Ask SSA
SSA
We are so excited to have you join us at WOU. Check out our welcome video to get to know more about us and what we do.
Individual contact information is provided below.
If you are a WOU student, you may schedule an appointment with an advisor online through WCS (located in the WOU Portal).
If you are a prospective student, you may schedule an appointment by calling 503-838-8428.
SSA Staff:
Kelly Rush – Assistant Director
She/Her/Hers
rushk@wou.edu | 503-838-8576 | Schedule an Appointment
I am a WOU alumnus and have a background working at both the high school and college level. I was a first generation, low-income student while at WOU and feel that I can bring insight and support to the students I work with.
Gabbi Boyle – Academic Success Advisor
They/Them/Theirs | American Sign Language
boyleg@wou.edu | 503-838-8501 | Schedule an Appointment
Transfer and Prospective Student Advisor
I am a WOU Alum that spent a few years away to complete a Master’s degree in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Oregon State University, and I couldn’t be happier to be back at WOU!
Keegan Gormally – Tutoring Coordinator/Academic Success Advisor
He/Him/His
gormallyk@wou.edu | 503-838-8083 | Schedule an Appointment
As Tutoring Coordinator/Academic Success Advisor, my passion is working with students to clarify their goals, overcome barriers to success, and access support for their academic and personal well-being. I am originally from northern Iowa and am also a first generation student, receiving my B.A. in English from the University of Iowa before earning a Master of Science degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Kansas. Outside of work hours, I enjoy reading and writing, being outdoors, and staying connected with family and friends across the country.
Susan Griffin – Academic Program Coordinator and Advisor
WOU CERT Team Program Manager
griffins@wou.edu | 503-838-9371 | Schedule an Appointment
Primary Advising Area: Interdisciplinary Studies and Degree Completion
I joined WOU in 2003 after finishing my MS in Adult Education with a focus on accessible distance education. After working a few years supporting the online MAT program I started my PhD in Educational Leadership (which is on hold). I have worked in the College of Education supporting graduate education programs, in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences supporting the LAS Deans office, working with students in the Interdisciplinary Studies Major, and helping students return and complete their degree. I love exploring new places to visit, reading, and enjoying time with friends.
Maggie Newton – Degree Completion Assistant Coordinator and Advisor
she/her/hers | Se habla Español
newtonm@wou.edu | 503-838-8057 |
As the Degree Completion Assistant Coordinator and Advisor, I’m excited to help students re-enroll and complete their degrees. I have a B.S. in Biology from the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley, a M.A in Philosophy from the University of Oregon, and I am currently finishing my PhD in Philosophy at the University of Oregon. I’m also a native Spanish speaker, and I am happy to advise students in English or Spanish.
Melissa Hinzman – Office Coordinator and Academic Advisor
She/Her/Hers
hinzmanm@wou.edu | 503-838-9354 | Schedule an Appointment
I am the Office Coordinator and an Academic Advisor for students interested in the Pre-Nursing pathway and those exploring their options. A native Oregonian, I received my Bachelors degree in English Literature and German Studies from WOU and went on to earn a Masters degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. I also spent a year teaching English as a second language in Austria and several years as a college writing instructor once back in the states. I enjoy traveling, reading, listening to music of all genres, and spending time with my two cats.
Qin Ma – International Academic Success Advisor/ETC Coordinator
She/Her/Hers |Mandarin Chinese
maq@wou.edu | 503-838-8024 | Schedule an Appointment
International Student Support Website
Ron Mercer – Academic Success Advisor
He/Him/His
mercerr@wou.edu | 503-838-8506 | Schedule an Appointment
I am an Academic Success Advisor with Student Success and Advising who focuses on helping exploratory students find their path here at WOU. I am from Michigan and received my bachelors in Urban and Regional Planning from Eastern Michigan University. I like to spend time watching movies, playing video games, and going on adventures with my wife.
Adrian Trujillo – Bilingual Academic Success Advisor
He/Him/His | Se habla Español
trujilloa@wou.edu | 503-838-8587 | Schedule an Appointment
Dream.US Scholars Advisor
I am the Bilingual Academic Success Advisor with Student Success and Advising. I am a native to Independence and Monmouth Oregon. I graduated from Oregon State with a bachelors in Human Development and Family Science as a first-generation, non-traditional student. I am excited to work with all students and help them explore their opportunities and support their goals. I enjoy quality time with my family, movies with my three sons and crafting with my wife.
Travis Tyler – COVID-19 Retention and Persistence Success Advisor
He/Him/His
tylert@wou.edu | 503-838-9369
I’m excited to join the Western Oregon University community as the COVID-19 Persistence and Retention Success Advisor. I look forward to helping students and student-athletes get the most out of their academic journey. I have a B.A. in English from Dartmouth College where I was a member of the Men’s Swimming and Diving Team. I also have a Master of Education in Higher Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Outside of work, I enjoy reading and writing, swimming, and a good road trip.
