WWCC Spotlight: Ben Rotert

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WWCC Spotlight: Ben Rotert

Who

Ben Rotert is the coordinator of the Running Start program and head men’s soccer coach. He’s been at WWCC since 2014.

Most important part of the job

I work with the high schools in our district to make sure that students have great access to higher education while they are still in high school. They can earn college credits that also satisfy their high school graduation requirements, and about 30-40 of them graduate every year with their AA degree and their high school diploma at the same time. We work individually with every student that comes into Running Start to develop a clear and concise path for them to meet their educational goals.

Biggest challenge

There are unique circumstances for every student. Each student comes with a different goal, and we need to be creative in developing the plan that works best for each student. Some students can’t afford transportation to the college, or textbooks, and we have a new program to assist them with that.

People should know?

We are making great strides to make Running Start accessible to all students that are interested in the program, including providing tuition assistance. Our students have access to the full spectrum of resources that every other college student here gets. Some students just take one class here and the rest at their high school, some are 50-50 and some take all of their classes here on campus. We put our hearts and souls into making sure these students have everything they need.

Surprising things

I’ve been involved in athletics since I was a little kid, and I bring that perspective, and my experience as a coach, to Running Start. Athletics has a special place in my heart, and I love the leadership aspect of coaching.

Community activities

We partner with Walla Walla Parks and Recreation to put on a Warrior soccer academy for the community, for 5- to 12-year-olds. And my wife is involved in the Sweets club volleyball program.

Community activities

We partner with Walla Walla Parks and Recreation to put on a Warrior soccer academy for the community, for 5- to 12-year-olds. And my wife is involved in the Sweets club volleyball program.

For fun

I love to cycle, and this is a great cycling community. My wife and I love to camp, and we love to travel. We travel internationally as much as we can, because we love to see and experience all the different cultures the world has to offer. We just got back from China.