The First
100 Days

EASTERN NEWSROOM

Dear Eagle Family,

Eastern Washington University is a regional university with a big heart and bold ideas. When I speak about Eastern, I use the word legacy, not just because the university has been established for 140 years, but because the stories, the graduates, the character, and its reputation have made profound impacts in the community for generations.

As a new president, I was welcomed immediately by the university family and community. I learned right away that when someone shouts ‘Go Eags’ you shout it right back.

That’s legacy – that’s pride – that’s a reputation when you become an Eagle, you’re an
Eagle for life.

EWU’S 27th President, Shari McMahan, PhD

Charting Our Course Ahead

CREATING A STRONG, CONNECTED, IMPACTFUL EAGLE EXPERIENCE
EWU is rooted in tradition, and there is a passion to move forward and make an impact in a changing world.

100+ Staff and Faculty Attended Listening Sessions

1,100+ Staff, Faculty and Students Surveyed

 Learning From Listening

By engaging our campus community a snapshot emerged. These four themes will guide our discussions as we create a five-year strategic plan.

Recapturing what it means to be an Eagle

Revitalizing our campus culture

Increasing student recruitment and retention

Improving our financial stability

 

Listening, Learning and Engaging

My first 100 days as an Eastern Eagle have been exciting, entertaining, exhausting, and energizing – often all at the same time. See what I’ve been up to below.

June & July

On day one, along with EWU’s Adaptive Athletics wheelchair basketball team, I helped open Hoopfest in Spokane. EWU was the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion sponsor and Eagle Pride was on full display –
Go Eags!

President Sheri McMahan hands the microphone to the hoopfest host after giving a speach.
Photo Credit: Jordan Wertman

Hosted an EWU Alumni Wine Club Reception, a great event to bring local alumni together to celebrate different Eagle-owned and operated Washington wineries.

Participated in the Cheney Rodeo Parade and attended the Cheney Rodeo along with community members, alumni and local leaders.

Joined the West Plains Chamber of Commerce for the annual Breakfast meeting on Roos field.

August

  • Met with WA State Legislators to develop key relationships in advance of the upcoming session
  • Held several staff listening sessions and an executive leadership teambuilding retreat to get a snapshot of the challenges
  • Held a roundtable listening event in the Tri-Cities to learn more about opportunities in the region

Attended the Unity in the Community Festival in Spokane to celebrate our commitment to building a welcoming environment for all

President McMahan at Unity in the community event, Spokane Wa
Left to Right: Kim Davis, President McMahan, Vice President Shari Clarke and Stephanie Bradley from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at the Unity in the Community event.

September

Delivered the first Welcome Address to a packed auditorium of faculty and staff at EWU’s Showalter Hall.

  Watch the video

Welcomed incoming students at the annual Pass Through the Pillars event.

Discussed EWU’s regional impact on a Spokane County Spotlight episode with County Commissioner Al French.

  Watch the interview

Rang the schoolhouse bell in the historic One Room Schoolhouse for the first day of class.

Participated in the JLR Multicultural Center naming ceremony following a generous donation from Dr. Angela Jones and her family.

Welcomed students who attend classes at the Catalyst in Spokane.

October

Organized a forum for staff and faculty to improve campus culture and reconnect through engaged discussions.

Held four faculty listening sessions to hear the unique challenges and rebuild trust.

Gave a university update to community members and alumni at the Red Turf Royalty event before an EWU Hockey game.

Attended the quarterly EWU Alumni Association Board meeting and presented goals for this year.

Celebrated with students, the community and alumni during the annual Eagle Family Homecoming Week festivities.

Joined the EWU Dental Hygiene program at the MultiCare 5K Bridge to Brunch.

“The numerous conversations I’ve had, whether they’ve been with students, EWU staff and faculty, or proud alumni have made it clear that Eastern Washington University has made a profound impact on the Cheney-Spokane region.” – President McMahan

News & Media

I’m excited to work together to ensure Eastern remains accessible, flexible, and competitive.

Download the 100 Days Report

In the News

Spokane Public Radio visits with Shari McMahanSpokane Public Radio

Shari McMahan visits Tri-Cities business community
Tri-Cities Journal of Business

‘What makes Eastern unique?’…
Spokesman Review

All News