Office of the PresidentPresident Cantwell’s MessagesLetter to WSU CommunityWeekly UpdatePresidential Update — Week of May 26, 2025

Presidential Update — Week of May 26, 2025

Dear Colleagues,

As the environment around our sector continues to shift at the state and federal levels, our focus remains on aligning Washington State University’s operations and resources with our long-term strategic goals and land-grant mission. This work is essential to ensuring that we remain resilient, responsive, and ready to serve the people of Washington for generations to come.

Last Week

  • State budget outcomes
    Last week in Olympia, Governor Bob Ferguson signed the 2025–27 capital and operating budgets. While WSU will see a $9.9 million reduction in state appropriations over the biennium, we also secured full funding for several key capital priorities, including $40M for minor capital preservation and $25M for the demolition of Heald Hall, among others.

This Week

  • Dissolution of the WSU Pullman Chancellor’s Office
    As part of WSU’s continued efforts to improve operational and financial efficiency, the Office of the Chancellor for WSU Pullman is being dissolved effective June 1. Staff and units currently under the chancellor’s office will be thoughtfully integrated into other areas within the WSU system. Chancellor Cillay will continue in his role as WSU Global Campus chancellor.This change is one of several we are undertaking to ensure our organizational structure supports our academic, research, and service missions in the most effective way possible. To support transparency and engagement, we are developing a new website that will serve as a resource for ongoing organizational change. That website will be launched and shared following the Regents meeting on June 5.

WSU’s land-grant mission calls us to serve with purpose, to lead with integrity, and to adapt with courage. The challenges presented by our current moment are real — but so are the opportunities. By working together across campuses, disciplines, and roles, we can build a stronger, more agile university that delivers even greater impact for our students, our communities, and our state.

Thank you for your dedication and adaptability as we continue this important work — together.

Warm regards,

Elizabeth R. Cantwell
President, Washington State University