PULLMAN, Wash.- A prominent organization for student affairs professionals in higher education, NASPA, is gaining valuable knowledge and experience working with undocumented students by adding WSU’s Marcela Pattinson to its advisory board.
Pattinson, assistant director for Community Relations and Outreach in WSU’s Office of Multicultural Student Services (MSS), recently joined NASPA’s region V advisory board as the Undocumented Immigrants and Allies Representative. Her three year term ends in 2019.
The Undocumented Immigrants & Allies Knowledge Community aims to share knowledge, resources, and research on/for undocumented students and students from mixed status families. The demographic landscape within higher education, along with policy changes affecting undocumented students, is constantly evolving.
“Marcela has been doing an outstanding job facilitating efforts that bring people together to support undocumented students,” said J. Manuel Acevedo, director of MSS. “She will bring a high level of expertise and commitment to NASPA Region V and the work it leads to enhance and transform the educational experience of this student population.”
Acevedo said Pattinson is considered by many on campus to be the most experienced and knowledgeable person when it comes to helping undocumented students. In addition to advising, she has provided leadership in establishing WSU’s annual Undocuqueer Conference, La Bienvenida Orientation program, as well as the Washington State Educational Access Coalition for HB 1079 Students.
News media contacts:
Manuel Acevedo, Director, Office of Multicultural Student Services, 509-335-1071, acevedo@wsu.edu.
Steve Nakata, Marketing & Communications, Administrative Services, 509-335-1774, nakata@wsu.edu.