Whitman College lays off 10 staff members
By Dan Thesman on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – Whitman College has laid off 10 staff members from different departments due to financial difficulties. With around 200 total staff, the college faces a $3 million budget gap caused by several factors, including fewer students enrolling in colleges, increased financial aid for students, rising inflation, and stricter conditions for international students wanting to study in the U. S. These challenges mean there are fewer funds available to support the college’s mission in the coming years, a situation affecting many colleges in the U. S.
Vice President for Communications Gina Zandy Ohnstad stated that layoff decisions were difficult because staff are essential to the college’s mission. The main goal is to provide students with necessary financial aid and living situations while ensuring long-term sustainability. To balance the budget, some employees earning over $70,000 per year will have a one percent salary cut, Cabinet members will face a two percent reduction, and President Sarah Bolton’s salary will be cut by 10 percent. Some projects have been canceled or postponed, but the new junior-senior student housing village remains unaffected.
When asked about using the college’s endowment to help with the budget crisis, Ohnstad said most endowment funds are already used for operational costs and are tied to specific donor agreements. The endowment primarily supports scholarships, aiding students financially, especially those from Washington state.
