March 2019 – New Hires
justin.hope
Jason Butcherite (’12 HBM) is the new chef de cuisine in the School of Hospitality Business Management. He most recently comes from the WSU dining services department where he served in various roles as sous chef and executive chef. In 2016, he earned certified executive chef and certified culinary administrator certifications through the American Culinary Federation. He earned a culinary arts degree from Clover Park Technical College in 2009. Butcherite is excited to return to the School of Hospitality Business Management and contribute to the evolution of the program and the industry’s future leaders.
Emily Dennis (17’ IBUS) is the new administrative assistant II in the Department of Marketing and International Business. She is a third generation Coug and is working to obtain her MBA through WSU’s Online MBA program. Prior to coming to WSU she worked for Paradise Creek Brewery, where she served as the marketing and event coordinator. Dennis excels in building customer relations and project management and is excited to be working in her new position alongside some of her previous professors.
Jaime Diaz is the new industry connections coordinator in the Carson Center for Student Success. Diaz holds an M.A. and an M.F.A. in electroacoustic music composition from the University of Sheffield and the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Previously, he worked at the Berklee College of Music as the accompanist coordinator in the voice department. He has experience as a grant writer, event coordinator, and freelance artist. Diaz looks forward to helping students make connections with professionals and preparing them for their future.
Dan Kennedy is a new academic advisor in the Carson Center for Student Success. He earned his bachelor of science in business from Pennsylvania State University and his master of business administration from Pennsylvania State University. Previously, he served as the coordinator of admissions and dual enrollment at Montgomery County Community College and a graduate assistant soccer coach for both men’s and women’s soccer programs at Penn State-Behrend.
Sam Kite is a new computer system administrator in the Office of Technology’s infrastructure unit. He has been working at WSU since 1990. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 10 years before starting his career at WSU.
Whitney Thurgood is a new office assistant III in the Dean’s Office. She is a Coeur d’Alene native and moved to the Moscow/Pullman area in 2016 with her husband, Adam. Most recently, she worked as the office lead at the Heart Center in St Joseph Regional Medical Center.
