March 2, 2016
Greetings, members of the WSU community:
I am pleased to let you know that the search to select the next President of Washington State University is progressing well—thanks to
the diligent efforts of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee and our consultants from the executive search firm, Isaacson, Miller. As a
result, we have started the planning process for the transition of leadership that will take place in the coming months. I ask for your help
and input in carrying out a transition plan that ensures the continued momentum of the University’s key initiatives.
First and foremost, please join me in expressing profound gratitude to Interim President Dan Bernardo. Dan accepted the presidential duties
under extremely challenging circumstances last June, and he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, grace, and vision since then. As he
prepares for a transition back to the role of provost, we anticipate his close collaboration with the University’s new leader. Plans
to publicly honor Dan for his service will be announced in the coming weeks.
I am also delighted to announce that Lura Powell, vice chair of the Board of Regents, and Bob Drewel, former chancellor of WSU North Puget
Sound at Everett, will co-chair our presidential transition efforts. The co-chairs will work closely with Dan Bernardo to address the details
of the transition, and they will call upon other members of the University community to help support the effort.
As previously reported, our pool of about 200 candidates recently was narrowed to 8 outstanding individuals. They include current university
presidents and provosts as well as an individual from the private sector. The interview process is ongoing. The identities of these individuals
will remain confidential so as not to jeopardize their leadership of their current organizations.
Finally, I want to reiterate the palpable excitement I feel about the University’s future. Based on the search committee’s progress,
we are on track to name our next president in April, if not before. And we are certain our new leader will continue to guide the
institution’s trajectory toward ever-greater excellence.
Go Cougs!
Michael C. Worthy
Chair
WSU Presidential Search Advisory Committee
Member
WSU Board of Regents
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