Meet Members of the National Board of Advisors
JENIFER CARTER
’95 Communication, Business and Sociology minors
Vice President of Marketing—West Region, USI Insurance Services
Marketing Board, Chair
WHY DO YOU VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME TO BE A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL BOARD OF ADVISORS?
It’s a great excuse to get together a few times a year with fellow Cougar alumni, stay connected, and meet new people with a common interest. Over the years, I have met a few students whom I’ve been able to help get started in the “real world,” and it is so rewarding to watch them launch!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO STUDENTS?
There are a few things that will take you far in your career that may not necessarily be taught in the classroom. Be flexible, and be willing to go the extra mile. Volunteer to head up a team project that is in need of leadership. Become resourceful—know how to find the answers or people that can help you learn, grow, and assist you in getting your projects completed. Be kind, and follow through on what you say you will do.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY?
The friendships I made were my greatest takeaway. The best event was the Apple Cup of 1992 with Drew Bledsoe in the Palouse snow. It was truly epic to experience.
GARY SPANNER
’76 Mechanical Engineering
Manager of Economic Development—Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, retired
Tri-Cities Board, Chair
WHY DO YOU VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME TO BE A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL BOARD OF ADVISORS?
First, I volunteer because I was asked. Never underestimate the power of simply asking someone for help or support. More deeply, though, given that the Tri-Cities is largely a technocracy, I feel it is important to push and support business education as well. This is also why I teach technology entrepreneurship in the MBA program at WSU Tri-Cities. With two engineering degrees and an MBA, I live and thrive at the nexus of technology and business. Technology without a business perspective is inefficient and sub-optimal.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO STUDENTS?
Be sure to take some classes and attend some cultural events outside your comfort zone and major. Gaining a broader base of knowledge and experience will serve you well in your career and your life into the future. For my biology requirement, I took a forestry class, and for liberal arts, I took a modern English theater class. I’m always surprised in my daily life when I draw upon what I learned in those classes. Also, drive down to Lewiston every once in a while to thaw out.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY?
Like many Cougs, I met my future wife there, and it’s been a great 40 years since. That was easily the highlight. My other favorite memory is building a hovercraft as a senior design project. It was powered by two lawnmower engines, and it actually worked quite well. We demonstrated it in the pond by Campus Commons until the lift engine ingested some water, which caused it to sink. We had it back running on the pond in less than 20 minutes, so it was a fun “final exam” just before graduation. In my sophomore year, my roommate was involved in the very early days of hang gliding, so on my own time, I built and briefly flew a hang glider at Steptoe Butte, but it wasn’t as successful as the hovercraft. More recently, I judged the Business Plan Competition track where SafeShot, an injection needle sterilization device, was first introduced. It was very gratifying to advise the team working to solve a huge worldwide problem with an elegant and inexpensive solution, likely saving millions of future lives.
MATT LARSON
’97 Criminal Justice
Partner—Hathaway Larson LLP
Vancouver Board, Chair
WHY DO YOU VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME TO BE A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL BOARD OF ADVISORS?
Volunteering with the National Board of Advisors is one of the ways I give back to Washington State University. Providing input on the Carson College from the perspective of an outside professional and having the opportunity to work closely with students have made the National Board of Advisors both rewarding and fun.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO STUDENTS?
Use the resources available to you to prepare for your career. Students in the Carson College earn an excellent academic education. While this is critical to a successful career, the Carson College can also help students with other important components of an overall education. Student resources for internships, mentoring, mock interviews, and international experiences are available through the Carson Center for Student Success or the various unit boards of the National Board of Advisors. Using these resources will help students be in the best position to move into and thrive in their profession of choice.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY?
My favorite memory is meeting my wife of 18 years, Aimee, and many of our closest friends. The road trip to the 1998 Rose Bowl right after I finished school was also pretty amazing (except for how the game ended).
CARLA (SUTTON) PITTMAN
’86 Criminal Justice
Claims Line of Business Manager—Auto Liability, Auto Physical Damage and Subrogation, PEMCO Mutual Insurance Company Risk Management and Insurance Board, Vice Chair
WHY DO YOU VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME TO BE A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL BOARD OF ADVISORS?
I believe in the university system and a commitment to education and research. Washington State University taught me the benefits of curiosity and continuous learning. I have experienced how these skills supported my career. Working with and helping students is a way to give back and supports my curiosity about what they are learning and thinking. In exchange, we all gain perspective. WSU is a unique place that is worthy of our talents and dedication to the Cougar nation.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO STUDENTS?
My favorite piece of advice is to never stop learning. I believe it is unrealistic to think you can do the same work in the same manner for your entire career. Find employers who will support your career growth and learning. Technology advances are increasing at a rapid pace. As a result, professionals need to stay current. I started my career investigating auto accidents, a natural position for a criminal justice major. I earned a variety of insurance designations, first in claim adjusting and fraud. As my designations (CPCU and ARM) advanced, so did my career opportunities. I completed my master’s degree in organizational leadership to support my growth and leadership opportunities.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY?
My favorite memory is the friendly “I can do anything” atmosphere. This memory repeats each time I step back on campus and whenever I say “Go Cougs!” to another member of the Cougar nation. I’m blessed to have a strong network of friendships from my college days that continues to support me today. Even though I did not meet my husband Craig (’84 Bus. Admin.) at WSU, being active Cougar alumni continues to nurture our household.