Office of the PresidentPresident Schulz’s MessagesLetter to CampusWelcome home, Cougs

Welcome home, Cougs

Dear WSU community,

Welcome to the start of the fall 2024 semester! I hope that you had an opportunity to relax and recharge this summer. While it certainly doesn’t feel like fall yet, the excitement that comes with a new semester is the first indication that we’re well on our way.

As we prepare to hit the ground running on another incredible academic year, the last of my tenure here at WSU, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest Cougs and colleagues across the university system, including Chris Riley-Tillman, our provost and executive vice president, and Karen Thomas-Brown, the new dean of the College of Education. I welcome their expertise, and that of our distinguished colleagues who have assumed new or interim leadership roles over the last several months:

  • Dave Cillay
    Interim Chancellor of WSU Pullman
  • Trevor Bond
    Interim Dean of WSU Libraries
  • Courtney Meehan
    Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
  • Anne McCoy
    Director of Athletics

Each of these individuals brings with them tremendous passion and grace, and I look forward to seeing what we accomplish together.

Looking ahead

In my last year here at WSU, I would like to recognize a few of the people and programs taking place across our system as part of my regular communications with the university community.

I think you’ll find that while leadership may change, our commitment to providing access to affordable, high-quality education remains unwavering. The highlights included below are just a taste of what’s happening around the system, and I look forward to sharing our mutual success with you in the year ahead.

Go Cougs,
Kirk

WSU Pullman

At WSU Pullman, the Center for Civic Engagement connects more than 100 courses with community partners. They recently connected a computer science capstone with the College Hill Association and Pullman 2040. Together, the students and community partners are developing a web app, “Walk the Hills,” that will help people find the best routes for them, and, eventually, help improve those routes for everyone.

WSU Spokane

Most of the Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine’s inaugural class of doctors are choosing to practice in Washington as they complete their post-graduate training in residency programs across the country and decide where to go as fully qualified physicians.

According to a recent alumni survey, 74% of respondents plan to go into practice, with 94% planning to practice in Washington or considering it.

WSU Tri-Cities

The Washington State University Tri‑Cities ‘Empowering the Clean Energy Workforce’ program received a 2024 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine. This award honors institutions that support students from underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The program was recognized for its student research and innovation teams, which collaborate with faculty and industry mentors to address local climate change challenges affecting disadvantaged communities.

WSU Vancouver

Thanks to the foresight of philanthropic donors, students in the life sciences at WSU Vancouver will have state-of-the-art learning facilities not only today but for years to come. With cutting-edge labs, classrooms, and a state-of-the-art greenhouse, the newly opened Life Sciences Building will provide a central hub for students and faculty in the STEM fields to engage, inspire, and collaborate.

WSU Everett

WSU Everett is pleased to be celebrating the dedication of its Cougar Pride statue on the newly proclaimed “Cougar Pride Day” in Snohomish County on August 23. The statue, generously donated by alumnus Gary Schneidmiller (‘71), is a tribute to WSU’s beloved live cougar mascot tradition, which spanned over five decades, while the new “Cougar Pride Day” in Snohomish County is intended to recognize the rich history and spirit of WSU in the region.

WSU Global

Starting this fall semester, WSU Global Campus has launched the Cougar Wellness Collective, a fully online student club designed to help Global Campus Cougs pursue mental, physical, and emotional wellness from wherever they are in the world. The collective is only one of several online clubs and groups available to Global Campus’ fully online students.