Josiah Philipsen joined the university as a computer support specialist III at the Portland Center in December. Since March he has worked as a substitute teacher at the Mentor Graphics Child Development Center in Wilsonville and, before that, taught middle school math, science and physical education (2010-11) and third grade (2009-10) at Bethel Christian School in McMinnville. Josiah earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from George Fox in 2009, and he has worked at the university on a part-time basis as a lead cook at Tilikum the past six years. He is married to Anna, associate director of university engagement, and lives in Dayton. The Philipsens attend New Horizons Church in McMinnville.
Tahlia Martin began last week as a custodian in Plant Services. She has worked the past six years assisting youth at Chehalem Youth and Family Services in Newberg. She’s also worked as a camp counselor (Camp Harlow) and as a student mentor at Linn-Benton Community College. Tahlia earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Western Oregon University in 2005. She lives in Newberg and attends Grace Baptist Church, where she teaches Sunday school.
Plant Services welcomed Gregg Palmer as a custodian last week. For the past 11 years he has run his own construction business, Gregg Palmer Construction LLC, and has also worked as a manager for duplex and six-plex rental units with Gem Resources of Salem since 1976. From 2003 to 2008, he was a board member (2003-08) and president (2007) of the Marion Polk Homebuilders Association. He is a Certified Master Builder and holds associate degrees in civil engineering and architecture from Mt. Hood Community College (1975). He lives in McMinnville with his wife Kerrie. They have three children and attend Church on the Hill in McMinnville.
Cora Templeton joined the university in December to work in custodial services. She most recently worked as the site supervisor for the after-school program at Washington Elementary School in Woodburn, where she supervised recreation leaders the past two years. She’s also worked as a teacher assistant for a migrant education program in Woodburn (2009-10) and as a program coordinator/guide for YD Adventures in Canby (2004-09). Cora earned a bachelor’s degree in geography from Trinity Western University in Langley, British Columbia, in 2005. She lives in Canby and attends Imago Dei in Portland.
Becky Ankeny (English) left the university at the end of December to begin serving as new superintendent of the Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends, becoming the first woman to hold that position in the 118-year history of the NWYM. She assumes the NWYM post after 23 and a half years at George Fox, including positions as associate vice president for academic affairs and associate provost for academic affairs. She joined the university in 1988 to teach English and literature and continued in that capacity through this semester. A farewell reception for Becky is scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, in the Duke Atrium of the Stevens Center.
Trey Doty (Seminary) left the university last week after serving at the seminary for three and a half years. He will work for Responder Life, a national ministry to first responders (police officers, firefighters, federal agents, etc.), where he will be leading operations and development in Portland.
Esther King (Nursing) retired from George Fox at the end of December after serving in the nursing department for five and a half years. She had taught nursing for 22 years.
Shannan Wheelock (Plant Services) left George Fox in mid-December to finish her last semester of study abroad in South Africa. She will do an internship at the Desmond Tutu Center for Peace and Reconciliation in Cape Town and attend school at Cornerstone Institute.
Tim Wheeler (Plant Services) left George Fox in late December and is moving to Washington.
Bruce Arnold (IT) left George Fox at the end of December to become a pastor with HOMEpdx Church, which dwells among the homeless in Portland. Bruce had worked at George Fox for 14 years.
Steve Peters (Admissions) left the university in December to pursue other interests.
