Student Life and Mission

Richardson transitions to Oakwood University

David Richardson, Jr., vice president for student life and mission at Walla Walla University (WWU) has accepted the position of vice president for spiritual life and mission at Oakwood University, effective February 1.

"Dr. Richardson has brought verve and vision to Student Life at WWU, making many contributions to our institutional mission over the past three and a half years. His Cabinet colleagues have especially appreciated his warm friendship and collaborative strategies,” says WWU President John McVay.

During his tenure at WWU, Richardson oversaw many initiatives, including campus safety improvements, development of the co-curricular transcript, partnership with Adventist Health in the University Clinic, compliance with Title IX, establishment of annual departmental assessment, Athletics’ move to the Cascade Collegiate Conference, establishment of the Behavioral Intervention Team,  continued commitment to missions and ministry, and renovations of student spaces in Kellogg Hall, the Student Association Center, campus security, and the Den in Sittner Hall. He also restructured oversight of student activities and the student life judicial process as well as Residential Life and Housing, to increase efficiency and consistency in the department and better support students.

Richardson’s move to Oakwood University marks a return to the campus where he grew up and which he later attended for his undergraduate degree. As he reflected on his experience at WWU, Richardson said: “I’m going to miss the strong relationships I’ve made with my colleagues and throughout campus, as well as the ethos of Walla Walla University. Student leadership here is incredibly strong and I’ve enjoyed seeing how the students mobilize the campus, and grow and develop in the process.”

“We wish him well in his new responsibilities at Oakwood University, knowing that our sister institution will be blessed by his leadership,” says McVay.