Willamette’s faculty members are not only distinguished scholars and researchers—they’re changemakers and leaders who bring real-world experience and innovative thinking to the classroom. Recent honorees include Professor Rosa León Zayas, awarded the Maxwell/Hanrahan Field Biology Award, and Professor Vincent Pham, recipient of the Arnold L. Graves and Lois S. Graves Award in the Humanities. They, like many of our faculty, exemplify the dynamic and interdisciplinary education we offer.
At the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA), our faculty members are a vibrant community of artists and designers who guide aspiring creatives in discovering their unique voice. Whether it’s Illustration department head Martin French, or Sculpture Chair David Eckard, our PNCA faculty are deeply invested in their students’ artistic and professional growth.
Willamette’s graduate programs boast equally accomplished faculty, from respected legal scholars like Symeon Symeonides, known worldwide for his work in international law, to influential business leaders at the Atkinson Graduate School of Management like Debra Ringold, who was recently named Professor of the Year. Our Data Science program is led by industry experts like Heather Kitada Smalley, the Albaugh Assistant Professor of Statistics, who has earned multiple accolades for her teaching and research.
“It was so nice to be able to learn so many new things and also be surrounded by professors who are passionate about their students and learning. I don’t think you get that at other schools.”
