Presidential Update — Week of May 19, 2025

Dear Colleagues,

As we navigate an era of profound change across public higher education, I will be sending short weekly updates documenting recent actions — both those implemented in the past week and those planned in the near future. These updates are part of our commitment to transparency, shared governance, and the thoughtful evolution of the WSU system as we negotiate this moment in our history.

This past week:

• Systemwide Advocacy on Student Aid Policy
  In collaboration with the University of Washington and other state institutions through the Council of Presidents, WSU co‑authored a joint letter to our congressional delegation regarding the proposed Student Success and Taxpayer Saving Plan (PDF). While intended as a federal cost-saving measure, this legislation risks shifting undue financial burdens to students, families, and the institutions that serve them. We are advocating for a more balanced approach that preserves access and affordability.
• Elevation of the Research Enterprise
  Effective May 16, the Office of Research now reports directly to the Office of the President. This structural shift underscores research as a core pillar of WSU’s mission — alongside academics, operations, and athletics — and signals our intent to elevate WSU’s research leadership both statewide and nationally. Vice President for Research Kim Christen will continue to lead this enterprise.

Looking ahead:

• Budget Planning for Strategic Resilience
  In light of current reductions in state and federal funding and continued financial uncertainty, university leadership is preparing a set of permanent budget adjustments to be effective for the 2026 fiscal year beginning on July 1. These decisions are being shaped by our guiding principles: protect the academic mission, prioritize student success, sustain our land-grant service, and invest in long-term innovation.With Governor Bob Ferguson’s approval of the final budget yesterday and WSU deliberations ongoing, the proposed 2026 fiscal year budget will be presented to the Board of Regents during a special meeting on June 5, 2025. Further details will be shared in the run-up to this meeting, and we will engage university leaders systemwide to ensure successful implementation.

Thank you for your continued dedication and adaptability. This is a moment of institutional recalibration — and also of possibility. I remain committed to frequent, open communication as we lead Washington State University forward together.

As soon as we can, these updates will be shared on the Office of the President’s website for your reference.

Warm regards,

Elizabeth R. Cantwell
President, Washington State University