Walla Walla Community College has named Jennifer Clayton as the new Dean of Nursing and Allied Health. Clayton brings more than 10 years of experience in health care education and leadership.
Most recently, Clayton served as Department Chair for the Diagnostic Imaging Program at Linn-Benton Community College in Albany, Oregon, where for the past nine years, 98% of the graduates passed their board exams with an over 95% employment rate. Clayton is also a Registered Radiologic Technologist specializing in CT since 2008.
“Jennifer has an impressive track record of success at a rural community college, both in the classroom and as a mentor,” said WWCC President Chad Hickox. “She has also taken on leadership roles within the healthcare profession. She’s a great fit for WWCC’s Nursing and Allied Health Programs, which are considered by many to be the best in the region.”
At WWCC, Clayton will be responsible for leading the college’s Nursing and Allied Health Programs offered at the Walla Walla and Clarkston campuses. In addition to working closely with nurse administrators, leads, faculty, and staff, Clayton will partner with community members, including hospitals and clinics, to ensure that WWCC is meeting the need for high-quality healthcare services.
Clayton is a community college graduate, having earned associate’s degrees in General Studies and Diagnostic Imaging from Linn Benton Community College, with 17 years of experience in imaging. While teaching students in the classroom and supporting patients clinically, she went on to earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Western Governor’s University in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her experience in healthcare leadership led to work with multiple disciplines including nursing, medical assisting, phlebotomy, surgical technology, sleep technology, coding/reimbursement, dental and occupational therapy.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of WWCC’s high-quality Nursing and Allied Health programs,” Clayton said. “I’m grateful to be part of such a great team with dedicated faculty and staff serving our students who will go on to provide compassionate care for our patients and build stronger, healthier communities.”