Dear colleagues,
I hope this email finds you well and enjoying spring.
Earlier this year, I shared that Vice Provost Romando Nash has stepped into the leadership role overseeing student affairs in Spokane. Following further assessment and consultation with campus and university leadership, Student Affairs and Enrollment Management have moved to separate reporting structures under Romando and Saichi Oba (vice provost for enrollment management), respectively. This alignment allows us to better leverage the distinct expertise within each area while maintaining strong collaboration across teams. Following the departure of Peter Gitau (vice chancellor for student affairs), the Student Affairs teams at WSU Spokane have temporarily moved under the leadership of Kim Mickey (interim director for enrollment management) and Kim Holapa, (senior associate vice provost for student affairs). This transition reflects our broader, ongoing efforts to ensure that leadership structures best support collaboration, responsiveness, and long-term growth.
As shared in February, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine Dean Jim Record has shared his intent to return to the faculty. I am grateful for Jim’s leadership, accomplishments, and continued partnership as we begin a national search for his successor. We are concurrently finalizing the formation of the search advisory committee and the selection of an executive search firm and will announce committee membership later this month. The search webpage will continue to be updated as new information becomes available.
I recognize that periods of change can bring uncertainty. I deeply appreciate your continued commitment to our students, to one another, and to WSU. In my message to the campus this spring, I shared an update on the Health Sciences leadership team. I’m grateful to these individuals and for their oversight and ongoing assessment aimed at improving the campus’ financial health, developing strong partnership and support of the three health science colleges, and aligning our efforts with WSU’s land-grant mission. I continue to maintain oversight of all campus operations, working closely with Leslie Brunelli (executive vice president for finance and operations) to ensure that our campus and programs remain effective, efficient, and responsive.
In addition, I am working with Jeff Haney (senior vice provost for health sciences) and Deans Akers, Mason, and Record to develop a strategic roadmap for health sciences. Jeff is leading engagement with current and prospective external partners to strengthen interprofessional education and to identify strategic growth opportunities that serve communities across Washington state. He is also overseeing campus-specific philanthropic priorities.
As we approach the end of the semester, I want to offer a huge congratulations to our Pharmacy and Medical students who matched for residencies this past month! Thank you to all our faculty, staff, and alumni who have taught, mentored, supported, and served as cheerleaders for these incredible students.
I also want to extend a note of congratulations to our faculty who were promoted and/or granted tenure this year. Having been through the process myself, I know how demanding it can be, and I am grateful for the extraordinary contributions of our faculty. A special congratulations to John Roll (professor in the College of Medicine) on being named a Regents Professor, the university’s highest faculty rank. I am also pleased to recognize two additional Health Sciences Showcase honorees:
- Kimberly Cufley (KC), Administrative Manager, Department of Community and Behavioral Health; 2026 President’s Employee Excellence Awardee
- Oladunni Oluwoye, Associate Professor, Department of Community and Behavioral Health; 2026 Faculty Mid-Career Awardee
Finally, I hope you will join President Cantwell and me for the WSU Spokane Presidential Listening Sessions next Friday (April 24). Your perspectives, ideas, and feedback are essential as the university works to strengthen its impact and ensure long-term success.
Thank you for all you do each day to support our students and one another. I am grateful to be part of this community and to work alongside you.
Best regards,
Chris
Chris Riley-Tillman
Provost and Executive Vice President