President Cantwell’s Messages

Dear colleagues, The Washington State University Board of Regents issued a formal resolution directing the WSU administration to provide support to Athletics in the fiscal year 2027 operating budget to address a projected budget shortfall. The regents issued the resolution during the regular board meeting this week. This action reflects the Board’s recognition that a strong Athletics program is one of the main drivers of student recruitment, retention, and institutional pride. It strengthens WSU’s visibility, affinity and […]

Dear Colleagues, Across our campuses and communities, Washington State University is advancing important work to shape the next chapter of this institution. This week, time was spent connecting with students in Pullman and meeting with the WSU community in Vancouver to gather perspectives for the start of the listening sessions. Across WSU, we are advancing initiatives that strengthen our research, workforce training, and community partnerships, with our focus […]

Dear colleagues, I want to provide a clear and candid update on the proposed state operating budgets and what they mean for Washington State University. Both the House and Senate released their budget proposals Sunday afternoon. If approved, the net impact to us is a $2.6 million reduction in the House budget and a $1.4 million reduction in the Senate budget, both representing less than 1 percent of our overall operating budget. […]

Dear Colleagues, Washington State University continues to operate in a period of meaningful transition. As expectations of public institutions evolve and potential state budget reductions remain, we are moving forward to redesign the WSU system to strengthen the delivery of our mission and prepare our communities for the future. Change at this scale requires steady progress […]

Dear Colleagues, As Washington State University continues its work in an important and challenging moment, I am sharing updates that reflect honest realities, as clear as possible choices, and our shared responsibility to shape a strong future. Our public service mission has never been more important. These items highlight how we are supporting one another, […]

Dear Colleagues, We are in the final week of January, and there is much to acknowledge as we move forward in 2026 with purpose. At the center of broad institutional change are detailed refinements and discussions that further our cost and operational adaptability while staying focused on our land-grant mission to serve students and the […]