Walla Walla University held its quinquennial Constituency Session on August 23, 2026, at Walla Walla University Church.
Delegates received a report from WWU President Alex Bryan, who recalled the courage of four faithful young men who refused to study the ways of Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar's rule, as recorded in the book of Daniel. “Nebuchadnezzar allows this deviation…and the Bible tells us that ‘to these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning.’”
Bryan noted that in 1872, Ellen White began writing about what is possible with truly faith-driven education, pointing to the first chapter of her book Education, as a high-water mark for a philosophy that still guides the university. “We are gathered today on the campus of a distinctly Seventh-day Adventist university that finds its source of power and direction from the holy scriptures, including the book of Daniel, and the powerful reflections of Ellen White,” he said.
Citing Harvard Graduate School studies showing that more than half of today's young people report little or no sense of meaning or purpose in life, and lower well-being than any other age group, Bryan noted that religious participation consistently emerges as one of the strongest predictors of overall well-being across cultures.
“In those precious moments between the ages of 18 and 24—when the human brain is getting its final wiring…and we can actually learn deep things, but with enough maturity to think about theology and philosophy and what the world is about—in those precious years, should we be casual about the impact that the world has on young people's minds?” he asked.
“Erton Köhler, our general conference president…his first remarks to college presidents: ‘Higher education in the Adventist tradition, you are the arteries of the church,’” Bryan added. “The heart is Jesus, but the blood that pumps through those arteries is higher education.…Walla Walla University, flooding the body of Christ with the nutrients, with the oxygen, and vitality it needs.
“You see the power of Walla Walla University in how we flood the American west, and particularly the pacific northwest, with graduates that end up vitalizing local congregations and schools and hospitals, the presence of God’s work in our community.”
Executing the mission
To carry out its mission, the university is focusing on three priorities: an Adventist philosophy of whole-person education, preparing students for ministry and calling, and promoting financial sustainability and value, Bryan said.
Pam Cress, vice president for academic administration, outlined several ways the university is increasing relevance and professional preparedness:
- Expanding School of Nursing training to offer four-year programs on both the Portland, Oregon, and College Place, Washington, campuses.
- Launching new degrees in artificial intelligence and computer science, including the only three-year university degree in the Seventh-day Adventist system.
- Expanding master's programs to offer fully online degrees in education, business administration, and social work.
- Sharpening School of Theology degrees to offer pastoral ministry and chaplaincy ministry tracks.
- Enhancing experiential learning through spaces like the Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory, nursing simulation labs, a golf simulator, and the Aviation campus.
- Supporting expert faculty who are published in national journals, writing books, leading international study tours, and earning expert designations from their professional organizations.
Paul Rhynard, interim vice president for financial administration, said the university's financial sustainability efforts center on enrollment, defining value, generating external support, and efficient operations:
- Strong secular headwinds are challenging colleges and universities nationwide, making it critical for WWU to connect with students outside Adventist education as part of its enrollment strategy.
- Cost remains a key consideration: 95% of students receive financial aid, and WWU's tuition and fees run 21% below the national average for private colleges and universities.
- Relationships matter more than ever. The university is deepening ties with alumni—even those who can't return to campus—and partnering with businesses and organizations to enhance learning spaces and hire WWU graduates.
- The North Pacific Union Conference has invested more than $4 million annually, split between capital projects and operational expenses, including a refresh of the 67-year-old Kellogg Hall into a Student Life and Ministry Center and the purchase of an interactive digital cadaver table.
Rhynard also reported that the university's annual revenue is about $58 million, with instructional support as the largest expense. WWU received a clean audit with no findings, and its composite financial index score has held steady at about 6, indicating the university is well-positioned for the future. Forbes gave Walla Walla University a B grade in its 2026 College Financial Grades, ranking among the top in the Seventh-day Adventist system.
Updated Articles of Incorporation
Delegates approved a motion to simplify language in the university's articles of incorporation, bringing it into compliance with North American Division practice and limiting liability for the North Pacific Union Conference and other Seventh-day Adventist Church entities. “These changes do not weaken the important, enduring relationship between WWU and the NPUC,” Bryan said of the vote.
New Trustees
Delegates also approved a motion establishing membership for the Walla Walla University Board of Trustees for 2026–2031. Board membership includes:
- Doug Bing, ex officio
- Gary Botimer
- Alex Bryan, ex officio
- Columbus Candies
- Fernando Chavez
- Shasha Chen
- Travis Crumley
- Byron Dulan
- Jeff Fogelquist, ex officio
- Keith Hallam, ex officio
- Sergio Hernandez
- Clint Hess
- Mindi Irvine
- David Jamieson, ex officio
- Jim Jenkins, ex officio
- Johnny Jesson
- Kara Johnsson, ex officio
- Kyle King
- Tim Kosaka
- Cynthia Libby
- Mileen Loeffler
- Gerald Margil
- Rodney Mills, ex officio
- Kathy Morgan
- Joyce Newmyer
- David Prest, ex officio
- Andrew Santos
- Erik VanDenburgh, ex officio
- Washington Conference President, ex officio
We support you
Closing the hourlong session, Bryan told delegates, “Walla Walla University is here to support you. Faculty and staff professionals are committed to blessing the socks off of God's work in the Pacific Northwest.”
NPUC Secretary Bill McClendon and NPUC President John Freedman closed the session with a special prayer for Walla Walla University and the leadership of Bryan.
Posted Aug. 23, 2026.
