February 24, 2025

Dear WSU Vancouver colleagues,

I feel it’s a good time to update you on the search for your next chancellor. You all know that Chancellor Mel Netzhammer will retire at the end of June. His leadership has been invaluable, and we should all look forward to celebrating his contributions as the semester wraps up.

Selecting WSU Vancouver’s next chancellor is a major decision — one that will not only guide the campus through years of challenges and growth, but also one that will be significant for the entire university system as we negotiate this incredible moment in history. Because of this, I have asked to be directly involved in the final selection process. The next chancellor and I must be able to form a cohesive and vital partnership.

I officially step into my role as WSU’s 12th president on April 1, and I will interview the finalists for this position within my first week. I am well aware that this means the final selection will take a few extra weeks. I acknowledge your disappointment, but I hope that you will walk with me as I seek to begin on absolutely the right foot. I am confident that my engagement will yield a thorough and impactful conclusion to this nationwide search, and that this is in the best interest of WSU Vancouver and the broader university community.

I want to acknowledge the hard work of the WSU Vancouver Chancellor Search Committee and thank everyone who participated in the listening sessions that helped shape the position profile. Your input has been invaluable in identifying an amazing suite of possible leaders for the campus.

I appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during this transition. Together, we will ensure that WSU Vancouver thrives — with a great leader who reflects your hopes and your ambitions.

Thank you for your dedication to WSU Vancouver and to Washington State University as a whole. I very much look forward to working with you soon.

Sincerely,

Dr. Elizabeth R. Cantwell
Incoming System President
Washington State University