Klimko named director of TRIO student support services

By Steve Nakata, Administrative Services

Angie-KlimkoPULLMAN, Wash. – Angie Klimko has been promoted to director of Washington State University’s TRIO student support services program (SSS) where she has worked for nearly eight years, most recently as academic coordinator.

She succeeds Kristine Attao who left WSU in the fall after serving many years in the position.

“Angie brings a lot of knowledge and a great skill set for working with first-generation, low-income students and those with documented disabilities,” said Lucila Loera, assistant vice president in the Office for Access, Equity and Achievement.

Established on the Pullman campus in 2001, TRIO serves 160 students each year, helping them develop skills, achieve academic success and graduate.

“I am proof that even coming from the hardest background, you can rise above it and become successful with the help of programs like TRIO,” said Klimko, who participated in SSS while a student at Walla Walla Community College. “It is my passion to serve underrepresented students throughout my professional career.”

TRIO refers to eight different student support programs funded under Title IV of the U.S. Higher Education Act of 1965. At WSU, TRIO programs include SSS, Upward Bound (serving Okanogan County) and the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program.

Last summer, the U.S. Department of Education awarded WSU over $1 million to continue SSS for five years – WSU Pullman’s fourth successful grant cycle.