Jimmy Ball, an assistant principal in Tacoma, said the WSU South Puget Sound faculty truly cares about building students' capacity as leaders. He was so pleased with the program that when he got a new job, he called his WSU advisor before calling his wife. Traci Frank, the director of title programs in Puyallup, said the flexible schedule of the WSU program met her needs while preparing her with authentic experiences to enhance her expertise in her current role. Lisa Kusche, an assistant principal in Puyallup, said WSU was the perfect fit for balancing her job, family, and professional goals through encouragement from professors and cohort students, as well as rigorous discussions and

1. WSU South Puget Sound
Testimonies
WSU Graduates
Talk about our Program

2. Jimmy Ball
Tacoma Assistant Principal
"I could say so many positive things about WSU.
Although, the best testimony I can give for this program
is that when I was hired to be an Assistant Principal at
Sheridan I decided to call, in order, the people that I
thought would be happiest for me. I called my wife first,
then I called my WSU advisor. The faculty truly cares
about you and building your capacity as a leader."
~ Jimmy Ball, Assistant Principal Sheridan Elementary
Tacoma School District

3. Traci Frank
Puyallup Director Title I
“WSU South Puget Sound provides a flexible schedule to
meet the needs of the candidate and I would HIGHLY
encourage anyone seeking their credentials to seriously
consider becoming a Coug! Not only has this program
prepared me for the future but it has enhanced my
capacity and expertise in my current position. The
experiences are authentic and kept me ahead of the
curve!”
~ Traci Frank, Director Title & LAP
Puyallup School District
“WSU South Puget Sound provided my wife a balance
between course work and family time at an affordable
price.”
~Mike Frank, Traci’s Husband

4. Lisa Kusche
Puyallup Assistant Principal
"WSU was a perfect fit for me to pursue my professional
goals while balancing the demands of my job and family.
Like a family, the cohort professors and students provided
great encouragement, rigorous discussion, and tons of
strategies for success. As a former Husky, I must say well
done Cougs!"
~ Lisa Kusche, Assistant Principal
Puyallup Schools District

5. Carly Takata
Mount Baker Principal
“Entering the interview process I felt that my
WSU instructors and cohort members had
helped me achieve the skill set,
understanding of the big picture and the
confidence needed to select a position that
aligned with my core beliefs.”
~Carly Takata, Principal Acme Elementary,
Mt. Baker School District

6. Emily Ross
Leavenworth Principal
"The WSU program worked relentlessly to match my
unique personality and skills to the perfect school
leadership position. During my search for a position, the
personal connections and state wide credibility led to
open doors through interviews. WSU advocated for me,
drawing on leadership examples accumulated throughout
this rigorous program. Together, this combination led to a
fabulous position that fit both myself and my new district. I
can't say enough how proud I am to be a Cougar!!“
~ Emily Ross, Principal Peshastin Dryden Elementary
Cascade School District

7. Henry Smith
Puyallup Assistant Principal
"This program has given me the tools and
skills to enter an instructional leadership
position and feel confident that I will be
value added to the school as well as
equipped to tackle complex tasks and
duties associated with the role."
~ Henry Smith, Interim Assistant Principal,
Puyallup School District

8. Renee Froembling
Tacoma Assistant Principal
"When I decided to pursue my principal certificate, I
wanted meaningful classes, knowledgeable
professors and camaraderie with a cohort. Through
the WSU Principal Program, I got all of the above
and more. I got a job right away because I was
prepared for the current challenges and
opportunities in school leadership. Proud to be part
of WSU, I now have an amazing professional
community in the friendships of professors and
peers. Go Cougs!"
~ Renee Froembling, Assistant Principal
Tacoma School District

9. Are you ready
to be a Leader?
GO COUGS!