Search for WSU’s next president entering the home stretch

Members of the Washington State University Board of Regents reached a consensus on their preferred candidate to serve as the next president of the university during their meeting Friday in Seattle.

In doing so, regents authorized Chair Lisa Keohokalole Schauer to enter into negotiations with the presidential search finalist referred to only as Candidate B during the public portion of the meeting. Schauer said that she anticipates an announcement concerning the naming of the 12^th president of WSU will follow board approval of the negotiated employment contract.

Regents who spoke about their interviews with the three finalists championed Candidate B's leadership experience, passion for land grant institutions, and enthusiasm for serving students, among other exceptional qualities.

"Overall, I found the vision and credentials of Candidate B to be very compelling, and feel that this candidate is the best bet for WSU at this time," Regent Lura Powell said.

Several regents highlighted strong qualities each of the three finalist for the role exhibited, but noted that Candidate B best met the leadership profile developed by the Presidential Search Advisory Committee.

Prior to the discussion of the finalists, Schauer provided an overview of the search to find President Kirk Schulz's successor. More than 200 well-qualified candidates expressed an interest in serving as the next leader of WSU.

Members of the university community continually showed their enthusiasm and willingness to assist PSAC and the regents, providing a deluge of feedback and preferences as to the qualities of the next leader of the university. More than 160 members of the WSU community applied to serve on the search committee, with 25 being selected to evaluate candidates and make recommendations to the Board of Regents.

Regents also approved several other action items brought forward during Friday's meeting:

• Approval of two honorary doctorate recipients
• A 3.3% increase in tuition for students enrolled in the doctor of veterinary medicine program
• An $8.5 million design and construction project for the Dodgen Hot Cell Facility on the Pullman campus
• Revisions to WAC 504-36-020, Health and Safety Regulations Control of Animals
• Approval of one candidate for the Regents Distinguished Alumni Award

Friday's Board of Regents meeting in Seattle was the first for the two newest members:

• Sam Hunt, a WSU alumnus who spent more than two decades as an elected member of the Washington Legislature
• Howard Wright, a Seattle-based entrepreneur and hospitality executive who is a member of the WSU Class of 1976.

Regents heard a number of reports and presentations over the course of two days of meetings in Seattle, including from President Schulz, WSU Vancouver Chancellor Mel Netzhammer, and a cadre of representatives from constituent groups across the university system.

The next meeting of the WSU Board of Regents is scheduled for March 6-7 on the WSU Tri-Cities campus. More information about the WSU Board of Regents is available on the organization's website.