Office of the Provost

The Office of the Provost serves as the chief academic leadership hub for Washington State University, guiding the university’s overall academic mission. Led by the Provost and Executive Vice President—the institution’s chief academic officer—the office works closely with the president, deans, faculty, and academic and administrative units to shape and elevate the academic enterprise. Its responsibilities include advancing academic excellence, supporting teaching and research, fostering student success, and ensuring alignment with WSU’s land‑grant mission. Through collaborative leadership and data‑informed decision‑making, the Office of the Provost stewards the academic direction of the university and helps chart a strong, sustainable future for all WSU campuses.

T. Chris Riley-Tillman joined WSU as provost and executive vice president in July 2024. Prior to WSU, Dr. Riley-Tillman was the Dean of the College of Education & Human Development at the University of Missouri. He held the Joanne H. Hook Dean’s Chair in Educational Renewal and was a Professor in the Department of Educational, School & Counseling Psychology. Dr. Riley-Tillman’s scholarship is rooted in identifying effective educational strategies. He is the co-developer of Direct Behavior Ratings, a process for teachers to identify and respond to the needs of students.

Meet Provost Riley-Tillman