Faculty and staff are encouraged to attend the Campus Update to launch the new academic year. Learn about WSU’s efforts to establish a medical school. Get legislative, budget and academic planning updates. Cheer for our largest freshman enrollment ever. Find out about all the plans to celebrate WSU Vancouver’s 25th anniversary.
Acknowledge the nominees for the Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence and give a shout out to the 2014 award winner.
Stay for the reception at 5 p.m. in the Dengerink Administration Building, Rooms 129/130. Catch up with your colleagues and pick up a 25th anniversary gift. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a festive beverage.
Congratulations to the 2014 nominees for the Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence
The Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence
recognizes the dedication and commitment of a civil service or administrative professional staff member in advancing the mission of WSU Vancouver. Award criteria include active participation with campus activities, excellent performance in the staff member’s own role, demonstrated leadership on behalf of WSU Vancouver and going the extra mile to advance WSU Vancouver.
The following four individuals were nominated by their colleagues. The excerpts below are derived from their nominations. The Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellencewill be presented to one of them at the Aug. 28 Campus Update.
Laura Evancich, graphic designer in the Office of Marketing and Communications
Laura is a trusted member of the WSU Vancouver administrative staff. As campus photographer, she is involved in almost every campus activity. Laura is an amazing graphic designer. She protects WSU Vancouver’s brand while delivering fresh approaches. She gives equal attention to quality and detail for a flyer as she does to the magazine. Laura serves on the Cougar Food Pantry committee and is an advisor to the student running club. She has participated in two employee search committees. Her attention to detail and willingness to go above and beyond make Laura an invaluable asset to WSU Vancouver.
Nikki Hinshaw, student activities advisor in the Office of Student Affairs
Nikki is the go-to person for clubs and student-led activities on campus. She was active on the inaugural Disability Awareness Month planning committee, helping to ensure all activities went smoothly. Nikki always goes the extra mile. She is involved with her events at every level, from strategy to cleanup. Thanks to her spirit, work ethic and ability to get things done, Nikki is someone you would want to pick first for any committee.
Maureen Keller, administrative assistant in the Office of Marketing and Communications
Maureen can track a million details and never drop a ball. She is accurate and seeks input from other team members to ensure a high-quality end product. Maureen regularly presents fresh ideas for magazine articles, marketing opportunities and advertising angles. In 2014, she also served on the core commencement committee and the 25th anniversary committee. She is co-chairing the 25th anniversary edition magazine committee and helping out in many other respects. She will be instrumental in a successful yearlong celebration of WSU Vancouver.
Kristine Olsen, administrative manager for the School of Engineering and Computer Science
Kristine played a crucial role in the preparation of the School of Engineering and Computer Science’s national accreditation review by ABET in 2013. She excels in her role as an administrative manager. Kristine takes care of the department’s office functions, including budgets and personnel. Because she pays great attention to detail, her work is of exceptional quality. Kristine continually demonstrates leadership on behalf of the School of Engineering and Computer Science and the campus.
Schedule your personal TIAA-CREF consultation
A representative from TIAA-CREF will be on campus this fall—Sept. 30, Oct. 2 and 3, and Dec. 16, 17 and 18—to offer one-hour individual appointments, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day. To schedule your consultation, call 877-842-2028 and press 5, or sign up online.
Important: Beware of fraudulent email and phone calls
A recent scam has been cropping up. The scam involves using the name of a faculty or staff member, information that is available on our website. Be aware that an email address that looks very real can be used along with the person’s full name. Do not be taken in by these types of scams. If you receive suspicious email or phone calls, report it to abuse.wsu.edu and otherwise ignore, delete and never respond. For more information, visit
VIT’s website.
WSU Vancouver in the news
Company Camera: Seely family mint farm
The Oregonian
Aug. 14, 2014
But let's start with a quick testimonial from Mike and Candy Seely for the advice they got from Washington State University-Vancouver's Business Mentor and Analysis Program. It led them to a better understanding of the seasonal demand for their mints.
Cannabis and Canada: Why has drug policy changed?
BBC News
Aug. 13, 2014
“In Canada, you‘ve seen a significant increase in terms of marijuana possession arrests—they’ve been really aggressive on this,” says Clayton Mosher, a professor at Washington State University, who notes that the arrests have not been evenly distributed.
Young app-writers get with the programming, win
The Columbian
Aug. 12, 2014
“When we build apps, we’re always interested in showing how people will use it,” said Dene Grigar in a presentation at the event. She is director of the Creative Media and Digital Culture program at Washington State University Vancouver.
Teen held on $1 million bail in death of Wash. girl, 6
RTV6
Aug. 11, 2014
However, if convicted of first-degree rape of a child, the suspect’s sentence could fall under the authority of the state’s Indeterminate Sentence Review Board, said Laurie Drapela, associate professor of criminal justice at Washington State University at Vancouver.
In Our View: Cheers & Jeers
The Columbian
Aug. 9, 2014
“It’s discovering people’s stories, even when they can’t write,” said Washington State University Vancouver student Justine Hanrahan.
House’s history dug up
The Columbian
Aug. 4, 2014
It’s an exciting process, said Justine Hanrahan, heading into her sophomore year at Washington State University Vancouver. She is a graduate of ...
CNN Newsroom with Brooke Baldwin
July 31, 2014
Barry Hewlett, professor of anthropology, spoke to Brooke Baldwin about the effects cultural practices can have on the spread of Ebola.
RSVP for an exhibit table at the Sept. 3 and 4 Involvement Fair by Aug. 29.
Loan a historical relic to the 25th anniversary exhibit; contactDena Keller.
25th Anniversary Community Celebration on the Quad, 3 – 8 p.m. Sept. 6.
Way to go!
Clayton Mosher, professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, collaborated with the Clark County Juvenile Court and Department of Community Services to apply for a Juvenile Drug Court Enhancement Grant last spring. The grant was funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in the amount of $975,000 over three years. It will allow for enhancements to the Juvenile Recovery Court, such as job-readiness skills, expanded mentoring and a full-time psychologist. Clay will evaluate the impact of the
enhancements. This is an example of the university’s collaboration with the community for the betterment of all.
Renny Christopher, vice chancellor for academic affairs, has been appointed to the Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council. Renny will help the SWWDC enhance its collaboration with key growth industries and further align workforce training and employment services with industry needs. SWWDC brings together funding, service providers, colleges, economic development and community organizations to provide free employment and training services to businesses, job seekers and youth.
Welcome to WSU Vancouver
Jong-Hoon Kim, assistant professor of mechanical engineering
Tiffany Murray, interim director of Southwest Washington MESA
