Meet your leaders
2013-14 ASWSU Online Senate Members
- President: Brianna Lisenbee
- Vice President: Janna Carter
- Secretary: Rebecca Stern
- Treasurer: John Larson
- Senator: Kelsea Holbrook
- Senator: Jeremy Karelsen
- Senator: Kayla Karelsen
- Senator: Lisa Thomas
- Senator: Adrian Woods
- Director of Legislative Affairs: Lindsey Thomas
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President: Brianna Lisenbee
Graduation Year: May 2014
Major: Business Management and Operations
Hometown: Sumner, WA
Email: online.pres@wsu.eduHello Cybercougs, near and far!
My name is Brianna Lisenbee. I live in Sumner, Washington and I have been here practically my whole life. I am currently a stay at home mom. My husband, my two boys and my school work tend to keep me pretty busy, but when I do have some downtime I enjoy doing things outdoors.
I earned my AA-DTA from Bellevue College and transferred to WSU Fall 2011. I am currently working on a degree in Business Management and Operations. WSU has provided me with an opportunity to obtain my Bachelor's degree in a nontraditional way, and I am very thankful for that. It can be extremely hard to find the time for school and taking care of two little ones. I have been at WSU Online for four semesters now, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience. When I attended Bellevue College I was able to go on campus, so being an online student has been a learning experience for me. While I am very thankful for the freedom it gives me, I do miss my days of going to a physical classroom and having that kind of interaction with others. This is one of the biggest reasons I am involved with ASWSU Online. I am passionate about finding a way for online students to get the most well-rounded college experience possible. I think it is important for online students to have the same opportunity to get involved with their school as if they were attending on campus.
As President I want to help create more opportunities for students to get involved with the school—both virtually and face-to-face. The experience I have had with ASWSU Online in the past year will help me expand my ideas and bring more to online students. I want the online learning process to be as fun and memorable as possible.
I am excited to have the opportunity to be your ASWSU Online President for the upcoming 2013-2014 school year, and I look forward to representing you! Together I hope we can make this year one of the best ones yet! If you ever have any questions, comments or concerns please don't hesitate to contact me. You can email me anytime at: online.pres@wsu.edu
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Vice President:Janna Carter
Graduation Year: May 2015
Major: Social Sciences w/formal Human Development and Psychology minors
Hometown: Orcas Island, WA
Email: jmcarter@wsu.eduHello Everyone!
My name is Janna Carter. I was born and raised in Pullman, WA, and am proud to have been a Coug since birth! Both of my parents, my brother, my sister-in-law and husband are all WSU alumns! My two children, ages 7 and 9, are enthusiastic future Cougars and hold their own here in Husky territory.
My family and I live on Orcas Island, WA in the San Juan Islands. I enjoy the outdoors and have some pretty wonderful places to explore and hike here on the island. I work part-time for a local dentist and have been in the dental field for about 13 years now. I volunteer in my community and am on the Orcas Island Education Foundation board. I am passionate about excellent education and providing opportunities for students here on Orcas and attending WSU to be successful.
I attended WSU on the Pullman campus for several years, but my education was put on hold due to starting a family and supporting my husband in his pursuit of a teaching career. I am grateful to be able to pursue and finish my education online with WSU. This is such an exciting time to be part of the current and future growth WSU-Online! Please consider electing me as your Senator. I am eager to represent you and I welcome your questions and suggestions.
Go Cougs!
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Secretary: Rebecca Stern
Graduation Year: May 2016
Major: Social Sciences (Focus on Human Development and American Studies)
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Email: rebecca.stern@wsu.eduHello Fellow Cyber Cougs! My name is Rebecca Stern. I currently live in Seattle and I work in downtown Seattle at a law firm as a library clerk. When I am not working or studying, I enjoy cooking, and spending time outside on walks and at local parks with my friends.
I am currently in my third semester attending WSU Online and I really love it! The versatility of the courses makes it easy to balance work and school, which was something I found difficult in the past. I have also been impressed with the number of degrees available – I have switched my major three times already! Prior to attending WSU Online, I attended Bellevue College where I took a variety of in-person, online, and hybrid courses, however I have found that online courses truly work best for my schedule.
As a ASWSU Online Secretary, I want to help plan more opportunities throughout the school year for us online students to meet! It’s easy for online students to forget that we are part of a larger WSU community, but I think it’s important for students to be involved, have school spirit, and to feel pride in being a Cougar regardless of the location of the campus that we are enrolled with.
I am looking forward to opportunity to serve as an ASWSU Online Secretary. Please feel free to email me at rebecca.stern@wsu.edu if you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns.
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Treasurer: John Larson
Graduation Year: May 2015
Major: Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (Accounting focus) and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Hometown: Lacey, WA
Email: john.larson@email.wsu.eduGreetings CyberCougs!
My name is John Larson. I currently live in Lacey Washington, but I was born and raised in Stevens County, north of Spokane. After marrying my high school sweetheart, I enlisted in the Navy and spent six years training and working on an aircraft carrier. After the military, we settled down to start a family and I got a job working at a power plant making electricity. Besides work and school, I spend my spare time reading, cooking, scuba-diving, and restoring my 1968 Firebird.
I have always been a fan of WSU, and it just so happens that the Global Campus is the best in-state option for me to earn my degree while still holding down a full time job. I am so grateful for this opportunity and love that WSU is leading the way in non-traditional education programs. I have completed three semesters here at WSU, after earning my AA from Centralia College. I am double-majoring with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (Accounting focus) and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
In my first two years of school, I found that one of my most cherished memories was through volunteering and student leadership. Because of the long-distance learning arrangement, the opportunities to come together as a student group are harder to find. I would like to help continue the effort to build our online community, bridging the digital divide that separates us from our classmates. Now in my fourth year online, I think I have gained valuable experience in coordinating and communicating with other students and would like to return the favor.
I look forward to the opportunity to serve you and help make WSU Global Campus even better!
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Senator: Kelsea Holbrook
Graduation Year: May 2014
Major: Management and Operations
Hometown: Shelton, WA but residing in Honolulu, HI
Email: Kelsea.holbrook@email.wsu.eduHello Fellow Cougs!
…and aloha from Hawaii! I am a proud WSU student living in Honolulu, Hawaii where my husband is stationed at Fort Shafter. Born and raised in the great state of Washington, I am so thankful for Washington State University to allow me to accomplish my academic goals while living at different duty stations around the country. I work for the National Park Service where I currently serve as the Special Park Uses Assistant for WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument, at the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. I’m very excited to serve as one of your ASWSU Online Senators for the academic year 2013-2014. Over the last year, I’ve been involved with the Student Resources Committee, and was selected to chair the Veterans and Military Affairs sub-committee. I’m excited to continue with outreach efforts for all of our Global Campus students.
Along with my job with the National Park Service, I am working with Global Connections as the Student Event Planner, to help plan a student-driven event. I really love that our school experience doesn’t need to be limited to posting discussions onto Angel, but that we can actually get involved with our school in many different ways! I’m full of “Cougar Spirit” and want to share it with all of my fellow classmates! My belief is that a strong support system and morale-building helps motivate students to connect with their classes, benefitting their overall educational experience. Please let me know if you have any thoughts on how ASWSU Online can help better your collegiate experience. I’m here to serve you!
Thanks!
Kelsea
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Senator: Jeremy Karelsen
Graduation Year: December 2014
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Stanwood, WA
Email: JeremyKarelsen@email.wsu.eduMy name is Jeremy Karelsen and I am 24 years old. I currently live in Sedro-Woolley, Washington with my wife and our two cats. When I am not doing school work or volunteering I work as a photographer. I also work part time as a station agent for Allegiant airlines in Bellingham. After working as a server for a few years after high school, I decided to enroll in college to better my life. I am a first-generation college student and I am excited to be graduating in December of 2014 with my Bachelor of Science in Psychology. When I was growing up, I went through some hardships in school that influenced me to work toward becoming a school counselor so that I can help children the way that my counselors helped me. When I am able to get some spare time, I enjoy sightseeing, animal-watching, and learning about new technology.
I have attended many different colleges over the last five years but never have I felt more comfortable than I do now as a WSU-Online student. Online classes have enabled me to have a completely open and flexible schedule and for that, I could not be more thankful. Many of the WSU instructors have also proven themselves to be some of the best I have ever had. Needless to say, I am very pleased with my experience at WSU and I hope that I can help make your experience just as enjoyable as it has been for me. I am passionate about helping and motivating others to reach their goals and as a senator; I hope that I can help you reach yours.
Thank you for electing me to be part of the ASWSU student government for the 2013-2014 school year.
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Senator: Kayla Karelsen
Graduation Year: December 2014
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Sedro-Woolley, WA
Email: kayla.karelsen@email.wsu.eduHello Everyone! My name is Kayla Karelsen and I am 22 years old. I was born in Arizona but I grew up in western Washington and I have always considered the Pacific Northwest to be my home. After high school I got married and adopted two cats. Together we have lived in a new place in Washington State every year. I hope to earn my Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a formal minor in business administration by December of 2014. My ultimate career goal is to become an occupational therapist. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, exercising, participating in various outdoor activities, and spending time with my family.
Becoming involved in community affairs through volunteering is also very important to me. I have done everything from collecting litter on roadsides to entering data in an office. I think volunteering can really bring people together and make unbelievable things possible.
After transferring from college to college, I finally found myself at WSU. I feel very fortunate to have the ability to complete my degree at such a prestigious university and from a distance so that I am able to live close to my family and have flexibility to do the things that I enjoy. I am finishing up my fourth semester at WSU, and while I am excited to be headed into my last full year, I know that I will miss my time here.
I feel fortunate to have been given the opportunity to serve as a senator for the 2013-2014 school year. I am excited to share my enthusiasm for giving back to our communities with all of you and I hope that I can help make the changes that you want to see. Please email me if you have any suggestions that may improve our online community at kayla.karelsen@email.wsu.edu
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Senator: Lisa Thomas
Graduation Year: December 2013
Major: Management & Operations
Hometown: Tumwater, WA
Email: lathomas@wsu.eduMy name is Lisa Thomas and I currently live in Tumwater, WA with my fiancé, our two-year-old son, my step-son, and our parakeets. I currently work in the security department at a local casino, and my fiancé is a police officer for one of the local communities. In our free time we enjoy travelling, hiking, kayaking, watching movies, and reading.
Before coming to WSU, I received my Associate’s degree at South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) in Olympia, WA. I have been attending WSU-Online since Fall of 2011, and it has been such a wonderful experience. I will be graduating in December 2013 with my B.A. in Business Administration, majoring in Management & Operations, and minors in Economic Sciences and Global Studies. I plan to continue on with WSU Online to obtain my MBA.
I’m extremely excited to be representing the WSU-Online community as a senator! I will do whatever I can to build the camaraderie and support for Online students, and I look forward to addressing any ideas or concerns you may have for the student government.
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Senator: Adrian Woods
Graduation Year: May 2014
Major: Business Administration-Management Information Systems
Hometown: Everett, WA
Email: Adrian.Woods@email.wsu.eduHello Cyber Cougars! My name is Adrian Woods and I am proud to be a student of Washington State University through their Online Program. I appreciate the opportunity to represent you as an ASWSU Online Senator. I originally obtained my Associate of Sciences Degree from Everett Community College and was accepted at Washington State University. I am in the process of completing my Management Information Systems in the Fall of 2014, with a minor in Human Development.
At the moment I currently work full–time in Business Development. I am originally from sunny Southern California, but now live in Everett, Washington with my wife of twenty years Lynn and our three children. One son attends WSU in Pullman, and the other is going to UW-Bothell. Our daughter is in sixth grade, and wants everyone to know she will be attending WSU, with the intention to be a veterinarian.
After making the decision to head back to school, for my 4 year degree, after a twenty year layoff, I felt it was important to find a platform that could be flexible with my work schedule, and raising a family. Washington State University's Online Program attracted me on account of the stature and prestige of the online program. I truly believe that the support we receive to succeed in the classroom is tremendous. Accordingly the journey to reach our own personal goals lies in embracing the technology to connect us with a high quality education .This takes a determined effort by the student, faculty and administration to find the tools of success. Together we can achieve the goal of being global campus that puts the student needs first. Thank you for electing me to the position of ASWSU–Online Senator. It is an honor to serve you. Please contact me at anytime if I can be of any assistance to you on your WSU journey.
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Director of Legislative Affairs: Lindsey Thomas
Graduation Year: May 2014
Major: Business Accounting
Hometown: Belfair, WA
Email: lindsey.allen100@email.wsu.eduMy name is Lindsey Thomas, and I am so honored to be serving as the ASWSU-Online Director of Legislative Affairs for the 2013-2014 school year! Last year I served as both a Senator and the Treasurer, and I made many connections within the Global Campus, and beyond. I look forward to applying my determined and tenacious nature towards lobbying for the needs of online students. After a few unsuccessful on-campus stints at various institutions I finally found WSU Online, and I can honestly say that it has changed my life. My major is Accounting, and I hope to one day own my own business. I just completed my third year in the online program; I love everything about it, which is a major reason why I wanted to get, and stay, involved with student government.
I was born and raised on the Hood Canal near Belfair, WA, and I am lucky enough to call it my home again. My husband and I consider ourselves to be ‘Dachshund enthusiasts;’ we have two ourselves, Millie and Reggie, but amongst our immediate families there are ten! In addition to loving life with our wild and wacky wiener dogs, I enjoy learning new culinary skills and checking out local bed and breakfasts with my husband. This summer I am embarking on a three-month adventure around the United States with my husband and dogs, an opportunity that would not be possible without the flexibility of online education, before I settle down to focus on my last year of school and furthering the needs of online students.
I am so passionate about the WSU Online learning experience, and I look forward to not only serving the current students, but also to hopefully recruit new ones! Even with a family, a job, and life in general, a quality education can, and should, still be attainable. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me should you have any questions or comments. I hope to connect with as many students as possible in order to assess the true needs of online students. Our voices need to be heard; please contact me at lindsey.allen100@email.wsu.edu with any issues you feel should be presented to the Washington State Legislature.
