Vice President for Student Affairs, Tina Fuchs (’89)

We are thrilled to announce this year’s commencement speaker: Vice President for Student Affairs, Tina Fuchs!

Tina has dedicated her career to shaping higher education through service, advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to student success. As a first-generation college graduate, she understands the transformative power of education, a lived experience that fueled her journey within Student Affairs at Western Oregon University. Fuchs earned a Master of Education in Student Personnel Administration from Western Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Pacific University.

Over the course of her career, Fuchs has held a series of progressively senior leadership positions in student affairs and university housing. She served four years as Vice President for Student Affairs and previously held key administrative roles including Associate Vice President, Dean of Students and Director of University Housing. Her 17-year tenure as Dean of Students stands as a hallmark of her leadership, during which she strengthened student support systems, advanced campus safety initiatives, and championed student well-being and inclusion. As Director of University Housing, she directed the development and construction of several major residential communities including Arbor Park, Alderview Townhouses, and Ackerman Hall, helping expand and modernize campus living options for students and families.

Known for her collaborative style, Fuchs has contributed extensively to institutional governance. Her campus service includes the WOU Foundation Board, University Council, University Budget Advisory Committee, and University Policy Council. Regionally, she contributed to the Northwest Association of College and University Housing Officers (NWACUHO) Master Plan Committee, the WOU Emergency Planning Team, and the Polk County Threat Assessment Team.

A staunch advocate for prevention, support, and equity initiatives, Fuchs was a co-architect of the campus CARE Team and served on the WOU Campus Against Sexual Assault Core Team. Throughout her career, she co-chaired the Student Affairs Committee on Inclusion and participated in initiatives focused on preventing sexual harassment and promoting safer campus environments.

Her leadership has earned numerous honors, including the Mario and Alma Pastega Staff Excellence Award, recognition as an Outstanding Woman Honoree, and a Bronze Pin from the National Association of College and University Residence Halls. An Honorary Lifetime Member of NWACUHO, she also received the David B. Stephen Award and the Kay Rich Lifetime Achievement Award for her enduring impact as a mentor and advocate.

Through decades of service, Fuchs has demonstrated that effective student affairs work is grounded in compassion, collaboration, preparedness, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every student.

After June, she will be retiring from WOU. We wish her the very best as she begins a new chapter filled with health, happiness, and continued success in all her future endeavors. Thank you for everything, and congratulations!