PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 14th, 2008

What: Ellensburg Rodeo, the World’s Great Show on Dirt

When: August 29 – September 1, 2008

Where: Ellensburg Rodeo Grounds – Ellensburg, Washington

Why: To celebrate our western heritage and witness the best of the best dueling in the dirt

More info: www.ellensburgrodeo.com, 800-637-2444, rodeo@fairpoint.net

Media contact: Jeff Faltus, rodeo@fairpoint.net, 800-637-2444

Dr. Jerilyn S. McIntyre named 2008 Ellensburg Rodeo Parade Grand Marshal!

Each year, the Ellensburg Rodeo Directors and Top Hands have recognized an outstanding citizen for their many contributions to the Kittitas Valley. The Ellensburg Rodeo is honored to present Dr. Jerilyn S. McIntyre as the 2008 Ellensburg Rodeo Parade Grand Marshal.  Dr. Jerilyn S. McIntyre has been a strong contributor to Ellensburg Rodeo for many years. Besides being the President of Central Washington University, she supports many local organizations and prestigious programs.

Dr. Jerilyn S. McIntyre became the 13th president of Central Washington University in 2000. President McIntyre, who is the 2007-08 chair of the Council of Presidents, is the first woman to serve as the president of CWU. With a commitment to excellence in academics, research, and educational resources, President McIntyre has led CWU through a critical phase of development.

Since 2001, student CWU's enrollment has increased 27 percent and the student body has become more diverse. The percentage of students of color has risen from 12.9 percent in 2000 to 20 percent in fall 2007. CWU also has become a university of choice for Hispanic students, who make up about 8 percent of undergraduate students.

Dr. McIntyre has led the transformation of the Central's residential campus in Ellensburg. The Music Building and the Student Union and Recreation Center, funded and constructed during her tenure, have been recognized with national architectural awards. Under Dr. McIntyre's leadership the university also completed extensive renovation and restoration of the historic Kamola and Sue Lombard residence halls. Over the last seven years construction and renovation projects provided state-of-the-art facilities at CWU's University Centers in Lynnwood, Des Moines, Steilacoom, Wenatchee, Moses Lake, and Yakima.

President McIntyre has dramatically improved the university's communications with students, parents, policymakers, and the public. The Performing Arts and Presidential Speaker Series, which McIntyre initiated in 2002, has brought nationally renowned speakers and artists to Ellensburg, providing a window through which to view various ideas, cultures, and art forms. McIntyre also has encouraged excellence and creativity through the Spheres of Distinction initiative, which supports innovative and resourceful approaches to academic, student, and campus life.

Under McIntyre's leadership, the university began its first comprehensive fund-raising campaign, which is on target to reach its $21-million goal by this June. In addition, funding associated with grants and research has tripled since 2001 to $9.6 million. In Sept. 2007, McIntyre proposed and won support from the board of trustees for the creation of the CWU Research Foundation. The foundation will enable the university to manage the significant increase in research funding and to use its expertise to serve the community in a more agile and responsive way.

In October 2004 President McIntyre was among the first alumni inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame of the University of Washington Department of Communication. She chaired the board of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference from 2004 through 2006. President McIntyre is currently a member of the following organizations:

Ellensburg Rodeo Gold Buckle Club

The Governor's P-20 Council

Washington State Higher Education Coordinating Board Advisory Council

Central Southeastern Washington Advisory Board, U.S. Bank

Economic Development Group of Kittitas County

Washington Campus Compact board

Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention (Presidential Leadership Group)

Dr. McIntyre earned her Bachelor of Arts in History and Master of Arts in Journalism at Stanford University and received her Doctor of Philosophy in History and Communications from the University of Washington.

Prior to assuming responsibilities as CWU's president, Dr. McIntyre served for 23 years at the University of Utah in several capacities including interim president twice and vice president for academic affairs for seven years. She was the first woman to serve in these positions. Before joining the University of Utah faculty in the Department of Communication, Dr. McIntyre taught at the University of Iowa School of Journalism and at Chico State College in California.

In August, 2007, Dr. McIntyre notified the CWU board of trustees of her plans to retire on Dec. 31, 2008.