WSU’s Good Samaritan Fund eases veterinary costs for Spokane family after fire
A Spokane family whose barn, chicken house, and pasture were destroyed in the Old Trails Fire no longer has to shoulder the cost of lifesaving surgery for their miniature horse, Dudley.
Campus & Community
Running to remember
Ku Stevens, a member of the WSU Cross Country Team, is preparing to participate in the sixth annual Remembrance Run, an event he and his family launched in 2021.
WSU graduate students, alumni rally to deliver five vans of wildfire relief supplies to Spokane
When devastating wildfires displaced families and strained community resources across the Spokane region, WSU graduate students, alumni, and campus partners responded with remarkable speed and generosity.
WSU medical school alumnus cares for Spokane wildfire evacuees
As wildfires drove Spokane residents from their homes earlier this week, Dr. Brent Conrad went to the evacuation center at Spokane Falls Community College and asked where he was needed.
Celebration of Hirahara Endowments Planned Aug. 17 in Terrell Library
WSU Libraries will celebrate two endowments supporting the preservation and sharing of a historic collection documenting Japanese American incarceration during World War II.
University Affairs
WSU leaders share wildfire resources and ways to help those impacted by Spokane Area Fires
In an Aug. 4 message, WSU leaders shared resources for students and employees affected by the Spokane-area wildfires and outlined ways the university community can help.
Support available for WSU community affected by Spokane-area wildfires
In a message sent to the WSU Health Sciences Spokane community on Aug. 2, university leaders outlined resources for affected students and employees and thanked those responding to the fires.
Master’s degree in artificial intelligence gets underway
A new master’s degree in artificial intelligence being offered this fall at WSU will provide students with skills in AI and machine learning to meet industry needs.
Joy Scourey to transition to senior advisor role ahead of 2027 retirement
After three decades supporting WSU students, Scourey will transition to a senior advisor role Oct. 1 ahead of her planned retirement.
WSU-related Podcasts
From WSU:
Food safety, WSU stories, science answers for kids, and more — listen to podcasts from Washington State University.
About WSU:A selection of programs about Washington State, produced by alumni and friends.
WSU PodcastsBenefits & Training
Register now for Elevating Cougs 2026
Rooted in everyday Coug ingenuity, Elevating Cougs brings employees together for practical learning, meaningful connection, and the confidence to solve problems and elevate everyday work. WSU employees may now register for this year’s Elevating Cougs Conference, which will take place Oct. 21–22, 2026 via Zoom. The event is free to attend for all WSU staff and faculty. Now […]
WSURP Participants Pre-Retirement Seminar
Are you considering retiring? Join a pre-retirement seminar to assist you in your planning. Topics include: Retiree Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance Enrollment Processes Medicare and Social Security Voluntary Employee’s Benefit Association Medical Expense Plan (VEBA MEP) Annual Leave Payment Voluntary Investment Programs Retirement Income Friday, Aug. 7 9–11 a.m. The Zoom link can be found on […]
Awards & Achievements
Inaugural Dean’s Faculty Fellow awards support research, teaching, and outreach projects
Nine CAHNRS scientists are launching innovative projects aimed at advancing research, enriching student learning and improving lives across Washington.
Jennifer Henrichsen wins 2026 Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver Early Career Woman Scholar Award
The Murrow College assistant professor was recognized for her research on some of the challenges facing democracy and her promise as a future leader.
Boyd named to WSAS board; nine WSU scientists elected members
WSU researchers were recently honored by election to the Washington State Academy of Sciences, which serves as the state’s scientific advisory body.
WSU human development professor recognized with industry award
WSU’s Debbie Handy has received the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences’ Distinguished Service Award, recognizing her decades of leadership and service.
Science & Technology
Researchers get first look at how relativity alters a chemical bond
A relationship formed between two professors at WSU years ago has led to a collaboration on ground-breaking confirmation of Einstein’s theory of special relativity.
Model could help communities set effective subsidies for wildfire mitigation
WSU researchers developed formulas to evaluate the effectiveness of subsidies in persuading homeowners to prepare for wildfires.
Dr. Universe explores why humans domesticated wolves but not bears
With help from wildlife biologist Sean Farley, Dr. Universe explains how wolves’ social behavior made them better suited for life alongside early humans.
WSU Extension showcases solar program benefiting rural schools at national conference
A partnership led by WSU Extension that helps rural Washington school districts cut energy costs was recently highlighted at a community development conference in Kansas.
Food & Agriculture
WSU experts available to discuss wildfires
As wildfires affect communities across the Pacific Northwest, WSU researchers and Extension specialists are available to discuss wildfire risks, preparedness, and recovery.
CAHNRS showcases Cougar Gold, honey, wine, and more at local food festival
The mid-summer heat didn’t deter a consistent stream of foodies from stopping by the Cougar-themed tents at this year’s Crave! Northwest festival in Spokane.
WSU study shows nutrient loss in vineyards can be attributed to factors beyond fruit harvest
New WSU research gives grape growers a clearer picture of how to manage fertilizer, potentially boosting vineyard productivity and sustainability across Washington state.
Bucking the Trend:
An ambassador for WSU’s signature apple — and women in science
Kate Evans navigated the male-dominated world of plant breeding to become the face of WSU’s biggest, and tastiest, commercialization project.
Health & Medicine
WSU study: Working from home doesn’t guarantee breastfeeding success
Research challenges conventional wisdom, showing that stay-at-home mothers and those who work remotely face obstacles in sustaining breastfeeding.
Developing AI assistance for diabetes management
The project under way at WSU will help medical practitioners understand how artificial intelligence can assist diabetes patients with glucose tracking and follow‑up care.
Researcher earns $420K grant to study tick-borne disease
The NIH grant to WSU researcher Dana Shaw could pave the way for strategies to stop tick-borne diseases before they reach people or animals.
Study: Food security varies widely across U.S. ethnic groups
Disparities across different communities demonstrate that addressing the lack of consistent access to a healthy diet requires attention to nuance.
Veterinary Medicine
WSU’s Good Samaritan Fund eases veterinary costs for Spokane family after fire
A Spokane family whose barn, chicken house, and pasture were destroyed in the Old Trails Fire no longer has to shoulder the cost of lifesaving surgery for their miniature horse, Dudley.
Jimothy’s internet fame serves as reminder to give wildlife space
Behind the growing social media fan base is a remarkable story of wildlife adaptation and acceptance.
Veterinarian’s virtual 5K raises nearly $14,000 for WSU’s rabies control program in Tanzania
Inspired by a trip to Tanzania, a Colorado veterinarian organized the inaugural virtual event to support canine rabies vaccinations and hopes to make it an annual tradition.
College of Veterinary Medicine Dean Dori Borjesson announces retirement
Borjesson will retire in spring 2027 following seven years of leadership that include major investments in facilities, research, and public health education.
Arts & Culture
‘American Psycho’ author interviews WSU professor about film criticism
Bret Easton Ellis invited WSU English professor Grant Maierhofer onto his podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about film, writing, and creativity.
WSU to host Thursday sendoff concerts for Washington Ambassadors of Music
The musicians will perform two Thursday sendoff concerts at WSU Pullman before departing for a 15‑day European tour.
WSU grad student speaks at Billy Joel event
Blake Love’s admiration for the rock and roll luminary prompted him to answer a call for papers for this year’s Billy Joel Symposium.
Juneteenth holiday part of the full picture of freedom
Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 – June 19th – when enslaved Black Americans in Texas were finally told they were free.
Business & Economics
Sharon Lynch’s journey to tech leadership
In a Washington State Magazine podcast, Modus Create CEO Sharon Lynch reflects on how WSU launched her tech career and shares insights on leadership, AI, and giving back.
Carson College faculty honored among world’s top 100 global hospitality educators
The four faculty members were recognized for expertise spanning restaurant operations, tourism, artificial intelligence, customer experience, and food and beverage management.
Carson College of Business expands certificate offerings to build Washington’s workforce
The new Carson Pro portfolio includes a supply chain management certificate and a partnership with Ziplines Education to offer certificates in fields such as artificial intelligence.
Hospitality scholar Dipra Jha advances global tourism innovation in Tbilisi, Georgia
Jha mentored future tourism leaders in the country and shared insights on how AI, design thinking, and digital innovation are shaping the future of global travel.
Politics & Society
Washington households continue to face food insecurity, survey finds
A statewide survey found that rising prices and uncertainty over federal assistance continue to strain food budgets for Washington households across income levels.
WSU’s Noriko Kawamura appears on ‘World War II with Tom Hanks’
The emeritus history professor was interviewed for a documentary series that looks back on the 20th century’s most devastating conflict.
WSU’s Singh contributes to National Academies report on climate change, extreme weather
The report concludes that it’s increasingly possible to identify how climate change contributes to heat waves, storms, and other extreme weather events.
Foley Distinguished Public Service Award to be received by former Vice President Mike Pence
The Sept. 10 ceremony will feature a keynote address by the former vice president while raising support for WSU’s Thomas S. Foley Institute.
Reports & Updates
Foundations respond to changes in federal funding
Over the past week, several foundations have stepped forward to offer rapid response and bridge funding to help mitigate the impact of grant cancellations.
Message from the President:
Leading with purpose
This is a time to carry forward both resolve and innovative thinking with a healthy dose of Cougar pride.
‘Let’s get to work — together’
President Elizabeth Cantwell thanks the university community in a personal message, sharing her belief that WSU is uniquely positioned not only to adapt — but to lead.
Message from Kirk and Noel Schulz:
Thank you, WSU
On their last day as President and First Lady of Washington State University, Kirk and Noel Schulz extend one final thank you for a memorable nine years.