PULLMAN, WA – Washington State University faculty, staff, and students across the state will have the opportunity to meet our new President, Dr. Elizabeth “Betsy” R. Cantwell during her very first week in office.

President Cantwell announced she will take a ‘whistle-stop’ tour across Washington State University. During her first week, faculty, staff, and students at all WSU campus locations will have the opportunity to connect with her through welcome receptions, campus tours, and meetings. This brief tour, beginning in Tri-Cities and concluding in Pullman, is designed to launch a series of engagements, allowing President Cantwell to quickly begin understanding the unique contributions of each campus, college, research center, and extension location serving our land-grant mission and the entire state of Washington.

“I am eager to learn more about Washington State and how each component part contributes to the entire university system and creates value throughout the state and beyond — through vital education, student support services and so much more. This tour is just the beginning of our shared journey,” stated Cantwell. She also expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome from the Cougar community, stating, “The outpouring of support has been incredible. I look forward to meeting more of our talented faculty, staff, and students in the coming weeks ahead.”

This tour is just the beginning of our shared journey….I look forward to meeting more of our talented faculty, staff, and students in the coming weeks ahead.

Dr. Elizabeth “Betsy” R. Cantwell, incoming president
Washington State University

Cantwell acknowledged the rapidly shifting federal landscape and its impact on research funding at universities — including WSU with its strong R1 research portfolio and medical school. She stated, “I am keenly aware, as are you, that we must become more agile and prepared for these changes. I also understand that this rapidly shifting environment can cause anxiety. To address these and other such challenges, we will establish new communication methods, including ‘Cougar Teams,’ to collaboratively tackle these issues.”

While these initial visits will be brief, President Cantwell is committed to establishing a regular cadence of campus visits. To further foster open dialogue, she plans to hold extensive listening sessions this fall with faculty, staff, and students — both undergraduate and graduate, to learn more and deeply understand how best to serve and build Washington State for generations to come.

“I am dedicated to start building vital connections now,” reported Cantwell, “I look forward to leading and ensuring that our university thrives in this dynamic environment — while supporting each member of our Cougar community.”

The full schedule of welcome receptions can be found below.