Gayla Rogers has been named vice president for Alumni and Advancement Services at Walla Walla University and will lead fundraising and alumni relations programs.
Rogers is a 1984 speech/language pathology graduate of Walla Walla College, and later earned a master’s degree in speech/language pathology from California State University-Chico. Throughout her career she has served as a teacher, school administrator and business manager, and has been involved in retail and residential property acquisition, development and construction. Prior to her move to Walla Walla University, she served as education financial specialist for Oregon Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in Portland, Oregon.
Since 2022, Rogers has served as Walla Walla University’s director of Student Financial Services, managing the distribution of financial resources and aid, and working with students and their families. She joins the university’s senior leadership team as part of a strategic initiative to capitalize on new opportunities in enrollment, alumni engagement and fundraising. On July 1, she will take on some of the portfolio cared for by Jodi Wagner, who continues to serve as the university’s vice president for Marketing and Enrollment Services.
“We are restructuring what was previously one vice president’s portfolio into two distinct roles, which will take advantage of emerging enrollment markets and extend our reach through university alumni and donors,” said Alex Bryan, president. “I am so pleased that Gayla is joining our senior leadership team at this exciting moment in the university’s history.”
Rogers is joined by Troy Patzer, who continues his role as associate vice president for Alumni and Advancement Services, and Lisa Lennox, newly appointed associate vice president for Alumni Engagement.
“It is an honor to join Walla Walla University leadership, alumni, and donors as we continue to engage collaborative support for Walla Walla University,” Rogers says. “Ministry projects, like the renovation of Kellogg Hall into a new Student Life and Ministry Center, increasing scholarship needs, and the vision for a thriving WWU provide opportunities for us to experience God’s miracles together.”
“The university’s strong financial position, its increasingly energized supporters, and the development of exciting new projects make this an incredible time to step in and help with important alumni engagement and fundraising work,” Bryan adds. “We are confident that Gayla and the Alumni and Advancement Services team will have a significant impact on the future of Walla Walla University.”
Posted on May 19, 2025.
