EWU’s Jordan mulling new job

Eastern Washington University President Stephen Jordan surprised colleagues and teachers Friday afternoon when he confirmed he’s the sole candidate interviewing for a college president job in Colorado.

Jordan interviews Tuesday at Metropolitan State College of Denver, which is twice the size of EWU. John Buechner, head of the search committee, has been trying since last September to get Jordan to apply.

“Eventually at some point it began to resonate,” Jordan said. “I understand that campus, their mission. It’s what we’re doing here at Eastern.”

Jordan, who grew up in Colorado, has children and grandchildren in the Denver area, along with many friends. Jordan, 57, is credited with transforming EWU into a widely respected regional university. He came in 1998 when enrollment was low and there was talk of folding EWU into Washington State University.

At EWU, Jordan’s achievements include building student enrollment to record numbers, establishing a state digital archive building on campus, and pushing the creation of a cyber-security program.

English professor Tony Flinn, who dueled with EWU’s president on faculty union issues, said Jordan’s been “an extremely successful president.”

“He’s restored staff and faculty morale and worked very hard with the current provost to increase enrollment,” Flinn said. “He’s also made very positive connections to the community. He raised our profile in the state.”