Commencement Weekend in Seattle

David R. Grow
Chief Operating Officer

David Grow is the Chief Operating Officer at Western Governors University where he leads teams focused on co-curricular services, including financial aid, marketing, regional and state operations, and alumni engagement, among other services.

Previously, Grow served as WGU’s Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration from 2005 until 2019. He was responsible for finance, accounting, budgeting, human resources, information technology, and student services. During that time, Grow’s leadership contributed to the growth of a small institution still in its startup phase—sustained by investment and serving fewer than 4,000 students and just 400 graduates—to one of the nation’s largest universities.

Grow introduced a flat-rate tuition model under which students pay per term rather than per course or credit, saving money when they complete extra coursework and graduate early. He oversaw the creation of WGU’s responsible borrowing initiatives, a personalized student advising program that has decreased student borrowing—already low by national standards—by 30% since its launch in 2013.

Dr. Kiesha King
U.S. Head of Strategic Engagement and Market Development, K-12 Education at Apple

Dr. Kiesha King is a globally recognized education strategist, executive leader, and systems innovator. Her work has shaped national and international conversations around education access, workforce readiness, digital access and equity, and large-scale institutional transformation.

A five-time Forbes contributor, Harvard guest lecturer, WGU Distinguished Graduate and MBA alumna, TRIO achiever, and FCC Digital Equity Honoree, Dr. King serves as Executive-in-Residence at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she supports researchers and emerging leaders at the intersection of education, innovation, and organizational strategy. She volunteers in national and global board service across multiple sectors. Her implementation experience spans K-12, higher education, adult education, workforce development, and emerging technology.

Dr. King currently serves as U.S. Head of Strategic Engagement and Market Development, K-12 Education at Apple. Prior to this role, she served as National Head of Education Division Strategy at T-Mobile, where she led Project 10Million — a $10.7 billion initiative that connected more than 7 million student households to reliable internet access and supported more than $1 billion in Federal Communications Commission Emergency Connectivity Fund requests.

She is also the Founder of Prevail Edu, a leadership and learning community helping professionals, educators, and emerging leaders navigate the future of work and innovation with clarity and purpose.

Amedeo Rondon
MBA - Healthcare Administration

Amedeo Rondon, MBA, RDH, is an adjunct dental hygiene instructor and clinical dental hygienist dedicated to advancing the profession through education, patient care, and community service. His clinical expertise includes restorative dental hygiene, community health, and pediatric dentistry, with a focus on improving oral health outcomes for patients of all ages. As an educator, Amedeo inspires the next generation of dental hygienists, empowering students to recognize the significant impact they can make on their patients, communities, and the future of oral healthcare. 

In addition to his teaching and clinical practice, Amedeo actively supports the Washington Dental Hygiene Association, advocating for equitable access to oral healthcare and policies that expand dental services for underserved populations. Looking ahead, he aspires to establish an in-home dental hygiene practice that provides preventive and therapeutic care directly to individuals who face barriers to accessing traditional dental offices, such as those living in rural communities, individuals with disabilities, and others with limited mobility. Guided by the belief that everyone deserves access to quality oral healthcare, his mission is to change the world one smile at a time. 

Chelli Kluchesky
B.S. Data Analytics

Chelli Kluchesky is graduating with a B.S. in Data Analytics and currently serves as the Director of Advancement Systems and Technology at the Boise State University Foundation. In this role, she supports philanthropic initiatives and promotes data-driven impact. With a keen passion for databases and analytics, Chelli found the perfect academic fit at WGU, where she was able to deepen the skills that are essential to her career. 

A dedicated volunteer, Chelli has spent many years recording audiobooks for the Idaho Talking Book Library, making the works of local authors accessible to visually impaired readers across the state. She also supports the American Red Cross and, since the age of 17, has donated a total of five gallons of whole blood—an accomplishment that demonstrates her lifelong commitment to service. 

The highlight of her academic journey was her Capstone project, in which she applied various machine learning models to analyze how COVID-19 influenced human trafficking in the United States. “It was where everything I had learned came together,” Chelli said, “and I was able to apply my skills to a subject that has been heavy on my heart for many years.” 

Juliet Jacob
M.S. IT Management

Juliet puts people at the center of every transformation she leads. Teams she has worked with will tell you that she shows up to every sprint review genuinely excited about what they have built together. Juliet holds a master's degree in information technology management from Western Governors University and brings over five years of experience in technology, insurance, and fintech. She builds high-performing teams, streamlines delivery processes, and fosters Agile cultures that not only launch products but also sustain them. 

As a Certified Scrum Master, Agile Project Leader, and servant leader, Juliet holds several certifications, including CSM, CSPO, PMP, SSM, and ICP-ACC. She facilitates Scrum ceremonies with precision, proactively clears roadblocks before they escalate, aligns stakeholders with outcomes that drive progress, and leads cross-functional teams with transparency and accountability. This approach encourages top talent to stay and contribute. What drives her is simple: she believes that people do extraordinary work when they feel safe, supported, and empowered. This belief shapes every team she builds and every change she initiates. Juliet combines technical fluency with genuine human connection because she knows that the best Agile results occur when teams trust each other as much as they trust the process. 

What sets Juliet apart is her relentless work ethic, which she maintains without sacrificing what truly matters. She is raising two teenage boys, Brian and Bertram, and is intentional about the example she sets for them every day. Juliet demonstrates what grit, integrity, and servant leadership look like in practice—not just through words, but through her actions in both her professional and family life. Her boys witness a mother who leads with both strength and compassion, and this example also inspires her mother. This deep sense of family pride fuels her leadership. Juliet is passionate about uplifting others, especially leaders navigating complex challenges. She understands that purpose doesn’t wait for perfect conditions; it emerges when one chooses to show up anyway. And she shows up. Every time. 

Yazan Alkhatib
B.S. Business Management

Yazan Alkhatib's journey to graduation began thousands of miles away. Born in Jordan and raised in Saudi Arabia, he came to the United States through a summer exchange program that unexpectedly marked the beginning of a new life. Since then, he has married, become a father, and earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Western Governors University, all while balancing work and family responsibilities. This fall, Yazan will continue his educational journey by pursuing a Master of Science in Intelligence Analysis at Johns Hopkins University. He believes that taking a single chance can completely change the direction of a person's life. 

Kimberly Thomas
B.S. Health Science

Kimberly Thomas is a graduate from Spokane, Washington. She is a woman of faith and a proud mother of three beautiful children. For the past five years, Kimberly has worked as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, providing compassionate care to her patients. Fueled by a passion for improving global healthcare, she has spent the last three years volunteering with a humanitarian medical group in Africa. In her local community, Kimberly actively participates in various leadership roles in both church and school organizations.

She holds associate degrees in early childhood education and diagnostic medical sonography, as well as a bachelor's degree in health science from Western Governors University (WGU). Looking ahead, Kimberly plans to further her education by enrolling in the physician assistant program at the University of Washington. Throughout her journey, she has been uplifted by a strong, supportive community that helps her balance motherhood, career, education, and community service. Her path is a testament to perseverance in the face of challenges, guided by a steadfast commitment to her faith and personal growth. 

In her free time, Kimberly enjoys dancing, playing basketball, and exploring the world. She believes that life is not defined by what happens to you, but by the choices you make moving forward. 

Riley Ramcke
M.A. Teaching - Special Education

Riley Ramcke recently earned a Master of Arts in Teaching with a Special Education endorsement from Western Governors University. Thanks to this achievement, he was recently hired as a Special Education teacher at North Creek High School, where he will begin his teaching career this fall. Riley previously graduated summa cum laude from Grand Canyon University and has committed his academic and professional journey to serving students with diverse learning needs. 

Throughout his time in education, Riley has been passionate about building meaningful relationships and helping every student recognize their inherent value and potential. His experiences as a paraeducator, student teacher, and involvement in various ministries have reinforced his belief that effective education is rooted in compassion, consistency, and a genuine commitment to serving others. 

Riley's faith in Jesus Christ remains the foundation of his life and calling. He believes in the Good News that, although humanity is separated from God by sin, Jesus lived the perfect life we could not live, died in our place, and rose again so that all who trust in Him may receive forgiveness and eternal life. This truth has transformed Riley's life, giving him purpose, hope, and a desire to serve others with humility and grace. He credits his family, mentors, church community, and God's faithful provision for shaping the person and educator he has become. As he begins this new chapter at North Creek High School, Riley looks forward to advocating for students, partnering with families, and making a lasting impact on the lives of those he serves. 

Melissa Hardcastle
B.S. Human Resource Management

Melissa Hardcastle is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management. Her passion for serving people inspired her to pursue a degree in this field, which aligns naturally with her desire to support, encourage, and invest in others. 

Melissa began her college journey at the age of 19 but chose to pause her education to focus on raising her family. Twenty-two years later, she returned to complete the degree she started, all while working full-time as the office manager at Living Faith Church in Hermiston, Oregon. Throughout this time, she balanced her responsibilities as the mother of nine children and the wife of 17 years. 

Earning her degree represents the value of perseverance and lifelong learning. Melissa is also honored to perform the National Anthem at this year's commencement ceremony. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing card games, and searching for hidden treasures at yard sales with her husband.

Chelsea Anderson
M.S. Management and Leadership

National anthem singer Chelsea Anderson began her Master of Science in Management and Leadership at Western Governors University (WGU) just a month and a half after completing her first master’s degree. During this time, she was also navigating a challenging personal situation. Having already earned her Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management from WGU, she was familiar with the university's self-paced structure. This provided her with the stability to focus on her studies while allowing the flexibility to take a step back for self-care when needed, without the pressure of timed coursework.

Chelsea successfully completed her program and graduated in March 2026, and just two months later, she closed on her first home. She currently works as the executive assistant to the deputy commissioner at the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services and serves as the communications chair for the Tennessee chapter of the National Grants Management Association.

In her free time, Chelsea enjoys playing Stardew Valley, hiking, and reading. She shares her home with her three cats: Tofu, Noodle (short for Ramen Noodle), and Miso. Through all of her challenges, she has proven to herself that she can overcome any obstacles.

Chloe Pierce
M.S. Curriculum and Instruction

Chloe Pierce, a graduate performer from Camas, Washington, earned her bachelor's degree in Saxophone Performance and Music Education from Central Washington University in December 2022. Currently, she serves as the band director at Eisenhower High School in Yakima, Washington, where she teaches the Wind Ensemble, Advanced Band, Jazz Band 1, and Marching Band to approximately 150 students. 

While pursuing her Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University, Chloe continues to teach music and enhance her education to improve student achievement in the classroom. Additionally, she is the baritone saxophonist in the Ellensburg Big Band and enjoys both playing the saxophone and spending time with her family and dog, Luna.