Whitworth University News

Whitworth Online Transitions All Undergraduate Programs for Adult Learners to Accelerated 90 Credit Degrees

2026-04-09T10:13:00.000-07:00

Whitworth University is committed to expanding access to high quality education for working adults and responding to regional workforce needs. That’s why the university is launching accelerated, 90 credit degree pathways for its adult undergraduate programs through Whitworth Online.

Approved by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), the new pathways reduce both the time and total cost of a degree by about 25 percent while preserving Whitworth’s full general education curriculum and program rigor.

“At Whitworth, innovation grows out of our mission, not apart from it,” Whitworth President Scott McQuilkin says. “Accelerated degree pathways allow us to remove unnecessary barriers while preserving the depth, formation and academic excellence that define a Whitworth education. This is about honoring adult learners’ time, expanding access and strengthening the communities we serve.”

Beginning this August, every Whitworth Online program from business management and human services to teacher certification pathways and interdisciplinary studies will adopt the new accelerated, 90 credit structure, marking a major leap forward in flexibility and access for adult learners.

This new structure will:

• Preserve Whitworth’s rigorous core by retaining all general education requirements and essential disciplinary coursework.

• Cut unnecessary credits, eliminating excess electives to streamline students’ path to graduation.

• Maintain full Title IV eligibility while advancing Whitworth’s broader cost clarity initiative, ensuring students have a transparent, affordable path forward.

“When working adults can complete a degree faster and with less debt, the benefits ripple outward to families, employers and the broader community,” says Brooke Kiener, dean of Whitworth Online. “These pathways reflect our belief that education should be both transformative and attainable.”

The university is encouraging regional employers to expand or reinstate tuition assistance programs in response to the increased accessibility of Whitworth Online degrees.

Whitworth University has served adult learners for more than a century, with degree completion programs in formats accessible to working adults. Whitworth Online programs are designed for students ages 23 and older who bring professional experience into the classroom. The new accelerated model strengthens that legacy while positioning Whitworth as a leader in innovative online education in the Pacific Northwest.

About Whitworth University:

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of about 2,500 students, offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu.

Whitworth Honors Class of 2026 at Commencement Ceremonies May 16-17

2026-04-08T08:33:00.000-07:00

Hundreds of Whitworth graduates are getting ready to cross the stage during Commencement Weekend, May 16-17.

Saturday, May 16: Graduate Commencement

The graduate commencement ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. in Whitworth’s Pine Bowl. The gates to bleacher and field seating will open at 9 a.m. Tickets will not be required for this event.

Parking will be open across campus. No parking passes are needed for this ceremony.

Families and guests are invited to attend a celebration following the ceremony in The Loop. We encourage guests to remain on campus and enjoy the fellowship and spirit of the day as we honor the graduate Class of 2026.

Sunday, May 17: Undergraduate Commencement

Whitworth’s undergraduate commencement ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. in Whitworth’s Pine Bowl. Gates will open at 9 a.m. This is a ticketed event. This year, each graduate will be given 11 guest tickets. Tickets are mobile and will be distributed digitally a week before commencement. Parking passes will be required. Graduates will be given three parking passes. Passes must be displayed on the dashboards of each car.

We invite graduates, family members and friends to gather in celebration after the ceremony for the inaugural Legacy in The Loop. As refreshments are shared, we will pause together in gratitude, celebrating God’s faithfulness and honoring the Class of 2026, surrounded by the love, support and prayers of those who have walked alongside them.

For both ceremonies:

• Accessible parking will be available for guests with disabilities in front of Graves Gym and the WALT (see map here).

• Golf cart shuttles will be available for guests with limited mobility before and after the ceremony.

• Ceremonies will be held rain or shine.

• Backpacks and purses are prohibited. For your safety, only clear bags will be allowed into the Pine Bowl.

• Prior Moments Photography will take photos of graduates as they cross the stage. Photos will be available for purchase in June on this website.

• Both events will be livestreamed here.

For additional information on the ceremonies and questions about what you should/shouldn’t bring to the Pine Bowl, please visit our Commencement 2026 website or watch this short video.

About Whitworth University:

Contacts:

Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu.

The Arguing Bucs Seize the National Crown on Home Turf

2026-04-02T11:06:00.000-07:00

It was a bittersweet victory for the members of Whitworth’s forensics team as they walked away national champions on their own campus last weekend.

The Arguing Bucs won the National Christian College Forensics Association’s (NCCFA) tournament, which was held at Whitworth March 27-29. The team took first place in debate, second place in speech and first in combined sweepstakes.

The competition was fierce. Fourteen teams from 13 states participated, including California Baptist University, Colorado Christian University and Grand Canyon University.

Whitworth’s Minase Legesse ’26 was the top overall competitor out of nearly 140 students. In the speech category, he took first place in programmed oral interpretation and after-dinner speaking and second in the impromptu category. He also went on to win the open division in debate. He and his partner, Ahmed Amir ’26, took second place in the duo interpretation category. There were also several other top-10 finishers among Arguing Bucs team members.

The team wanted to capture this national title in honor of their coach, Professor of Communication Studies Mike Ingram, Ph.D., who will retire this semester.

“Early in the season, our team set a big goal to win the Christian colleges national championship as a way to honor head coach Dr. Mike Ingram,” says Rylee Walter ’19, assistant director of forensics. “Our students worked diligently all season with this goal in mind, so our win was a very emotional and sentimental achievement!”

Ingram has coached the team for 24 of his 38 years at Whitworth and has led the team to 11 victories in 15 appearances at the NCFFA tournament.

“It was especially satisfying to win this tournament at home and in my final year of coaching,” Ingram says. “This team has worked hard all year, and I am proud of their excellent work."

The Arguing Bucs are headed to Tennessee, where they will compete in the International Public Debate Association’s national tournament at Middle Tennessee State University on April 10-13.

About Whitworth University:

Contacts:

Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu.

Whitworth University Steps Onto the National Stage in “U.S. News & World Report” 2026-27 Rankings

2026-04-01T09:55:00.000-07:00

Beginning this fall, U.S. News & World Report will include Whitworth University in its prestigious National Liberal Arts Colleges category, starting with the 2026-27 rankings. This reclassification places Whitworth among the country’s most recognized institutions and signals to future students and families that a Whitworth education opens doors on a truly national scale.

While Whitworth has for decades been recognized as one of the leading regional institutions in the West, this updated designation aligns the university with a national peer group that more accurately reflects its academic character and impact.

Whitworth has consistently earned top marks in the U.S. News rankings, including No. 1 distinctions for Best Value and Undergraduate Teaching as well as repeated top 10 placements for Best Regional Universities and Best Colleges for Veterans.

“This recognition affirms what students, alumni and families have long known to be true – Whitworth is not only a regional leader in higher education, but a university whose impact and outcomes resonate on a national stage,” says Josh Hibbard, vice president for enrollment management and dean of graduate enrollment services. “For years, we have been a regional powerhouse. Now, that excellence is being recognized alongside the very best institutions in the country. What makes this especially meaningful is that we have achieved this while remaining deeply committed to our Christ-centered mission and to forming students who think deeply and lead with purpose.”

The national classification comes amid continued momentum across Whitworth, seen in student and faculty scholarship, distinctive hands-on learning and unique campus experiences that pair academic challenge with opportunities for worship, mentorship and service. From community-based partnerships in Spokane to study abroad experiences around the world, Whitworth encourages students to translate faith into action in ways that strengthen communities and promote our Christian mission.

To see where Whitworth has previously ranked on the U.S. News & World Report list, click here. Look for the 2026-27 rankings in September.

About Whitworth University:

Contacts:

Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu.

Acclaimed Cultural Critic and Journalist Christine Emba to Speak at Whitworth University on April 8

2026-03-31T16:00:00.000-07:00

Author, journalist and popular social commentator Christine Emba comes to Whitworth University on Wednesday, April 8, at 4 p.m. to deliver “Modern Love, or Lack Thereof: Bridging the Gender Divide” in Weyerhaeuser Hall’s Robinson Teaching Theatre.

Emba is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), where she researches and writes on issues including gender, relationships and social norms. Her work has positioned her as a leading national thinker on the cultural forces shaping modern life.

“It is such an honor to host Christine Emba on our campus,” says Davey Henreckson, director of the Weyerhaeuser Center for Faith & Christian Learning. “She has emerged as one of our most thought-provoking commentators on modern sexual ethics, gender and the complications of romance in an increasingly digital world. Emba brings her scintillating intellect and deep Christian commitments to everything she does.”

Emba previously served as a staff writer at The Atlantic and as an opinion columnist and editorial board member at The Washington Post. Emba is also the author of Rethinking Sex: A Provocation, a widely discussed book examining the blind spots of contemporary sexual ethics.

Emba received the Nell Minow Award for Cultural Criticism in 2024 and was named among the top global thinkers by Prospect magazine in 2022.

This event, part of Whitworth’s Call & Character and Weyerhaeuser Center for Christian Faith & Learning’s Speakers Series, is free and open to the public.

About Whitworth University:

Contacts:

Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu

Whitworth Earns Military Friendly® School Gold Status for 2026-27

2026-03-25T14:08:00.000-07:00

Whitworth University is proudly celebrating earning Military Friendly® School Gold Status from Viqtory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs®, STEM JobsSM and Military Spouse.

This recognition is a testament to the university’s unwavering commitment to empowering military connected students and families. This distinction places Whitworth among the nation’s most trusted institutions for veterans, service members and the spouses who stand beside them.

“Whitworth University is honored to be recognized as a Military Friendly® School for the 10th year in a row,” says Phil Labrie, director of military & veterans outreach. “Serving our military-affiliated students is not just my job; it’s my mission – and it’s a mission shared by the entire Whitworth community. I’m deeply grateful to our dedicated staff and campus partners who work every day to support the men and women who serve our country, along with their families. They deserve nothing less than our very best.”

Over the past two years, Whitworth has significantly expanded its outreach to better serve the families of our nation’s service members overseas, particularly students attending Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) across Europe and the Pacific. Through visits to schools in Germany, Japan and South Korea, Whitworth recruiters have met exceptional students whose global experiences and diverse perspectives enrich the Whitworth community. In 2026, Whitworth welcomed four DoDDS students: two from Ramstein High School and one from Stuttgart High School in Germany, and one from Camp Humphreys High School in South Korea. Whitworth counselors just met with admitted students from Yokota High School and Nile C. Kinnick High School, and connected with juniors and seniors exploring Whitworth for their future academic home.

A cornerstone of Whitworth’s commitment to military connected students is the Military & Veterans Resource Center (MAVRC), a dedicated space offering support, community and resources. The university continues to enhance the center to make it accessible and welcoming to all. One of its current priorities is fundraising for a FlexStep, a two in one accessibility solution that functions as both a stairway and a lift. Because a traditional ramp cannot be installed in the existing space, this innovative system will allow students with physical disabilities to safely reach the main floor of the MAVRC.

Thanks to the generosity of Whitworth supporters and community partners, including Gesa Credit Union and Northwest Golfers for Warriors, the university has raised more than $34,000 toward the project. Nearly $30,000 is still needed to complete this critical accessibility upgrade. If you would like to help support this project, please see more information here.

The Military Friendly® ratings are determined through public data analysis, proprietary survey responses and an automated scoring system designed to ensure fairness and transparency, with oversight from an independent advisory council of military education experts and industry leaders.

About Whitworth University:

Contacts:

Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu.

Whitworth’s Business Programs Earn AACSB Accreditation Extension

2026-03-19T12:58:00.000-07:00

Whitworth University is proud to announce the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) has extended accreditation for the university's business programs reaffirming Whitworth’s commitment to rigorous standards, continuous improvement and student success.

The extension signifies a high standard of quality and accountability in business education and strengthens employers’ confidence that our graduates are career-ready. It also recognizes faculty excellence in teaching and scholarship.

Earning AACSB accreditation is a multiyear process that looks closely at how a school operates, includes guidance from an AACSB advisor, and culminates in a peer review centered on continuous improvement. Along the way, schools build and carry out a plan that advances their mission and aligns with AACSB standards for excellence in strategic management and innovation, research, and teaching and learning.

“This wonderful news reflects the hard work, dedication and excellence of our programs, faculty, staff and students,” says Robin Henager, interim dean of the School of Business. “I want to extend a special thank-you to our operations team for their work in preparing the Continuous Improvement Review report and coordinating the successful Peer Review Team visit.”

Whitworth was among 25 institutions to receive the accreditation extention this year.

“AACSB congratulates each institution on their achievement,” says Stephanie M. Bryant, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB. “Every AACSB-accredited school has demonstrated a focus on excellence in all areas, including teaching, research, curricula development, and student learning. The intense peer-review process exemplifies their commitment to quality business education.”

About AACSB:

Established in 1916, AACSB International (AACSB) is the world's largest business education alliance, connecting educators, learners and business to create the next generation of great leaders. With a presence in more than 100 countries and territories, AACSB fosters engagement, accelerates innovation, and amplifies impact in business education. Learn how AACSB is transforming business education for a better society at aacsb.edu.

About Whitworth University:

Contacts:

Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu.

Whitworth Celebrates Women’s History Month with “Give to Gain” Empowerment Panel & Luncheon

2026-03-03T15:41:00.000-08:00

March is Women’s History Month, and in recognition, Whitworth is proud to host the second annual Women’s International Day Empowerment Panel & Luncheon on Thursday, March 12, at 11:45 a.m. in the Hixson Union Building Multipurpose Room. The theme is “Give to Gain.”

Special guest panelists will include Shannon Demant, director of planning & contracts for Aging & Long-Term Care of Eastern Washington; Kitara Johnson, founder & CEO of Gabriel’s Challenge and Shari McMahan, Ph.D., president of Eastern Washington University. KXLY Good Morning Northwest anchor Hannah Joy will be the moderator.

Spokane City Council Member and Whitworth alumna Sarah Dixit ’18, who was a member of the inaugural panel last year, will be recognized for her outstanding achievements. Dixit was elected to the council in November 2025. She represents District 1, Position 2. Since taking office, she’s been focused on increasing accessibility to public transit, addressing homelessness with supportive, preventive services, and improving civic engagement and outreach.

International Women’s Month (more commonly called Women’s History Month) was first officially recognized in the U.S. with a presidential proclamation in 1987.

The luncheon is free and open to the public. If you’d like to attend, please RSVP by March 6. Click here to reserve your seat.

The event is sponsored by the Associated Students of Whitworth University; Excelsior Wellness; the Whitworth Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; the Whitworth Office for Student Success, Equity & Belonging; and Whitworth’s women’s & gender studies program.

About Whitworth University:

Contacts:

Shari Clarke, director of student success, equity & belonging, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4572 or sclarke@whitworth.edu

Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu

Whitworth’s Office of the President Presents a Night of Music with Acclaimed Artist Fernando Ortega

2026-03-03T08:49:00.000-08:00

Whitworth’s office of the president is honored to welcome singer-songwriter Fernando Ortega to Cowles Auditorium on Friday, May 1, at 7 p.m.

Ortega is an American Christian artist celebrated for his hymn-centered worship music. He’s regarded as one of Christian music’s most respected composers and is known for creating arrangements of early church music and hymns infused with instrumental and vocal character drawn from classical, folk and world music.

“Hosting Fernando Ortega is a great blessing for our campus community,” Whitworth President Scott McQuilkin says. “We are grateful for the opportunity to welcome an artist whose gifts not only enrich the broader world of Christian worship but also speak deeply to our mission of inviting students to honor God, follow Christ and serve humanity. I look forward to sharing an evening of worship and music with someone whose songs have shaped the spiritual journeys of so many, including those of my own family.”

Throughout his career, Ortega has released 22 records, traveled around the world as a touring artist, and received many accolades and awards for his music. His albums, including Hymns & Meditations and The Shadow of Your Wings, have made him a distinctive voice in contemporary Christian music. His writing often reflects real human struggles that result in turning to one’s faith. Ortega, himself, describes his music as storytelling about everyday life and God’s presence within it.

Ortega received his bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of New Mexico, where he discovered his passion for blending diverse musical traditions with Christian hymns.

This is a ticketed event open to the public. To purchase tickets, click here. Ticket prices: general, $25; seniors (62+) and students, $15. As a special welcome, new fall 2026 incoming students and their families are invited to receive complimentary tickets while ticket supplies last. For details, contact admissions@whitworth.edu.

We are honored Ortega has graciously agreed to lead a songwriting master class with Whitworth music students while here in Spokane.

About Whitworth University:

Contacts:

Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu

Whitworth Takes the Lead, Offering Graduate Business Programs with Low-Residency Learning Options

2026-03-02T15:53:00.000-08:00

A New Way to Learn Without Changing What Matters Most

Life moves fast and Whitworth University is keeping pace, becoming the first in the region to offer low-residency graduate business programs. Our master's programs in business administration, business leadership and financial planning are built for working professionals who want to move their careers forward without hitting pause on real life.

Beginning in the 2026-27 academic year, all of the degree programs within Whitworth Graduate Studies in Business will offer both low-residency and fully online learning options. The low-residency option will blend immersive, in-person learning over just one extended weekend (Friday-Sunday) per course with high-quality online coursework.

“Moving to a low-residency model is an exciting step shaped by the needs and voices of our graduate students,” says Sinead Voorhees, assistant dean of Graduate Studies in Business. “We needed to reimagine our in-person learning experiences beyond the traditional two-nights-a-week format. A low-residency model preserves the immersive, retreat-like experiences our department is known for while expanding access and flexibility for students. We’re proud to be the first MBA in the region to offer a fully low-residency option, extend this model to our Master of Business Leadership, and further enhance our low-residency Master of Science in Financial Planning.”

When it comes to consistency and convenience, the low-residency model delivers meaningful, high-impact, in-person engagement without the burden of weekly commuting. Designed with working professionals and families in mind, it offers greater flexibility and predictable scheduling that supports long-term planning. Widely adopted by executive MBA programs nationwide, this model will be unique for the Inland Northwest – combining the structure, immersion and peer connection of an executive MBA with the accessibility today’s students are requesting.

Residency weekends are intentionally designed as focused, retreat-style learning experiences that emphasize discussion, collaboration, applied learning and reflection. This model allows for active engagement with course material (rather than lecture-heavy delivery), relationship-building among students and faculty, and a strong sense of cohort community.

GSB faculty and staff are based in the Spokane area, and students may continue to schedule in-person meetings on campus as desired.

To learn more about our new low-residency model, click here.

About Whitworth University:

Contacts:

Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu

NWCCU Reaffirms Whitworth University’s Seven-Year Accreditation, Gives Commendations

2026-03-02T14:10:00.000-08:00

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) has reaffirmed the seven-year accreditation of Whitworth University.

In its letter detailing their fall 2025 on-campus evaluation, commission members commended Whitworth on successfully instilling the ideals and values of its mission and core themes, saying they saw examples of how both were being embraced throughout the university by the administration, faculty, staff, and students. NWCCU evaluators also praised the university’s administration for creating a culture of mutual support and collegiality and recognized the university’s significant gain in fall-to-fall retention for its 2024 full-time, first-year class.

“This reaffirmation confirms Whitworth University’s continued fulfillment of the highest standards of academic governance, program quality and student achievement,” says Nick McKinney, assistant provost for academic administration and global affairs. “It reflects the collective work of faculty, staff and administrators to advance excellence in teaching, learning, scholarship and in our mind-and-heart education.”

During the evaluation last October, NWCCU representatives met with various faculty, staff, students, and members of the board of trustees over a three-day period. As part of its accreditation notice, the commission also offered recommendations on how Whitworth can continue to meet standards of excellence. The recommendations were welcomed and are closely aligned with goals already identified by Whitworth’s administration.

The NWCCU conducts a comprehensive site visit to institutions for accreditation every seven years. Prior to this year, the commission last reaffirmed accreditation of Whitworth in 2018. The university will participate in several virtual reviews over the next seven-year accreditation cycle, culminating in a final in-person full evaluation for the reaffirming of its accreditation in academic year 2032-33.

About NWCCU:

NWCCU is an independent, nonprofit membership organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the regional authority on educational quality and institutional effectiveness of higher education institutions within its jurisdiction.

About Whitworth University:

Contacts:

Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu

Elite Ultramarathon Champion and Acclaimed Scholar Sabrina Little to Speak at Whitworth March 5

2026-02-26T16:28:00.000-08:00

Whitworth University’s Weyerhaeuser Center for Christian Faith & Learning is proud to welcome Sabrina Little, nationally acclaimed ultramarathoner, philosopher, author and professor. Little will present her discussion titled “Why Character Matters in Sports” in Weyerhaeuser Hall’s Robinson Teaching Theatre at 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 5.

Little is one of the most accomplished ultramarathoners in the U.S., having competed as a professional distance runner for seven years. She held two American distance running records, was a World Championships silver medalist and was selected to represent the United States on five national teams. She is now combining all she learned as an athlete with her love for philosophy and bringing her talks on endurance and character to audiences nationwide.

“Sabrina Little is one of our most thoughtful Christian thinkers when it comes to questions of character formation – whether in sports, the classroom or life,” says Davey Henreckson, director of the Weyerhaeuser Center for Faith & Christian Learning. “The Whitworth community is in for a treat.”

Little is an assistant professor at the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society at The Ohio State University. Her first book, The Examined Run, was published in 2024 and has been praised for its thoughtful exploration of competition, virtue and personal growth.

She earned her Ph.D. in philosophy from Baylor University and pursued additional graduate studies at Yale Divinity School and the College of William & Mary. Her scholarly work centers on virtue ethics, moral psychology and classical philosophy, with particular attention to moral emotions and character education.

Little has a monthly column on iRunFar.com called The Examined Run, and she is a regular contributor to Psychology Today, where you’ll find her blog Considerations of Character.

This event is free and open to the public.

About Whitworth University:

Contacts:

Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu.

Whitworth Theatre Presents the Spring Main-Stage Production, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time”

2026-02-18T12:46:00.000-08:00

Whitworth Theatre is proud to present its spring main-stage production, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, March 6-15 in Cowles Auditorium.

This Tony award-winning play, based on the novel by Mark Haddon and adapted for the stage by Simon Stephens, tells the story of 15-year-old Christopher, skilled in mathematics, but ill-equipped to navigate everyday life. Although he’s never ventured beyond the end of his street and is afraid of strangers, he sets out on a journey to investigate who killed his neighbor’s dog. In solving the mystery, Christopher’s whole world is turned upside down.

The production features multimedia elements, shadow play, movement and dance to recreate the world of Christopher’s neurodivergent mind and imagination. The story examines themes of perception, identity, isolation, connection, belonging, and the tension inherent in using logic and feeling emotion.

The play is directed by guest artist Anna Newbury, a theatre and film-trained actor from Bozeman, Mont. She appeared as the lead in the 2025 film The Cunning and stars in the upcoming film The Twelvemile, now in post-production. She says the highlight of her career was the time she spent at the FSU/Asolo Conservatory portraying the role of Kayleen in Gruesome Playground Injuries.

The Curious Incident will be performed March 6, 7, 13, 14 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, March 15, at 2 p.m. and is recommended for audiences over the age of 13.

Ticket prices:

Adults: $20

Seniors and non-Whitworth students: $15

Whitworth students (with valid ID): Free

To purchase tickets, please visit: www.whitworth.edu/curious-incident.

About Whitworth University:

Contacts:

Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu

GAP+ Guarantees Whitworth Admission for Hundreds of Spokane Public Schools Students

2026-02-17T08:39:00.000-08:00

Whitworth University and Spokane Public Schools (SPS) have long worked together to support students. Now, Whitworth’s Guaranteed Admissions & Aid Program (GAP+) is taking that relationship to the next level.

Whitworth and SPS signed a GAP+ agreement last week that will provide hundreds of students at Ferris, Lewis & Clark, North Central, Rogers, Shadle Park, The Community School, On Track Academy, The Enrichment Cooperative at Bryant and Spokane Virtual Learning high schools with a 3.6 grade point average or higher with a direct pathway to guaranteed admission and substantial scholarship support.

Spokane Public Schools Chief of Student Success Scott Kerwien ’02 says SPS is excited to be a part of this partnership and watch it open doors for hundreds of its students.

"Our hope is that all students pursue their post-high school goals with streamlined support and advocacy from an amazing partner like Whitworth,” Kerwien says. “I happened to find my ‘fit’ at Whitworth University, and I hope this collaborative effort raises awareness for students and families that might also find their fit at Whitworth. It’s exciting to see Whitworth's transparency in their guaranteed admissions criteria as well as their long list of financial aid opportunities for students."

Thanks to Whitworth’s new cost clarity tuition, students can expect a simplified tuition price of $26,900 for the 2026-27 academic year and will receive the following academic scholarships based on their grade point average:

• 3.9 GPA and above = $9,000 per year ($36,000 total over four years)

• 3.6-3.89 GPA = $6,000 per year ($24,000 total over four years)

• 3.3-3.59 GPA = $3,000 per year ($12,000 total over four years)

The schools in SPS join Mead High School, Mt. Spokane High School, East Valley High School, Gonzaga Preparatory School, Saint George’s School and Marantha High School in Pasadena, Calif., as members of the GAP+ program. Northwest Christian Schools and Lakeside High School (9 mile) are expected to sign an agreement soon.

“Whitworth and Spokane Public Schools share a common purpose: preparing students for lives of meaning and impact,” says Josh Hibbard, Whitworth vice president of enrollment management. “Through GAP+, we are making admission and scholarship support transparent and predictable, so students can focus less on uncertainty and more on their future. This is an investment in Spokane and in the students who will shape its future.”

To learn more about GAP+ or if you represent a school looking to join the program, please click
here.

About Whitworth University:

About Spokane Public Schools:

Spokane Public Schools (SPS) serves approximately 29,000 PreK-12 grade students in 58 schools, including 34 elementary schools, nine middle schools, five comprehensive high schools and multiple option schools and programs to meet the needs of all students.

Contacts:

Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu.

Ryan Lancaster, executive director of communications, Spokane Public Schools, (509) 354-7363, ryanla@spokaneschools.org.

Whitworth Honors Rev. Mary Jane Miles and Installs Professor Megan Hershey as the Amy M. Ryan Endowed Chair at Spring Convocation

2026-01-26T14:40:00.000-08:00

Whitworth University invites the community to attend Spring Convocation on Thursday, Jan. 29, at 11 a.m. in Cowles Auditorium.

President Scott McQuilkin will offer a welcome and will then be joined by Provost & Executive Vice President John Pell to install Megan Hershey, Ph.D., professor of political science, as the university’s Amy M. Ryan Endowed Professor.

Hershey began teaching at Whitworth in 2011. Her research is centered on civil society in East Africa. She has co-led Whitworth’s semester-long Tanzania Study Program. During her tenure in the Amy M. Ryan endowed professorship, Hershey plans to travel to Kenya to meet with leaders of recent Gen Z protests and explore the gender dynamics of the movement, as well as the ways faith threads through the protesters’ efforts.

Following the installation, the president and provost will present the Distinguished Ministry Leadership Award to the Rev. Mary Jane Miles, D.Min. Miles serves two churches as an ordained Presbyterian minister and is serving her second term on the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee. She has ministered on the Navajo Reservation at Tuba City, Ariz., as well as the Tohono O’odham Reservation at Sells, Ariz. Miles has worked tirelessly to serve the elderly and families with Save the Children, the Nez Perce Tribe’s Senior Citizens Program, the Southern California Indian Center and the reservation library, and has also been a counselor at the Lapwai clinic.

Professor Emeritus of History Dale Soden will present on “World War II and Whitworth College,” followed by the convocation address, “Angels in the Architecture,” presented by Pell.

For those who cannot attend convocation in person, the event will be livestreamed here

About Whitworth University:

Contacts:

Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu.

Jon Guerra’s “Invisible Things” Tour Comes to Whitworth Feb. 20

2026-01-26T08:32:00.000-08:00

The Whitworth University Emmaus Program is proud to host an evening of song, poetry, stillness and reflection featuring the music of Jon Guerra, with guest appearances by poet-priest Andy Squyres and singer-songwriter Delaney Young. The event will take place Friday, Feb. 20, from 7:30-9 p.m. in the Seeley Mudd Chapel on Whitworth’s campus.

Guerra will be stopping in Spokane as part of his “Invisible Things” tour. He is a well-known singer-songwriter who writes inspiring devotional music. His debut album, Little Songs, was released in 2015. He went on to compose music for Terrence Malick’s 2019 film, A Hidden Life. His most recent full-length album called Jesus was released last year.

“This gathering is not a concert so much as an experiment in cultivating resonance with the unseen layers of reality,” Guerra says. “Beauty puts us in touch with invisible things: spirit, hope, personhood, the kingdom of God, soul, love. Deep calls to deep.”

Delaney Young is an indie Christian singer-songwriter with a background in classical piano. Her song, “As I Am,” was released as part of The Gospel Coalition’s collaborative album What is The Gospel?

Andy Squyres is a singer-songwriter, poet and writer known for his folk-inspired music and reflective, faith-infused lyrics. He blends introspective songwriting with poetic prose, often exploring themes of faith, life’s struggles, hope and the human condition.

Emmaus Program Director Derek Taylor says Guerra’s music nurtures a deeper and more contemplative faith. “Rooted in the words of Jesus, his songwriting carries a theological depth often absent from mainstream Christian music,” Taylor says.

The event is open to the public. Each attendee will need a ticket. Tickets are $10 for the general public. They are free for Whitworth students, staff and faculty. Get your tickets here.

About Whitworth University:

Contacts:

Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu.

Whitworth University Launches Whitworth Online, Expanding Flexible Degree Pathways for Working Adults

2026-01-20T09:02:00.000-08:00

Your Degree. Your Schedule. Your Purpose.

Whitworth University proudly unveils Whitworth Online – a bold, new identity for its degree completion programs for adult learners, which go back over a century. As working professionals juggle careers, families and community commitments, Whitworth Online meets them where they are, offering high-quality education in a flexible, fully online format.

The launch of Whitworth Online comes at a time when regional employers across healthcare, education, nonprofit leadership and business are seeking professionals with degrees, while many Spokane-area residents have some college credit and could benefit from a clear pathway to finish their degrees.

“Whitworth has always believed that it’s never too late to earn a college degree – and that belief has guided our work with adult learners for generations,” President Scott McQuilkin says. “Whitworth Online allows us to meet working adults where they are, support local and regional workforce development, and help address the growing number of capable, motivated individuals who started college but were unable to finish. This is about access, opportunity and flourishing – for individuals and for our communities.”

Whitworth Online programs are intentionally designed for working adults. Curriculum across programs emphasizes practical application, ethical leadership and real-world relevance, while maintaining Whitworth’s hallmark academic rigor. Courses are structured to fit the rhythms of adult life, and students receive dedicated support services tailored to their needs – including academic advising, career support and personalized guidance from enrollment through graduation.

“For many adult learners, returning to school is not just an academic decision; it’s a deeply personal one,” says Brooke Kiener, dean of Whitworth Online. “Whitworth Online is built to support students holistically, recognizing the responsibilities they carry and the dreams they are pursuing.”

While Whitworth Online expands access nationally, it remains rooted in Whitworth University’s purpose to promote genuine flourishing through education that integrates intellectual depth, character formation and service. Moving program delivery for working adults fully online strengthens that mission by removing geographic barriers and opening Whitworth’s academically excellent programs to adult learners wherever they live and work.

Whitworth Online replaces the former Whitworth School of Continuing Studies name, reflecting both the evolution of program delivery and the university’s forward-looking vision for adult education.

To learn more about Whitworth Online, click here.

About Whitworth University:

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private, Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university has an enrollment of about 2,500 students and offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu

The Timeless Musical “The Fantasticks” at Whitworth for One Weekend Only!

2025-12-16T11:54:00.000-08:00

In January, Whitworth University’s theatre and music departments will bring the world’s longest-running musical, “The Fantasticks,” to life with three special concert performances.

The show will run one weekend only. Performances will take place on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 23 and 24, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 25, at 2 p.m. in the Myhre Recital Hall inside the Cowles Music Center.

The highly stylized show is based on a book written by Tom Jones, who also wrote the lyrics for the musical. The musical selections, including Try to Remember, were written by Harvey Schmidt. The play combines aspects of musical theatre and pageant performance and tells the story of star-crossed lovers who lose and find one another again. When writing the book, Jones said, “We wanted to celebrate romanticism and mock it at the same time. To touch people, and then to make them laugh at the very thing that touched them… To put two emotions side by side, as close together as possible, like a chord in music.”

The show’s original off-Broadway production ran for a total of 42 years. It has appeared in all 50 states and in at least 67 countries.

The show is directed by Elise Forier Edie, associate professor of theatre and department chair, with musical direction by Scott D. Miller, professor of music, and features performances by Whitworth music and theatre students. Tickets are available only online at www.whitworth.edu/the-fantasticks

About Whitworth University:

Contacts:

Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu

Celebrate the Season at Whitworth’s Christmas Festival Concert, “Jubilate Deo”

2025-11-26T09:53:00.000-08:00

It’s time for one of Whitworth’s most beloved concerts. We invite you to the 2025 Christmas Festival Concert, titled Jubilate Deo (Rejoice in God), on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7, at 3 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Spokane.

Led by Xiaosha Lin, director of choral activities, and conducted by Scott D. Miller, professor of music, the concert will feature the Whitworth Choir, Forest Treble Choir and Ponderosa Tenor Bass Choir as well as the Whitworth Brass Quintet, percussionists Max Bartron ’27 and Luke Wagner ’25, and Spokane organist John Bodinger.

The program will bring you all the sounds of the holiday season and include Christmas hymns like Wonder Tidings and O Little Town of Bethlehem and readings by Whitworth faculty members Jonathan Moo and Katherine Karr-Conejo.

The finale of the concert will present an arrangement based on the renowned organ repertoire, Charles-Marie Widor’s Toccata from Symphony No. 5, to highlight the organ at the cathedral with the accompaniment of choirs, the brass quintet and percussion, sending the audience off into this joyful season.

Ticket prices:

General admission: $20

Students & seniors (62-plus): $15

To purchase tickets, click here.

About Whitworth University:

Contacts:

Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu.

School Counseling Program Invites Educators to “Whitworth Cares” Wellness Retreat

2025-11-03T14:33:00.000-08:00

Whitworth University is honored to welcome more than 150 educators from across Eastern Washington for a daylong campus retreat called Whitworth Cares on Dec. 13 in the Hixson Union Building. This gathering is designed to provide meaningful wellness experiences and professional development focused on preventing burnout and mitigating secondary trauma, supporting those who devote their lives to educating and caring for others.

According to the most recent Gallup Panel Workforce Study, 44 percent of K-12 educators say they “always” or “very” often feel burned out, and a study conducted this year by Prodigy Education found that out of 800 educators surveyed, about 95 percent of teachers reported “some level of stress” while 68 percent reported moderate to very high stress due to their jobs.

Whitworth is doing what it can to help by offering events like Whitworth Cares. It’s made possible, in part, by the largest grant in the university’s history, a $3.37 million award from the U.S. Department of Education that established the Whitworth University School-Based Mental Health Partnership Program (WU-MHPP). Through this program, Whitworth is addressing the needs of certified school counselors and educators across five high-need school districts and three Educational Service Districts in Eastern Washington, helping to strengthen mental health support within our schools and communities.

“We are so thankful for this funding from the U.S. Department of Education that allows us to support the needs of educators,” says Renee’ Schoening, director of school counseling and social emotional learning graduate programs. “We simply cannot address the mental health of K-12 students without also championing the wellness of teachers and counselors. This professional development opportunity is being offered as an expression of gratitude for the hard work being accomplished in our Eastern Washington partner schools. We are concerned about the high burnout rates among education professionals and want to equip them with the tools they need to be resilient.”

The daylong retreat will feature a variety of breakout sessions designed to equip counselors with practical tools and training to support their well-being and professional growth. In addition, participants will be invited to enjoy restorative activities such as guided breathing exercises, somatic yoga, art therapy, a prayer and journaling space, and live music creating an atmosphere of renewal, reflection and connection.

The event is free but requires registration here. Clock hours are available.

About Whitworth’s School Counseling, M.Ed., Program:

Whitworth's School Counseling, M.Ed., program is designed for busy, working adults. Courses are offered in the late afternoon and evening. Each class meets only once a week. Students can earn their master’s degree and residency in only 60 credits and complete the program in as few as three years. The program equips students with the knowledge and skills to excel as counselors in educational settings or to enhance their effectiveness as teachers or administrators.

Created for those who want to make a lasting difference, this program equips graduates to support students through life’s challenges, help them unlock their potential, and inspire their futures. Guided by Whitworth’s commitment to academic excellence, faith and community, students will gain knowledge, skills and compassion to serve as trusted advocates for young people.

We invite you to learn more about Whitworth’s School Counseling, M.Ed., program by visiting https://bit.ly/4360wmA.

About Whitworth University:

Contacts:

Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu

Whitworth’s Sinéad Voorhees Recognized for Empowering Students and Building Community Through Business Education

2025-10-30T14:58:00.000-07:00

Whitworth University is proud to announce that Sinéad Voorhees, assistant dean of Graduate Studies in Business, has been nominated for the 2026 YWCA Spokane Women of Achievement Awards.

The YWCA recognizes its nominees as having uplifted and inspired others in a powerful way through their work. There are 63 nominees this year.

Voorhees came to Whitworth in 2012. Under her leadership, Graduate Studies in Business has added two new master’s degrees and seen the Master’s in Business Administration program double in size.

Voorhees was promoted to assistant dean in 2021, making her the first dedicated dean of graduate business studies at Whitworth. That same year, she co-founded and launched the Whitworth Institute of Leadership.

“We are thrilled to see Sinéad nominated for the YWCA Women of Achievement Award,” says Tim Wilkinson, dean of the School of Business. “She has an unshakable belief in the power of education to change lives and works tirelessly to show our students that they matter, not just in the classroom, but in the world. Her innovative leadership and her deep commitment to community make her exactly the kind of person who lifts our entire school, and society, forward. We are proud to stand beside her in this well-deserved recognition.”

Voorhees is consistently recognized in the Spokane community for her dedication and drive. In 2014, she was recognized by Bozzi Media in Spokane/Coeur d’Alene magazine as one of the Inland Northwest's Top 20 Under 40 rising professionals. In 2019, she was featured on the cover of the same magazine as one of the top 20 women in business leadership. Also in 2019, she was recognized as a Spokane Journal of Business Rising Star, an honor given annually to 10 deserving professionals under 40 in the Inland Northwest.

The 2026 YWCA Women of Achievement nominees embody the mission of YWCA Spokane by giving generously of themselves to make Spokane a better place for all to live. Congratulations to all the nominees. The finalists will be announced in January.

About Whitworth University:

Contacts:

Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu

Whitworth University’s Jazz Orchestra Welcomes Multi-Grammy Award Winner Billy Childs on Nov. 1

2025-10-29T15:59:00.000-07:00

The Whitworth Jazz Orchestra Guest Artist Concert featuring pianist and composer Billy Childs will take place Saturday, Nov. 1, at 7:30 p.m. in Cowles Auditorium.

Child’s will make his Spokane debut joining Whitworth’s award-winning jazz orchestra under the direction of Jared Hall ’08, assistant professor of music.

Childs is a Yamaha Performing Artist and multi-Grammy award-winning pianist and composer. His Grammy wins and nominations include:

• Best Instrumental Composition for Into the Light (2006)

• Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals for New York Tendaberry (2015, featuring Renée Fleming and Yo-Yo Ma)

• Best Jazz Instrumental Album nomination for Rebirth (2017)

“We are beyond thrilled and deeply fortunate to have our ensemble showcase Child’s extraordinary musicianship, both through his masterful playing and his inspired compositions at this year’s annual Guest Artist Jazz Concert,” Hall says. “His remarkable artistry, both as a performer and a composer, brings a depth and energy that will truly elevate the entire ensemble.”

Tickets are on sale now! General admission tickets are $25. Students and seniors get in for $12. Purchase tickets here: http://bit.ly/4qAcor2

There will also be a free master class on Oct. 31 in the Cowles Music Center’s recital hall. Childs will share his wisdom and experiences during this master class at 5:15 p.m.

About Whitworth University:

Contacts:

Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu.

Multiple Rankings Place Whitworth University Among the Best in the West

2025-10-22T13:37:00.000-07:00

Whitworth University is honored to be recognized as one of the top universities in the West, earning high placements on recent college rankings lists by independent college evaluation platforms like The Princeton Review® and Washington Monthly.

This consistent recognition underscores the university’s commitment to academic excellence, student engagement and career outcomes.

“This recognition affirms the distinctiveness of a Whitworth education,” says Josh Hibbard, vice president for enrollment management. “Our Christ-centered mission calls us to shape both minds and hearts, creating a community where students are known, challenged and supported. The rankings highlight the excellence of our faculty, the dedication of our staff, and the strength of our shared mission to honor God, follow Christ and serve humanity.”

The Princeton Review

For the second year in a row, Whitworth was named one of the “Best Colleges in the West” by The Princeton Review®. Rankings for this list are based on surveys of students who rate their own colleges on dozens of topics and report on their campus experiences. In its “2026 Region by Region” web feature, The Princeton Review® listed Whitworth as one of 79 colleges in the West it considered academically outstanding. When filling out the survey, students responded:

• “At Whitworth, you’ll find students who are very into helping one another succeed in any and every way they possibly can.”

• “You won’t be able to walk through campus without receiving several warm smiles and greetings.”

• “Everyone here is unique in their own way, and that just seems to draw people closer.”

• “This school lets us have an opinion and somewhere to share it.”

Washington Monthly

Whitworth was named among the top 100 colleges in the West as a “2025 Best Bang for the Buck” by Washington Monthly. Editors looked at how well the institution helped low-to-middle-income students attain marketable degrees at affordable prices. The list was created by isolating the accessibility, affordability and outcomes metrics from the main ranking (No. 89):

Access: Ranks colleges by how well they provide access to non-wealthy students. Among other metrics, it tracks how many students are on federal Pell Grants for low-to-middle-income families and compares that to how many Pell recipients those schools might be expected to enroll based on test scores, admission rates and statewide family income. Ranking: No. 90.

Affordability: Ranks colleges by their affordability. It includes the net price of the institution, or the amount that students with family incomes below $75,000 pay, minus aid. It also tracks how much debt graduates leave with. Ranking: No. 114.

Outcomes: Ranks colleges by the academic and financial outcomes they provide to students. It tracks the percentage of students graduating within eight years and compares that to statistical predictions. It compares graduation rates between wealthy and non-wealthy students. It also tracks the incomes that students make in their early careers and compares that to their peers’ early-career incomes. Additionally, the outcomes category ranks colleges by the number of graduates who go on to receive Ph.Ds. Ranking: No. 30.

Whitworth ranked No. 89 overall and No. 42 in the Master’s University category.

Niche

Whitworth is honored to be ranked at the top of several categories in Niche’s 2026 rankings:

• No. 3 Best Christian College in Washington

• No. 59 Best Christian College in America

• No. 8 Best College in Washington

• No. 5 Top Private University in Washington

Our School of Education was ranked second in the state, and our English department earned third-place honors.

Niche uses a combination of public data and millions of student and alumni reviews to determine its college rankings. The primary components include: academics (40%), value (27.5%) and professors (7.5%). Other factors include campus (5%), diversity (5%), student life (5%), overall experience surveys (5%), local area (2.5%) and safety (2.5%).

College Raptor

Whitworth University was also named a College Raptor Hidden Gem in its 2026 rankings, which recognize excellent and affordable schools. These rankings identify colleges that combine high-quality education with attainability, based on factors like retention and graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, endowment per student, and selectivity.

About Whitworth University:

Contacts:

Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu

Whitworth University Welcomes Four Visionary Speakers for Conversations About Christian Formation and the Common Good

2025-10-16T11:00:00.000-07:00

Whitworth University is honored to host four nationally renowned thought leaders for its 2025–26 Weyerhaeuser Center for Christian Faith & Learning Speakers Series. Kristin Kobes Du Mez, Curt Thompson, Sabrina Little and Christine Emba, all at the forefront of conversations shaping faith and culture, will bring their distinct perspectives to campus for this thought-provoking series designed to challenge minds through a Christ-centered lens.

“Each of these speakers embodies both intellectual courage and spiritual conviction,” says Davey Henreckson, director, Weyerhaeuser Center for Christian Faith & Learning. “Their voices will not only challenge our assumptions, but heighten our community’s pursuit of a deeper faith, greater empathy, and more thoughtful engagement in our world. I believe their insights will spark many conversations that will stretch across disciplines and generations.”

Kristin Kobes Du Mez, Ph.D. | Oct. 22, 4 p.m., Cowles Auditorium</b>

“Live Laugh Love: White Christian Women & the World They Made”

New York Times bestselling author Kristin Kobes Du Mez is the first speaker of the series. Her presentation will take place on Oct. 22. Du Mez is a professor of history at Calvin University. Her research focuses on the intersection of gender, religion and politics. She has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, NBC News, Religion News Service and Christianity Today, and has been interviewed on NPR, CBS and the BBC, among other outlets. She is the author of the bestselling book Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation. She has written a follow-up book titled Live Laugh Love, a cultural study of white Christian womanhood set for publication in September 2026.

Curt Thompson, M.D. | Nov. 13, 4 p.m., Weyerhaeuser Hall’s Robinson Teaching Theatre

“The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope”

Curt Thompson is a psychiatrist in private practice in Falls Church, Va. He is the founder of Being Known, which develops teaching programs, seminars and resource materials to help people explore the connection between interpersonal neurobiology and Christian spirituality. Thompson is the author of Anatomy of the Soul: Surprising Connections Between Neuroscience and Spiritual Practices that Can Transform Your Life and Relationships. His book demonstrates how insights from interpersonal neurobiology resonate with biblical truths about God and creation, validating the deep human need for meaningful relationships as a key to a life of hope and fulfillment. He also produced a video series called "Knowing and Being Known: The Transforming Power of Relationships."

Sabrina Little, Ph.D. | March 5, 4 p.m., Weyerhaeuser Hall’s Robinson Teaching Theatre

“Why Character Matters in Sports”

Sabrina Little serves as an assistant professor at the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society at Ohio State University. She earned her Ph.D. in philosophy from Baylor University and pursued additional graduate studies at Yale Divinity School and the College of William & Mary. Her scholarly work centers on virtue ethics, moral psychology and classical philosophy, with particular attention to moral emotions, character education and the ethics of exemplarity. Her first book, The Examined Run, was published in March 2024. Little competed as a professional distance runner for seven years. She is a former World Championships silver medalist, holds two American distance running records and was selected to represent the United States in international competition.

Christine Emba | April 8, 4 p.m., Weyerhaeuser Hall’s Robinson Teaching Theatre

“Men are Lost: A Map Out of the Wilderness”

Christine Emba is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) where her work focuses on gender and sexuality, feminism, masculinity, youth culture and social norms. She was a staff writer at The Atlantic and an opinion columnist and editorial board member at The Washington Post. She’s also the author of Rethinking Sex: A Provocation, a book that explores what the sexual revolution got wrong and what we might do better, especially after the #MeToo movement. Earlier in her career, she was the Hilton Kramer Fellow at The New Criterion and worked as a deputy editor at the Economist Intelligence Unit, where she focused on tech and innovation. She was named one of the world's top 50 thinkers by Prospect magazine in 2022 and received the National Press Club's Nell Minow Award for Cultural Criticism in 2024. Emba grew up in Virginia and studied public and international affairs at Princeton.

All the discussions are free and open to the public. For more information, click here.

About Whitworth University:

Contacts:

Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu

“Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm” Gets a Musical Makeover by Mekenna Simpson ’27

2025-09-30T15:33:00.000-07:00

Whitworth University Theatre is proud to present its fall main-stage production, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, in Cowles Auditorium, Oct. 10-12 and Oct. 17-19.

This classic coming-of-age story, adapted by Marsha Chamberlain and directed by Elise Forier Edie, MFA, associate professor of theatre, follows Rebecca Randall, a bright and spirited young girl whose imagination and kindness bring unexpected joy to a quiet town. With humor, charm and a lot of heart, this play is perfect for audiences of all ages.

Mekenna Simpson ’27, who has appeared on Whitworth’s stage in several past productions, has a different role this time around. She spent last summer composing and recording vocal and instrumental music for the play. She says this production offered her the chance to create some beautiful music, and she is thrilled to bring something so magical to life.

“Getting the chance to be behind the curtain and make the story come alive in a new way has offered me not only a way to pursue my passions in a new light, but it also gives me a new perspective on how theatre comes together in all aspects,” Simpson says. “I will always have a heart for performing and will continue to pursue time onstage, but writing music and getting to do it in this capacity has given me new eyes for a beautiful craft.”

Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 10, 11, 17 and 18, at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays, Oct. 12 and 19, at 2 p.m. You can purchase tickets here.

About Whitworth University:

Contacts:

Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu