New program makes waves

The university’s first marine biology majors dive in

WHETHER KEEN to preserve coral reefs or better understand orca social structures, students intrigued by the mysteries of oceanic life now have a new degree track option for the 2024-25 school year: a bachelor of science in marine biology through the Department of Biological Sciences—the only marine biology program at a private college on the West Coast.

Walla Walla University is uniquely positioned to offer a marine biology program, with the 40-acre Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory campus in Anacortes, Washington, serving as its backbone and the School of Engineering as a supporting partner. (Marine biologists typically share a close working relationship with engineers, as they often require custom-made tools.) The two disciplines will team up to offer several new courses, including an introduction to marine sciences, engineering for the life sciences, and motorboat operation.

“WWU is one of only three small private institutions with a marine biology program, a marine laboratory, and an engineering program,” said Kirt Onthank, associate professor of biology and Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory director. “Of those three, WWU is the only one that is religiously affiliated.”

Learn more about this new program at wallawalla.edu/ biology.

Education and social work professors receive accolades

Amanda Ramoutar, assistant professor of education and psychology, was selected by Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) International—a professional organization for educators—as one of only eight Emerging Leader Fellows.

Deisy Haid, dean and associate professor of social work and sociology, presented at the 2024 National Association of Social Workers Washington Chapter

Statewide Conference on WWU students providing free mental health services to local residents.

Jeremy Springer, master of social work program director and assistant professor of social work and sociology, was invited to serve as a member of the National Association of Social Workers Oregon Chapter legislative committee.

No more summers!

New Adventist teaching certification launched

An enriching, faith-based education is the hallmark of any Seventh-day Adventist school—from K through collegiate—and to maintain that standard across the North American Division, teachers are required to earn their Adventist Teaching Certification. For many, that has meant spending their summers attending classes. However, a new certification option offered by WWU is giving teachers some much-needed flexibility.

The University’s job-embedded Adventist certification courses allow teachers to gain essential skills through self-paced online courses that incorporate real classroom activities into the teaching and learning process. This is done during the course of the school year, with a six-month window to complete.

“One of the biggest challenges for Adventist teachers who want to engage in professional development is their busy teaching schedule,” said Maria Bastien Valenca, WWU School of Education and Psychology dean. “Because they can do these courses during their school year, teachers can field test what they learn right away in their own classrooms and receive feedback and support from faculty in real time.”

Curriculum is tailored to each teacher’s conference requirements, and any current teacher under contract and with classroom access may enroll.

For more information about the courses or how to enroll, email edpsyc@wallawalla.edu.

BY THE NUMBERS

24

Presidents have served WWU, including the newly inaugurated Alex Bryan.

18 years—the longest term served as president, by John McVay

3 former presidents— Ernest C. Kellogg, Walter I. Smith and George W. Bowers—have had campus buildings named after them

2

The number of colleges the first president, William W. Prescott, oversaw in addition to Walla Walla College. He was also simultaneously president of Battle Creek College and Union College

1 president has served two separate terms in two separate centuries: N. Clifford Sorenson served from 1976-85 and again from 2001-02.