EWU names new president

Mary Cullinan has been named the next Eastern Washington University president, effective Aug. 1. University officials selected the 64-year-old following a nationwide search that began after EWU President Rodolfo Arévalo announced his retirement earlier this year. Cullinan will transition from her current post as president of Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Ore., to Eastern Washington this summer. She brings 34 years of experience in education. “I am thrilled to accept the position of president of Eastern Washington University,” Cullinan said. “EWU is a vibrant institution with powerful commitments to student success and strong connections with the region. It will be an honor to serve as president.” Culllinan has been Southern Oregon’s president since 2006. During that time, she’s focused efforts on access and success for all students at the small college. She thinks her passion for students aligns well with EWU’s mission. “We are thrilled to have someone of Dr. Cullinan’s caliber come to Eastern Washington University,” said Board of Trustees Chair Paul Tanaka. “Her tremendous academic and leadership experience, along with her focus on student success, make her an ideal choice to serve as president of Eastern.” Prior to her role at Southern Oregon University, Cullinan was provost and vice president for academic affairs at Stephen F. Austin University in Texas from 2003 to 2006. She also served as dean of the College of Arts, Letters and Sciences and professor of English at California State University, Stanislaus. “Dr. Cullinan will continue our mission of working for the success of all students at Eastern,” said Arévalo. “She and I currently sit on the board of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, and I believe she shares the important passion and values EWU needs to keep moving forward.”