Creating campus culture
The Office of Student Life exists to provide a growing Christian community and create a culture that emphasizes student leadership opportunities, fosters character development, enhances academic success, develops cultural competencies, and prepares students for Christ-inspired leadership roles in a local and global society.
The vision of Student Life is to:
- complement the academic purpose of the University by offering students supportive resources designed to inspire excellent thought;
- provide students with ample opportunities to develop a character of integrity and to shape a life of generous service;
- foster a community committed to balanced, healthy living designed to inspire a beautiful way of life; and,
- encourage students through various activities, programs, and partnerships to nurture a strong working relationship with God.
Philosophy
In the Office of Student Life we believe that through our collaboration across campus, students will be provided quality co-curricular programs and services that promote wholistic student success. Our staff is dedicated to creating a positive spiritual, social, and academic atmosphere through a support system that assists students in their personal and professional development. We believe in providing students with a variety of excellent leadership opportunities, as well as offering quality mentorship to develop leadership skills. We are committed to preparing students for success in both their vocation and in a joy-filled life of local and global service. Finally, we believe in leading, by example, our students to a faith-filled life of discipleship and learning in the footsteps of Jesus Christ within the faith tradition of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Student Handbook and Code of Conduct
The Walla Walla University Student Handbook and Code of Conduct provides current and prospective WWU students with an overview of social, physical, and spiritual life at WWU. Students living in either a residence hall or in the community are encouraged to use the handbook to become familiar with their rights and responsibilities as members of the WWU community. Contents include:
- Student Handbook
- Student Code of Conduct
- Drug and Alcohol Policy
- Sexual Misconduct and Sex Discrimination Policy
Common questions about student conduct policies and processes >
Student Life leadership team
Education
- Montana State University, 2008; State High School Principal Endorsement
- MA La Sierra University, 2004; Curriculum and Instruction, Emphasis in Ancient Languages
- BS Walla Walla University, 1994; French, Minors-Mathematics, History
Previous Experience
- Principal, Spring Valley Academy, 2013–June 2023
- Principal, Mt. Ellis Academy, 2002-2013
- Teacher, Loma Linda Academy High School, 2001-2002
- Teacher/Vice-Principal, Loma Linda Academy Hr. High School, 1994-2001
Family
Darren and his wife, Yvette, have three sons.
Brooklynn Armesto-Larson
Associate Vice President for Student Life
Dean of Students
(509)527-2542
As Dean of Students, Brooklynn oversees the Associated Students of Walla Walla University, student conduct matters, and other student-life programs on campus.
Brooklynn grew up in Walla Walla and considers the Walla Walla valley to be her home. She graduated from Walla Walla University in 2016 with a BA in History and a minor in Social Welfare. She then attended the University of Oregon School of Law, where she graduated in 2020 with a Juris Doctorate Degree.
Brooklynn's professional areas of interest include restorative justice, leadership development, and the criminal legal system. Brooklynn's personal interests include reading, cross stitching, podcasts, and watching sports. She and her husband Manuel have one daughter.
As Athletics director, Nestor oversees WWU's varsity sports program.
Find more information on athletics programs, game schedules, and more at uwolves.com.
Nestor was born in Argentina, where he lived a for several years before moving to other countries in South America with his family since his father was an evangelist. He has two sisters.
He and his wife Claudia have a daughter, Brenda, who is a CVICU nurse at AdventHealth in Orlando, Florida.
He finished his bachelor's degrees in Physical Education, Sports Management and a minor in Theology at River Plate University in Argentina.
Nestor and his family moved to the US in 2001 and lived in Orlando until 2019. During that time he finished his Masters of Science in Education at Southern Adventist University and also began his PhD in Leadership at Andrews Adventist University. He is planning on graduating next May.
He has worked in Florida at Forest Lake Academy, at Union College in Nebraska and is glad to now be here at Walla Walla.
Nestor enjoys music, traveling, reading, outdoor activities and food.
As director of Residential Life and Housing, Jon oversees four residential halls (Conard, Foreman, Meske, and Sittner), and Village Housing. 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.
Find more information about residence halls, village housing, and more on the pages for Residential Life & Housing.
WWU has entrusted oversight of managing campus safety to Allied Universal (AU). AU is the largest private security provider in the United States, and is a leader in higher education safety and security services. As an Allied Universal Account Manager, Courtney oversees security, emergency preparedness, and safety on the College Place campus. Courtney, who came to Walla Walla in 2014 previously served at the Riverside County Probation Department working with troubled youth.
Find more information on safety services, security policies, vehicle registration, emergency preparedness, and more on Campus Security website.
As lead campus chaplain, Albert oversees student missions, Weeks of Worship, vespers, and a host of other Campus Ministries programs.
Find more information on the campus ministries, student missions, and more on the Chaplain's Office web page.
As executive assistant to the vice president of Student Life, Sharryl manages the office and provides faculty, staff, and student support. Sharryl started working at WWU in 2017 and joined the office of Student Life in 2021.
Matthew Vaughan
Director of Counseling and Testing Center
(509) 527-2147
Matthew graduated from Washington State University in 2015 with a degree in psychology and earned his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of Phoenix in 2020. He completed his Master’s internship at WWU in 2020 and returned to the WWU Counseling Center in the spring of 2021 as a full-time therapist. Prior to coming to WWU Matthew worked in community health and substance abuse programs. Through this work, he developed a passion for supporting and advocating for young adults from marginalized groups. He seeks to provide a safe and healing space for individuals who are struggling to belong and find purpose in their lives.
Matthew is strongly influenced by the works of Michael White and he takes a post-modern approach to counseling. He is committed to enter every therapeutic relationship with openness, care, and curiosity.
Annette Riebe
Dean of Residence and Student Life (Portland Campus)
(503) 251-6118 ext. 17353
As dean of Residence and Student Life, Annette oversees students' residential experience at WWU's Portland campus for the School of Nursing. Annette, a graduate of WWU, previously worked as associate dean of women at Pacific Union College.
For more information on the Portland School of Nursingand housing in Hansen Hall online.