Meet the Team

Support for Your Journey to WSU Vancouver

The admissions team at WSU Vancouver is dedicated to helping you navigate the transition to university life. Whether you are coming straight from high school or transferring from another institution, these counselors provide the expertise and guidance necessary to streamline your enrollment. They specialize in identifying the right academic pathways for first-year and transfer students, ensuring that your unique goals remain the central focus of the application process.

By connecting with a counselor, you gain an advocate who understands the nuances of higher education and the specific opportunities available within the VanCoug community. From initial inquiries to final registration, our staff works to remove barriers and provide clear answers to your most pressing questions. We invite you to engage with our team members to discover how a degree from WSU Vancouver can serve as the foundation for your professional and personal future.

Contact and Scheduling

Find your Admissions Counselor Meet our Advisors Meet our Student Ambassadors

Questions?

Email: van.admissions@wsu.edu
Phone: 360-546-9788
Location: The Office of Admissions is located in the upper level of the Student Services Center. Check in at the Cougar Center front desk.

Cougar Center Hours

  • Monday8:00am – 5:00pm
  • Tuesday8:00am – 5:00pm
  • Wednesday8:00am – 5:00pm
  • Thursday8:00am – 5:00pm
  • Friday8:00am – 5:00pm

Meet our Advisors

Jason Yi

Jason Yi

Campus Director of Admissions
Email Addressjason.yi@wsu.edu
LocationStudent Services (VSSC) 150
Phone(360) 546-9219
Laura Arellano-Karki

Laura Arellano-Karki

Admissions Counselor
Email Addresslaura.arellano@wsu.edu
LocationStudent Services (VSSC) 131
Phone(360) 546-9483
Lisa Bork

Lisa Bork

Admissions Processing Program Assistant
Email Addresslisa.bork@wsu.edu
LocationStudent Services (VSSC) 140L
Phone(360) 546-9071
Jocelin Gallardo

Jocelin Gallardo

Admissions Counselor
Email Addressjocelin.gallardo@wsu.edu
LocationStudent Services (VSSC) 139
Phone(360) 546-9168
Jamie Greene

Jamie Greene

Assistant Director of New Student Programs
Email Addressjamie.greene@wsu.edu
LocationStudent Services (VSSC) 140B
Phone(360) 546-9430
Kim Hiatt

Kim Hiatt

Lead Admissions Counselor
Email Addresshiattk@wsu.edu
LocationStudent Services (VSSC) 137
Phone(360) 546-9563
Maura Schaefer

Maura Schaefer

Admissions Counselor
Email AddressMaura.schaefer@wsu.edu
LocationStudent Services (VSSC) 145
Phone(360) 546-9549
Rhonda Strawn

Rhonda Strawn

Credential Evaluator
Email Addressrhonda.strawn@wsu.edu
LocationStudent Services (VSSC) 140
Phone(360) 546-9096
Julie Talvitie

Julie Talvitie

Program Support Supervisor
Email Addressjtalvitie@wsu.edu
LocationStudent Services (VSSC) 140M
Phone(360) 546-9572
Spencer Vaughn

Spencer Vaughn

Admissions Counselor
Email Addressspencer.vaughn@wsu.edu
LocationStudent Services (VSSC)

Meet our Student Ambassadors

Molly Hope

Molly Hope

Lead Student Ambassador
I transferred to WSU Vancouver after completing my associate degree through the Running Start program at Clark College. After graduation, I hope to pursue a career in the sports industry, specifically in hockey. This is my first year as a student ambassador, and I’m excited to help fellow students feel welcome on campus. I chose WSU Vancouver because it’s close to home and offers smaller class sizes while still providing access to the resources of the greater WSU system. Although I’ve only lived in Washington for a few years after moving from California, I’ve come to appreciate this community and wasn’t ready to leave it for school just yet. When I’m not studying, you can find me reading, crocheting or spending time with my dog. Go Cougs!
Kelsie Ramirez

Kelsie Ramirez

Student Ambassador
I’m interested in pursuing research and earning a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. That career can look different for everyone, but I’m specifically interested in working with kids. I believe young minds should be supported and nurtured in the best ways possible. To enhance my career opportunities, I’m involved in a research lab with several professors on campus and work with children outside of school. I chose WSU Vancouver because of the undergraduate research opportunities, and it has absolutely lived up to that. Outside of school and research, I love to play soccer, cook and binge TV shows. If you see me on campus, say hi!
Emma Therkildsen

Emma Therkildsen

Student Ambassador
I’m a transfer student from Highline College, and I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in experimental psychology. I chose WSU Vancouver because it’s close to home, has a strong academic reputation and is a beautiful campus. Fun facts about me: I played college soccer, I love to write music and I’m from New Mexico.
Khiara Thomas

Khiara Thomas

Student Ambassador
I plan to use my degree to work in education as a middle or high school history teacher. I hope to inspire students to love history and learn from those who came before us. I chose WSU Vancouver because of its small campus feel and large university resources. This campus offers many opportunities to shine, from scholarships to research projects to art exhibits. There are chances for students in all majors to stand out. As a first-generation Filipino American student, I’ve found that the supportive staff and student body make WSU Vancouver feel like home. Over the past few years, I’ve met so many people and professors who have positively impacted my personal and academic journey. I’m stoked to showcase our lovely campus and help prospective students imagine their place in our community.