About Us
ASWSU Global was founded in 1998 — before distance learning had evolved into the online format that it is currently (at the time, most distance learning was done by mail!). As such, it was the first student government in the country that was created to help provide representation for students earning their degree from a distance.
Distance learning has changed since then, and so has ASWSU Global. After careful consideration and planning throughout the 2019-2020 academic year, ASWSU Global was restructured to provide the events, leadership opportunities, resources, services, and advocacy that Global Campus students have identified as their top priorities.
ASWSU Global migrated in the 2020-2021 academic year from a traditional student government to an executive board with seven paid board members specializing in their respective areas of expertise, along with three specialized committees.
Remy Plate, President
Major: Strategic Communication, Masters
Expected Graduation: Fall 2023
Current City: Kennewick, WA
Contact: global.pres@wsu.edu
Hello, hello! This is my first year as a Global Coug and I am excited to serve as your student body president. Though this is my first year as a Global Coug I actually graduated from WSU Tri-Cities in the Spring of 2020 with a BA in Business Administration. When I’m not working or studying, I love to read, hike, bake, and travel.
My goal is to use this position to listen to your experiences and push for change that puts student experiences at the forefront of decision making at WSU Global. Please reach out to me at global.pres@wsu.edu with any ideas, concerns, or initiatives!
Christine Benjamin, Vice President
Major: Political Science
Expected Graduation: Spring 2023
Current City: Chico, CA
Contact: global.vp@wsu.edu
Hello, my name is Christine Benjamin. I have the pleasure of serving ASWSUG as your Vice-President for the 2022-2023 academic year. I was born in Orange County, CA but lived in New Zealand for 4 1/2 years before eventually making my way to Chico, CA where I currently reside. I am now in my senior year, majoring in Political Science and minoring in criminal justice. I hope to soon make my way to law school after graduating in Spring 2023. I hope to specialize in Human Rights or International Law and make my mark on the world. When I am not working full-time, doing course work, or performing ASWSUG duties, I usually play with my two cats, Hank and Sterling, or watch my four frogs. Otherwise, I can also be found at my local Chabad or Hillel. I love to read, play video games or teach myself new
skills in my downtime. I currently specialize in many years of retail (coffee businesses are my specialty) and am always more than happy to share my coffee expertise.
If you ever have any questions, concerns, or just want to chat please reach out to me at global.vp@wsu.edu.
I look forward to serving you this year as your Vice-President and I am proud to be a fellow Coug!
Courtney Wilkinson, Director, Academic Affairs
Major: Data Analytics
Expected Graduation: Spring 2024
Current City: Pasco, WA
Contact: global.academicaffairs@wsu.edu
Hey, fellow Cougs! My name is Courtney Wilkinson, and I will be serving as your ASWSUG Director of Academic Affairs for the 2022-2023 school year. I am currently a junior at the WSU Global Campus, majoring in Data Analytics with a minor in Business Administration. My expected graduation date is Spring of 2024.
I currently live in Pasco, Washington and have lived in the Tri-Cities my whole life. When I am not working or doing schoolwork, my interests include traveling, crafting, watching bad reality TV and playing with my two shih-tzu pups, Maxi and Teddy.
This is my first year taking part in ASWSUG, and I am so excited to be more involved with Global Coug life! I look forward to connecting with more students and working within our Global community. I am grateful to be apart of ASWSUG, and I cannot wait to see what we accomplish this upcoming year.
Go Cougs!
Noemi Yale, Director, Communication and Compliance
Major: English Rhetoric & Professional Writing
Expected Graduation: Winter 2023
Current City: Bremerton, WA
Contact: global.comm@wsu.edu
Hi, everyone! It is a pleasure to virtually meet you. My name is Noemi Yale and I am excited to serve you this term. I am currently an ASWSU Global student in her junior year. I primarily reside in Kitsap County, WA, but frequently travel between Anchorage, AK and Houston, TX.
When I am not studying, I am usually found working from home, practicing photography, reading, cooking, playing the piano, spending time with loved ones, or playing with the adorable dogs in my life!
This is my first ASWSU Global role, but I hope my previous ASWSU experience will aid in my success. Please feel free to reach out to me via email at global.comm@wsu.edu. I appreciate all feedback, questions, and concerns!
Please feel free to simply say hello during my office hours, too! I look forward to hearing from you and am thrilled to get to know the WSU Global community. Go Cougs!
Amaris Cupples, Director, Events & Logistics
Major: Political Science
Expected Graduation: Spring 2024
Current City: Enumclaw, WA
Contact: global.events@wsu.edu
Hey Cougs! My name is Amaris Cupples (she/her/hers), and I am going into my junior year studying Political Science. I love all things outdoors, camping, swimming, gardening, and just enjoying our beautiful planet! I have 3 wiener dogs that I love with all my heart, so if you ever want to pop into my open office hours just to show your animals, please do. I hope to be a safe space for WSU Global students to ask questions, have fun, gain new resources, and feel constant support. With that, I look forward to being your 2022-2023 Director of Events!
Tanya Black, Director, Finance
Major: Accounting
Expected Graduation: Fall 2023
Current City: Kirkland, WA
Contact: global.finance@wsu.edu
Hello, fellow Cougs! My name is Tanya Black, and I am your ASWSUG Director of Finance for the 2022-2023 school year. I am currently in my senior year pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. I’m originally from Bellingham, WA but recently relocated to the Kirkland area which I love. I currently work in the financial industry specializing in retirement and personal investment accounts. Helping others make fiscally smart decisions with their money is a passion and what I hope to use my degree for.
In my free time I love to paint, spend time with friends and family, and cook. I am currently cooking my way through an Anthony Bourdain cookbook Julie & Julia style and I’ve been learning so much.
I’m excited to be a part of the ASWUG team this year and I look forward to supporting you all!
Please let me know if you have any questions or input!
Joseph Braley, Director, Promotions
Major: Integrated Strategic Communication
Expected Graduation: Fall 2023
Current City: Seattle, WA
Contact: global.promotions@wsu.edu
Hi Global Cougs! My name is Joseph and I’m happy to serve as your Director of Promotions. I grew up in Dallas, TX, but I’ve been living in Seattle since 2009. I’m currently working toward a B.A. in Integrated Strategic Communication.
I’ve worked as a touring musician for most of my life, so the past couple years have presented some pretty unique challenges. But every challenge is an opportunity for growth. My education at WSU is opening doors to new opportunities that I’m beyond excited to explore.
I’m looking forward to serving our community here at WSU Global by promoting the events and services that bring us together. I’d love to talk with you about any ideas, questions, or concerns, so please reach out at global.promotions@wsu.edu.
