91´«Ã½

Government & Community Relations at 91´«Ã½

91´«Ã½ faculty and students standing outside the Oregon state capitol in Salem

Government & Community Relations

Building partnerships that strengthen rural Oregon

Mission & Overview

Our Commitment to Rural Oregon

Government and Community Relations at 91´«Ã½ connects our campus with local, state, tribal, and federal partners. Rooted in our identity as Oregon’s Rural University, we advocate for public investment in rural education, foster regional collaboration, and engage with communities to address shared challenges and opportunities.

Through strong relationships and thoughtful engagement, we work to amplify the voices of eastern Oregon and contribute to a stronger, more resilient future for our students, our region, and the state.

Powering Oregon’s Economy and Workforce: 2026 Joint Economic Impact Study

A new comprehensive economic study conducted by Econsult Solutions, Inc. (ESI) highlights the vital role 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) plays as an economic powerhouse, workforce pipeline, and educational anchor for both the region and the State of Oregon. Designated in 2018 as Oregon’s Rural University, 91´«Ã½ generates $388.1 million in total annual economic output, supports 2,510 jobs, and contributes $19.6 million in state and local tax revenues each year.

The study, titled “The Economic Impact of the Regional Public Universities of Oregon,” quantifies the school’s statewide footprint across four key areas: daily institutional operations, capital investment projects, off-campus student and visitor spending, and the long-term enhanced earning potential of its graduates. Developed in collaboration with Southern Oregon University and Western Oregon University, the report studies the impact of Oregon’s Regional Universities on a regional and statewide level. 

Visit the 91´«Ã½ Dashboard for more information. For the full technical report, email govrelations@eou.edu.

91´«Ã½ the Data: The figures presented in this dashboard are drawn from an independent economic impact study commissioned jointly by 91´«Ã½, SOU, and WOU, and conducted by Econsult Solutions, Inc.


What We Do


Public Policy and Advocacy

We represent 91´«Ã½â€™s institutional priorities at the state and federal levels, advocating for policy and budget decisions that support access, affordability, and investment in rural higher education.


Community Engagement and Outreach

We collaborate with city and county governments, school districts, nonprofits, chambers of commerce, tribal partners, and other civic groups to align 91´«Ã½â€™s resources with regional needs.


Institutional and Intergovernmental Partnerships

We build relationships with the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC), legislative committees, public agencies, and peer institutions to strengthen statewide and regional coordination.


Student and Alumni Civic Engagement

We support students and alumni who seek to be involved in public service and civic leadership—whether through internships, advocacy training, public testimony, or community-based learning.


Event Collaboration and Hosting

We help coordinate legislative visits, community roundtables, town halls, campus tours, and other events that encourage meaningful dialogue and partnerships.


Community Partnerships

We support and sponsor community events and regional initiatives that align with 91´«Ã½â€™s mission and values. Through partnerships and sponsorships with local organizations, we promote visibility, mutual support, and shared investment in eastern Oregon’s success.


Meet the Team

Tim Seydel

Tim Seydel

Vice President, University Advancement
tseydel@eou.edu | (541) 962-3740

Tim Seydel is Vice President for University Advancement at 91´«Ã½. In this role, he oversees government and community relations, development and fundraising, alumni engagement, and marketing and communications. Tim has more than two decades of leadership experience in higher education and public relations, having served at 91´«Ã½ since 2004 in progressively senior roles. Prior to his appointment as Vice President, he directed university marketing and advancement efforts, helping secure state investments, expand scholarship support, and strengthen 91´«Ã½â€™s visibility across Oregon.

A graduate of 91´«Ã½, Tim is deeply rooted in the region and passionate about connecting the university’s mission with the needs of rural communities. He works closely with elected officials, business leaders, and community organizations to advocate for policies and projects that expand opportunities for students and support economic vitality in eastern Oregon. His leadership has been pivotal in guiding major capital campaigns and legislative initiatives that ensure 91´«Ã½ continues to thrive as Oregon’s Rural University.

Suzannah Moore

Suzannah Moore

Director of External Affairs
mooresm@eou.edu | (541) 962-3740

Suzannah Moore is the Government and Community Relations Manager at 91´«Ã½. She manages advocacy, legislative affairs, and community engagement efforts for the university, building strong partnerships with policymakers, alumni, and local stakeholders. In addition, she supports the work of the 91´«Ã½ Board of Trustees and Foundation and Alumni Association Boards of Directors, ensuring alignment between the university’s priorities and its governance and philanthropic leadership.

Suzannah brings a background in nonprofit leadership, communications, and higher education advancement to her role. Before joining 91´«Ã½, she served as President of the La Grande Main Street Downtown Board, where she worked with city officials, business owners, and community partners to strengthen economic development and engagement in Union County. At 91´«Ã½, she has also contributed to scholarship stewardship, board relations, and strategic communications initiatives that highlight the impact of donor and legislative support.

A graduate of 91´«Ã½, Suzannah is dedicated to promoting access to education and strengthening rural Oregon’s voice in Salem and beyond.


Contact Us

Office of Government and Community Relations
University Advancement
91´«Ã½
Inlow Hall
(541) 962-3740
GovRelations@eou.edu