Cantwell takes the helm at WSU

RICHLAND – Elizabeth “Betsy” Cantwell officially began her tenure as the 12th president of Washington State University April 1, marking a new chapter for the institution founded under the land-grant mission to provide accessible education and enhance the quality of life for communities across the state. Cantwell is the first woman to serve as president. 

“I may be the first woman to be president, but I don’t think that was intentional,” Cantwell said. “At this time, the most qualified person to hold this role was a woman. These universities have esteemed female professors and scholars, so I don’t believe it was intentional. I don’t think I am breaking any glass ceilings, I think plenty of women before me broke that.”  

Cantwell, selected after a nationwide search, succeeds Kirk Schulz, who served for nine years. The WSU Board of Regents praised Cantwell’s leadership experience, her passion for land-grant education, and her commitment to serving students.  

“Part of my commitment to WSU as a land-grant institution is ensuring that no matter what career stage someone is at, they will have access to WSU programs that will meet their needs, and by extension, the needs of our state and region,” Cantwell said. 

Within her first 100 days in office, Cantwell plans to embark on a “whistle-stop” tour across WSU’s system, visiting each campus to engage with faculty, staff, and students.  

“I am eager to learn more about Washington State and how each component part contributes to the entire university system,” she said. “This tour is just the beginning of our shared journey.” 

Cantwell said she cannot pick a favorite campus though.  

“I wouldn’t be a good parent if I picked a favorite,” she said.  

Cantwell’s personal commitment to access and opportunity in education aligns with WSU’s long-standing mission to serve the public good, she said.  

“It’s a misnomer to think that career ambitions are linear,” she said, acknowledging the twists and turns many individuals face in their professional lives.  

Her own journey reflects this sentiment; after starting her education at the University of Chicago at 16 years of age, she pivoted to engineering, a field she pursued after acquiring necessary skills at a community college and later earning her PhD through work with NASA. 

Reflecting on her career in higher education, Cantwell noted that public universities play a crucial role in “developing people who can operate in a democratic republic.”  

She expressed enthusiasm for WSU’s reputation as a leading land-grant institution and its influence in fields such as agriculture and engineering.  

“This is one of the most auspicious land-grant brands in the United States,” she said, underscoring WSU’s commitment to tackling pressing issues in society. 

Under Cantwell’s leadership, WSU aims to adapt to the changing landscape of higher education, which is increasingly influenced by federal funding uncertainties and economic challenges. As part of her initial strategy, Cantwell plans to establish small design teams, alongside Provost and Executive Vice President Chris Riley-Tillman, to address some of the most pressing issues facing the university.  

“We need to merge our research with the needs of private partners to bolster the economy of Washington and its surrounding regions,” she said. 

Upon her arrival, Cantwell initiated strategies to enhance communication across all levels of the university.  

“I am keenly aware that we must become more agile and prepared for these changes,” she added, acknowledging the anxiety such transitions can invoke in university faculty, students and employees.  

WSU is facing significant financial pressures, due in part to shifting federal policies and a tightening state budget. University officials announced earlier that short-term measures, such as pauses on non-essential hiring and reductions in discretionary spending, would be necessary to navigate these challenges. 

However, Cantwell said she is determined to ensure that these decisions do not undermine WSU’s core mission to serve students, faculty, and the broader community. 

“My great thanks again to the regents and the members of the search committee. I want you to know that I am here to listen, to learn, and to lead — in that order,” Cantwell stated during her first address to the WSU community. She emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “We will be defined by how we come together to design what’s next.” 

As the new president, Cantwell said her goal is to shape the university’s future while reinforcing its commitment to accessibility and excellence in higher education.  

“We have a lot of work ahead of us, with funding and athletics, however, we are a strong university ready to tackle the challenge,” she said.  

For more updates, the Office of the President will launch a presidential transition website detailing Cantwell’s initiatives and opportunities to engage with the WSU community. 

“Go Cougs,” Cantwell said. “Let’s accomplish great things, together,”