Walla Walla University leadership team
Walla Walla University is led by the university president, the president’s Cabinet, and the Board of Trustees. The president and vice presidents lead the day-to-day management and direction of the university, and the president receives this authority from the university Board of Trustees.
Three times a year, the president and vice presidents meet with the Board of Trustees to advise that governing body regarding university matters. The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall government and welfare of the university, including matters regarding faculty, staff, students, and alumni. The board is also responsible for selecting the university president, determining the major goals of the university, and approving university budgets.
As a Seventh-day Adventist university, members of the Board of Trustees include regional leaders of the Adventist church as well as church members elected to terms of service on the board.
Alex Bryan has led the university as president since 2024.
President's Cabinet
Alex Bryan
President
(509) 527-2121 | alex.bryan@wallawalla.edu
Executive assistant to the president
Jaimie Derting
(509) 527-2121 | Fax: (509) 527-2103 | jaimie.derting@wallawalla.edu
Education: M.Sc., Albany Medical College, 2022; D.Min. George Fox University, 2009; M.Div., Andrews University, 1996; B.A., Southern Adventist University, 1993
Previous Experience: Senior vice president, chief mission and philanthropy officer, Adventist Health, 2018–2024; Senior pastor, Walla Walla University Church, 2009–2018; President, Kettering College, 2013–2014; Associate pastor, Collegedale Church, 1993–1994, 2007–2009; Pastor, New Community Church, 1996–2007
Family: Alex and his wife, Nicole, have two children: Audrey and William.
Pamela Cress
Vice President for academic administration
(509) 527-2431 | pam.cress@wallawalla.edu
Executive assistant to the vice president for academic administration
Cheri Wolcott
(509) 527-2431 | Fax: (509) 527-2103 | cheri.wolcott@wallawalla.edu
Education: Ph.D. Andrews University, 2004; M.S.W. Walla Walla College, 1994; B.S.W. Walla Walla College, 1990
Previous Experience: Dean of the School of Social Work and Sociology; Professor of social work
Gayla Rogers
Vice President for advancement and alumni engagement
(509) 527-2815 | gayla.rogers@wallawalla.edu
Education: M.A. California State University, Chico, 1987; B.S. Walla Walla College, 1984
Previous Experience: Director of Student Financial Services, Walla Walla University 2022-2025; Education Financial Specialist, Oregon Conference of Seventh day Adventists, 2014-2022; Oregon Conference Education Business Management 2008-2014; Land acquisition, development and residential construction.
Matthew Fitting
Vice President for student life
(509) 527-2049 | matthew.fitting@wallawalla.edu
Executive assistant to the vice president for student life
Sharryl Toews
(509) 527-2511 | Fax: (509) 527-2674 | sharryl.toews@wallawalla.edu
Education: B.S. in Exercise Science, Emphasis in Education, Pacific Union College
Previous Experience: Dean for Undergraduate Life and Associate Dean for Student Life, Andrews University, 2022–2026; Chief Administration Officer, Solid State Operations, 2021–2022; Vice Principal and Head Dean, Gem State Adventist Academy, 2011–2021; Assistant Dean, Monterey Bay Academy, 2008–2010
Family: Matthew and his wife, Patricia, have twin daughters, Aubrey and Autumn.
Jodi Wagner
Vice President for marketing and enrollment services
(509) 527-2772 | jodi.wagner@wallawalla.edu
Administrative assistant to the vice president for university relations
Traci Irving
(509) 527-2772 | Fax: (509) 527-2397 | traci.irving@wallawalla.edu
Education: B.A. in Mass Communication with emphasis in Journalism with minors in Business and English, Walla Walla University, 1992
Previous Experience: Director of Client Planning and Strategy Services, Coffey Communications, 1998–2008; Client services representative, Coffey Communications, 1994–1998; Copy editor, Coffey Communications, 1992–1994
Family: Jodi and her husband, Jeff, have three children: Katie, Jenna, and Nikolas.
Howard Munson
Associate Vice President for academic administration
(509) 527-2395 | howard.munson@wallawalla.edu
Academic Services Specialist
Abby Rigby
(509) 527-2395 | Fax: (509) 527-2130 | abby.rigby@wallawalla.edu
Education: Ph.D. Washington State University; M.A. U.S. History from Portland State University; B.A., Summa Cum Laude, Major-U.S. History, Minor-Biblical Archaeology Honors Program, Walla Walla College
Previous Experience: Professor and Department Chair: Pacific Union College July 2018-June 2023; Associate Professor: Pacific Union College July 2015-July 2018; Assistant Professor: Pacific Union College July 2012-July 2015; Instructor: Washington State University Summer 2010,2011,2012; Teaching Assistant: Washington State University Spring 2008-2012; Instructor: Pacific Union College Summer 2006-Summer 2007; Instructor: Walla Walla College Spring 2003-Spring 2006; Graduate Assistant: Portland State University Fall 2002-Spring 2003
Family:
Howard and his wife, Brenda, have two sons.
Jonathan Duncan
Associate Vice President for graduate studies
(509) 527-2421 | jonathan.duncan@wallawalla.edu
Academic Services Specialist
Glenda Ewer
(509) 527-2374 | Glenda.ewer@wallawalla.edu
Education: Ph.D. Mathematics, Indiana University, 2007; M.S. Computer Science, Indiana University 2001; M.A. Mathematics, Indiana University, 2001; B.S. Mathematics, Walla Walla College, 1997; BA Computer Science, German, Walla Walla College, 1997
Eric James
Associate Vice President for financial administration
(509) 527-2104 | eric.james@wallawalla.edu
Education:
B.S. Business Administration, with a concentration in Accounting, Walla Walla College; C.P.A. Planned Giving & Trust Services certification
Previous Experience: Staff Auditor, General Conference Auditing Service; Senior Accountant and Director of Accounting, Walla Walla University
Family: Eric and his wife Kristelle have two children.
Nicole Bryan
Events Coordinator
Nicole.Bryan@wallawalla.edu
Education: Bachelor of Arts in English from WWU, Master of Education in School Counseling from Georgia State University.
Work History: Administrative Assistant and Community Recreation Coordinator for the Health and Physical Education Department at WWU (2019-2024), Community Counselor, Psychiatric Hospital adolescent therapist, School Counselor, High School English Teacher.
Family: Married to Alex Bryan; two children - Audrey, a college freshman at WWU and William, an 8th grader. Our family enjoys travel, hiking, and time with extended family.
Cheris Brewer-Current
Assistant to the President for Learning and Care
(509) 527-2903 | cheris.current@wallawalla.edu
Education: M.S.W Walla Walla University, 2023; Ph.D. Washington State University, 2007; M.A. Washington State University, 2005; B.A. Southern Adventist University, 2001.
Previous Experience: Director of the D.S.W. Program, 2023-2025; Director of the Donald Blake Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity, and Culture, 2020-; Professor in the School of Social Work and Sociology