Our Staff

Cherie began her professional career at Central Washington University in 1997; she currently provides oversight for Building Operations, Campus Activities, Custodial, Event Support Services, Information Center, Student Union Administration, SURC Maintenance, Wildcat Tickets and the University Scheduling Center. Cherie is also the primary advisor to the Student Union Advisory Board and the chair of the SURC Partners team. For the duration of her career at CWU, she has provided leadership in various capacities including playing an active role from inception to completion on the construction team of the Student Union & Recreation Center in 2006. Cherie is an active member in the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) regularly presenting at regional and national conferences. She has dedicated her career to serving students and values the small impacts she makes on her students’ lives.

Originally from Florida, Bonnie has zig-zagged the country pursuing her career goals. Having lived in D.C., Denver, Texas and Iowa, she is happy to be settled down in Washington state. She has Bachelor’s of Science degrees in both Communications and Biology. She earned her Master's here at Central Washington University in 1999 working for Washoe's family, the first chimpanzees to learn American Sign Language. After graduation she worked as a zookeeper and then a real estate marketing and education director. In 2011 Bonnie returned to CWU as associate director of the Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute. After the two remaining chimpanzees, Tatu and Loulis, moved to Fauna Foundation, Bonnie joined the Student Union Operations Scheduling team. She finds working with the students to be the most rewarding part of her job.

I have over 20 years experience in the business and accounting fields, the last ten years being in education. I love working with students so much! I have worked at a variety of fun and interesting places, from a seafood company, to an international photography company, to a school district - but CWU is my favorite by far! Though I'm not an Ellensburg native, I grew up on a farm in rural Iowa, and feel right at home here. In my free time I enjoy cooking, making jewelry, and spending time with my husband, ten-year old son, and our crazy dog.

Certifications:
CWU Certificate of Leadership Foundation
CWU Certified Adminstrative Professional
CWU Customer Service Certificate
Licensed Washington State Notary Public

My primary focus is maintaining the quality and excellence of the Student Union Building, which encompasses not only the physical upkeep of the building, but also the social environment. As the hub of campus activity for both students and staff, it is important that the building is open and welcoming to all. I work with a team of four other full time custodians and several student staff to achieve these goals. A local resident of Ellensburg my entire life, I have many ties to groups both within and outside the university. I have attended Central in the past and appreciate both the administrative and academic sides of working on campus. Happily married for over a year to my wife, Erin. I love chatting with friends, co-workers, and students about the goings on in the world and am a huge geek and nerd of many subjects. I love running 5k's and going with my wife on adventures such as hikes, wine tasting or visiting other places near and far.