BMCC and EOU form the Eastern Alliance
By Terry Murry on Monday, August 3rd, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON & LA GRANDE – Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC) and Eastern Oregon University (EOU) are strengthening their connection to support the educational and professional goals of students in the region. The Eastern Alliance partnership bridges the gap between associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs for students in rural Oregon.
The two higher education institutions are aligning degree requirements and providing dedicated transition advising. They say that will reduce administrative barriers to support regional degree completion and expand affordable access to higher education degrees across Eastern Oregon.
“The Eastern Alliance is all about removing the obstacles that often stand in the way of a student’s success,” BMCC President Mark Browning said. “We are excited to continue developing strategic partnerships with EOU to open more doors for our students and strengthen the future of the communities we serve.”
The two schools finalized a memorandum of understanding last month to create the partnership and set clear academic pathways for students. They say the agreement establishes transition roadmaps for students earning associate’s degrees at BMCC to transfer directly into bachelor’s degree programs at EOU both on campus and online.
The initiative also includes professional development for employees. It offers tuition discounts for up to four eligible BMCC staff members each term to pursue degrees at EOU.
File photo of BMCC President Mark Browning
