Your guides to becoming an Ichabod
Recruiters can answer your questions about joining the Washburn community, the application process, scholarships, living on campus and more.
Leah Brown
Interim Director of Undergraduate Recruitment and Admission; Director of Graduate, Continuing Education & Adult Learner Recruiting & Admissions
Hometown: Topeka, Kansas
Email: leah.brown@washburn.edu
My advice for new Ichabods: On campus employment is a great way to get connected to your major and gain experience. I was able to work as a student assistant at KTWU and the knowledge I gained helped me be successful at Washburn and after graduation.
Favorite place to explore/eat in Topeka: Laugh Lines improv show at Topeka Civic Theatre
Brett Johnson
Associate Director of Undergraduate Recruitment & Admissions
Hometown: Bonner Springs, Kansas
Email: brett.johnson1@washburn.edu
Office phone: 785.670.1988
My advice for new Ichabods: Find something that interests you and become involved in it – could be fraternity and sorority life, Washburn Student Government Association, Campus Activities Board, intramural sports, on-campus employment, or whatever else that interests you!
Favorite place to explore/eat in Topeka: Kansas Avenue (both downtown and NOTO), the Topeka Zoo, and Lake Shawnee.
Favorite Washburn memory: As a student, painting up and cheering on our athletic teams on so many different occasions.
Hannah Kirby
Assistant Director, Campus Visit Experience
Hometown: Lansing, Kansas
Email: hannah.kirby@washburn.edu
Office phone: 785.670.1289
A hidden gem on campus is... the third floor of Mabee Library. The quiet floor is a great environment for studying, relaxing or taking a quick nap between finals!
Be sure to get involved in... something that brings you joy! Whether it's student government, a fraternity or sorority, the arts, athletics or your own organization, explore your interests and make connections.
Gen Michaelis
Campus Visit Experience Specialist
Hometown: Kearney, Missouri
Email: genevieve.michaelis@washburn.edu
Office phone: 785.670.2370
A hidden gem on campus is... the East Union Lawn, Plenty of shade and sunshine to study and rest in between classes!
Advice for new Ichabods: Put yourself out there try new things and talk to new people!
Jamie Diers
Assistant Director, Transfer Recruitment
Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska
I work with: transfer students and first-time freshmen who graduated high school one or more years ago
Email: jamie.diers@washburn.edu
Cell phone (feel free to text): 785.230.5113
Office phone: 785.670.1625
Advice for new Ichabods: Take advantage of all the resources on campus and embrace your college experience.
Be sure to get involved in... an organization tied to your major.
Drew Calderwood
Recruiter & Admissions Specialist
Hometown: Topeka, Kansas
I work with students from: Seaman, Rossville, Silver Lake, Cair Paravel, North Central Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, and homeschool students.
Email: drew.calderwood@washburn.edu
Cell phone (feel free to text): 785.260.4409
Office phone: 785.670.1652
A hidden gem on campus is.. the Crane Observatory in Stoffer Science Hall. Go see the moon and stars closer than you ever have before!
My advice for new Ichabods is.. be active on campus! There is so much to do beyond the classroom so take advantage and enjoy life as an Ichabod.
Connor Deffebaugh
Recruiter & Admissions Specialist
Hometown: Fayetteville, Arkansas
I work with students from: Washburn Rural, Hayden, and Southeast Kansas.
Email: connor.deffebaugh@washburn.edu
Cell phone (feel free to text): 785.260.4530
Office phone: 785.670.3808
A hidden gem on campus is.. Henderson Learning Resources Center because a lot of my favorite professors taught there, there are nice designs on the walls, and has the best vending machines on campus.
My advice for new Ichabods is.. join at least one student organization because there are so many opportunities to network and make life-long friends.
Jenelle French
Regional Recruiter & Admissions Specialist
I work with students from: Kansas City Metro and surrounding area, Missouri, all other states that do not border Kansas, and GED recipients.
Email: jenelle.french@washburn.edu
Cell phone (feel free to text): 913.521.5017
Office phone: 785.670.1287
My advice for new Ichabods is... Get involved! Washburn has tons of clubs, intermural sports, and leadership opportunities. Whether it's Greek life, student government, or an academic club, joining something will help you meet people and make your college experience way better.
Be sure to get involved in... Anything that interests you! Join a club, go to athletic events, or just showing up to campus activities can help you meet people and make the most of your time at Washburn
Kelli Hernandez
Recruiter & Admissions Specialist
Hometown: Valley Falls/Winchester, Kansas
I work with: transfer students and first-time freshmen who graduated high school one or more years ago
Email: kelli.hernandez@washburn.edu
Cell phone (feel free to text): 785.329.0019
Office phone: 785.670.3810
Favorite place to explore/eat in Topeka: Johnny's
My advice for new Ichabods is... Find your support system on campus. Advocate for yourself and set goals. Connect with your professors and classmates. Stay present and engaged in each of your experiences. You GOT this!
Janet Lazalde
Recruiter & Admissions Specialist
Hometown: Dodge City, Kansas
I work with students from: Topeka 501, Western Kansas, and Colorado.
Email: janet.lazalde@washburn.edu
Cell phone (feel free to text): 785.260.4392
Office phone: 785.670.1626
A hidden gem on campus is.. the Koi pond behind the art building. It's so serene!
My favorite place in Topeka is: the Ted Ensley Gardens at Lake Shawnee.
My advice for new Ichabods is... Take advantage of the free resources on campus - we have them for a reason! Some of the free resources include Counseling Services, resources for First-Generation Students, Student Health Services, Career Engagement and many more.
Brooke Province
Recruiter & Admissions Visit Specialist
Hometown: Topeka, Kansas
Email: brooke.province@washburn.edu
A hidden gem on campus is... the Mulvane Art Museum.
Be sure to get involved in... fraternity and sorority life and clubs.
My advice for new Ichabods is.. make new friendships with classmates and faculty.
Peyton White
Recruiter & Admissions Specialist
Hometown: Topeka, Kansas
I work with students from: Shawnee Heights and Northeast Kansas.
Email: peyton.white@washburn.edu
Cell phone (feel free to text): 785.260.3021
Office phone: 785.670.1904
A hidden gem on campus is... the trees between Garvey and the Memorial Union. When it is warmer weather, it is a perfect area to hammock.
Be sure to get involved in... anything that is of interest to you. If it is an organization that you have done something similar to in the past, or even if it is something new and it has peaked your attention. Give it a try!
Upcoming Events
GET IN TOUCH WITH Admissions
Washburn University Admissions
Morgan Hall Suite 100
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621
Phone & Email
785.670.1030
admissions@washburn.edu
