Presidential Update — Week of August 11, 2025

August 14, 2025

Dear Colleagues,

As we make our final preparations for the start of a new term across the system, I would like to reiterate some of the changes we’ve made over the last few months to ensure a successful fall semester and a long-term future for the university.

Organizational changes to date:

On May 16, the Office of Research was transitioned from the Office of the Provost to the Office of the President as part of a larger effort to recenter the work of the university’s research enterprise.
On June 1, the WSU Pullman Chancellor’s Office was dissolved. My office assumed oversight of the Pullman campus, and Student Affairs and the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art began reporting to the provost.
On June 10, the university’s Marketing and Communications unit began reporting to Vice President for System Communications and Strategy Pam Scott.
On June 30, Vice President Hoyt retired, and the Office of Strategy, Planning, and Analysis was closed.

The strategic realignment of some of our internal functions, like the ones outlined above and on our New Chapter website, will ensure we have the flexibility necessary to continue to serve the public good and the capacity to invest in our future. As budget plans are implemented at the campus, college, and unit levels, we are committed to streamlining operations and investing in those programs that underscore our position as Washington’s land-grant, research university.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our students, our research, and our communities. Together, we are shaping a future that reflects the promise of Washington State University. Let’s move into the new semester with purpose and momentum.

Warm regards,

Elizabeth R. Cantwell
President, Washington State University