#ThrowbackThursday: Jordan Frost
Jordan Frost – Master in Teaching, 2019
What did you study at WSU?
Graduated in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in History with a concentration in Political Science. Graduated in 2019 with a Master in Teaching from WSU Spokane.
Tell us a little about your background.
I grew up on the East Hill of Kent, and am a proud graduate of Kent-Meridian High School, Go Royals! I was raised by my mom and two older sisters, although I liked to think and act like the “older” brother. I was always interested in politics, history, and leadership growing up and ran for an elected ASB position almost every year from 3rd grade to 12th, serving as ASB President 4 years out of 10. I’d spend hours watching C-Span and reading about historical figures. I also spent a lot of time working for my high school athletics department, which was the foundation for my future, although I didn’t know it at the time. I worked in every role from shot clock operator to game manager. Overall, I loved to be involved and serving in some capacity.
What did you study at WSU? Did you always know you wanted to study that?
I was a history major at WSU, and got my Masters in Teaching at the Spokane campus. I actually switched majors quite a bit. Coming in I thought I would be a sports management major, switched to history, biology, and even accounting at one point! I also had a brief moment where I was convinced environmental science would be my major after taking the intro course. Ultimately I got back to history, with the intention of being a high school social studies teacher. I didn’t take the teaching route for undergrad so I needed a Masters to get my teaching cert, which was a great decision!
What has been your favorite thing about WSU, as well as the College of Education?
Wow I could write so much here… The people, the place, the opportunities, the connections, the campus, rolling hills, community. Pullman is just hard to explain until you immerse.
If I was forced to pick I would say my time as ASWSU President was my favorite and particularly because it allowed me to connect with so many Cougs – the people in Pullman and who attend WSU are so special and I am blessed to have served in a position that afforded me the opportunity to build wonderful relationships. Every now and then I still run into someone new who recalls either meeting on campus at some point or seeing a campaign poster – it is an instant way to connect and talk about WSU!
I would also add that at WSU there are opportunities for anyone and everyone who wants to be involved. I was incredibly blessed to serve in a a variety of roles, inaugural opportunities, university committees , and capping it with serving as a University Regent.
In the College of Education I would point to the incredible instructors at WSU Spokane – Janet Frost, and Kristin Courtney namely, two huge influences on my current practice as an educator. I also must shout out Dr. Theresa Jordan, Frank Hill, Lauri Sue Torkelson, and Dr. Ray Sun!!!! The list really could continue, but the Department of History at WSU is just outstanding.
Is there a memory you have from WSU that stands out in your mind as unforgettable, transformative, etc.?
Again, so hard to choose one, I reminisce almost daily about the special moments I had at WSU. I think the Tyler Hilinski candlelight vigil stands out because it is so easy to be divided but that was a moment where we all came together in community and love. I recently saw a photo of that night and all the feelings came back and I remembered just how much everyone dropped whatever they had going on to rally as a community, and it was bigger than just Tyler, obviously it was a moment spurred by his passing but mores it was really about how we come together and lift up anyone struggling with mental health – and I am so proud of the progress we made with mental health initiatives around campus.
What has your career path been since you left WSU? What do you currently do? Tell us about your NOW life!
I started my career teaching at Issaquah High School – sophomore history and psychology. I also advised clubs and helped out with athletics.
Year two I became the Activities Director and ASB Advisor (a special role given my experience in school) and LOVED that job – I will share a photo of me in my school spirit gear. Sadly there was a budget reduction and due to my low seniority I was part of that round of cuts.
Fortunately the Issaquah school district found a role for me and I served in a district leadership role, as an assistant director overseeing various student support programs. An opportunity to be back at Issaquah High School opened and I ended up serving as the Athletic Director for Issaquah High – a job that has a close tie with the Activities Director job!
Throughout each position I was always focused on systems and continuous improvement, finding ways to best serve our students. An opportunity arose and the district created a new role which was a combination of my various roles in the district but also connecting to my experiences at WSU and in high school.
Currently I serve as the District Athletics & Activities Director, overseeing all athletics and activities for the Issaquah School District, which encompasses 6 middle schools and three high schools. In that role I have responsibility for the oversight and direction of hundreds of coaches and club advisors, and 100+ extracurricular programs (sports, clubs, and field trips), a role that I feel uniquely prepared for thanks to the opportunities I had at WSU.
I serve on the board of directors of a community teen center that provides services and support for teens experiencing homelessness, facing mental health challenges, and those just looking for a place to belong.
I also serve on the Chancellor’s Advisory Council for Chancellor Elizabeth Chilton, and love still being connected to WSU!
What makes you an agent of change?
I have a strong commitment to service. To me, real leadership has nothing to do with telling people what to do, but everything to do with thinking service first. How can I improve the lives of students, coaches, members of the community? I lack patience when it comes to work and volunteering because I believe we should be giving our constituents/community the best now, and I am obsessive about improvement! I have never served in a role where I didn’t change or write a new handbook, introduce new policies, or change some aspect of the structure. I get so frustrated when I hear people say “we have been complaining about this for years” or “been needing a solution to this for years” – but it is also a new exciting opportunity for me to tackle something else!
Favorites
Food: I could eat a ribeye steak every day for all three meals.
Restaurant in Pullman: Black Cypress – THE CHICKEN!
Band: If I am going all-time I would have to say Coldplay, but I also love Fleetwood Mac!
Favorite Coug Sport: Volleyball!!! I have multiple team signed balls in my office on proud display.
Favorite spot on campus (when you were a student): Thompson Flats or the CUB! I spent probably a good majority of my time at WSU in the CUB and I always ran into a friend.
Hobby: Not sure if it can be considered a hobby but I have a goal to visit every single city/town in Washington State and visit their Main Street – I count it a visit if I at minimum get coffee or eat at a restaurant there, but I also like to walk and see their local shops.
Place to visit (you’ve been to): Hawaii! I have been twice and love it every single time, so beautiful, amazing food, the weather and of course the people and culture. Two of my favorite people from WSU just got married there and it was an incredible time.
Dream vacation spot (you haven’t been to): France! I know I will get there someday soon. I took French in high school for four years and feel very prepared to at minimum order a croissant and ask where the library is.