About President Floyd

Speech Introduction

Elson S. Floyd the tenth president of Washington State University, is a dynamic and visionary leader with high aspirations for his University's future.

Since taking the helm in May 2007, he has set in motion a series of initiatives to strengthen WSU's research and economic impact, to enhance the education and campus experience of all WSU students, and to improve facilities and technology infrastructure that support WSU's mission. The establishment of the School for Global Animal Health and the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication are just two of the significant achievements of his first year as president.

He previously served as president of the four-campus University of Missouri system and of Western Michigan University. He has held other leadership posts at universities including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Eastern Washington University.

A native of North Carolina, Dr. Floyd holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and speech, a Master of Education degree in adult education, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in higher and adult education, all from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

He has received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from his high school, the Darlington School in Georgia, and the 2004 Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

He believes deeply that Washington State University - as one of the nation's premier land-grant research universities - plays a vital role in the social and economic vitality of the state and wider world. He is leading WSU to the next level of excellence and service.