SSA
SSA Staff:
Niki Weight – Director
She/Her/Hers
weightn@wou.edu | 503-838-9391
I joined the Student Success and Advising team in August 2018. I have a passion for helping students achieve success and find their path. Originally from Utah, I have always loved Oregon and I am excited to explore my new home with my husband and daughters.
Lizzy Harman (Balding) – Assistant Director
She/Her/Hers | American Sign Language
baldinge@wou.edu | 503-838-8057
I am the Assistant Director of Student Success and Advising and enjoy meeting with all students, hearing about successes and struggles. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, I like to spend my free time outdoors, exploring the natural beauty of Oregon with my husband.
Adrian Trujillo – Bilingual Academic Success Advisor
He/Him/His | Se habla Español
trujilloa@wou.edu | 503-838-8587
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.
Gabbi Boyle – Academic Success Advisor
They/Them/Theirs | American Sign Language
boyleg@wou.edu | 503-838-8501
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 | Se habla Español
gormallyk@wou.edu | 503-838-8083
As Tutoring Coordinator/Academic Success Advisor, I enjoy helping students clarify their goals, overcome barriers to success, and access educational environments to support them as students and unique individuals. I am originally from northern Iowa, and as a first-generation student from a low-income background, I received a 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 literature, being outdoors, and staying connected with family and friends across the country.
Kelly Rush – Academic Success Advisor
She/Her/Hers
rushk@wou.edu | 503-838-8576
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.
Melissa Hinzman – Office Coordinator and Academic Advisor
She/Her/Hers
hinzmanm@wou.edu | 503-838-9354
I am the Office Coordinator and an Academic Advisor for students interested in the Pre-nursing pathway, though I welcome students who may be exploring their academic options or those with questions about WOU’s general education requirements. A native Oregonian and WOU Alum, I enjoy traveling, reading, listening to music of all genres, and spending time with my husband and our two cats.
Ron Mercer – Academic Success Advisor
He/Him/His
mercerr@wou.edu | 503-838-8506
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.
Susan Griffin – Academic Program Coordinator and Advisor
WOU CERT Team Program Manager
griffins@wou.edu | 503-838-9371
Primary Advising Area: Interdisciplinary Studies
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 and working with students in the Interdisciplinary Studies Major. I love exploring new places to visit, reading, and enjoying time with friends.
