AHE Spring 2026 Newsletter
Dean, Woodring College of Education - Kevin Roxas
Chair, Health and Community Studies - Devyani Chandran
AHE Program Director - Sondra Cuban
AHE Program Coordinator - Sherry Haskins
AHE Spring Quarter Faculty
- Sondra Cuban
- Kunbi Ajiboye
- Shevell Thibou
Guest Speaker Highlight
Bill Lyne
During the April 4 residential, students had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Bill Lyne, a faculty member at WWU who is actively involved in higher education advocacy and policy work in Washington state. Bill is engaged with the College Coalition, an organization dedicated to advancing higher education advocacy across the state. He is also involved in labor organizing efforts and regularly works with state legislators and higher education administrators in Olympia on issues related to higher education funding and policy.
The presentation focused on the political and economic challenges facing colleges and universities today. Bill highlighted how decades of declining public investment have contributed to rising tuition costs, increasing bureaucratic barriers, and reduced accessibility to higher education. He explained that higher education has gradually shifted from being viewed as a public good that benefits society to being seen primarily as a private investment measured by future earnings, placing a greater financial burden on students and families.
Bill also discussed barriers students face when pursuing higher education, including complex financial aid processes, transfer requirements, and other institutional systems that can be difficult to navigate. He emphasized the importance of moving away from a "gatekeeper" mentality and adopting more invitational approaches that actively support and welcome prospective students.
The session concluded with a call to action, encouraging students, faculty, alumni, and community members to engage in advocacy efforts to ensure that higher education remains accessible, equitable, and adequately funded for future generations.
New Student Spotlight
Erin Merklein
I was first drawn to the Adult & Higher Education master’s program at WWU when I realized it was actually feasible with my schedule. My career path was not super straight forward- I have a B.S in Biology and currently am an environmental educator with Department of Ecology. I learned so much through my mentors and teaching myself but have always been intrigued by getting more formal education to support my career. When I realized the AHE program was created for those who work full time and could be supported by tuition waivers I was so excited that I could pursue this degree.
This was my first quarter in the program, so I have been slowly taking it all in, but a highlight so far has definitely been my classmates. I really enjoyed the little community we’ve cultivated where we can talk candidly and dig into the topics we are learning about. They are all super supportive and helpful as I navigate school life again.
This first quarter of the program has made me very excited to continue, I feel like I’ve already learned so much and it has only been one class so far! Some of my preconceived ideas and thoughts about education have been challenged in the best ways and I am seeing how expansive and integrated education is in society and adult lives.
As someone who just started the program, I think one of the best things I did this first quarter was not pressure myself to do perfectly. Rather than care about my letter grade I really tried to immerse myself in the content and learn how I can apply this new knowledge to my life and career. If challenges came up, I would deal with them in the moment, and all of that work shows in the actual letter grade in the end.
Outside of school and work, I love to be outside either reading, swimming, walking or watching wildlife. My community is very important to me, and I really value the relationships I’ve built whether it’s my fellow students, friends, yoga classmates and even strangers that want to chat about life.
Student Spotlight
Lisa Lewis
After six years working in Higher Education in Washington State, I came across the Adult & Higher Education program through a colleague and immediately applied, knowing it was the perfect opportunity to elevate my education with direct application to my work.
A highlight of the program so far has been Learning in Adulthood (AHE 577), which was an impactful course to kick off my studies. It also provided the opportunity to explore my now ongoing research interests analyzing education, cultural stewardship and empowerment, and the implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The program has opened my eyes to a deeper understanding of educational research, its critical importance, and how capable I am of contributing to it, which I look forward to continuing to work toward.
For those just starting in the AHE program, I would recommend intentionally selecting class research project topics that not only have direct job-related applications but also allow you to explore your personal interests and curiosities.
Outside of school and work, I enjoy being active outdoors and on the water, listening to live music and vinyl, and spending time with loved ones while gathering family history through my travels.
What is Collective Action?
Collective action means people working together toward a shared goal that they cannot easily achieve alone.
It involves group coordination, cooperation, and shared responsibility to create change or solve a problem.
Through collective action, AHE can make a difference on campus, in our communities and in the world.
I know I am not weaving my life’s patterns alone. Only one end of the threads do I hold in my hands. The other ends go many ways linking my life with others.
– Septima Clark
NASPA 2027 Conference on Student Success in Higher Education
June 15 - 18, 2027
Indianapolis, IN
NASPA 2026 Mid-Level Administrators Conference
June 11-13, 2026
Providence, RI
10th World Conference on Teaching and Education
July 23-25, 2026
Copenhagen, Denmark
EDUCAUSE 2026 Annual Conference
September 29 - October 2, 2026
Denver, CO
Online review: October 14-15, 2026