Christi Boyter joins the Foundation’s Postsecondary Success team as its new Alumni Engagement Coordinator
We’re thrilled to introduce Christi Boyter as the new Alumni Engagement Coordinator at The Ford Family Foundation! With a wealth of experience in education, Christi is perfectly suited for this role. We had the chance to chat with her about her journey back to Eugene and her dedication to helping others succeed in their careers.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I grew up in Dillard, Oregon, and attended Dillard Elementary School. I remember going to school and seeing the big logs on the trucks pulling into Roseburg Forest Products.
Just before starting my freshman year at Douglas High School, my family made a significant change by moving to Eugene so my mom could attend college at the University of Oregon. That choice had a lasting impact on both my family and me.
Something unique about me is that I am an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation from Ada, Oklahoma. My heritage is very important to me and shapes the way I see the world. Education has always been a priority for the Chickasaw Nation, just as it is for me.
Where has your professional journey taken you up until this point?
After completing high school, I went to the University of Oregon, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in educational policy and management.
I began my career in the UO Graduate School, assisting with graduate student affairs. Soon after, I advanced to the position of assistant dean, a role I cherished for seven years before leaving the workplace to focus on raising my four children.
I eventually returned to work as an adviser at the University of Oregon. Although this was technically a different step in my career, I truly loved working closely with students, helping them plan their career paths and overcome barriers. After many years in advising, I became a senior adviser and then director of Advising Center Operations in the UO College of Education.
During this time, the COVID-19 pandemic struck and my husband’s job transferred to the Sacramento area. I leaned into this experience and found a position with the School of Veterinary Medicine at University of California, Davis. During my three years at UC Davis, I learned so much from my colleagues and had the opportunity to work with students from around the world.
This past spring, my husband’s job transferred him back to Oregon. I worked remotely for UC Davis through the summer while searching for a local position.
The empowering nature of education drew me to this role at The Ford Family Foundation, where I can help alumni plan for their futures. The common thread in my career has been supporting students and scholars as they pursue their educational and career goals, and that is where I find great satisfaction.
Are there certain things you are looking forward to in your new role?
During my career one of my favorite aspects of supporting students has been witnessing their growth—completing their college degrees, developing their careers, and supporting or establishing their families. I am excited to build relationships with alumni and to support their journey, whether they are a new scholar just transitioning to an alum or those who have established careers and are seeking opportunities for professional development or community service.
What is at the core of your passion for education?
My mom. She was a very brave, very tough Native woman. She was only 28 years old with two kids when my father passed. She worked, but had never gone to college. When we moved to Dillard, she yearned to expand and challenge herself in ways she hadn’t before. She knew the importance of education—and she seized the opportunity to pursue it when it came her way.
My mom went to the University of Oregon to study education—and she graduated with both her undergraduate and doctoral degrees. She played a key role in writing the Sapsik’ʷałá grant, which helps Native scholars pursue careers in teaching. Now, if you walk outside of the College of Education at the University of Oregon, there is a brick in her honor that acknowledges her impact on seven generations of our family.
She was a wonderful example of never letting anyone tell you that you can’t do it. She was brave, smart, and strong. I am proud to call her my mom.
Now, here I am at The Ford Family Foundation, with the opportunity to help alumni. I genuinely want to assist everyone and I hold a special place in my heart for supporting underrepresented groups. This is an exciting next step in my life, where I can make a difference in the lives of others, just as she did.
Tell us what you enjoy doing in your free time.
I am all about family. We have a big, blended family with eight children, ranging in age from 17 to 34 years old, with five grandchildren. All our kids live between Vancouver, Wash., and Central Point, Oregon so we are happy to be back home and closer to all of them.
Christi kayaking.
I also love to bake cookies and sweets. A good gift from me during the holidays is a container of my chocolate chip cookie dough, which is frequently requested by family members. I enjoy the outdoors, gardening, and walking on beautiful trails. Some of my favorite spots are Zumwalt Park and hiking to the swing at Mt. Pisgah.
Christi’s famous chocolate chip cookies.