Vice President of Finance & Administration's Message
Dear faculty colleagues,
Greetings from Whitworth’s campus where the summer months are busy as usual for the finance, administration, information systems, facilities services and human resources teams, with focused attention on meeting the severe and significant enrollment and financial challenges highlighted at our recent town hall meeting. We have already made a number of difficult but necessary financial decisions to strengthen the university’s long-term sustainability, and we know additional challenging decisions will be required in the months and years ahead.
First off, let me introduce and reintroduce to many of you your soon-to-be new Vice President of Finance & Administration and Chief Financial Officer Jason Thackston. As you likely saw, longtime Avista executive and Spokane business leader Jason Thackston ’92 will join the university as vice president for finance & administration and chief financial officer, effective Jan. 1, 2027. With three decades of executive leadership experience at Avista, a proven track record of thoughtful stewardship and strategic decision-making, and a deep understanding of Whitworth’s mission as an alumnus, trustee and former board chair, Jason brings both the expertise and commitment needed for this pivotal time. I can think of no one better prepared to help lead Whitworth forward, and I have great confidence in his ability to navigate the challenges ahead while positioning the university for a strong and sustainable future. As I prepare for my retirement at the end of 2026, I take great comfort in knowing that Whitworth’s financial and operational leadership will be entrusted to someone of Jason Thackston’s caliber.
Now let me provide an overview of new summer projects that are underway or completed, and other activities happening around campus, which include:
Hawthorne Hall office moves completed. In preparation for renovations required for the new nursing program, the institutional advancement and marketing & communications teams have moved to Westminster Hall, Whitworth Online moved to Hardwick House, the Weyerhaeuser Center for Christian Faith & Learning to Beeksma Family Theology Center, world languages & cultures to Weyerhaeuser Hall, the School of Education’s Threads to the Baldwin-Jenkins Hall basement, and student programs storage to Graves Gym. Along with the moves, building signage has been updated and fresh paint and updates were made as needed.
Hawthorne Hall Nursing Program Design Phase (endowment-funded strategic growth initiative) underway with construction slated to begin in September with an expected completion spring 2027.
Biology Greenhouse (donor-funded) preconstruction activities are underway following full funding and BOT approval in April. Sited near the Tennis Bubble, this will be a great addition to our science programs.
Viren House & Admission Center Improvements (donor funded) are underway to repair and make improvements to doors, fencing, pathways, lighting, retaining walls, paint, windows and other maintenance items. Thanks to Beth and Paul Viren for the interest and continued support in this facility.
Summer Camps and Conferences (in partnership with SODEXO) are in full swing this summer with some of our largest camps in the history of summer programming, creating a vibrant atmosphere of activity and energy.
Facilities Services Summer Projects (utilizing R&R and stewardship funding) are in full swing and include: extensive asphalt repair, seal coating and re-striping, concrete and sidewalk improvements, completion of the long-awaited fire lane with double walk paver way between McMillan and Ballard Halls, boiler replacements, move of custodial services to the trades building, fieldhouse game court refinishing, and new carpet installations in several buildings. And of course, let’s not forget the manicured lawns, hanging baskets, freshly waxed floors and all other usual summer maintenance underway in preparation for fall start.
Concluding Remarks
I’m now in my final five months serving as your COO. And while we continue to face severe financial challenges, a rapidly changing enrollment landscape, reductions in need-based funding at the state and federal level, and other stressors, I continue to be optimistic in our ability to work together to meet those challenges through cost savings and new growth initiatives that will enable us to create a sustainable and secure future for the university. I am continually amazed by the commitment to excellence and the heroic efforts that I see from members of our community engaged in the delivery of Whitworth’s promise and mission. It is a pleasure to partner with you. I hope you have found this season one of rest, renewal and enjoyment, and look forward to the start of another academic year.
Ken Brown