Meet the Staff
Residential Life & Housing
Kristen Taylor
Director of Residential Life and Housing
As director of Residential Life and Housing, Kristen oversees four residential halls (Conard, Foreman, Meske and Sittner), and Village Housing. Kristen, who graduated from WWU in 2005 and served in residential life at Southern Adventist University and Indiana Academy, has served in WWU's resident halls since 2011. Kristen can be reached by emailing kristen.taylor@wallawalla.edu or by calling (509) 527-2539. Find more information about residence halls, village housing, and more on the pages for Residential Life & Housing.
Amanda Ponce
Associate Dean of Women
Amanda Ponce works with the Women’s residence halls, Foreman and Conard. Amanda graduated from Walla Walla University with a degree in social work and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in social work. Amanda worked in residential life at Walla Walla University as a resident assistant, resident assistant director, and resident dean. After two years working in Montana as an academy dean, Amanda joined the Walla Walla University team in 2016. She is the housing and worship coordinator for the women’s residence halls. Amanda can be reached by emailing amanda.ponce@wallawalla.edu or calling (509) 527-2533.
Jon Nickell
Associate Dean of Men
Jon works with the men's residential halls, Meske and Sitter. Jon, who graduated from WWU in 2011 with a bachelor's degree in psychology, has worked six summers at a youth camp in Idaho and is currently finishing his graduate degree in counseling psychology at WWU. As an undergraduate student, Jon worked in the residential halls as a resident assistant for three years and served as the men's club (OPS) president. Jon can be reached by emailing jonathan.nickell@wallawalla.edu or by calling (509) 527-2112.
Dorene Hackett
Assistant Director for Off Campus Housing
Dorene manages the Village Housing office and is the Village Club sponsor. Dorene joined Walla Walla University in 2014. She holds a bachelors degree in Organizational Behavior and Management, and has a well-rounded knowledge in both business practices and program development. Dorene can be reached at dorene.hackett@wallawalla.edu or (509) 527-2109.
Kristyn Dybdahl
Administrative Assistant (Village Housing)
Kristyn oversees guestroom reservations, processes off-campus housing requests, and keeps things running smoothly in the Village Housing office. Kristyn can be reached at kristyn.dybdahl@wallawalla.edu or by calling (509) 527-2109.