“I love the energy I get from interacting with students and having a transformational impact on their lives during their collegiate careers.”

Le Bailey enjoys seeing students’ cards and letters posted on the refrigerator in the Eugene Postsecondary Success office. The thank-you’s are tangible reminders of the work he does as student engagement coordinator, helping develop, implement and evaluate the scholarship programs’ student support strategy.

“I love creating a space where students can thrive,” Le says, “and being an encouraging mentor while creating new opportunities that engage those scholars and fit their needs.”

It’s a job he knows well, having spent 15 years at Eastern Oregon University in La Grande as director of student involvement. Le earned his master’s degree from Western Illinois University before moving to Oregon, where he participated in one of the very first cohorts of the Ford Institute Leadership Program.

The first in his family to attend college, Le has a special interest in supporting first-gen students. “I’ve seen so many first-gen students that are unaware of the resources and the opportunities that are available to them. And so, over the years, I’ve reached out a little more to provide them with support.”

Le, his husband and their teen-age son enjoy traveling and outdoor recreation. They are fans of all things Disney, and continue Le’s childhood tradition of Disney movie night every Sunday. The family is working on checking off the boxes on their dream — to make it to every Disney Park in the world.