A familiar face has taken on a new role at Linfield University. Gretchen Bixler, who has served as executive assistant for university advancement and strategic communications since July 2024, is now the executive assistant to the president and board of trustees.
Bixler joined Linfield in August 2023 as the office coordinator for career development and academic advising. Since then, she has become deeply involved in the campus community. She serves as vice chair of Staff Council, sits on the benefits committee and advises the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.
In her new position, Bixler provides administrative support to President Mark Blegen and the Linfield University Board of Trustees.
“I am both honored and excited to support Linfield University in this new role,” Bixler said. “I will do my best to be an ally and advocate for Linfield students, employees, faculty, trustees, parents and community partners on behalf of the president’s office and the Linfield University Board of Trustees.”
Before coming to Linfield, Bixler retired from a 30-plus-year career as a vocal music teacher in Kansas public schools. She served as the state president and national delegate for the Kansas Music Educators Association. She hosted the Kansas State High School Activities Association’s regional and state solo and ensemble music festivals for 15 years. In 2022, the National Federation of State High School Associations honored her as the Section V Music Educator of the Year.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from Baker University and a Master of Music Education from Wichita State University.
Bixler spends her free time exploring Oregon with her family. She volunteers regularly at Henderson House and the Gallery Theatre. She and her husband, Steve, often golf at Michelbook Country Club and sing with the North Valley Community Chorus, a new choir in the north Willamette Valley.
