WSU launches new Student Belonging and Success Initiative
The plan calls for smaller, university-supported communities where first-year students on the Pullman campus can build relationships, find support, and adjust to college life.
Good To Know
Campus & Community
Boeing Apple Cup in 2027 moved to Aug. 28
The 2027 Boeing Apple Cup has been moved up to August 28 at Gesa Field in Pullman, Washington State University and the University of Washington announced Monday.
‘Queering the Archives: A Collaborative Art Workshop’ planned Oct. 29
A free workshop Oct. 29 at WSU’s Terrell Library invites participants to explore LGBTQ+ history by creating a community zine using materials from the WSU Queer Archives.
Andrew Thompson to speak at Innovative Leaders Lecture Series
The CEO and co-founder of SMi Systems will share lessons from his career in scientific research and entrepreneurship at 4:10 p.m. on Nov. 2 in Pullman.
WSU baseball great John Olerud honored with statue
A bronze statue of WSU and Major League Baseball great John Olerud was dedicated Friday, Oct. 23, on the university’s Pullman campus.
University Affairs
WSU launches new Student Belonging and Success Initiative
The plan calls for smaller, university-supported communities where first-year students on the Pullman campus can build relationships, find support, and adjust to college life.
Anne Mason named dean of WSU College of Nursing
Mason, who has served as interim dean since September 2025, was selected for the permanent role following a comprehensive internal review and meetings with external stakeholders.
WSU Statewide Campuses names campus directors
WSU has named campus directors for its Everett, Tri-Cities and Vancouver campuses to strengthen local leadership and improve connections between campus communities and university administration.
Colette Casavant selected as executive director for university advising
She brings more than 18 years of higher education leadership experience at both WSU and Seattle University to the role.
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
Pullman Benefits Fair Tomorrow
The Open Enrollment Annual Benefits Fair for Pullman is: Thursday, 10/29/2026 10:00 am – 4:00 pm City of Pullman Parks & Recreation Center 190 SE Crestview St., Pullman, WA 99163 Fair Location: Building B – Gymnasium – Room 405 Please plan to attend and take advantage of the opportunity to speak […]
Life Insurance Special Enrollment Window for PEBB Eligible Employees
WSU benefit-eligible employees may have recently received a letter from MetLife announcing a special enrollment opportunity for you and your family members. MetLife is extending a simplified health evidence process that may not require full insurance underwriting. Key details to be aware of: Special Enrollment Window: Oct 26 and Nov 23. Enrollment and changes to […]
Awards & Achievements
Three WSU faculty members receive Governor’s Outstanding Leadership Award
Gov. Bob Ferguson recently recognized three WSU faculty members with the 2026 Governor’s Outstanding Leadership Award for their accomplishments in public service.
Researchers receive ESWEEK best paper award
The WSU team developed a new hardware architecture that could help AI models such as ChatGPT and Claude run faster while using significantly less energy.
WSU alums changed manufacturing one layer at a time
3D printing pioneers Scott and Lisa Crump are this year’s recipients of the Regents’ Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest alumni honor bestowed by WSU.
WSU’s recognized as leading ‘Finance for the Future’ through Workday development
On Oct. 12, representatives from WSU’s Modernization team accepted the “Finance for the Future” award during Workday’s annual Rising Higher Education Industry Innovation Awards.
Science & Technology
High school science teacher partners with WSU Tri-Cities researchers to explore bioplastics
Katy Andrewjeski spent the summer working with university researchers to explore how agricultural waste can be turned into bioplastics, gaining experience to bring back to her classroom.
Heating Schweitzer Engineering Hall in a novel way
WSU recently completed the initial phase of its first Nodal Utility Plant using approximately $14 million in state support.
Public data exchange rolls out new police use-of-force dashboards
Developed and managed by WSU for the Office of the Attorney General, the dashboards centralize and standardize data received from hundreds of law enforcement agencies statewide.
WSU researchers call for national consortium to battle agriculture cyberthreats
Scientists call for an expansion of research, security measures, and workforce training centered in land-grant universities.
Food & Agriculture
Study addresses honey bee declines after blueberry pollination with new feed supplement
WSU researchers found that a powdered feed supplement increased honey bee colony size, offering a potential way to reduce bee losses following blueberry pollination.
WSU experts to share high-tech solutions for tree fruit at FIRA USA
CAHNRS is a sponsor and strategic partner of the U.S. conference of the International Forum on Robotics and Automation, gathering Oct. 20-22 in Yakima, Washington.
New WSU-backed academy aims to connect science to cities for food production
A new WSU-backed academy will help city leaders use university research to integrate rooftop gardens and other food-production systems into urban development.
Game-week Harvest Markets to share tastes of WSU innovation
Two free Harvest Markets on Sept. 25 and Oct. 2 will showcase WSU-grown foods, student-made products, and agricultural innovations ahead of home football games.
Health & Medicine
Maternal cannabis use may expose infants to harmful compounds through breastmilk
WSU study highlights the need for further study of the health effects of cannabis use during breastfeeding.
‘Highly sensitive’ people may not experience everything more intensely, study suggests
A WSU study found that highly sensitive people respond more strongly to social cues and perceived threats than to everyday physical conditions such as heat, noise or air quality.
Accreditation puts Cougar Health Services among ‘elite’ group nationally
Cougar Health Services has earned another three years of national accreditation, continuing a distinction it has maintained for 30 years.
First Palouse-trained physicians ready to serve
More than a decade after plans for a family medicine residency in Pullman began, WSU and Pullman Regional Hospital have graduated their first two physicians.
Veterinary Medicine
WSU grizzly goes to the dentist
WSU veterinarians performed a root canal on Adak, a 500-pound grizzly bear, saving his damaged tooth and giving veterinary students a rare learning opportunity.
WSU professor Felix Lankester elected to National Academy of Medicine
Lankester’s pioneering work on vaccine delivery and community-based vaccination programs has helped transform rabies prevention and save lives in low-income countries.
WSU to lead a new international livestock initiative with funding of up to $40M
Backed by an initial $9.6 million federal grant, the five-year project will improve livestock health and productivity in six African countries while expanding markets for U.S. agricultural technologies.
Rescued dog finds support through network of Cougar veterinarians
A Spokane rescue dog with neurological damage is living a happier, healthier life thanks to coordinated care from WSU veterinarians and an alumna.
Arts & Culture
DTC students gain experience through student design agency
Projects have ranged from rebranding the Pullman Civic Theatre to creating visual materials for community youth gardens, giving students opportunities to work with real clients while supporting local nonprofits.
Mural inspired by Libraries’ Gallup Collection to be unveiled on Sept. 29
Artist Jiemei Lin’s “Living Archive” brings the Inland Northwest’s rivers, wildlife and outdoor history to Terrell Library, with details drawn from rare fishing books tucked throughout the work. The public is invited to see it at 3 p.m. Sept. 29.
Sept. 17 showcase highlights underground comix collection at MASC
A Sept. 17 showcase at WSU’s Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections will feature underground comix that challenged censorship and explored themes largely excluded from mainstream comics.
WSU musicians help silent films find a new voice
WSU musicians and composers will perform newly commissioned scores for classic films during the Kenworthy’s annual Silent Film Festival on Sept. 2 and 9.
Business & Economics
Carson College student consultants move regional businesses forward
Regional businesses can receive a semester of consulting support from WSU Vancouver business students, guided by faculty and business leaders, at no cost.
Oct 19: Walton Lecture features insights from Starbucks risk management director
Anthony Spacciante, director of risk management for Starbucks, will present “The Places You Can Go: Careers in Risk Management and Insurance” from 5:30–6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19 in Todd Hall 116.
SEL corporate partnership empowers Carson Coug talent development
Through real-world projects, mentorship and internships, SEL gives Carson College students practical experience while building its future workforce.
Carson College of Business appoints Christopher Cooney to lead the Center for Entrepreneurship
Cooney brings extensive experience mentoring student entrepreneurs and connecting them with industry as he works to expand the center’s partnerships, visibility, and reach.
Politics & Society
Misinformation efforts shift to target AI ahead of 2026 midterm elections
Bad actors attempting to influence elections aim to corrupt the answers provided by chatbots and AI summaries atop web browser search results.
WSU students have options for voting in November election
The Thomas S. Foley Institute of Public Policy and Public Service has published a guide explaining how students registered to vote elsewhere in Washington can cast their ballots in Pullman for the Nov. 3 general election.
Foley Institute cosponsors panel debate on Washington’s three 2026 ballot initiatives
Washington voters can hear arguments for and against all three statewide ballot initiatives during a virtual, nonpartisan panel debate Oct. 15.
Armenian journalism students gain newsroom experience in Washington
After helping build a journalism program at the American University of Armenia, WSU recently brought 11 of its master’s students to the Evergreen State to put their training to work in local newsrooms.
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.