Deb Nelli hired as student retention and initiatives manager

Deb Nelli has been hired as the student retention and initiatives manager in Western’s Student Outreach Services.

“We are delighted to have Dr. Nelli join the Division of Enrollment and Student Services as the retention and initiatives manager. Dr. Nelli brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Division and we look forward to her joining our team as we continue to examine and assess our efforts relevant to student retention at Western,” said Reneé Collins, associate dean of students at Western.

Nelli, who started in her new job on Monday, April 14, is a former WWU instructor in the Adult and Higher Education master's in education program and is also a graduate of that program. She obtained an additional master's degree in interdisciplinary studies and an educational doctorate in educational leadership from Portland State University, where she was a Laurels’ Scholar in the College of Education.

Her research focuses on academic identity development, academic socialization and the scholarship of teaching and learning. She said she is delighted to be working on team of student affairs professionals committed to holistically supporting student success.