Associate Dean Accepts New Role

Blackwelder Named Head Dean of Men

By: Camlynne Waring

Tom Blackwelder has been named to the position of Dean of Men for Walla Walla University.  With 16 years of residence hall leadership experience (including nine at WWU), Blackwelder is excited about the new role. 

In the position, he is responsible for all aspects of men’s student life, including programming, managing resident assistants, and working with associate and student deans.  He also works with Plant Services to care for the men’s dorm facilities.

Blackwelder is passionate about working with young people. “It’s fun watching the guys arrive as freshmen and seeing them mature and take responsibility for being successful in their college life,” he says.

One of his priorities is to create an atmosphere that feels like a home away from home for the men.  He has plans to give Sittner Hall a “face lift” to promote a fresh and positive atmosphere.

In his free time, Blackwelder enjoys spending time with his family, biking, and golfing.  He and his wife LaVonne reside in Sittner Hall with their daughter Lorena, who will be entering Walla Walla Valley Academy as a freshman this year.  He and LaVonne also have two adult sons, a 2-year-old grandson, and two more grandchildren on the way.