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QUAKER CAMPUS Feb. 26, 2026

Volume 24 — Issue 9

The voice of Whittier College since 1914

Academic Affairs is in Good Hands

College. Nearly two decades ago, she served as the Dean of Students at the College, and held additional roles including Associate Dean of Students and Director of Student Activities. “It has been a really good transition,” Tambascia shared. “I’ve received a lot of help and support from departments, and that’s made a huge difference as I’ve been learning

maintain a strong foundation while the position is being filled,” she reassured. During her first weeks, Tambascia has prioritized meeting faculty and staff across departments to better understand their goals and responsibilities. She described her leadership style as people-centered and collaborative. “I’ve been prioritizing meeting

people, understanding their goals, and learning about the work they’re doing,” she said. “That creates a foundation that benefits everyone immediately.” The adjustment period, she added, has been intense. “It’s like drinking from a water hose,” she laughed. “There’s a lot coming at you. Some days are incredibly busy, but I’ve received a lot of help, and that’s made the learning process manageable.” Among the most rewarding aspects of her return has been reconnecting with longtime colleagues and learning about new academic initiatives, including programs such as the Center for Advising & Academic Success (CAAS). “Hearing about new programs and seeing how the College has grown has been really meaningful,” she smiled. Looking ahead, Tambascia identified several academic priorities, including strengthening partnerships between departments, refining how the College defines student success, and developing institutional policies surrounding artificial intelligence in academic settings. “AI is something every institution is thinking about right now,” she continued. “We want to be thoughtful about how it’s used and how it supports learning while maintaining academic integrity.” She also pointed to broader national challenges facing higher education, particularly evolving federal policies that institutions continue to monitor closely. “A challenge for everybody right now is how the federal government is engaging with higher education,” she mentioned. “We’re trying to stay on top of what’s coming out of Washington, D.C., and understand how it may affect institutions like ours.” Despite uncertainty across the higher education landscape, Tambascia expressed optimism about Whittier’s future and gratitude for the opportunity to return. “I feel lucky to be back at Whittier,” she admitted. “There’s a strong sense of commitment here, and that’s something really special.” As she continues settling into the role, Tambascia said her goal is to support collaboration and academic innovation that ultimately benefits students. “At the end of the day,” she adds, “it’s about helping people do their best work so students can succeed.”

of Whittier followed environmental law when approving plans to remove 180 trees along Greenleaf Avenue from Penn Street to Hadley Street. The lawsuit, filed by the Whittier Conservancy, challenges the city’s Greenleaf Promenade redevelopment project and argues

officials failed to adequately study environmental impacts before approving sweeping changes to one of the city’s most recognizable public spaces. The case has evolved into one of the most consequential local environmental disputes in

recent Whittier history, drawing residents, activists, business owners, and students into an ongoing debate about redevelopment, climate responsibility, and civic participation. As of now, the trial has been postponed until further notice. Cont. on pg. 2

Courtesy of the University of Southern California Meet the new Vice President of Acaemic Affairs. Paola Ruiz NEWS EDITOR Following a leadership transition within Academic Affairs, Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs Tracy Poon Tambascia has begun settling into her new role at Whittier College, she described her first weeks as fast-paced but rewarding. Tambascia officially began the position on Jan. 5 after being appointed by President Kristine Dillon, who —announced the leadership change in a campus-wide email to students. On Dec. 10, 2025, Dillon stated that Tambascia would oversee the College’s academic program, including curricular planning, faculty support, and the continued development of undergraduate and graduate education during the interim period. The appointment follows the departure of former Vice President of Academic Affairs, sal johnston, who stepped down from the role effective Dec. 31, 2025, after more than six years in academic leadership. In a message to the campus, on Nov. 13, johnston described his tenure as “among the most meaningful and transformative experiences” of his career, adding that while he remains optimistic about the College’s future, the decision allowed him to pursue new professional opportunities. Dillon credited johnston with guiding the College through a period of institutional change while advancing academic excellence and shared governance. Since joining the College's senior leadership team in 2019,

johnston helped implement several major academic initiatives, including institutionalizing the Whittier Works experiential learning program and establishing the Office for Experiential Education. He also launched the Rustin Teaching Fellow Program to support faculty recruitment and retention and played a central role in the College’s successful WASC reaccreditation in 2022 and subsequent special review visit in 2025. johnston will continue working at the College as Senior Advisor through July 2026 to support leadership transition efforts before returning to the Sociology faculty, following a planned sabbatical. Tambascia said stepping into the interim role during this transition has been both familiar and meaningful, given her previous history with the

priorities and understanding how everything works.” Her return reconnects her with a campus community she says remains grounded in its core values, despite institutional changes over time. “It reminded me of the strengths of this campus, the faculty, and staff are committed to students,” she added. “Even though buildings have changed and some faculty have moved on, the values of Whittier College have stayed the same.” Tambascia currently maintains an appointment at the University of Southern California, where she has worked for 17 years as a faculty member and senior administrator. She serves as Professor of Higher Education in USC’s Rossier School of Education and holds the Veronica and David Hagen Chair in Women’s Leadership. Her career spans more than three decades in higher education leadership, including roles in student affairs, enrollment management, policy development, and strategic planning. A nationally recognized accreditation leader, she currently serves as Chair of the WASC Senior College and University Commission, the accrediting body overseeing institutions such as Whittier College. She has also served on the board of NASPA. Despite her extensive background, Tambascia emphasized that her primary focus is maintaining stability during the interim appointment rather than implementing sweeping institutional changes. “My focus right now is really on the interim role making sure people feel supported and that we

“I feel lucky to be back at Whittier,” she admitted. “There’s a strong sense of commitment here, and that’s something really special.”

- Dr. Tracy Poon Tambascia

Whittier Trees (Almost) Go to Court Paola Ruiz NEWS EDITOR A legal battle over the future of Uptown Whittier’s iconic ficus tree canopy has entered a decisive stage as a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge reviews whether the City

Index:

World Recap •

On Wednesday, Feb. 25, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) searched the home of Los Angeles Unified District (LAUSD) Superintendent Alberto Carvalho and the district’s headquarters. Carvalho has been a vocal critic of Trump’s administration on their aggressive immigration efforts, especially around schools, states Politico. As of now, the FBI spokesperson has not made a statement on why the search was conducted, failing to give any details on the matter. One source with knowledge of the situation shared the search may involve the failed AI company AllHere, shared the Los Angeles Times. The home of Carvalho was linked to an individual who worked with AllHere. AllHere provides an AI-powered chatbot called "Ed" to LAUSD in 2024, but later the deal collapsed as the founder, Joanna Smith-Griffin was arrested. • On Sunday, Feb. 22, Mexico’s army led an operation against the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) where the leader Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes or “El Mencho” was killed. As a response, the CJNG has set buses and businesses on fire and blockaded roads in violence in over 20 states. Mexican authorities share “at least 62 people were killed, including 25 National Guard members, and 70 people were arrested.” In a press conference on Monday, Feb. 23, Mexican President Claudia Shienbaum shared “what is important now is to guarantee peace and security of all the population, of all of Mexico.” Al Jazeera adds that 2,500 security force members have been sent to Jalisco to help those already deployed and more than 250 roadblocks have been removed across the 20 states. In addition, the United States Embassy in Mexico has issued sheltering for U.S. citizens throughout nine Mexican states.