On behalf of the Washington State University Board of Regents and the entire Washington State University community, it is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of President Elson S. Floyd, Ph.D. June 20, 2015. He died in Pullman surrounded by family.
While leading WSU to unparalleled growth and success, President Floyd was privately engaged in a battle with cancer. He and his doctors were immensely optimistic throughout that battle. Though his prognosis and outlook remained positive, recently the illness took a more serious turn. Higher education has lost a giant, and the world has lost one of its kindest human beings.
Dr. Floyd’s brilliance and determination on behalf of WSU can best be understood by looking at his work. He led the completion of a $1 billion capital campaign for WSU, successfully built bipartisan support to create a new WSU medical school, and guided the university to its largest enrollment in 125 years. And that was just in the past year. The university’s accomplishments during his tenure are unprecedented, and his legacy will serve the people of Washington, the nation, and the world for generations to come.
In the interest of maintaining momentum on the university’s major initiatives, we have asked Dr. Daniel J. Bernardo, WSU provost and executive vice president, to serve as acting president. We have every confidence in his ability to lead our institution through this transition.
Honoring President Floyd’s accomplishments will undoubtedly take place in many forms. He loved WSU and the entire Coug Nation, and they loved him. Details on how and where we will gather to pay tribute to our leader, colleague, and friend will be forthcoming.
Ryan Durkan
Chair
Washington State University Board of Regents
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