by Emma Prophet

The 2025 CPP Fall Retreat was an insightful, energizing, and memorable experience that brought together faculty and staff as well as community members for a time of learning, reflection, and connection. The retreat has been an important tradition for the CPP college. It provides a strong sense of unity and thoughtful conversations.

Throughout that time, faculty and staff were able to step away from their busy routines and focus on growth in a more intentional way. Whether talking through ideas with new faces or reconnecting with familiar ones, everyone seemed genuinely appreciative of the opportunity to slow down and be present with one another. The retreat served as a reminder of how valuable it is to have dedicated time to gather, share perspectives, and build supportive relationships.

Each year, the CPP Excellence Awards recognize individuals who exemplify exceptional dedication, leadership, and service within the College of Professional Programs. Recipients of this award consistently demonstrate a commitment to elevating the student experience, advancing the mission of the college, and contributing meaningfully to their departments and the broader campus community. Their contributions strengthen our programs, inspire those around them, and highlight the remarkable talent and dedication present throughout CPP.

The 2024-2025 CPP Excellence Award Winners are:

● Faculty Service Activities: Ashley Lepisi, Education

● Faculty Teaching: Clive Gary, Education

● Faculty Scholarly & Creative Works: Rajeev Dwivedi, Business

● Classified Staff: Christi Wavada, Education

● Classified Staff: Christine Davies, Psychology

● Exempt Staff: Jill Stinson, Education

● Campus Partner: Margie Scammell-Renner, Advancement

● Community Partner: Matt and Candie Chew, Champions Retreat

● Community Partner: Bob Cole

● Team: Family Resource & Training Center (FRTC)

● Alumni: Alvaro Figueroa Garcia

● Alumni: Mary Beazer

One of the most anticipated moments of the event was the keynote presentation delivered by Cimone Wright-Hamor. Cimone’s message was powerful, engaging, and deeply thoughtful. She spoke with clarity and authenticity about leadership, the impact of faculty and staff on students’ lives, and how universities should navigate the information age. Her ability to connect with the audience through personal stories, practical insights, and genuine passion, made her presentation one of the defining highlights of the entire retreat. Attendees left feeling both inspired and challenged in the best possible way.

As the retreat concluded, the sense of community was amplified. Many participants expressed how refreshing it was to be in a space where learning, encouragement, and meaningful conversation were at the center of the day. The blend of educational content, supportive interactions, and Cimone Wright-Hamor’s outstanding keynote presentation, all created an environment that felt uplifting and restorative. Overall, the 2025 CPP Fall Retreat was a wonderful success!

Master of Business Administration Honors

Tanner Cunningham, ’20 MBA, ’19 BAB 51������

While at 51������, Cunningham competed in multiple pitch competitions and business development programs. His team was selected as the most promising business idea in the 51������ Technology Commercialization Academy (TCA), earning the opportunity to compete in the CEO Global Pitch Competition in Tampa, Florida, where Cunningham pitched on behalf of the team. He also completed the WSU I-Corps development program and was accepted into the TCU Values and Ventures Competition. Most recently, he competed in the Eagle’s $40,000 StartUp Contest, progressing to the final round where his team was selected as the Best Technology Commercialization of 2020. Cunningham hopes to continue his success and launch his startup business in the near future.

Tamitha Shockley French, ’20 MBA, ’03 BS 51������

Shockley is excited and honored to earn her MBA from 51������, making her a true “double Eagle”! She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Communications & Public Relations from Eastern in 2003 and currently works for the university full-time as the Director of Donor Communications & Stewardship for the 51������ Foundation. Shockley has worked in public relations, communications and fundraising for more than fifteen years and is accredited in public relations through the Public Relations Society of America. She chose the Eastern MBA program to enhance her understanding of business finance and accounting, building on the strong foundation of her undergraduate degree, to continue serving the community.

Lauren Hoell, ’20 MBA, ’12 BA Gonzaga University

Hoell was born and raised in Spokane, WA. She attended Gonzaga Preparatory School, class of 2007. After Gonzaga Prep, she attended Eastern for a year and then graduated from Gonzaga University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. After a short hiatus, Hoell decided to continue her passion for school and learning by attending the Masters of Business Administration program. She is extremely proud to have completed her degree while continuing her career full time. “This has been a dream of mine”.

Mason Peatling, ’20 MBA, ’19 BAB 51������

Peatling and his wife Laura traveled from Melbourne, Australia four years ago with big plans. Four years later, it has all come to fruition. As a member of the 51������ Men’s Basketball Team, the Senior Captain led the team to their first outright Big Sky Championship since 2004. Peatling was also honored as the conference MVP by the league’s 11 coaches. However, his most prized accolade is being selected as a 1st Team Academic All-American, a representation of all the hard work he has done in the classroom. Peatling wishes to thank all his professors in the MBA program who were so accommodating throughout a very busy year.

Roman Tverdokhlebenko, ’20 MBA, ’08 BAB 51������

Tverdokhlebenko was born and raised in Ukraine. His family immigrated to United States in 2003. Tverdokhlebenko earned a direct transfer degree from Big Bend Community College in 2006 and his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Eastern in 2008. While still in school, he was employed as an intern in the quality assurance department of a food processing plant. He has held a variety of managerial positions in multiple companies. After losing his job due to economic circumstances, Tverdokhlebenko decided to return to school to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration. He is interested in becoming a community college or university instructor in the future.

Master of Professional Accounting Honors

Jessica Hengy, ‘20 MPAcc, ’19 BAB 51������

Hengy is originally from Spokane and has many friends and family in the area. She is grateful that the MPAcc program helps students prepare for the CPA exam, for which she is currently studying and hopes to finish this fall. Hengy plans to work in public accounting as an auditor – with a focus on the not-for-profit and development industries. Her favorite part of the MPAcc program was the opportunity to network with professors and other students. She believes getting to hear a variety of perspectives from people who have experience in accounting is important to professional development.

Beth Rheinschmidt, ’20 MPAcc, ’18 BAB 51������

After earning an Associate of Arts from Spokane Community College, Rheinschmidt transferred to Eastern in the fall of 2015 to pursue her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Professional Accounting. As a non-traditional student, she was working full-time while attending night classes. It took a significant amount of focus and determination to earn not only her bachelor’s degree but also her Master of Professional Accounting. Rheinschmidt is proud of her accomplishments and wishes to thank her family, friends, classmates, and faculty for supporting her through this journey.

Cherienne Ruby-Rhyne, ’20 MPAcc, ’98 BAB 51������

Ruby-Rhyne is a native of Boise, ID who began her college journey nearly 25 years ago as an undergraduate student at 51������. In 1998, she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a focus in accounting. Ruby-Rhyne began working in public accounting in the Seattle area acquiring knowledge of the various aspects of accounting. Subsequently, she transitioned into private industry in Spokane, Washington. Most recently, she returned to Eastern to pursue a Master of Professional Accounting degree. She is graduating with honors in Spring 2020 and wishes to continue her career as an accounting professional with a local construction and development company where she is currently employed.

Not pictured:

• Mariya Brodigan, ’20 MPAcc, MA, BA Dnipropetrovsk State Agrarian and Economic University
• Amy Costilla, ’20 MPAcc, ’16 BAB 51������

Frances B. Huston Medallion Awards

Madison Doepker, ’20 BAB 51������

Doepker is graduating this spring with a major in professional accounting. The Walla Walla native is a Captain on the 51������ women’s track and field team who earned Big Sky All-Academic honors all four year, one of only three 51������ student athletes to do so. She was also named the 2019 Big Sky Champion for Javelin. Doepker actively gives back to her community by volunteering her time and expertise. This winter, she volunteered many hours serving as an auditor in the Spokane County Superior Court Guardianship Monitoring Program, a program designed to improve the Superior Court’s ability to monitor guardians’ handling of the ongoing care and financial affairs of Spokane County’s incapacitated citizens under court-supervised guardianships. After graduation, Doepker plans to pursue her CPA while continuing to work in public accounting in Spokane.

Quinn Paterson, ’20 BAB 51������

Paterson is graduating this spring with double-majors in management information systems and business analytics. Paterson has worked at the 51������ PLUS desk as a facilitator and tutor and he earned Level 2 certification from the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) last winter. He participated, through a class project, in a service-learning opportunity with the city of Spokane, analyzing data counting the local homeless population. Paterson also serves in an executive board position for the business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi as the Master of Rituals. Paterson credits his father for inspiring his servant-leader values. Growing up, Paterson spent many hours volunteering at his hometown’s arboretum alongside his dad, who served as president of the arboretum foundation in his hometown of Maple Valley, Washington. After graduation, Paterson plans to pursue a career in data analytics in the technology industry.

The College of Business recently announced student honors and awards for the 2019-2020 academic year. Learn more about some of our outstanding awards
recipients.

Master of Business Administration Honors

Tanner Cunningham, ’20 MBA, ’19 BAB 51������

While at 51������, Cunningham competed in multiple pitch competitions and business development programs. His team was selected as the most promising business idea in the 51������ Technology Commercialization Academy (TCA), earning the opportunity to compete in the CEO Global Pitch Competition in Tampa, Florida, where Cunningham pitched on behalf of the team. He also completed the WSU I-Corps development program and was accepted into the TCU Values and Ventures Competition. Most recently, he competed in the Eagle’s $40,000 StartUp Contest, progressing to the final round where his team was selected as the Best Technology Commercialization of 2020. Cunningham hopes to continue his success and launch his startup business in the near future.

Tamitha Shockley French, ’20 MBA, ’03 BS 51������

Shockley is excited and honored to earn her MBA from 51������, making her a true “double Eagle”! She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Communications & Public Relations from Eastern in 2003 and currently works for the university full-time as the Director of Donor Communications & Stewardship for the 51������ Foundation. Shockley has worked in public relations, communications and fundraising for more than fifteen years and is accredited in public relations through the Public Relations Society of America. She chose the Eastern MBA program to enhance her understanding of business finance and accounting, building on the strong foundation of her undergraduate degree, to continue serving the community.

Lauren Hoell, ’20 MBA, ’12 BA Gonzaga University

Hoell was born and raised in Spokane, WA. She attended Gonzaga Preparatory School, class of 2007. After Gonzaga Prep, she attended Eastern for a year and then graduated from Gonzaga University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. After a short hiatus, Hoell decided to continue her passion for school and learning by attending the Masters of Business Administration program. She is extremely proud to have completed her degree while continuing her career full time. “This has been a dream of mine”.

Mason Peatling, ’20 MBA, ’19 BAB 51������

Peatling and his wife Laura traveled from Melbourne, Australia four years ago with big plans. Four years later, it has all come to fruition. As a member of the 51������ Men’s Basketball Team, the Senior Captain led the team to their first outright Big Sky Championship since 2004. Peatling was also honored as the conference MVP by the league’s 11 coaches. However, his most prized accolade is being selected as a 1st Team Academic All-American, a representation of all the hard work he has done in the classroom. Peatling wishes to thank all his professors in the MBA program who were so accommodating throughout a very busy year.

Roman Tverdokhlebenko, ’20 MBA, ’08 BAB 51������

Tverdokhlebenko was born and raised in Ukraine. His family immigrated to United States in 2003. Tverdokhlebenko earned a direct transfer degree from Big Bend Community College in 2006 and his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Eastern in 2008. While still in school, he was employed as an intern in the quality assurance department of a food processing plant. He has held a variety of managerial positions in multiple companies. After losing his job due to economic circumstances, Tverdokhlebenko decided to return to school to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration. He is interested in becoming a community college or university instructor in the future.

Master of Professional Accounting Honors

Jessica Hengy, ‘20 MPAcc, ’19 BAB 51������

Hengy is originally from Spokane and has many friends and family in the area. She is grateful that the MPAcc program helps students prepare for the CPA exam, for which she is currently studying and hopes to finish this fall. Hengy plans to work in public accounting as an auditor – with a focus on the not-for-profit and development industries. Her favorite part of the MPAcc program was the opportunity to network with professors and other students. She believes getting to hear a variety of perspectives from people who have experience in accounting is important to professional development.

Beth Rheinschmidt, ’20 MPAcc, ’18 BAB 51������

After earning an Associate of Arts from Spokane Community College, Rheinschmidt transferred to Eastern in the fall of 2015 to pursue her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Professional Accounting. As a non-traditional student, she was working full-time while attending night classes. It took a significant amount of focus and determination to earn not only her bachelor’s degree but also her Master of Professional Accounting. Rheinschmidt is proud of her accomplishments and wishes to thank her family, friends, classmates, and faculty for supporting her through this journey.

Cherienne Ruby-Rhyne, ’20 MPAcc, ’98 BAB 51������

Ruby-Rhyne is a native of Boise, ID who began her college journey nearly 25 years ago as an undergraduate student at 51������. In 1998, she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a focus in accounting. Ruby-Rhyne began working in public accounting in the Seattle area acquiring knowledge of the various aspects of accounting. Subsequently, she transitioned into private industry in Spokane, Washington. Most recently, she returned to Eastern to pursue a Master of Professional Accounting degree. She is graduating with honors in Spring 2020 and wishes to continue her career as an accounting professional with a local construction and development company where she is currently employed.

Not pictured:

• Mariya Brodigan, ’20 MPAcc, MA, BA Dnipropetrovsk State Agrarian and Economic University
• Amy Costilla, ’20 MPAcc, ’16 BAB 51������

Frances B. Huston Medallion Awards

Madison Doepker, ’20 BAB 51������

Doepker is graduating this spring with a major in professional accounting. The Walla Walla native is a Captain on the 51������ women’s track and field team who earned Big Sky All-Academic honors all four year, one of only three 51������ student athletes to do so. She was also named the 2019 Big Sky Champion for Javelin. Doepker actively gives back to her community by volunteering her time and expertise. This winter, she volunteered many hours serving as an auditor in the Spokane County Superior Court Guardianship Monitoring Program, a program designed to improve the Superior Court’s ability to monitor guardians’ handling of the ongoing care and financial affairs of Spokane County’s incapacitated citizens under court-supervised guardianships. After graduation, Doepker plans to pursue her CPA while continuing to work in public accounting in Spokane.

Quinn Paterson, ’20 BAB 51������

Paterson is graduating this spring with double-majors in management information systems and business analytics. Paterson has worked at the 51������ PLUS desk as a facilitator and tutor and he earned Level 2 certification from the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) last winter. He participated, through a class project, in a service-learning opportunity with the city of Spokane, analyzing data counting the local homeless population. Paterson also serves in an executive board position for the business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi as the Master of Rituals. Paterson credits his father for inspiring his servant-leader values. Growing up, Paterson spent many hours volunteering at his hometown’s arboretum alongside his dad, who served as president of the arboretum foundation in his hometown of Maple Valley, Washington. After graduation, Paterson plans to pursue a career in data analytics in the technology industry.

The College of Business Faculty Development Committee is proud to present the 2020 Excellence in Teaching Award to Elizabeth Tipton, PhD, professor of decision sciences (analytics). This award recognizes faculty for their contributions in the areas of rigor, integration of theory with practice, innovative approaches, and engagement.

Tipton teaches challenging upper-division courses in Optimization via Management Science, Data Visualization, and the Senior Capstone in Data Analytics all of which she originated in her tenure at 51������. Her approach in teaching her classes is experiential in nature, focusing on collaboration, discussion, and problem-solving among her students with the teacher as their guide. Tipton believes in students being active in the community, especially in socially conscious issues where the work will actually have a positive impact. To that end, she partnered with David Lewis, Homeless Management Information Systems Program Manager for the City of Spokane, and is currently in the fifth quarter of these projects.

In addition to her classes, Tipton works with students in directed studies and is a statistical consultant for a graduate student’s master’s thesis. She is always willing to assist a colleague in need of her expertise. Feedback from students reveals their sincere appreciation for Professor Tipton’s knowledge, availability, helpful approach, and memorable learning experiences.

Congratulations, Professor Tipton!

The College of Business Faculty Development Committee is proud to present the 2020 Excellence in Teaching Award to Elizabeth Tipton, PhD, professor of decision sciences (analytics). This award recognizes faculty for their contributions in the areas of rigor, integration of theory with practice, innovative approaches, and engagement.

Tipton teaches challenging upper-division courses in Optimization via Management Science, Data Visualization, and the Senior Capstone in Data Analytics all of which she originated in her tenure at 51������. Her approach in teaching her classes is experiential in nature, focusing on collaboration, discussion, and problem-solving among her students with the teacher as their guide. Tipton believes in students being active in the community, especially in socially conscious issues where the work will actually have a positive impact. To that end, she partnered with David Lewis, Homeless Management Information Systems Program Manager for the City of Spokane, and is currently in the fifth quarter of these projects.

In addition to her classes, Tipton works with students in directed studies and is a statistical consultant for a graduate student’s master’s thesis. She is always willing to assist a colleague in need of her expertise. Feedback from students reveals their sincere appreciation for Professor Tipton’s knowledge, availability, helpful approach, and memorable learning experiences.

Congratulations, Professor Tipton!

The Dean’s Excellence Award in Service to the college is awarded to a faculty or staff member who has gone above and beyond the call in service to the College of Social Sciences in the past year. The individual who receives this award works incredibly hard for the good of the college, their department and the university. The winner receives a cash award and certificate. This year’s winner is Kim Fordham, director of the Idaho Child Welfare Research & Training Center (ICWRTC). She is an administrative exempt employee whose dedication to the field of social work is truly outstanding.

Fordham joined 51������ in 1999 as a faculty field coordinator for ICWRTC. In 2002 she became a Title IV-E foster/pre-adopt training program coordinator, and in 2008 took over as associate director for the center. In 2013 she was promoted to director. She has significant experience providing services to recruit and support foster families over the past 17 years and has been the lead or co-lead on many successful contracts bringing in more than $15 million dollars over the past 10 years.

Fordham has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in social work practice and provides program development in various areas including recruitment of foster parents, PRIDE and Independent Living. She also serves as the liaison between ICWRTC, 51������, and Family and Children’s services in Idaho and Washington. She recently gave a presentation for 51������’s Board of Trustees regarding the center’s work. She demonstrated once again her dedication and passion that she has for the work she does. Fordham is also an 51������ alum with an MSW degree from the School of Social Work.

Psychology Professor Russell Kolts is garnering international acclaim for his research in compassionate-based therapy for anger and other powerful human emotions. He is the author of The Compassionate Mind Approach to Managing Your Anger: Using Compassion-Focused Therapy and most recently, An Open-Hearted Life: Transformative Methods for Compassionate Living from a Clinical Psychologist and a Buddhist Nun, with Thubten Chodron.

June 15th, 2012 the College of Social Sciences celebrated liberal arts education in the Social Sciences and Human Services and how it enriches our minds and our lives. We paused to honor those who have fully engaged their education with openness, zeal and a thirst for knowledge. We honored those who have achieved academic honors, those who played a central part in their success and those who have given so generously of their time and resources to bring out the best in our students, our faculty and our university.

The winner of this year’s Dean’s Excellence Award in Service is Kayleen Islam-Zwart, a newly promoted Associate Dean and Chair of the Psychology department.

The Dean’s Excellence Award in Service to the College is awarded to a faculty or staff member who has gone above and beyond the call in service to the college in the past year.  They work incredibly hard and do it for the good of the college and their departments and the university. The winner receives a cash award of $500 and Dean Shield’s eternal gratitude.

This year’s recipient not only Chairs her department with competency, efficiency, and finesse, but she Directs the departmental program at Bellevue College and is the Principal Investigator of a large two-year NSF grant.

She is Chair of the Department of Psychology, Director of the Psychology @ Bellevue program, Principle Investigator of the NSF ADVANCE grant and newly minted Associate Dean. It is these outstanding service leadership qualities that made her a stand-out when I was choosing new Associate Deans for the college just over two months ago. Her service to the college and the university was cemented well before joining the college staff, but she brings that same collaborative and can-do spirit to the work in the college and we are grateful that she has taken us on as her newest professional challenge.

It seems Kayleen is always in the vanguard, whether it is developing and implementing online courses, leading program assessment efforts or Chairing university-wide committees. She has a keen eye for making existing systems run smoother and better while also inventing new systems altogether! She is confident and humble and I am sure I am embarrassing her to death right now but I have a little bit more to say.

Kayleen is a forward-thinking leader who was one of the original architects of the Psychology@Bellevue program that she now directs. Under her leadership, this program has grown from a starting class of 20 in 2008 to over 100 majors in 2012.

A clinical psychologist by training, she has an active research lab and has served as a mentor to scores of MacNair scholars and undergraduate and graduate researchers. Her students present their work at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research, regional APA conferences and 51������’s Creative Works Symposium and as we have seen today, she is a regular pick by Chertok Honor students as their most influential professor.

Kayleen is an outstanding ambassador for her department and for the university. She generally takes on any reasonable task asked of her and sees it as a challenge and not a burden. The college is indebted to her for all these efforts that go above and beyond the call of her job description.