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

Meet our Admissions Team

Campus Director of Admissions

Jason Yi

Campus Director of Admissions

Email Addressjason.yi@wsu.edu

LocationStudent Services (VSSC) 150

Phone(360) 546-9219

Jocelin Gallardo

Admissions Counselor

Email Addressjocelin.gallardo@wsu.edu

LocationStudent Services (VSSC) 139

Phone(360) 546-9168

Kim Hiatt

Lead Admissions Counselor

Email Addresshiattk@wsu.edu

LocationStudent Services (VSSC) 137

Phone(360) 546-9563

Maura Schaefer

Admissions Counselor

Email AddressMaura.schaefer@wsu.edu

LocationStudent Services (VSSC) 145

Phone(360) 546-9549

Spencer Vaughn

Admissions Counselor

Email Addressspencer.vaughn@wsu.edu

LocationStudent Services (VSSC)

Phone(360) 546-9151

Meet our Student Ambassadors

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

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

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

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.