Profile Article

Pullman may be known for its reputation as a boisterous college town, but is also the home to many individuals who seek a slow-paced lifestyle and closely-knit community.

Meghan Wiley, a Washington State University professor and general manager of the Pullman Holiday Inn Express, has lived in Pullman for her entire adult life.

Wiley graduated from WSU in 1992 with a degree in Hotel Restaurant Administration. Wiley immediately entered a Holiday Inn management-training program following her graduation and has been in the hospitality field ever since.

“My training recruiter joked about placing me with a job back in Pullman,” Wiley said.

Coincidently, Wiley did end up back in Pullman less than two years after graduating from WSU. The Holiday Inn Express offered Wiley a management position that she has held ever since the hotel’s grand opening.

Wiley loved her college experience at WSU and was able to move back to Pullman while many of her friends were still living on the campus.

“It was perfect timing and a great opportunity,” Wiley said.

The close community and ability to always bump into a familiar face are the reasons Wiley continues to work in Pullman today. Wiley did not originally plan to become a part-time teacher as well but has enjoyed re-familiarizing herself with the campus.

“Teaching has reminded me how hard it is for students to both work a job and attend school,” Wiley said. “I have become a lot more understanding.”

Wiley considers herself to be quite the workaholic sometimes and her newly recent teaching position has allowed her to step out of the office more. Working on campus has also allowed Wiley to find many perspective employees for the Holiday Inn Express.

“I loved how professor Wiley was able to use real-life experiences from the Holiday Inn Express during class lectures,” Alissa Beason, a student in professor Wiley’s class, said.

Although Wiley has been enjoying teaching and remaining active on the WSU campus, she simply appreciates Pullman for its beauty and serenity.

“I love winter and summer breaks in Pullman when it is a little more quiet,” Wiley said.

Pullman has not only provided Wiley with two careers she loves but has also given her an environment to relax, explore and form close friendships.