Dr. David May to give EWU State of the University address - Sept 22

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

EWU’s interim president, David May, PhD, will deliver the annual State of the University Address at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 22, via a Zoom webinar and live stream.

Please click here to watch the address on Sept. 22 at 10 a.m.

I am truly humbled and honored to be leading Eastern at this unique and historic time in the university’s great history

Many of you I have met during my long tenure at Eastern—and I look forward to seeing you virtually or in-person when it’s safe to do so—but for those who are not familiar with me, I’d like to share just a bit about myself.

I am a native of Walla Walla, Washington, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in political science from Whitman College before receiving both a master’s degree and a doctorate in political science from Washington State University. I came to Eastern in 1999 and haven’t looked back. I started as a faculty in residence in the Department of Government and International Affairs, and the winding road of higher education led me into administration – where I served as provost before being appointed interim president.

I enjoy biking (road and mountain) in the summers, backcountry skiing in the winters as well as hiking and travel, and on many of these excursions I’m joined by my wife, Monica, and daughter, Emily.

I thank the Board of Trustees, and you, for putting your trust in me to lead Eastern. While my titles have changed over the years, one thing has not: my commitment to the success of every Eastern student.

Sure, the classrooms are mostly empty right now. The campus mall is much quieter than usual. Our athletic and recreation facilities are vacant. But I know that we are looking and working toward the day the sounds of many more happy, energetic students will return to campus.  

We have an extraordinary challenge ahead of us. But with your continued support and our courageous faculty, staff and students who have adapted so well to the rapid changes over the last six months, I am certain Eastern will emerge from this moment as strong as ever.