Staff Advisory Council
The Staff Advisory Council (SAC) is a peer-elected body representing the diversity of identities and staff roles across each division of the College. SAC works to empower the staff community to feel confident and supported in their roles and represented in College decisions. The Council identifies opportunities to improve staff experience and equity, and works to resolve challenges on behalf of all staff. Through our work of shared governance, we promote a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, communication and growth.
SAC was founded in 2018 to help advance the mission of Whitman College by advising the President and administration at Whitman College on issues related to staff. This came after a Campus Climate survey showed a need to better represent staff concerns and voices around campus with direct access and communication to the President of the College.
Contact Us
The Staff Advisory Council can be reached via email at sac@whitman.edu.
If there are topics you’d like to bring to our attention, please email us or fill out the form below. Submissions can be kept anonymous.
If you’d prefer to meet in person, we will be holding staff drop-in hours throughout the semester at various campus locations. Please check back in the Fall for event details.
Members
Current vacancies include representation for staff working in Admission & Financial Aid, Provost and Dean of Faculty and Student Life/Dean of Students. Interested in serving on SAC or other campus groups? Fill out our interest form!
Mónica Hernández Williams
Staff Advisory Council member respresenting staff in the Office of Communication, 2023–2026
I was born, raised, and spent most of my life in the Walla Walla Valley. I earned my degree in Communications specializing in journalism and media production from Washington State University. After moving around the PNW, I returned to Walla Walla and joined the Whitman College community in 2021. Currently, I work in the Office of Communication and serve on the college’s Inclusive Excellence Council as well as the Staff Advisory Council. Outside of work, I enjoy creating makeup videos, being outdoors, spending time with my family, and traveling to new places around the world.
Alison Wallisch ’05
Staff Advisory Council member representing staff in the offices of Development & Alumni Relations, 2023–2026
I am originally from the Midwest but came to Walla Walla to attend Whitman, graduating in 2005. While I was working in Boston, I joined the Whitman College Alumni Board and decided I wanted to return to the West. As a development officer at Whitman, I travel around the country meeting with alumni and building support for the school. When I am home, you can find me DIYing house projects, walking or hiking my two dogs, reading with my cat, or socializing with friends.
Connor Stone
Staff Advisory Council member representing staff working in the division of Finance & Administration, 2025–2028
Shelby Hearn
Staff Advisory Council member representing staff in the Division of Inclusive Excellence and the Office of the President, 2025–2028
Everardo Carranza
Staff Advisory Council member representing staff in the Division of Finance & Administration, 2022–2025
I live in Milton-Freewater and have been working as a custodian for Residence Life for nine years. I’ve worked in different buildings around campus and currently work in Stanton Hall.
Nadir Ovcina ’17
Staff Advisory Council member respresenting staff in the offices of the Provost & Dean of Faculty, 2024–2027
I was born in Croatia, yet as refugees, my parents raised me in Aloha, OR. I attended Whitman College and received a degree in History and Philosophy. After graduation, I taught at a military university in the People's Republic of China, and soon after the global pandemic subsided, I was hired by Whitman to work as the Assistant Director of Off-Campus Studies.
In my freetime, I play bass and read. I also write, and I have been published several times.
Victoria Wolff ’12
Staff Advisory Council member respresenting staff in the offices of the Provost & Dean of Faculty, 2022–2025
I grew up in Berlin, Germany, and also went to college there. I received my B.A. in English, History and Education from Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin as well as my Masters of Education with a focus on English and History. Fun Fact: During the 2010–2011 academic year I came to Whitman to teach in the German department and I lived in Das Deutsche Haus (The German House) in the Interest House Community. I am also married to a fellow Whittie and I feel deeply connected to the College.
I have been working in higher education for close to 15 years now, always with a focus on student learning. As mentioned, my background is in education and teaching and I am passionate about coaching students and advising them on their academic and professional paths. I enjoy creating meaningful, educational experiences for them through my work in the Career and Community Engagement Center. I've been with the Center since 2014 (in various positions) and now oversee all aspects of Career Education, from one-on-one appointments with students to leading workshops for student groups, and presenting in the classroom. As part of my role, I also manage the Student Career Advisor program which provides peer-to-peer career education for our students.