November 2025
|
|
Dear colleagues,
As we near the end of a semester and wrap up a tumultuous year, I am continuously gobsmacked by the engagement of our students, and the incredible teaching, work, research, and creative activities performed every day by our faculty and staff.
While I had planned to share a few timely updates in this month’s newsletter, after discussions with our deans and university leaders, I really want to focus on celebrating some of the students, faculty, and staff who are going above and beyond in support of WSU and our land-grant mission, and it turns out both can happen! Please check out the important news and information at the bottom of this email AND join me in recognizing the following individuals from across the system – and check out why they’re getting a special shout out on our new Cougar Kudos webpage:
- Bryce Battisti, Lecturer, Chelan County Extension
- Peter J. Brunke, Lt Col, PhD, USAF, Commander, Air Force ROTC Det 905; Scott Brunson, Captain, Professor of Naval Science, Commanding Officer; and Jeramy R. Norland, LTC, AV, Professor of Military Science
- Harley Clever, Extension Coordinator, Klickitat County Extension
- Whitney Dixon, Finance/Budget Manager, WSU Extension
- Joelle Edwards, Director of Native American Student Services, Office of Native American Programs
- Diane Garrett, Admissions Specialist, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
- Anya Guy, Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy
- Morgan Harp, Faculty Program Specialist, College of Arts and Sciences
- Abby Hayden, DVM student, College of Veterinary Medicine
- Vicente Hernandez, Peer Mentor Lead and Program Assistant, Cougs Rise
- Alena Hume, Student Services Coordinator/Advisor, Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
- David Jenson, Interim Chair, Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences
- Kairis Jimenez, Campus Admission & Transition Counselor and Tracey Spencer, Student Services Coordinator/Advisor 2, Orientation & Transition Program
- Ken Lokensgard, Co-Director of the Center for Native American Research and Collaboration, Office of Native American Programs
- Julie Lusby, Administrative Manager, WSU Extension
- Jon Manwaring, Assistant Director, Learning Innovations, Office of the Provost
- Sreya Mukherjee, Graduate Student, History
- Joshua Neumiller, Professor and Interim Chair, Department of Pharmacotherapy
- Cheryl Oliver, Associate Dean for Professional Programs, Carson College of Business
- Noushyar Panahpour Eslami, M3 Student, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
- Nick Pappin, Assistant Director for Digital Initiatives, WSU Extension
- Hailey Patchett, Undergraduate Student, Microbiology
- Kristine Perry, Interim County Director, Clark County Extension
- Carolyn Russo, 4-H Extension Coordinator, Grant County Extension
- Beverly Sarles, Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Program Coordinator, Pend Oreille County Extension
- Amit Sharma, Extension Director, Jefferson County Extension
- Kristi Tippett, Director, WSU ROAR, College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences
- Jessica Willoughby, Professor, Edward R. Murrow College of Communication
- Cole Wilson, Undergraduate Student, Computer Science
- Vikram Yadama, Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Additionally, I want to add a note of gratitude to our colleagues supporting fundamental needs, often behind the scenes.
- Since August, more than 2,100 individual students have made over 11,000 visits to the Cougar Food Pantry in Pullman.
- During Apple Cup week, WSU and UW participated in a Food Pantry Challenge, in which WSU came out victorious, securing $12,677 for our student food pantries across the system.
- Recognizing the growing need in the Pullman community, the Interfraternity Council at WSU is hosting a Greek chapter-wide food drive. To help amplify the impact, IFC has committed to doubling every donation made. And they’ve pledged a minimum of $3,000 to purchase the highest-need items identified by Pullman Child Welfare.
- The Student Care Team, in partnership with Student Financial Services, has supported 23 students with $11,250 of student emergency needs this fall semester. These privately supported funds allow us to cover unexpected costs a student may experience.
To these dedicated individuals, and all our students, faculty, staff – THANK YOU! Wishing you all the best for a successful and productive remainder of your semester.
Best regards,
Chris
T. Chris Riley-Tillman
Provost and Executive Vice President
|
|
|
|
|
STUDENT SUCCESS HIGHLIGHTS
|
|
|
|
Career Ready, World Ready Initiative launches
The College of Arts and Sciences is a launching the Career Ready, World Ready initiative. Rooted in WSU’s land-grant mission, this college-wide effort will help students translate the breadth and depth of an arts and sciences education into professional success, connecting classroom learning with the real-world skills, perspectives, and adaptability that today’s employers seek.
Passport to College achieves continued growth and strong student outcomes
WSU Passport to College, which serves former foster youth and unaccompanied homeless students has had another year of remarkable success. Since 2020-21, Passport to College has grown from 58 scholars at WSU to a projected 358 in 2025-26. Program outcomes highlight both the remarkable achievements of Passport scholars and the power of coordinated institutional support. Eighty four percent of participants persisted at WSU, up from 67% just four years ago. Collaboration with Student Financial Services, ASCC, colleges, and partners across all WSU campuses has enhanced the ability to remove barriers, coordinate resources, and ensure Passport scholars receive support across the system.
Undergraduate Research Award applications are open
Undergraduate Research Awards at Washington State University provide funding for students in all majors and on all campuses who are engaged in mentored research, scholarship, or creative activities. These awards are designed to support students at all experience levels—from those just starting out to those already working on projects. The deadline to apply is January 31, 2026.
|
|
|
Peer Educator Training Program achieves Level III credentialing and renewed certification
The Office of Academic Engagement’s Peer Educator Training Program has achieved the Level III certification through the College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA) Peer Educator Training Certification Program, the international gold standard for peer support training. In addition, the program’s certification has been renewed for another two years, affirming WSU’s continued commitment to excellence in peer mentorship. In 2025, 23 undergraduate student employees completed the CRLA Peer Educator Training Program. The rigorous training equips peer mentors to support fellow Cougs, respond effectively to students in crisis, and contribute to ongoing program evaluation efforts. GPSA Research Expo and SURCA now accepting abstracts Abstract submission is now open for the GPSA Research Expo and the Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (SURCA). Students from all disciplines are encouraged to submit an abstract outlining their research for the opportunity to present and compete for scholarships.
Cougar Money Matters support renewed
Cougar Money Matters (CMM) WSU’s free financial education program for all Cougs — had its sponsorship renewed with BECU. So far this fall, CMM’s team of student and professional staff have provided 70+ hours of advising and counseling and 46 workshops, while helping Cougs complete 440 courses through CMM online. This year, CMM will award 50 scholarships of $250 each and expand its systemwide workshop offerings. BECU’s support has allowed WSU to expand its Invest in Cougs matched savings program, growing participation from 110 to 210 students annually.
|
|
|
COLLEGE AND UNIT HIGHLIGHTS
|
|
|
|
Murrow develops teaching resources for high school educators
The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication has launched The Murrow Standard—a dynamic suite of high school journalism teaching materials inspired by the College’s Symposium panels and keynotes. Featuring video clips, discussion prompts, and ethical dilemma role-play exercises, the resource has been enthusiastically embraced by educators. The Washington Journalism Education Association has distributed the materials to high school journalism educators nationwide.
CCB leadership advises on workforce development
Dean Debbie Compeau and other Carson leaders are regularly providing thought leadership to business and higher education audiences. Compeau recently served on a panel hosted by the Puget Sound Business Journal, along with leaders from Microsoft and Accenture, to discuss the future of workforce development.
CVM researcher featured in National Geographic
Dr. Heiko Jansen was featured in a recent article in National Geographic for his work studying grizzly bears in hibernation. Dr. Jansen’s research is being utilized to study the possibility of human hibernation, results of which could have tremendous lifesaving impacts for humans – and set the stage for long-duration spaceflight.
|
|
|
ProQuest agreement adds over 530,000 e-books to Libraries’ collections
WSU Libraries recently entered an agreement with ProQuest to add over 530,000 e-books to their collections—bringing the libraries’ total to more than 810,000 titles on the ProQuest Ebook Central platform. The e-books support unlimited simultaneous users and are ideal for course integration. They are now discoverable in Search It, and the platform also features a beta version of an artificial intelligence tool called Research Assistant.
College of Nursing highlights graduates’ accomplishments
The WSU College of Nursing hosted its Fall Honors Presentation Symposium on November 6, 2025 in the Spokane campus nursing building, highlighting the research and scholarship of graduating nursing honors students: Jessi Macrae and Emma Peterson. Through poster presentations, students shared their thesis projects and engaged with faculty, peers, and community members on critical health topics.
|
|
|
|
|
Building clarity, connection, and continuity through program assessment
The Department of Anthropology, in partnership with ACE (Office of Assessment for Curricular Effectiveness), enhanced program-level assessment by clarifying student learning outcomes, aligning measures, and leveraging results to improve curriculum and engagement. Key actions included revising student learning outcomes, streamlining multi-campus data collection, embedding career resources into coursework, and integrating assessment with curriculum oversight. This faculty-driven approach demonstrates how intentional, collaborative practices can foster continuous improvement and better support student learning. ACE is available to consult with undergraduate degree programs to tailor program assessment approaches to best meet the needs of the program; contact ACE for additional information.
ADVANCE Grants are available ADVANCE at WSU has numerous grants available for faculty ranging from external mentorship support to travel assistance. Learn more about the available options and apply by Dec. 1 to meet the priority application deadline.
|
|
|
Institutional Research launches Labor Market Insights Reports
The Office of Institutional Research offers program insight reports to assist campuses, colleges, and units with program consideration, new program proposals, or to review their existing programs. These reports utilize real labor market insight to connect WSU’s programs to Washington’s workforce, helping our programs remain relevant, competitive, and impactful.
WORD Fellows Program seeking applicants
The WSU Writing Program invites faculty systemwide to apply to be members of the WORD Fellows cohort for spring 2026. The WORD Fellows program supports faculty across all disciplines in their efforts to teach students to write more effectively in their courses and their major, while also promoting deep learning of disciplinary content in the process. Applications are due Dec. 1.
Academic Showcase now accepting abstract submissions
Academic Showcase is WSU’s premier poster session celebrating faculty, staff, and graduate/professional student research and creative work. Submit your abstract by Jan. 21, 2026.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
