Good news sometimes seems hard to come by, but the recent announcement that Eastern Oregon University’s first-year enrollment is up should brighten the outlook of even the most skeptical.

The latest fall enrollment report showed the college’s enrollment was up for just the second time since 2015.

The report showed a total of 2,798 students were on the enrollment records of the college, which is 1.1% more than in the fall of 2022. The number also shows it is the first time since 2019 enrollment climbed.

Kelly Ryan, Eastern’s new president, voiced a cautiously optimistic view of the numbers and while we can certainly credit her desire to manage expectations, in our eyes, good news is good news.

Any time there is an increase in EOU’s enrollment it is good not only for the higher learning institution but for Union County and the region.

The enrollment boost could signal a key plot point in the ongoing efforts to attract, and retain, students to a smaller-sized college such as Eastern.

We hope so.

That’s because Eastern Oregon University is one of the drivers — or pillars — of our region’s economy. It is the only four-year higher learning institution on the eastern side of the state, and because of its location and affordability, it provides a crucial option for thousands of students.

For decades the school has symbolized a higher education opportunity for students from the small towns and cities that dot Eastern Oregon. That’s not just an interesting fact but a circumstance that should be lauded and honored. We in Eastern Oregon are fortunate we can look to the school as a viable higher education facility that offers a variety of majors and degrees.

Ryan talked recently about ensuring this year’s large freshman class at EOU embraces a sense of belonging — which ties directly into a steady student retention rate.

Both elements are important for the school to continue to thrive in the future. It is also important for those of us who call this region home.

A four-year college for our region is a clear asset, and we need Eastern Oregon University to be successful now and into the future.