Eagle 1 News: July 2026

As things around campus begin to quiet down during July and August, I typically take a break from Eagle 1. But this year, there is simply too much happening not to share.

In June, we officially adopted an “applied learning graduation guarantee” at Eastern. As the region’s polytechnic, every undergraduate will complete an applied learning experience before earning their degree. We are the only public university in Washington state — and one of only a few nationwide — to make this promise. Students can fulfill the experience in many different ways because our goal is not to create another hurdle, but to expand opportunity. Employers, prospective students, and families have all indicated that having hands-on experience prior to graduation is a top priority, and we’re ensuring every Eagle graduates with it.

Eastern is more than a campus. It is a community built on opportunity, innovation and the success of our students. The work happening this summer is shaping an even stronger future — for our university, our region, and the generations of Eagles still to come.

Shari McMahan, PhD
President
Eastern Washington University