Mia Gleason is the new communications manager for the Office of Graduate and Online Programs. As a first-generation college graduate, she earned both her bachelor’s in public relations with a triple-specialization in sports business, advertising, and nonprofit administration, and her master’s in athletic administration from Central Washington University. Prior to joining the Carson College’s marketing communications team, Gleason was the social media specialist at the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine.
Lisa Hill is a new academic advisor in the Carson Center for Student Success. She earned both her bachelor’s and a master’s in adult, organizational learning, and leadership from the University of Idaho. Before joining WSU, she advised students at the University of Idaho for seven years, and prior to that, she served students in a variety of roles at North Idaho College.
Becky Kramer is a communication manager in the Office of Marketing, Communications, and Events. She is a Northwest native, who previously spent more than 25 years working for newspapers in Washington and Idaho. She was most recently a reporter for the Spokesman-Review in Spokane, where she wrote about business, energy, and the environment. She enjoys hiking, swimming, entertaining, family time, and reading mysteries.
Kate Merrick (’19 Strat. Comm.) is a new program specialist at WSU Vancouver. She will work on marketing for the Business Growth Mentor & Analysis Program (MAP) and the Carson College at the Vancouver campus. She is a third-generation Coug and recently graduated from the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication. While in Pullman, she worked at the WSU College of Education as a marketing and communications coordinator. Merrick is excited to continue working in the Coug family and to support upcoming students in their education.
Melissa Painter is the new administrative assistant in the Dean’s Office. She graduated from Lewis-Clark State College with a bachelor’s in business management. She is a first-generation college graduate. After graduation, she managed a Sherwin Williams paint store in the D.C. metro area before coming back to the Pacific Northwest. Most recently, she was the administrative assistant at WSU’s Cougar Health Services. She enjoys learning and experiencing new things, travel, and spending time with friends and family.
Kristen White is a new academic and student success advisor in the Carson Center for Student Success. She earned both her bachelor’s in psychology and her master’s in student affairs and higher education from the State University of New York Plattsburgh. While finishing graduate school, she worked as an academic advisor for undecided students and as an academic personal trainer for students on academic probation.
Tian Xu is a new post doctoral research associate in the Hoops Institute of Taxation Research & Policy. She attended Randolph-Macon College, where she double majored in mathematics and accounting and minored in economics. She received her master’s in actuarial science from Columbia University. Her research interests include financial reporting, accounting for income taxes, and taxes and corporate behavior.