WWU Alumni Association Board

Eric Denney graduated with a bachelor of science degree in physical education from WWU. He spent over ten years in nonprofit management before moving back to his hometown of Walla Walla this past year. Eric now works for Baker Boyer Bank as a family advisor. Eric and his wife, Erin (Meidinger), live in College Place with their two children. In his free time, Eric enjoys cycling, golfing, and spending time with family.

Jerry Woods ’97 graduated from Walla Walla University with a B.A. in mass communications. During his time on campus, he worked at Positive Life Radio where he continues to do a weekend show. He jumped into media with both feet and it has taken him to Christian radio stations in Idaho, North Carolina, and Washington D.C. In D.C., he currently serves as the morning host and director of promotions for WGTS 91.9 reaching close to 600,000 people weekly. He is married to Crystal and they have two daughters, Adilynn and Maya, who look forward to attending WWU one day.

Lisa Jervey Lennox earned a BA degree in English. Following graduation, she worked in the Registrar’s Office and taught College Writing. She taught one year at Greater Boston Academy before earning her MA in English at Western Washington Univ. She returned to WW as Assist. Director for the TLC, overseeing the Writing Center and developing a special services program for students with disabilities. For the past twenty years, she and her husband David have worked for Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. Lisa is the Assistant Director of Volunteer Initiatives for Alumni Affairs. Memorable experiences at WWU include forging lifelong friendships while working on the Collegian, becoming a reader’s theater pro under the tutelage of Donnie Rigby, and being the recipient of numerous acts of kindness by dear WWU faculty and staff who, Lisa says, taught her to be a critical thinker while simultaneously demonstrating how to be a gracious and generous human being. She and David have two daughters, Sarah and Hannah, who are in their 20s. In her free time, Lisa enjoys reading, gardening, sharing her floral arrangements with others, and traveling.

Jimmy Johnson graduated with a bachelor of science degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting. Jimmy has worked as the assistant treasurer and corporation treasurer for Upper Columbia Conference for the past 20 years. He is married to Debbie and together they have three children: Chloe (senior at WWU), Tori (freshman at UCA) and Jack (6th grade). Jimmy enjoys vocal performance, water skiing, camping, and reading.

Laurel Rogers completed a bachelor’s degree with majors in English and speech communication while thoroughly enjoying her four years at WWU. She also has a master’s degree in writing from Portland State University. Laurel’s passion for clear communication drives her desire to keep alumni well-informed of their board’s activities by serving.

Danielle Craigg is a proud graduate of the Honors General Studies program at WWU. She obtained a bachelor’s degree of biology, after she received her doctorate in medicine from Loma Linda University. Currently she is perusing a specialization in Preventive Medicine at Stony Brook University and obtaining a Master of Public Health simultaneously. Engaging with medical student education, participating in cancer research, creating community awareness of preventive medicine. She is passionate about lifestyle education, global health, cancer research and disaster preparation. She currently resides in Long Island, NY.

Craig Cummings ’94 graduated from Walla Walla University with a bachelor of arts in business administration and a minor in aviation. After serving as a flight instructor for the college he went on to instruct and fly traffic watch in the Seattle area followed by a four year stint with Mesa Airlines. Craig was hired as a pilot at Alaska Airlines in 2001 where he currently serves as a Seattle based 737 captain. He has enjoyed serving in his local church as a youth leader, deacon and elder and his hobbies include airplanes, home improvement projects and (pre-COVID) attending his two children's sports activities. As the father of a high school senior and an eighth grader he looks forward to being involved at WWU for the next eight years.

Brigitte Davis graduated with a degree in speech-language pathology before obtaining her master of science degree from the University of Washington. She began teaching as an adjunct professor in the communication department at WWU in ’93 which she still continues to do today. Passionate about interacting with students and others, Brigitte and her  husband, Dennis, also a graduate of WWU, serve as co-presidents on the Committee of 500. Their four children all attended WWU.

Jilma Jimenéz graduated with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering and received a master’s in biomedical engineering from Wright State University. She is the vice president of a large international engineering consulting firm, as well as an adjunct professor and advisory board member at Seattle University’s  Graduate School of Engineering. A proud product of Adventist education and beneficiary of the Walla Walla College Fund, Jilma now pays it forward by mentoring young women and minorities seeking careers in STEM. Her hobbies include traveling and vegan cooking.

Verlie Ward came to Walla Walla University in 1983 where she joined the School of Education. She came from Andrews University where she taught elementary and graduate school students. She earned a doctorate degree at Washington State University and invested in th elementary education program at WWU. Verlie looks back on her students and colleagues and remembers those years as some of the best in her life. She remains passionate about learning and delights in keeping in contact with students past and present.

Teresa Wilkens '81 graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in business administration. She and her husband, Carl Wilkens ’81, headed as missionaries to Africa shortly after receiving their degrees, serving a total of 12 years in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Rwanda.  In the fall of 1996, Carl and Teresa moved with their 3 children (who later would also become graduates of WWU) to Milo Adventist Academy.  For the next 11 years Teresa worked first as administrative assistant to the principal and later as the accountant for the school.  In 2008, Carl and Teresa founded an educational non-profit to support Holocaust/Genocide educators around the globe.  Teresa & Carl currently reside in Spokane where Teresa serves as part-time receptionist at the Upper Columbia Conference office.  Along with a life-long love for playing the piano, and the many amazing travel opportunities with Carl, Teresa also is loving her latest adventure, which began in Dec 2020 when her first grandchild was born!