Office of the PresidentPresident Cantwell’s MessagesLetter to WSU CommunityWeekly UpdatePresidential Update: Latest Changes — Week of November 3

Presidential Update: Latest Changes — Week of November 3

Dear Colleagues,

Washington State University is taking bold steps to modernize operations and strengthen our land-grant mission. Here’s what’s underway:

  • Health sciences strategic review
    Under Provost Riley-Tillman’s leadership, the Provost’s Office, Human Resource Services, and Finance and Operations are conducting a comprehensive assessment of the WSU Spokane campus and the health sciences enterprise. Following this review, Provost Riley-Tillman will collaborate with Executive Vice President Brunelli and the health sciences deans to develop a fiscally responsible plan for the Health Sciences campus that supports all three health sciences colleges and aligns with WSU’s land-grant mission. Additionally, Provost Riley-Tillman and college leadership met with the Spokane Advisory Council earlier this week. He has greatly appreciated the community’s support and looks forward to the continued engagement with internal colleagues and external stakeholders.
  • System-wide redesign survey open
    We are in the early stages of a system-wide redesign effort, one of the most significant planning processes WSU has undertaken in decades. This is an opportunity to rethink how we work together, how we invest in our people and programs, and how we deliver on our land-grant promise. A short survey is open through December 5 to gather your insights. More than 550 community members have already contributed. Thank you. Your perspective will shape the decisions ahead.
  • WSU Vancouver discovery visit
    On November 3 and 4, DESIGN+ Labs conducted faculty, staff, and student sessions, along with meetings with community and business leaders. Participants represented a mix of long-term employees, newer team members, champions, and critics, all providing valuable insights for future planning.

These efforts are interconnected. Each reflects our determination to evolve with purpose, to serve with impact, and to lead through change.

As we approach Veterans Day, I want to recognize one of the many ways WSU lives its values. WSU Global Campus was recently ranked among the top 10 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report. That recognition is a testament to the people behind the program and the students who are pursuing their education.

And because many of you have asked, I’m currently reading Dopamine Nation by Dr. Anna Lembke. It is a fascinating read.

Thank you for your leadership, your ideas, and your belief in the future of WSU.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Cantwell
President, Washington State University