A New Chapter for Washington State University
Washington State University’s land-grant mission has guided us for more than 135 years — fueling opportunity, advancing knowledge, and serving generations of people in Washington. That mission continues to shape our direction as we build a stronger, more connected WSU that is easier to navigate, more responsive to regional needs, and better equipped to serve students, communities, and partners in a rapidly changing world.
Through the System-Wide Redesign, we are strengthening WSU’s ability to serve every region of the state with greater clarity, coordination, and impact. We are moving forward with purpose, as one university system building the future together.
Our goals are clear:
- Protect WSU’s core academic mission
- Prioritize student success
- Sustain our land-grant service and research
- Secure long-term institutional sustainability and innovation
WSU leadership has heard clear calls to streamline administration, prioritize academic programs, and elevate student outcomes. That’s exactly what we’re doing.
This is a necessary structural correction. From academics and programs to research and athletics, we are evolving WSU’s operating model to be more effective, more coordinated, and better positioned to invest in a stronger future. This step is just the first in a long-term effort to ensure WSU thrives.
This work will position us to continue to lead as a modern land-grant university, one capable of solving the most pressing challenges facing our communities, state, and world.
Together, we’re shaping the future of WSU.
Background
Over the past year, the WSU Co-Design Council played a central role in guiding the System-Wide Redesign, helping WSU examine its strengths, challenges, and opportunities as one statewide university system. Their work was informed by more than 1,700 students, faculty, staff, alumni, university leaders, community members, and partners across Washington who shared their perspectives through discovery sessions, workshops, and co-design conversations. Together, this input helped shape five strategic recommendations that will guide the next phase of work and move WSU toward a more coordinated, responsive, and connected university system.
Strategic Recommendations
Operating System
Decision Making Authority
The opportunity
To establish a systemwide decision authority and responsibility framework that replaces informal, influence-based decisions with transparent, consistent role-defined authority.
Operational + Org Structures
The opportunity
To implement a centrally coordinated, locally embedded organizational model that standardizes operations through standard operating procedures, workflows, and processes while preserving campus-level execution.
Data & Investments
The opportunity
To refine its systemwide KPI measures and develop a data framework that aligns metrics, funding decisions, and performance accountability.
Value Creation
WSU Your Way
The opportunity
To create a seamless, systemwide learner experience that allows students to move fluidly across programs, campuses, and modalities.
Regionally Responsive WSU
The opportunity
To establish a coordinated regional engagement model aligning regional needs and external partnerships with system priorities.
Presidential Updates
Building tomorrow’s WSU
2025–2026 Impact in Action Report
Moving forward with purpose
Integration & Institutional Agility
Building a Unified, Efficient, and Adaptable WSU
WSU is a system with many parts. Redeveloping our institutional structures enables us to better serve the university’s academic, research, and service goals. These improvements standardize operations, enhance accountability, and build an administrative function that adds clear value to the WSU mission.
WSU names Sandra Haynes EVP for statewide campuses
Jon Haarlow to lead Washington State Athletics
Terri Parr Wynecoop appointed as permanent WSU executive director & presidential liaison for Tribal relations
Academic Excellence & Modernization
Reimagining Offerings for a New Era of Education
A strong academic core is essential to our long-term success. WSU is aligning academic investments with the evolving needs of Washington’s workforce by modernizing curriculum and prioritizing high-demand majors and programs that prepare students for careers in critical sectors.
These decisions reflect a commitment to student success, economic impact, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
Journalism professor to serve as Faculty Senate chair‑elect
Catherine ‘Katie’ Cooper named vice provost for faculty affairs and development
WSU Everett Chancellor Paul Pitre leaving a legacy of growth
Cougar Identity & Experience
Fostering Community and Lifelong Engagement
The WSU Cougar identity is built on determination, excellence, and togetherness. Investments in WSU’s visibility and reputation drive student recruitment and retention, as well as institutional pride and alumni engagement.
WSU and Colville Tribes announce historic partnership
ESPN partnership expands Pac‑12’s media reach
Promotions and tenure announced for 2026
Strategic Investments & Impact
Aligning Resources to Increase Sustainability and Drive Outcomes
WSU is making strategic investments in areas that reflect our key priorities: student success, academic excellence, and innovation with real-world impact.
Understand the steps we are taking to ensure WSU remains not only relevant—but indispensable—to the people we serve.