Advising

Mary Ohnemus has been part of the WSU community since 1988 when she first came to campus to earn her bachelor’s degree in Political Science. She began advising students in the Animal Sciences department in June, 2020 after working at WSU for 16 years in a variety of roles supporting students. She really likes the animal science major because it has a rigorous curriculum and practical, hands-on coursework. She draws on her personal experience from 4-H and being a WSU undergrad to relate to students and enjoys advising animal science undergraduates in particular because they are engaged and passionate about animals.

Mary provides intensive advising support for students and encourages and guides them as they define their career goals. She helps students select classes each semester and effectively communicates curricula, college, and university requirements. Moreover, she builds collaborative, educational relationships between students and faculty to optimize academic success. Mary regards undergraduate advising as a “calling” and is a life-long learner who continually seeks out opportunities to further her knowledge. She is especially interested in the transition period that students go through between high school or community college and their first semester at WSU. Mary has a sincere, caring approach to advising and loves the magic that happens when students connect with their chosen major.

When she is not advising students, Mary may be found reading, hiking, or enjoying Cougar Athletics with her husband Pete. She loves the Harry Potter series, living in the PNW, and her menagerie of dogs, cats, rabbits, and chickens.