WSU ROAR Tracks
A letter from our director
Dear ROAR Community,
As the fall semester wraps up, I’m grateful for the momentum and collaboration that have shaped our work. This has been another season of learning, strengthened by two new team members. Haleigh Kauffmann, our Independent Living Coordinator, has expanded skills instruction and built new partnerships, including work with the WSU Peer Health Educators. Ellen Kellie, our Employment Services Coordinator, has grown our employment network to include WSU Women’s Golf, the Abelson Hall Greenhouse, WSU Libraries, WSU RISE, Evergreen Veterinary Clinic, and more.
I’m pleased to share that WSU ROAR has been awarded a $2.48 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) initiative! This support positions us for meaningful expansion as we work to increase access to inclusive postsecondary opportunities in a region where they remain limited.
I’m proud of the path we’re on and thankful for every student, family, faculty member, employer, alum, and partner who makes this work possible!
With gratitude,
Kristi Tippett
Director
TPSID Grant Details
We’re thrilled to share that WSU ROAR has been awarded a $2.48 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) initiative!
This five-year award will support the launch of WSU ROAR Pathways, a transformative project designed to expand inclusive postsecondary education, career development, and independent living opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities across Washington and the Pacific Northwest.
In addition to sustaining our existing WSU ROAR program, the Pathways initiative includes three exciting new components:
- WSU Ready to ROAR: An annual on-campus summer experience for high school students with intellectual disabilities interested in exploring postsecondary education as an option.
- WSU ROAR Advance: A new two-year Comprehensive Transition Program offering advanced academic or career-focused pathways following completion of WSU ROAR.
- WSU ROAR Beyond: A post-program support initiative focused on strengthening graduates’ employment and independent living outcomes.
We owe a debt of gratitude to a committed team of faculty who made this possible: Dr. Marcus Poppen, Dr. Josh Taylor, Dr. Holly Whittenburg, Dr. Don McMahon, and Dr. Anya Sheftel. Backpacks and game faces on. We’re ready to ROAR!
ROAR Scholars at Work
Our new Employment Services Coordinator, Ellen Kellie joined our team in July. A proud Coug and Eastern Washington native, Ellen brings over a decade of experience in public education — including time in Arizona and with the Pullman School District. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Comparative Ethnic Studies from Washington State University and is deeply passionate about inclusion, community connections, and student success. Since joining ROAR, Ellen has hit the ground running working to strengthen long-standing employment relationships while spreading the word about the program to new partners across the Palouse.
This semester, we’re excited to highlight a new partnership with Nick Garner and Playfly. Nick, a longtime supporter of ROAR in his previous roles at WSU is now mentoring Dawson Holthaus, a first-year student in ROAR with a strong interest in athletics. Dawson is always eager to learn — and this internship is giving him hands-on experience in a field he loves, guided by a mentor who continues to champion inclusive employment.
We’re also thrilled to welcome the Palouse Discovery Science Center and a new customized employment opportunity. Emily Williamson, a second-year ROAR student, is applying her background in childcare to help prepare materials, assist with exhibits, and lead activities for young visitors. With dreams of becoming a teacher, Emily’s role is a perfect match — and the Center has been an incredible partner in creating a supportive, skill-building environment.
As we continue building our network of inclusive employers, we are so grateful for partners like Playfly and the Palouse Discovery Science Center. Their dedication to accessibility and opportunity helps our students thrive.
Exciting Updates to ROAR Academics in Action
This fall semester has been exciting for academics in WSU ROAR! For the first time, ROAR students were able to register for their audit courses alongside their degree-seeking peers. This change gave students access to early academic advising and the opportunity to select from a much wider range of courses, without the worry of classes filling up before they could register.
We’ve also expanded the types of courses students can explore. In addition to lecture classes, ROAR students now have access to labs and studio courses. This semester, students enrolled in courses like BIOLOGY 140: Nutritional Science, AGTM 201 Metal Fabrication, and H_D 205 Effective Communication and Life Skills. Others are taking creative paths through art and music studios such as ART 110 Drawing and MUS 203 Voice. These opportunities help students gain hands-on experience that matches their personal interests and career goals.
Another exciting development is the Carson College of Business opening its doors to ROAR students. Our students now have the chance to take courses in business administration, marketing, and management, expanding their academic horizons and supporting their future career aspirations.
Finally, we are continuing to strengthen our support for WSU faculty. Our administrative team is developing resources to make faculty connections easier and provide guidance in areas like universal design for learning, setting appropriate audit course goals, and supporting academic accommodations. This collaborative effort ensures that instructors feel supported and that ROAR students are positioned for success in the classroom.
Giving Tuesday 2025: How to support our ROAR Scholars
Many WSU ROAR families did not know that college would be an option for their students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a result, they often had not planned for the financial burden that comes with pursing higher education. Any gift given to the ROAR Scholarship Fund eases that burden and makes the dream of college possible. Consider marking your calendar for December 2nd, this year’s Giving Tuesday, the worldwide day of giving. We’re thankful for any and all support you provide this program.
For additional information on ways to support ROAR, please contact Jennifer Dean, Senior Director of Development for the College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences at jenn.dean@wsu.edu.