Whitworth University

10/23/2026

What Is It Like? | Art Education

Malia Richardson ’28, a double major in art education and secondary education, shares about studying art education at Whitworth:

“I decided to study art education because initially I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to major in, but I knew I wanted something to do with art. My mom looked through the programs with me and suggested art ed because she knew I loved kids. As soon as I started the classes, I knew it was perfect.

“My first semester at Whitworth, I got to go into a kindergarten class that had multiple multilingual learners. It was an amazing experience because I got to learn about these kids for almost a whole semester. It also made me realize that I really do want to be a teacher. I got to work with kids in the very beginning of the program.

“My favorite classes so far have been my painting classes and Renaissance & Baroque. I always loved painting growing up, and learning to use oil paint has been one of the coolest experiences. The thickness of the paint is just so satisfying and fun once a piece is done. I enjoyed Renaissance & Baroque because, growing up, not a lot of my art teachers taught us art history. Taking those classes made me understand how important it is to the learning of art.

“I've really learned a lot from [Associate Professor Benny Fountain’s] painting classes, and he helped me when I was going through a kind of difficult time – made sure I knew the resources that were available on campus. Professor Meredith Shimizu, my wonderful advisor, has always made me aware of every opportunity. She has helped me so much during my years at Whitworth!

“If you think you want to [major in art education], try! The program is built really well to help you find out early if it's meant for you.”

10/22/2026

The 2027-28 FAFSA is now available! Filing your FAFSA is one of the most important steps in the financial aid process. Get an estimate of your eligibility at studentaid.gov/aid-estimator, and then submit your FAFSA at fafsa.gov.

10/21/2026

It was so wonderful to have the Association of Washington Business stop by Whitworth on Oct. 6. They took a tour of our PACCAR Engineering Building along with some students from Mt. Spokane and North Central high schools. We thank them for including us on their tour and for creating this great video!

10/20/2026

The spirit of Whitworth was on full display this past weekend as we celebrated five remarkable alumni whose contributions to their communities and professions demonstrate the lasting influence of a Whitworth education. Join us in congratulating our 2026 alumni award honorees!

Service to Whitworth Award: Becky (Spencer) Jones ’98
Distinguished Alumni Award: Timothy (Tim) Williams ’85
Mind & Heart Award: Heather (Eiffert) Sund ’98 and Scott Sund ’97
Emerging Leader Award: Samantha (Miyauchi) Spencer ’15

10/19/2026

Some callings can't wait.

Whitworth's new Fast Track Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) pathway helps qualified students move more quickly toward a career dedicated to helping others heal, grow and thrive.

By beginning advanced coursework earlier, you'll gain momentum toward the work you're called to do while preparing to serve with compassion, skill and faith.

It's a faster path, with the same mission in mind and we can't wait for you to get started!

Whitworth University is making it easier and more affordable for students to pursue one of the nation's growing healthcare professions with ...

10/19/2026

Another fantastic One Big Whitworth Weekend is in the books! Whether you’re an alum or a family member of a current student, we hope you had a blast connecting with the people who make this community so special!

Photo booth attendees can view their photos here: https://bit.ly/47v19ry

10/17/2026

🍂 Fall Preview is almost here! Join us on Friday, Oct. 23, for the ultimate visit experience. It's the perfect opportunity to see campus, meet our community and discover what life is like as a Whitworth Pirate.

Learn more and register: https://www.whitworth.edu/fall-preview

10/16/2026

A very special dedication took place this week. We gathered Thursday on the Hello Walk at the Pinecone Arch, an important symbol that will bookend every student’s Whitworth journey.

Incoming students will walk beneath its beams during the Crossover Ceremony as they begin their time at Whitworth, and years later, they’ll return to pass under the arch once again as graduates, celebrating all they’ve learned, experienced and become.

The Pinecone Arch embodies the spirit of Whitworth. Its swirling design reflects the interconnected paths of the students, alumni and friends who make up our amazing community, while the pinecone itself symbolizes the growth, strength and enduring potential that flourish here.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Trustee Gary Hopkins ’77 and Mary Hopkins, the Whitworth Classes of 2024 and 2025 and Ronald and Patricia Purdin ’60 for their support, as well as Whitworth art students and artist Sarah Thompson Moore, whose creative partnership shaped the arch's unique design.

10/15/2026

To chart a better future, we must first understand the past. What a powerful message from our President’s Leadership Forum guest speaker Jon Meacham

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author and presidential historian joined the Whitworth community on Wednesday for conversations that were as inspiring as they were insightful.

He first engaged our students in a conversation about America’s most influential leaders, our own personal roles in determining our future, and never giving up hope.

Later, he spoke to a large audience at the Fox Theater for the President’s Leadership Forum. He offered memorable reminders of the power of thoughtful leadership and informed citizenship.

We thank Mr. Meacham for sharing his incredible knowledge, compassion and yes, even a little humor with our community. It was a visit we will be talking about for a long time to come.

10/13/2026

What does it look like to be Spokane's top-ranked university?

It looks like showing up.

Today at the NACAC Spokane College Fair, Whitworth faculty and admissions staff spent the morning connecting with students and families from high schools across our region.

We believe students deserve more than brochures and websites. They deserve the opportunity to ask questions, make connections and learn firsthand what a Whitworth education offers from the people who will teach, mentor and support them.

That's why we're here.

As the No. 1 Christian college in the Northwest (Niche), we're committed to helping students discover a future worth seeking.

If you're attending the fair tonight, stop by and say hello. We'll be at the Spokane Convention Center from 6-8 p.m.

And a shoutout to the student sporting the vintage Whitworth College hoodie. We loved seeing a little piece of Whitworth history still going strong!