It is with mixed emotions that I share that Oli Muñoz, Dean of Students for Community Care and Inclusion on the Salem campus, is leaving Willamette University effective June 13th. During Oli’s tenure at Willamette she has served as a member of the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership, the inaugural PNCA Associate Dean of Students, and as the Dean of Students for Community Care and Inclusion in Salem. Within all of these roles Oli has brought a passion for supporting students’ in their leadership development and in successfully navigating their college experience with a focus on their wellbeing. Oli has been a strong advisor and support for many individual students, student organizations, and staff on campus, and has brought a depth of culturally powerful and inclusive programs and practices to her work. Oli will be sailing as the student care coordinator on the fall 2024 voyage of the Semester at Sea study abroad program. Because many members of the community will not be on campus in June when Oli departs, we are offering this Thursday, May 2 from 4–5 p.m. as a time to stop by the Office of Student Affairs and share some treats and appreciations for Oli. For those here over the summer, we will have the opportunity to celebrate Oli at a summer BBQ!
Upon Oli’s departure, I am pleased to announce that Heather Kropf, the current Director of Residence Life and Student Conduct, will be promoted to the Assistant Vice President/Dean of Students. Heather brings expertise in residence life and housing, student leadership development, first-year seminar course development, academic integration efforts, new student orientation, and student group advising. Heather received her Master’s degree in College Student Affairs and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Azusa Pacific University, and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Portland State University. Heather has served on the Board of Directors for Oregon Women in Higher Education (OWHE) and was awarded the Beth Rietveld Service to OWHE in addition to awards for service and advising in residence life. Heather will begin this appointment on June 17.
Upon Heather’s move to her new role, Aaron Hukari who currently serves as the Associate Director for Residence Life will be promoted to the Director of Residence Life and Housing. Aaron began his tenure at Willamette as an Area Coordinator before being promoted to the Associate Director role. Aaron has strong skills in supervision, crisis management, program assessment, and student support. Prior to coming to Willamette Aaron served as the Associate Director of Student Wellness and a Residence Hall Director at Columbia University. Aaron earned his BA in Politics from New York University and his M.Ed. in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs from the University of Southern California.
Please join me in congratulating Oli, Heather, and Aaron in their new professional opportunities!