About the Office of the Provost
The provost and executive vice president (provost/EVP) serves as the chief academic officer, providing strong, dynamic academic leadership for Washington State University (WSU).
Our Purpose
The Office of the Provost guides the university’s overall academic mission, ensuring the success of its students and faculty.
Led by the Provost and Executive Vice President—the institution’s chief academic officer—the office works closely with the president, deans, faculty, student affairs, and academic and administrative units to shape and elevate the academic enterprise and student experience. 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 Cougs.
Our Roles and Responsibilities
The Provost and Executive Vice President serves as the Chief Academic Officer for the WSU system, overseeing academic and student activities, developing long-term academic planning, and administering policy. Our responsibilities include advancing academic excellence, supporting teaching and research, fostering student success, and ensuring alignment with WSU’s land-grant mission.
The office’s portfolio (detailed below) spans a broad range of reporting units, including all 11 of WSU’s academic colleges.
Our Portfolio
- Access and Opportunity
- Academic Affairs and Administration
- Enrollment Management
- Faculty Development and Recognition
- Graduate and Professional Education
- Health Sciences
- Institutional Research
- International Programs
- Military Science
- Native American Programs
- Student Affairs
- Undergraduate Education
- University Ombuds
Access and Opportunity
Access and opportunity at WSU reflect an intentional, outcomes-driven commitment to removing barriers, designing responsive and inclusive environments, and ensuring that all individuals—whose identities and lived experiences span many intersecting factors—can fully participate in the university’s academic, research, and service missions.
Enrollment Management
At WSU, Enrollment Management plays a central role in advancing the university’s mission by recruiting, admitting, enrolling, and supporting a diverse and well‑prepared student population from initial outreach through graduation. We integrate admissions, new student enrollment, financial aid, registration, records, and enrollment‑related information technology to ensure students can successfully navigate each stage of the student lifecycle.
Graduate and Professional Education
Graduate and professional education at WSU advances the university’s land‑grant and research missions by preparing advanced scholars and practitioners to lead, discover, and serve across disciplines and communities. Overseen by our office, WSU’s graduate and professional enterprise encompasses master’s, doctoral, and professional degree programs delivered across multiple campuses, extension sites, and research centers, with a strong emphasis on high‑impact research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional development.
International Programs
Our office enables every WSU student to graduate with a rich understanding of different cultures and nations by bringing international students and scholars to our campuses and sending students abroad to advance their studies. We also work with academic institutions, governments, and other organizations worldwide to build strategic partnerships that advance research and discovery.
Military Science
Overseen by our office, the Department of Military Science at WSU develops future leaders through the Air Force ROTC, Army ROTC, and Naval ROTC programs, offering students hands-on leadership training, military science coursework, physical conditioning, and field experiences that prepare them for service. The unit emphasizes character, discipline, teamwork, and academic success, while providing scholarships and career pathways for students interested in military or civilian leadership roles. Military Science plays an important role in supporting WSU’s land-grant mission by cultivating service-oriented leaders equipped to contribute to their communities and the nation.
Student Affairs
Our office is committed to creating opportunities for all Cougs to learn, lead, and grow. We provide programs and services centered on whole-person wellness, leadership, and civic engagement that help students discover their path. This portfolio includes student access and opportunity, housing, residence life, dining, engagement, student health, community standards, recreation, and the Dean of Students.
University Ombuds
Housed within our office, the primary purpose of the Office of the University Ombuds is to protect the interests, rights, and privileges of students, staff, and faculty at all levels of university operations and programs. The ombuds is designated by the university to function as an impartial and neutral resource to assist all members of the university community. The ombuds provides information relating to university policies and procedures and facilitates the resolution of problems and grievances through informal investigation and mediation. The office does not replace or supersede other university grievances, complaint, or appeal procedures.
Academic Affairs and Administration
Our office leads and coordinates short, medium, and long-term strategic initiatives that strengthen operational effectiveness, investment, and growth. This includes the administration of key faculty processes—including tenure and promotion, third-year intensive review, annual review, professional leave, and faculty disciplinary matters—in alignment with the Faculty Manual and in partnership with units across the institution and the Attorney General’s Office.
Faculty Development and Recognition
Our office supports WSU instructors systemwide by providing high impact programs that strengthen teaching excellence, foster professional growth, and celebrate faculty achievements. Examples include evidence-based professional development such as multiday teaching bootcamps and the annual ELEVATE conference, which helps faculty engage learners, enhance voices, and elevate instructional practices. We expand access to national resources and collaborate with partners across WSU to build a connected, supportive academic community.
Health Sciences
Health sciences at WSU advance education, research, and service aimed at improving human and animal health, with a strong emphasis on community impact and interprofessional collaboration. Our health science programs prepare physicians, nurses, pharmacists, veterinarians, researchers, and health professionals through integrated learning, community‑based clinical experiences, and research that addresses healthcare access, workforce needs, and health equity—particularly in rural and underserved communities across Washington state.
Institutional Research
Our office supports data-informed decision-making across WSU by collecting, analyzing, and reporting key institutional data related to enrollment, student success, academic programs, and operational performance. The office provides analytics, dashboards, and official reporting to state and federal agencies while helping academic and administrative units interpret trends, assess outcomes, and improve planning. Through accurate, accessible data and meaningful insights, Institutional Research strengthens transparency, supports accreditation, and empowers leaders to advance WSU’s mission and strategic priorities.
Native American Programs
Our office works diligently to increase Native American student recruitment and retention, and also coordinates with tribes to promote initiatives on the WSU campus that benefit Native students and encourage responsible research and interaction with tribes. Recognizing the sovereign and unique status of each tribe, WSU is committed to educational dialogue and collaboration with the tribes built on partnership and respect.
Undergraduate Education
Undergraduate Education at WSU supports the academic and cocurricular experiences that shape students’ foundational learning. This includes advancing high-impact educational practices, strengthening general education, and partnering with faculty and campus units to promote student engagement, academic success, and timely degree completion. Through initiatives that enhance teaching, support student belonging, and expand access to transformative learning opportunities, our office helps ensure every WSU student is well prepared for academic achievement, personal growth, and future career success.