Former EWU president Rodolfo Arévalo received emeritus status on Jan. 30 during a Board of Trustees meeting.

According to EWU Policy 401-05, the current procedures for awarding emeritus status were adopted by the EWU Board of Trustees on Dec. 3, 2013. Emeritus status is awarded to individuals who have held office or were full-time professors and were eligible for retirement under the provisions of university and state retirement plans.

“Criteria for awarding emeritus status are excellence in teaching, intellectual contributions, and service to University, College and Department throughout the candidate’s career at the university,” said the EWU Policy.

Richmond Landoe, a senior Engineering student at EWU, said Arévalo has been able to bring positive changes to EWU during his presidency.

Landoe said Arévalo was able to perform well as EWU’s president, had great work ethics and noted he was one of two presidents to receive emeritus status at EWU.

“He fought to keep tuition rates from rising to make school affordable for students,” said Landoe. “He did a pretty good job [as president].”

Trustee James Murphy, a retired Spokane Area Superior Court Judge, told the board that emeritus status is a reflection of the achievements of a nominated professor or president, and does not hold any financial benefit.

Arévalo was Eastern’s 25th president and served from 2006 to 2014, and was involved in higher education for a total of 42 years. During his time as president, Arévalo’s supported school projects such as acquiring a new residence hall, installation of the red turf on Roos field, and guiding the universities’ athletic programs to new levels.