April 1, 2025
I am thrilled today to be on the Washington State University Pullman
campus on my first day as president. I arrive with deep respect for the
legacy of this remarkable institution, and with a profound sense of
responsibility for its future. I want to start by thanking Kirk Schulz,
whose nine‑year tenure as president has been truly impactful for WSU.
For more than a century, WSU has opened doors, expanded knowledge,
and uplifted communities — always guided by its land-grant mission and
a spirit of innovation. Part of my personal commitment to WSU is ensuring
that no matter what life stage someone is at, we will work to make sure
they have access to the WSU programs they need to enhance their lives and
the lives of their families and even their employers.
My great thanks again to the regents and the members of the search
committee. I want you to know that I am here to listen, to learn, and to
lead — in that order. I am seeing the passion, resilience, and brilliance
that define this community, and I look forward to meeting many more of you
in the weeks ahead. In my first 100 days, I will start with a whistle stop
tour of the entire WSU system. With these, I will develop some initial
impressions and set the stage for what I hope will be a series of engaging
and informative listening sessions in the fall, leading in turn to a set
of actions and initiatives.
I want to acknowledge the resilience and creativity that the WSU community
has exhibited first during the pandemic and now during this time of massive
change for higher education. This is a time of both challenge and opportunity.
Like many universities across the country, WSU is navigating shifting
demographics, financial pressures, and rapid changes in higher education.
But I believe we are uniquely positioned not only to adapt — but to lead.
That will require working together with clarity, courage, and creativity.
It will mean aligning our resources with our ambitions, strengthening the
bonds across our campuses, and ensuring that every student, every faculty
and staff member, and every partner sees their future in WSU’s future.
I will be sharing more in the coming months about the road ahead, but
for now, I simply want to say thank you — for the warm welcome, for the
trust you’ve placed in me, and for the opportunity to walk this path with you.
Let’s get to work — together. Go Cougs!
Warmly,
Betsy Cantwell
President, Washington State University
