Walla Walla University Speakers Bureau

Tiago Arrais is originally from São Paulo, Brazil. He earned his B.Th. from the Adventist University of São Paulo, and his M.A. and Ph.D. from Andrews University. His doctoral dissertation was an interdisciplinary project focused on hermeneutics that navigated between the disciplines of systematic theology, Christian philosophy, and Old Testament. Tiago wrote about how Greek philosophical assumptions still influence the reading of the Bible, and in the context of the dissertation, the interpretation of the relation between God and humanity in the book of Exodus. After his defense, Tiago taught at the Adventist University of São Paulo and pastored in the district of Santa Fe/Los Alamos, New Mexico, before beginning his work in the School of Theology at Walla Walla University in 2024.

Tiago’s interests follow his curiosity and range from theology and philosophy to cultural studies and literature. Tiago is also a singer-songwriter and recording artist and often travels to his home country to share stories and songs with audiences from different backgrounds. Tiago is married to Paula and they have two children. Together they enjoy traveling, hiking, listening to music, and reading.

Andreas Beccai has the privilege to engage in life-changing conversations and public communication at the intersection of faith and education. His formation in diverse cultural, racial, and socio-economic settings positively informs his work and practice. Andreas serves as the lead pastor of the Walla Walla University Church. Andreas and his wife, Cassandre, are proud parents of Eden.

Alex Bryan is president of Walla Walla University and has 30-plus years of experience as a pastor, teacher, healthcare executive, and higher education administrator. Alex has spoken across the United States and globally at venues including camp meetings, university convocations, faculty colloquia, local church events, and medical and healthcare retreats.

Pamela Keele Cress began her baccalaureate education as a nursing major and changed to social work when her aversion to needles quickly surfaced. She completed both the B.S.W. and M.S.W. degrees at Walla Walla College, serving as a graduate intern on the Behavioral Medicine Unit of St. Mary Medical Center. Her Ph.D. in leadership was completed in 2005 from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Mich.

Cress has been employed by Walla Walla University for the past 28 years where she has served the university in various roles; professor, dean of School of Social Work and Sociology, graduate dean, and currently is the vice president of Academic Administration. In addition to her administrative role at the university, Cress has been certified as a thanatologist since 2009 through the National Association for Death Education and Counseling. She taught the Loss and Bereavement content for the school 26 years and is currently developing a new class for theology students that focuses on how pastors and chaplains support others in loss. Students from various disciplines who have taken her class, “Death and Dying,” are frequently animated about a subject many people are more comfortable avoiding. Cress considers herself a “reluctant thanatologist,” having been drawn to the formal study of death, dying, and bereavement out of her own experiences of loss rather than pure academic curiosity. 

Cress and her spouse, John, have two adult daughters and four grandchildren. Cress enjoys family, friends, music, swimming and reading while sipping a good cup of tea.    

Gregory Dodds, Ph.D. and MBA, is professor of history and chair of the department of history and philosophy at Walla Walla University. Dodds is a widely published author on the reformation, an in-demand speaker, and has led numerous history tours in Europe. 

Dr. Paul Dybdahl is currently a professor of Missiology at Walla Walla University, where he has taught since 2001. He came to WWU after completing his doctoral work at Andrews University, where his research focused on issues related to the effective communication of the gospel across cultural barriers. Prior to his time at Andrews, Paul served as a pastor in the Oregon Conference. Paul and his wife, Kristyn, have three children: Noah, Alyssa, and Sarah.

Lynelle Ellis is an Associate Professor in the Communication Department at Walla Walla University and the Director of The Center for Media Ministry. She worked for 13 years in media ministry at Blue Mountain Television in College Place, WA and was also a professor at Southern Adventist University where she taught communication and media courses. Her post-graduate studies included work in the areas of media literacy and media effects. Her doctoral dissertation studied the historical and contemporary conflict between Christianity and visual media. She is married to Daniel Ellis and they have three children: Garrett, age 20, Lauren, age 18 and Ashton, age 18.

Albert Nejib Handal serves as the University Chaplain and Assistant to the President for Spiritual Mission. Albert has been at WWU since 2017, having previously worked as a pastor in Texas, Georgia, and Michigan. Albert grew up in Tennessee where he graduated from Southern Adventist University with a bachelor's degree in theology. He also holds a Master of Divinity degree from Andrews University, and a doctorate in practical theology from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Albert is married to Allison, a hospital chaplain, and they are the parents of three small children: Edward, Rosa, and Dalia.

Dr. Kirt L. Onthank is a professor of biological sciences at Walla Walla University and director of the Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory. His research focuses on the physiology of octopuses and other cephalopods, with an emphasis on their adaptations and responses to climate change. Dr. Onthank has published on topics related to marine invertebrate physiology and ecology and has led several grant-funded research projects. He is also committed to mentoring students, helping them engage in meaningful scientific research and preparing for their careers.

Amanda Ramoutar is an inclusive and special education specialist with a profound commitment to her Christian faith, which informs her values of love, compassion, and service. Her career has centered on enhancing educational opportunities for all students, particularly those with special educational needs. Amanda holds a PhD in Education, focusing her research on inclusive education practices, along with a MEd in Inclusive and Special Education, a MSc in Psychology, and a BEd specializing in Primary and Special Needs Education. She is also currently pursuing an Executive Master of Business Administration, which she believes will be useful in enhancing her teaching and administrative capabilities. With extensive classroom experience across early childhood, elementary, secondary, and tertiary levels in Trinidad and Tobago and the United States, Amanda brings a wealth of practical knowledge to her role. Currently, she serves as a faculty member at Walla Walla University, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in the School of Education and Psychology. Amanda's dedication extends beyond teaching, as she actively contributes to research and service, aiming to further the discourse on inclusion and belonging in education. Outside of her professional pursuits, Amanda cherishes time with her family and finds joy in traveling to new places.

Cynthia Westerbeck is the chair of the Department of English & Modern Languages. She earned her Ph.D. in British & American Literature from Washington University in St. Louis. In addition to teaching courses in Renaissance, Enlightenment, and Romantic literature, she also teaches college writing and has a special interest in the intersection between literature and the arts.