JoAnn Wiggins simply can’t keep the fun to herself. Just ask her students. While sitting on the City of College Place Planning Commission, the professor of business became involved in revising the comprehensive plan for College Place. She took the project to several students in Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), a community outreach program at Walla Walla College (WWC), and a plan for downtown College Place was born.

Involvement like this, at WWC and in the community-at-large, led Bruce Toews, associate professor of business, and Clarence Anderson, School of Business dean, to nominate Wiggins for the 2004 Walla Walla College Community Service Award, which she received at the 122nd Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce annual awards banquet held in November.

"JoAnn has many characteristics that combine for success in community service. First and probably most important, she cares about the college community and the broader community. Secondly, she plans thoroughly and works hard to excel in what she does," said Anderson.

The annual award honors faculty or staff members who have distinguished themselves through service to their community. Nominations are accepted from faculty and staff members and are voted on by the WWC administrators.

Wiggins has served WWC as the sponsor for both SIFE and the business club, and is currently the chair for both the grievance committee and faculty senate. She has been active as a member of both the Blue Mountain Credit Union board and the City of College Place Planning Commission.

Wiggins began teaching at WWC in 1987.