May 4, 2023

Dear WSU community,

Congratulations on the completion of another spring semester at Washington State University! It’s hard to believe that the end of the academic year is here already. What a fantastic and busy semester it has been.

Over the last few months, we have seen tremendous growth in our capacity to serve our students and the state. As a result of federal investment in higher education research, the expansion of our community and corporate partnerships, and the support of Washington state legislators, WSU is poised for continued success in fulfilling its land-grant mission.

I am grateful for your hard work and support as we inspire and inform the next generation of leaders. WSU is not just a system of campuses, extension sites, and research centers; it’s also a system of people. The achievements referenced above, and the ones included below, are a resounding endorsement of the quality of a WSU education, which is only made possible through your tireless efforts day in and day out.

As we look ahead to the fall, I plan to keep the WSU community apprised of efforts to improve the fiscal health of the university — beginning with an enrollment update and a comprehensive evaluation of our athletics budget. As you may have heard, earlier this year, the Pac‑12 announced that a distribution partner is seeking a return of overpayments totaling more than $50 million. While the timing of a potential resolution and impact on member institutions is unclear at this time, I intend to be open and transparent about our Cougar Athletics budget with the university community. In my fall assessment, I will include revenue forecasts from our pending media rights deal along with any updated information we have from working with the Athletics Council on a potential repayment plan and evaluation of the Cougar Athletics budget.

Until then, I hope that you are able to set aside ample time to refresh and recharge. The beautiful weather we are enjoying statewide is a welcome reminder that summer is on its way.

Thank you, again, for all that you do. And as always, Go Cougs!

Kirk H. Schulz
System President
Washington State University

WSU Pullman

WSU Pullman is excited to celebrate the naming of the Ida Lou Anderson House on campus (formerly the President’s Residence). In a ribbon-cutting ceremony to be held on June 8, 2023, WSU Pullman will honor Washington State College graduate and former faculty member Ida Louise Anderson ‘24. Anderson’s inspiring teaching and mentoring launched the careers of countless students in broadcasting, including Edward R. Murrow. The event is free and open to the public.

WSU Spokane

Providence and Washington State University recently announced a partnership to establish eastern Washington’s first pediatric medical residency. Made possible by the support of the Community Cancer Fund, Premera Blue Cross, Providence INWA Foundation donors, and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, this historic program will improve access to quality healthcare for children across Eastern Washington for years to come.

WSU Tri‑Cities

Washington State University Tri‑Cities and Snohomish County will partner to bring a proposed research and development center for sustainable aviation fuels to life. At a recent press conference, Snohomish County officials announced plans for a $6.5 million Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Applied Research and Development Center located at Paine Field in Snohomish County. The first-of-its-kind center will offer fuel testing, fuel finishing, and the world’s first fuel repository.

WSU Vancouver

WSU Vancouver is part of a national effort funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to help STEM students transfer seamlessly from community college to a four‑year institution. Through partnerships with Clark College and Lower Columbia College, WSU Vancouver hopes to reduce or remove obstacles for transfer students interested in a 4‑year degree in a STEM field.

WSU Everett

The WSU Everett Rocket Team recently traveled to Huntsville, Alabama, to participate in the final round of the 2023 NASA Student Launch Challenge. The eight‑member WSU Everett team was one of 51 selected to compete in the final round of the national competition and the only team that attempted a vertical landing using a landing leg system. Award announcements from the competition will be released on June 2.

WSU Global

In March, WSU Global Campus’ new official esports team concluded its first season of intercollegiate esports competition with other universities across the nation. The team is the first esports team in the State of Washington created for a fully online campus and provided its varsity members with WSU’s first-ever esports scholarships.