Brian Davenport, PhD
Director; Interim Associate Dean of the University College
509.359.2036
bdavenport2@ewu.edu
University College at Eastern Washington University is pleased to announce that Dr. Brian Davenport has joined EWU as the Director of Community Engagement. Dr. Davenport will work with faculty to coordinate service-learning and courses and programs related community engagement. Dr. Davenport has been a faculty member at the University of Southern Maine and has been the Assistant Director of the Master in Teaching Program at Whitworth University. Dr. Barbara Holland, a leader in the area of community engagement, describes him as someone who “has often demonstrated his ability to bring people together, to encourage collaboration, and to build bridges of shared understanding.” She adds that since he has professional experience as a faculty and staff member he can move easily in those spheres. We are excited that Dr. Davenport has joined us and look forward to even more robust representation of EWU students in community partnerships.
Taylor Kensel, MFA
Interim Assistant Director for Student Research and Community Engagement
509.359.6826
tkensel@ewu.edu
Taylor Kensel graduated from Eastern Washington University in 2018 with a Master of Fine Arts in poetry. She previously worked at the Writers’ Center and taught courses in English, Composition, and First Year Experience. Taylor loves working for the Office of Community Engagement for which she facilitates big events, serves the community, and hopes to further develop service-learning based curricula. She also directs EWU’s annual Student Research and Creative Works Symposium for the University College.
Libby Vigil
Community Outreach Coordinator
509.359.4006
CEAmericorps@ewu.edu
Libby Vigil is the Community Food Security Coordinator for the Office of Community Engagement. She was brought onto our team through the Americorps VISTA program which addresses critical community needs through service. Libby graduated from Western Oregon University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a minor in Spanish. She previously worked as a Campus Coordinator for the WOU Food Pantry and is excited to use her experience to address and combat food insecurity in the EWU and Cheney community. In the future, Libby hopes to attend graduate school and continue to fight for social justice by serving her community.
Lauren Estey
Office Aid
509.359.6255
communityengagement@ewu.edu
This is Lauren’s fourth year volunteering with the Office of Community Engagement. She has previously served as a mentor and a volunteer mentor coordinator for Betz Trailblazers mentoring program. Lauren is a senior enrolled in the Elementary Education Program with a minor in Special Education. Given her love for dancing, she is also working towards a dance minor. When she’s not working on school, she is either working at Thomas Hammer Coffee Roasters, adventuring to find new photo ops, or hanging out with her animals. She is excited to be more involved this year and to continue to give back to the community.