her late father’s belief in her.

“He always believed in me more than I ever did… and that would be enough.�

Today, Lisa encourages others, especially those waiting for the “right time�, to reconsider.

“If you’re on the fence, you might be waiting for a while,� she said. “The truth is, it’s up to you to make it happen.�

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

“And I know,� she said, “he’d be proud.�

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

For Cassie Moore, ’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, 91´«Ã½â€™s choir tour made a stop at Burnt River. For Moore, the visit carried both professional and sentimental meaning.

“It’s really important because I have a couple of kids who are really interested in music, and we don’t have music programs,� Moore said. “It’s really enlightening to have something they can be inspired by and relate to.�

The visit doubled the population of the small school. When the 91´«Ã½ choir arrived by motorcoach with 44 members, they more than doubled the school’s 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.

“This is a first for 91´«Ã½ coming here, so we’re super excited,â€� Moore said.

Moore’s path to Unity began at 91´«Ã½, where she studied education. She said the university offered both opportunity and support.

“91´«Ã½ was big enough that you got the full college experience, but small enough that they took care of you,â€� Moore said. “The education department was one of the best in the northwest. It probably still is.â€�

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 91´«Ã½ prepared her well for the classroom, especially in teaching foundational skills.

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

That confidence has shaped not only her career but her recommendations to others. Moore encourages students, especially those interested in education, to consider 91´«Ã½.

Asked whether she would recommend 91´«Ã½ to her students, Moore is quick to reply. “Absolutely, I would recommend it,â€� Moore said. “Especially for aspiring teachers.â€�

Her ties to the university extend beyond her own experience. Her husband also attended 91´«Ã½ through the agriculture program in partnership with Oregon State University. Their son is graduating this year with college credits earned through 91´«Ã½â€™s outreach programs. Several members of their extended family are also alumni.

“91´«Ã½ was affordable, it was small enough, but big enough,â€� Moore said.

As the choir’s 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, 91´«Ã½ came to her home.

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LA GRANDE, Ore. – 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) will host its annual Career Expo on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Field House.

The 91´«Ã½ 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, 91´«Ã½ 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 91´«Ã½â€™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 .

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LA GRANDE, Ore. – 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) 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.

91´«Ã½ 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,â€� said Kerry Thompson, 91´«Ã½ 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.â€�

La Grande veteran Brandon Anger, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps before enrolling at 91´«Ã½, 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 91´«Ã½ has been positive from start to finish.

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

91´«Ã½ will be featured in the 2026 edition of GIJOBS Magazine®, and its updated designation will appear on MilitaryFriendly.com beginning March 25, 2026.

91´«Ã½ 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 91´«Ã½, .

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LA GRANDE, Ore. — 91´«Ã½â€™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 91´«Ã½. 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 91´«Ã½, 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.

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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,â€� said Brown, a senior at 91´«Ã½. “Nick took all of those Shakespeare words and put them into songs. The words are Shakespeare, but the music is all originally Nick.â€�

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 91´«Ã½ 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 91´«Ã½, you don’t just stay in one lane,â€� 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.â€�

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.

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LA GRANDE, Ore. – 91´«Ã½ 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 91´«Ã½â€™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 91´«Ã½ 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 91´«Ã½â€™s commitment to civic engagement,â€� 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 91´«Ã½â€™s role as a steward of leadership and advocacy for rural Oregon and the state as a whole.â€�

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, 91´«Ã½ 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 91´«Ã½, being visible and present alongside our peer institutions matters,â€� said Diego Vergara Zuber, President of the Associated Students of 91´«Ã½. “University Day shows that 91´«Ã½ 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.â€�

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LA GRANDE, Ore. – 91´«Ã½ 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.�

91´«Ã½â€™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, 91´«Ã½

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 /master-of-arts-in-teaching/.

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LA GRANDE, Ore. New statewide wage data reinforces what 91´«Ã½ demonstrates every day: an 91´«Ã½ degree delivers measurable economic value for graduates and strengthens Oregon’s workforce. As the public university serving rural eastern Oregon, 91´«Ã½ 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. 91´«Ã½ 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 91´«Ã½ students receive the best earnings-to-cost ratio compared to other Oregon Public Universities. 91´«Ã½ graduates also hold some of the lowest levels of student debt in Oregon, which contributes to long-term financial independence.

91´«Ã½â€™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 91´«Ã½ 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 91´«Ã½â€™s expanding program areas, including computer science, biology, chemistry, business, and health sciences majors.

“The data confirms what we prioritize at 91´«Ã½,â€� said 91´«Ã½ President Dr. Kelly Ryan. “A college degree creates economic mobility. 91´«Ã½ provides affordable pathways and high-quality programs that prepare students for meaningful careers and long-term financial stability.â€�

91´«Ã½ 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, 91´«Ã½ 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,â€� Ryan said.

91´«Ã½ 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.

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Sophomore pre-nursing major Conner Fecht is the newest student voice on 91´«Ã½â€™s (91´«Ã½) 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 91´«Ã½â€™s traditions of service and community.

Conner’s parents, Russell ’99 and Jennifer ’99 Fecht, both studied education at 91´«Ã½. 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 91´«Ã½â€™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 91´«Ã½ graduates and longtime supporters of the university, watching Conner continue the Mountaineer legacy is both humbling and deeply meaningful,â€� 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.â€�

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 91´«Ã½ was a smooth experience,â€� she said. “The professors recognized me by name, and I could easily reach out to any of them for help when needed. 91´«Ã½ was more than just a college. It was a community that made me feel at home and prepared me for success.â€�

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 91´«Ã½ was and continues to be,â€� 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 91´«Ã½ and let them make their own decisions,â€� she said. “Of course, I was delighted when they both chose 91´«Ã½ 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.â€�

A student voice at the table

On campus, Conner’s involvement runs deep. He serves as a student representative on 91´«Ã½â€™s Board of Trustees, a significant commitment for a second-year student, and as a justice with the AS91´«Ã½ 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 91´«Ã½ 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, 91´«Ã½â€™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,â€� Russell added, “is the same quality we see now at 91´«Ã½, 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.â€�

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 91´«Ã½â€™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 91´«Ã½ 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.

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LA GRANDE, Ore. – 91´«Ã½â€™s Board of Trustees met November 12–13, with a focus on student success, fiscal resilience, and 91´«Ã½â€™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 91´«Ã½â€™s “unwavering commitment to fostering student success,â€� 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 91´«Ã½â€™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 91´«Ã½ within broader sector trends.

The board unanimously voted to renew 91´«Ã½â€™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,â€� Mendoza said. “91´«Ã½ 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.â€�

As chair, Hofmann will lead the Board of Trustees in its work to provide stable, thoughtful governance for 91´«Ã½. 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 91´«Ã½â€™s mission across the region.

Hofmann grew up in La Grande near the campus, attended 91´«Ã½ 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,â€� Hofmann said. “I’m acutely aware of how important 91´«Ã½ 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.â€�

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, “91´«Ã½ is filled with good people doing extraordinary work. This university is a bright light for eastern Oregon, and its future is full of possibilities.â€�

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.

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LA GRANDE, Ore. – 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) has launched a new 91´«Ã½ 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 91´«Ã½ and to send messages to lawmakers with just a few clicks.

“Advocacy is how we move 91´«Ã½â€™s mission forward—how we ensure that the voices of eastern Oregon and rural communities are heard in Salem and across the state,â€� said Tim Seydel, Vice President for University Advancement. “When supporters sign up to become 91´«Ã½ Advocates, they’re helping position the university to advance opportunities for students, strengthen our region’s economy, and expand 91´«Ã½â€™s impact far beyond eastern Oregon.â€�

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 91´«Ã½ Advocate today.

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Before turning 22, 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) 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 91´«Ã½ and is finishing her MBA this term, all while building her brand, MG Creative.

“I came to 91´«Ã½ for soccer,â€� 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.â€�

A Foundation Built at 91´«Ã½

Megan’s path began on the soccer field, but it really took shape in 91´«Ã½â€™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,â€� she said. “Dr. Carpenter pushed me to be my best, and Shawna kept giving me opportunities to grow. 91´«Ã½ is the kind of place where people invest in you.â€�

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 91´«Ã½,â€� 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 91´«Ã½ does so well. We create spaces where students can explore possible routes to solving problems and turn those experiences into career-readiness.â€�

Building MG Creative

After completing her undergraduate degree in just three years, Megan moved straight into 91´«Ã½â€™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. 91´«Ã½â€™s MBA program provided tools Megan uses every day.

“One of my favorite classes at 91´«Ã½ was Emotional Intelligence,â€� 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.â€�

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 91´«Ã½ 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,â€� she said. “91´«Ã½ gave me the foundation. Now I get to build on it, helping other businesses grow while continuing to grow myself.â€�

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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 91´«Ã½ students steer a ground-penetrating radar over the ground, tracing a pioneer cemetery so every resting place is remembered.

Eleven 91´«Ã½ 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 91´«Ã½ means by student success and transformational education.

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La Grande, Ore. — 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½), along with 91´«Ã½ Athletics, the 91´«Ã½ Foundation, and the 91´«Ã½ 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.

91´«Ã½â€™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.

91´«Ã½ 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 91´«Ã½ special — the people who love this place,â€� said Rich Sipe, Chair of the 91´«Ã½ Alumni Association Board. “Even with the weather challenges, our Mountaineer spirit shone bright all weekend.â€�

91´«Ã½ 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 | 91´«Ã½
advancement@eou.edu | 541-962-3740

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