Dear Colleagues,

Following Chancellor Mel Netzhammer’s recent announcement that he will step down at the end of this academic year, I want to take a moment to outline the next steps our leadership team will be taking.

For the last 13 years, WSU Vancouver and the WSU system have greatly benefited from Chancellor Netzhammer’s expertise, professionalism, and advocacy. As only the second chancellor in the campus’s 35-year history, he has cultivated strong relationships within the university and with our external partners. These efforts have led to significant milestones, including developing the comprehensive 2021–2026 strategic plan, expanding program offerings, and cultivating substantial donor support for the new Life Sciences Building. He will continue to be a dedicated advocate for our community throughout the remainder of the academic year.

To ensure a successful transition of leadership, the Office of the President is coordinating a nationwide search for the third chancellor of WSU Vancouver. We have engaged the executive search firm Isaacson, Miller to help identify and recruit potential candidates. Additionally, a search committee has been established to guide this process and those names will be shared with the WSU community on Insider later today. Once the final candidates have been identified, my successor will work closely with the search committee to select the most suitable finalist.

In the coming weeks, the campus community will be invited to participate in listening sessions designed to inform the position profile. I encourage you to provide input on the opportunities and challenges ahead of the next WSU Vancouver chancellor. Your feedback will be invaluable in ensuring we recruit the best possible candidate to lead WSU Vancouver into the future.

Thank you for your support and your partnership as we navigate this important transition.

Sincerely,

KIRK H. SCHULZ
System President
Washington State University