Brett MacKenzie has recently been hired as Whitworth University’s new Intercultural Student Center’s (ISC) coordinator as Lulu Gonzales stepped away from the position. MacKenzie is looking forward to the positive impact he can have on students, especially those who are moving far from home to come to Whitworth.

MacKenzie grew up in Spokane, spending his middle and high school years in the local area. He earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Grand Canyon University. MacKenzie taught fourth grade for a year in Phoenix, Ariz., where he realized that he wanted a job that interacted with students in a different way than teaching subjects.  

When the position opened at Whitworth, MacKenzie was interested, hearing positive things about the Whitworth community and wanting to move back to Spokane. He was also interested in helping students navigate college, especially international students. He was encouraged when finding out that the ISC team had a vision aligning with his. “Everyone was there for the same purpose. They wanted to see these students succeed, and I wanted to be a part of that,” said MacKenzie.  

As the ISC coordinator, MacKenzie interacts and helps motivate students throughout the different aspects and challenges of college life, particularly students studying abroad. “I show up every day, and I know I get to talk with students and get to hear about their lives, celebrate some of the joys and help through some of the tough times,” said MacKenzie.

The students at Whitworth are also excited about MacKenzie’s hiring. Niraj Pandey, the international coordinator for Whitworth, was involved in the hiring process. “He has a lot of energy; a lot of love for the international students,” said Pandey. “We are so happy to welcome him into the international community.” 

The ISC regularly has events for all students to come and celebrate different cultures. Some events coming up for the ISC include a Top Chef event taking place at the beginning of April where people can try foods from different cultures and a diversity monologues event taking place on April 25. Other ISC events can be seen on the ISC Instagram page.