Matthew Fitting will join the Walla Walla University community in July as the new vice president for student life, bringing extensive residential life experience to a team dedicated to the holistic development of WWU students.
Fitting comes to WWU from Andrews University (Berrien Springs, Michigan), where he has served since 2022 as a dean for undergraduate residence life. In that role, he provided strategic and operational leadership for the undergraduate residence life program, directed undergraduate residence hall operations, and designed educational and spiritual programming that promoted student well-being and personal growth.
Prior to his time in Berrien Springs, Fitting was chief administration officer for Solid State Operations, a software development company in Boise, Idaho, and held residential life positions at Monterey Bay Academy (La Selva Beach, California), and Gem State Adventist Academy (Caldwell, Idaho), where he was vice president of student life. He earned a bachelor of science degree in exercise science from Pacific Union College (Angwin, California), and he is completing a master’s degree in educational psychology from Andrews University.
As vice president for student life at WWU, Fitting will oversee all areas of student life, including housing, spiritual and social programs, student missions, and athletics. “Matthew’s deep experience in residential life work at both the secondary and higher education levels prepare him well for the heart of our mission—students who live, work, worship, and play in community,” says Alex Bryan, WWU president. “I am impressed with his love for students and the role Adventist Christian education plays in their formation as maturing adults and disciples of Jesus.”
Fitting draws inspiration from 1 Thessalonians 5 and its call to care for one another, build each other up, and live with joy, prayer, and gratitude. “This has long shaped my approach to community, and I look forward to bringing that spirit into this role,” he says.
“I have long experienced WWU as a place that both creates and lives out a vibrant, Christ-centered community,” he adds. “I look forward to continuing to cultivate spaces where students feel welcomed, supported, challenged, and known.”
Fitting and his wife, Patricia, have twin daughters who are currently finishing their freshman year of high school. He enjoys team sports and team-building activities, playing board and card games, participating in youth and young adult ministries, trying new cuisine, and riding his OneWheel.
He fills the position vacated by Darren Wilkins, who will step away to serve as executive officer for his tour company, Solejourn. Fitting looks forward to bringing his passion for student community to WWU when he begins his duties in July.
Posted April 27, 2026.
