EWU: The Region’s Polytechnic

We are the region’s polytechnic. It’s a bold phrase that I was honored to pronounce earlier this year, and since then we have seen remarkable enthusiasm for this earnest expression of who we are and why we’re different. Across our state and region, people are excited that Eastern is moving forward with the polytechnic approach, using applied learning opportunities to prepare students to thrive after graduation.

We are not starting from scratch in this effort; in fact, many of our programs already incorporate some form of hands-on learning as part of their curricula — student teaching, live performances, and research symposiums addressing community issues are just a few examples. Now we are moving forward to make this a hallmark of an Eastern degree, no matter the program.

Over the past several months, I’ve attended national conferences, legislative forums, and intimate business gatherings. At each one, the message is clear: higher education must act to prepare the next generation of leaders. New students are seeing new challenges, and Eastern is leaning in to meet those needs. Already, our passionate faculty have submitted nearly 200 proposals to modify programs, positively affecting over 2,000 courses to make the student experience at Eastern both more relevant and effective.

Do challenges remain? Of course. But Eastern has never shied away from change, and we haven’t become the region’s oldest university by standing still.

In this transition, I am most proud of our commitment to continue making a college degree affordable for all students. Even as the national media continues to ignore regional universities while talking about the high cost of college, EWU has quietly continued to remain our state’s best value. About half of our students graduate with no debt, which means that new teachers, nurses, cybersecurity hawks and mechanical engineers are able to more quickly build a comfortable life while contributing to our region’s economic vitality. However, as budgets in the state of Washington continue to fluctuate, this is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve through public funding alone. As a result — as you’ll learn from our story on Page 20 — it’s more important than ever to have financial support from our community and Eagle family.

No matter the challenges, I look to the future with optimism. Yes, our newest students, both the Gen Zers and soon-to-be-arriving Gen Alphas, will learn differently (see Page 26). But they have remarkable new ideas and dreams. Our faculty and staff will have the opportunity to shape those dreams into realities, ensuring that Eastern remains a place where students can build their futures with confidence.

I have never been more proud to be an Eastern Eagle!

Shari McMahan, PhD
President