After years of dedicated service as a cherished English and writing professor, Jeannette Benton is bidding farewell to the halls of Eastern Oregon University and stepping into a well-deserved retirement. For nearly a decade, she has served as the faculty advisor of The Voice, acting as a mentor for countless students, shaping not only their academic journeys but their personal growth as well. Today, as we publish the final articles of the 2023-2024 school year, it’s only fitting that we take a moment to honor Jeannette’s legacy.
James Dyer, 2024-2025 Faculty Advisor of The Voice
“Thank you Jeanette for being a tireless steward of student journalism here at EOU. On top of being a mentor to students here at EOU, you’ve also been an amazing mentor to me as a new faculty member in the English department. I’m proud to be able to continue the work you started as the new faculty advisor for The Voice next year.”
Annika Hodges, Editor-in-Chief
“There are not enough words to describe what a difference you have made in my life. You have inspired me to become a better reporter, a better writer, and to have the confidence to pursue writing as a full-time career. You have helped me grow and learn so much throughout the last two years, not just as a reporter and an editor, but as a team member, as a manager, and, ultimately, as a person. You have changed so many lives with your work. I hope you have the most joyful retirement a person can have—you deserve it!”
Hartleen Kloulubak, Reporter
“I am so grateful you decided to reach out and motivate me to share my voice with the community. I never knew how much I would grow to love writing. But you inspire me to develop my voice through writing. I can’t thank you enough for all that you have done. As you go on, I hope you don’t forget your huge impact on my life. I wish you the best Jeannette! Love you!!”
Gracie Gurr, Reporter
“Jeanette Benton was one of the first professors I had at EOU. Being an online student in a different state, it is easy to feel left out of all the campus activities and opportunities. However, Professor Benton welcomed me to an opportunity I never knew would be so impactful on my college career. I always wanted to do something in journalism, and being a transfer student from a university that had a huge program but just never enough space, it was hard to feel like that dream was gone. Professor Benton welcomed me with open arms to the Voice of EOU, this allowed me to learn how journalism works, while gaining invaluable experience. I am so grateful toward Jeanette and all she has done for this newspaper and my college career. I wish her so much happiness and know she deserves all of the great things coming for her. Happy retirement.”
Hannah Pulliam, Reporter
“Professor Benton has been such a joyful part of my EOU experience and she will be sorely missed. Special thanks to you Professor Benton, you have been an excellent teacher and mentor! Congratulations on your retirement!”
Nygma Moses, Web Technician
“First of all I just want to thank you so much for the opportunity to work alongside all of you guys in The Voice online newspaper program. I believe that one of the hardest things I will have to face as soon as my educational journey comes to an end is adult life, whatever that means. With that being said, I think that this job has at least made me less terrified with the transition. I honestly have learned many things from this internship job. Whether it be specific skills for website design to the general experience of a work setting. I could never fully express my full gratitude, but at least I could tell you how much you made my university journey something I could be proud of. Even if I might not be seeing many of you guys for a couple of years, I still wish all of you the best and hope your next journey in life is great as well. Thank you so much again Jeannette!“
