Chancellor's Award for Staff Excellence

If you’ve attended an event at WSU Vancouver in the past nine years, chances are Adam Woodruff had a hand in making it happen. Since 2016, Woodruff has been the steady, behind-the-scenes force ensuring that campus events from intimate gatherings to major celebrations run smoothly, look beautiful and leave lasting memories.

Woodruff’s role as events coordinator calls for careful planning, logistical precision and the ability to think on his feet. He’s known for anticipating needs before anyone else sees them, finding creative solutions to challenges and keeping a cool head when plans change at the last minute. His work is meticulous, but his approach is personal: Woodruff builds strong relationships across campus, fostering a spirit of collaboration that helps every event succeed.

When leadership gaps arose in the Events Office, Woodruff stepped up without hesitation, keeping operations moving seamlessly and advising faculty, staff and students on how to make their ideas work—often in ways that save time, money and stress. Whether it’s a Board of Regents Retreat, a campus dedication or commencement, Woodruff’s thoughtful touches and attention to detail elevate the experience for everyone involved.

Colleagues know Woodruff as someone who never hesitates to go the extra mile jumping in to help with last-minute catering prep, guiding new facilities staff or tackling unexpected challenges with a smile. These acts of dedication may happen quietly, but they have a big impact on the campus community.