Presidential Update: Latest Changes
Week of January 26, 2026
Dear Colleagues,
We are in the final week of January, and there is much to acknowledge as we move forward in
2026 with purpose. At the center of broad institutional change are detailed refinements and
discussions that further our cost and operational adaptability while staying focused on our
land-grant mission to serve students and the state of Washington.
Recent updates highlight Washington State University’s proactive approach to addressing
challenges by engaging our communities and applying actionable insight.
This week, the system‑wide redesign entered phase 2. The co‑design council has begun to
synthesize the survey data of more than 1,700 voices from across the state and WSU. During
this phase, we will unpack what has been shared: the strengths, obstacles, and aspirations
echoed by the WSU community and begin creating tangible ideas for systemwide solutions. Learn
more about the future of WSU at Design Central.
WSU has launched a system‑wide effort impacting the undergraduate student experience by
revisioning general education, as UCORE enters its 15th year. The Provost’s Office in partnership
with the Faculty Senate, has assembled the General Education Visioning Committee.
Over the next year, the committee will gather data, engage the WSU community, and explore
national higher ed best practices to shape a more inclusive, transparent, and modern
student-centered framework. Implementation of the new curriculum is targeted for fall 2027.
WSU has once again earned the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement,
reaffirming our long-standing commitment to Washington communities. Renewed Jan. 12, the
designation places WSU among a small group of institutions, highlighting the Cougar identity
to build meaningful partnerships, expand service opportunities, and address pressing societal
needs. WSU’s application featured GivePulse, the Center for Civic Engagement’s new
Community-Engaged Scholars program, and impactful work across all WSU campuses, Extension
centers, and community-based programs.
Last week, I attended the Board of Regents meeting at WSU Spokane to advance
key university actions and engage in thoughtful discussion around systemwide priorities. I
shared updates on our continued focus on enrollment, access, and student success, as well
as highlighting progress toward the faculty workload policy, the ongoing system redesign,
and undergraduate education reform and degree completion initiatives. I also acknowledged
momentum behind the President’s Big Ideas Initiative, which will further strengthen our
research enterprise through interdisciplinary, high-impact work.
WSU Global Campus earned six Top 25 placements in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report
Best Online Programs rankings. WSU ranked 11th nationally for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs,
with psychology at 12th and undergraduate business at 15th. Graduate programs also performed
well, including the online MBA (33rd) and engineering (38th). WSU was also recognized for
serving U.S. veterans, ranking 8th for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans and
earning Top 25 distinctions for its veteran-focused MBA and engineering programs.
Looking ahead, we remain focused on strengthening collaboration across
the WSU system by advancing integrated approaches to shared challenges, communicating
strengths, and maintaining the institutional agility needed to adapt and lead in a dynamic
higher ed environment.
These efforts are essential to fulfilling our land-grant mission and ensuring WSU remains
responsive, innovative, and focused on public service.
Sincerely,
Betsy Cantwell
President, Washington State University |
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