LA GRANDE, Ore. (AP) — Eastern Oregon University has been designated by the state legislature as Oregon’s Rural University.
The East Oregonian reports the designation — which passed both chambers of the legislature unanimously and was signed by the Gov. Kate Brown on Tuesday — doesn’t come with a boost in state funding or new rules for how the university is run.
Eastern Oregon University Vice President for University Advancement Tim Seydel says the designation could help set the university apart when applying for state and federal grants for programs that are targeted toward helping first-generation college students, for example, or those from rural communities.
Seydel says the designation also could help with recruitment at the La Grande-based university, which was at 3,016 students during the fall term.