DR. BEN GAUYAN began his tenure as the district’s 17th Superintendent on July 1, 2025. He most recently served as the Assistant Superintendent at Stanwood-Camano School District.

With over 30 years in public education, he has worked as a para-professional, teacher, and school administrator.  As a district leader, he has served in three districts ranging from 5,000 to 25,000 students. A lifelong educator, Dr. Gauyan is dedicated to helping students achieve their educational goals. His core values—student-centeredness, collaboration, trust, relationships, and data-informed decision-making—have significantly improved student outcomes. He is excited to continue this work in Walla Walla.

Before his current role, Dr. Gauyan was an Executive Director in Highline Public Schools, overseeing middle and high schools. Prior to that, he was the Middle School Director for Tacoma Public Schools where he supervised all middle schools as well as various departments within the district.

Dr. Gauyan holds a bachelor's degree from San Diego State University, a master's from Seattle Pacific University, and a doctorate from the University of Washington.

Born in Staten Island, New York, Dr. Gauyan grew up moving across the country as part of a proud military family. His childhood journey took him to Alameda,
California; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and San Diego, California, following the naval assignments of his father, who served as a Senior Chief Disbursing Clerk aboard ships like the USS Prairie, USS San Jose and USS Saratoga.

From a young age, Dr. Gauyan developed a love for sports, both as a participant and an avid fan. Growing up in a military family taught him invaluable life lessons — the importance of connecting with new people, staying nimble through change, and
persevering no matter the circumstances. His mother’s strength and unwavering support, particularly during times when his father was deployed overseas, had a profound impact on him.

“My mother kept the most important things front and center,” he shares. “She reminds me of what so many of our educators do every day — wearing many hats
and providing endless support to children.”

Today, Dr. Gauyan strives to live by the value of balance, likening life to a four-legged stool: if one leg is out of sync, the whole structure wobbles. It’s this sense of balance that he brings into his new role in Walla Walla Public Schools, along with a vision for student success.

Outside of his professional life, family remains his core. Dr. Gauyan and his wife, Jennifer, have been married for 26 years and are proud parents to two sons: Iz, a recent graduate of Gonzaga University, and Noah, who completed his freshman year at the University of San Diego. The family cherishes time together playing board games, especially Rummikub, alongside their beloved dachshund, Tula. Dr.
Gauyan is also an avid musician, and cherishes his guitar and ukulele collection.

Looking ahead, Dr. Gauyan is energized by the district’s Vision 2030 Strategic Plan. “My greatest hope in this new role is to help fulfill the promise of Vision 2030 and to be part of Developing Washington’s Most Sought-After Graduates.”