Walla Walla, Wash. – Walla Walla Community College’s (WWCC) nationwide search for a Vice President of Student Services (VPSS) is complete with the selection of Dr. Graydon Stanley for the role.
At WWCC, Stanley will fulfill a vital leadership role in administrating a comprehensive student services program that supports student success, as well as student rights and responsibilities. He will also promote access to services and quality education from student recruitment to completion.
Stanley has served as Vice President of Student Services at North Idaho College in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, since 2012. He has a Doctor of Education degree in Higher Education Leadership from Idaho State University, as well as Master of Education and Bachelor of Science degrees from the College of Idaho.
During his time at North Idaho College, Stanley developed financial aid processes that reduced student debt by 65%, expanded services for students with disabilities, and obtained more than $500,000 from the Albertson’s Foundation to support best practices in retention and completion. He also initiated the Give Me Five program to support employee involvement in student engagement and retention that led to a 5% increase in the retention of students, and was involved in the design and funding of a number of building and program projects.
“We are excited to have Dr. Stanley join Walla Walla Community College and the college’s executive leadership team,” WWCC President Chad Hickox said. “His wide-ranging skill set, knowledge, vision and community college experience are essential to achieving our mission and strategic objectives.”
Prior to North Idaho College, Stanley was the Dean of Students at College of Southern Idaho for nearly 30 years.
“I am a strong believer that the traditional education we provide in the classroom must be accompanied by the services and breadth of experiences that prepare students for their educational endeavors and their transition to graduate studies, work, and productive citizenship,” Stanley said.
Stanley is very involved in the community with a history of many board and leadership responsibilities. He was recently selected as the Citizen of the Year and was recognized for his support of diversity efforts at North Idaho College. Stanley has interests in motivational speaking, musical theater, sports broadcasting, hunting and travel, and he is joined in Walla Walla by his wife, Tammi.
“During the interview process and in our recent visit to Walla Walla, I felt a strong connection to the WWCC campus and the community. Tammi and I are very excited about joining a new family there.”
“I am especially proud of the work I have been a part of in higher education as it has always been ambitious, innovative, and absolutely student-centered,” Stanley said. “I value and practice collaboration, so my work has always been connected to the constituents and colleagues that I have served for and with.”
Stanley is slated to begin his new role at WWCC in early January.