President Cantwell’s Messages

2025–2026 Impact in Action Report

Dear Colleagues, Every day, across Washington and around the world, Cougs demonstrate what it means to be a 21st‑century land‑grant university. Through education, discovery, innovation, and service, we create opportunity, strengthen communities, grow Washington’s economy, and help solve the challenges that matter most. I am pleased to share Washington State University’s 2025–2026 Impact in Action report, […]

Moving forward with purpose

Dear faculty, staff, and students, As we begin commencement season across our system, I want to recognize the significance of this moment for those graduating and for Washington State University. Commencement is the most important aspect of being a land-grant university, because it is the clearest reflection of our mission through the achievement of students. For me, that includes honoring the work it takes to reach this point and preparing for the new chapter that […]

Remembering WSU Regent Sam Hunt

Dear colleagues, We were profoundly saddened to learn over the weekend of the passing of Washington State University Regent Sam Hunt. Regent Hunt spent a lifetime strengthening the very systems that make Washington State University’s land‑grant mission possible, from championing public education in Olympia alongside our students to shaping the policies and investments that sustain our […]

Presidential Update: Latest Changes — Week of April 6, 2026

Dear Colleagues, April marks one year since I joined Washington State University. Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to listen, learn, and engage with many amazing people in the communities across our system and the state. This has helped me better understand both the strengths we can continue to build on and some of the challenges we must address to continue thriving as an institution. What […]

Categories: Weekly Update

Presidential Update: Latest Changes — Week of March 23, 2026

Dear Colleagues, As we welcome students back from spring break, we are moving closer to the end of the academic year with a clear set of priorities for Washington State University. We are honing and aligning university leadership, investing in our highest impact areas, and strategically expanding our partnerships internally and externally. My focus remains […]

Categories: Weekly Update

FY27 Budget Support for Athletics

Dear colleagues, The Washington State University Board of Regents issued a formal resolution directing the WSU administration to provide support to Athletics in the fiscal year 2027 operating budget to address a projected budget shortfall. The regents issued the resolution during the regular board meeting this week. This action reflects the Board’s recognition that a strong Athletics program is one of the main drivers of student recruitment, retention, and institutional pride. It strengthens WSU’s visibility, affinity and […]