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.
Campus & Community
Outdoor Recreation Center builds community one adventure at a time
WSU’s Outdoor Recreation Center leads more than 100 adventures annually, including a recent leadership retreat for more than 50 students.
Coug tradition brings alumni and their moms back to veterinary school
Three WSU veterinary alumni returned to Pullman this week with their mothers to help second-year students sharpen their communication skills through a 35-year-old training program.
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.
Elevating Cougs spotlights communications tools, tips, and insights
WSU employees can register for the Oct. 21–22 virtual Elevating Cougs conference, featuring sessions on project management, communicating through change, and using university branding tools.
University Affairs
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.
New facility builds on long WSU, USDA partnership to boost agriculture
The new building is more than 20 years in the making and features broad support from ARS scientists, multiple WSU administrations, and Washington congressional members.
WSU’s retention increases as Health Sciences programs grow
Retention of undergraduate students increased by 1.1% while enrollment in health sciences also grew and WSU re-enrolled several hundred students who had previously stopped attending.
WSU and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories launch new wildfire research partnership
The partnership will support development of research needs aligned with specific industry and community priorities.
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
Important Deadlines for the 2027 SmartHealth Incentive
If you are enrolled in a WSU medical plan and continue to be enrolled in 2027, you can qualify for a $125 wellness incentive to be applied toward your medical plan deductible or Health Savings Account. Deadline for the incentive to be applied one-time in January 2027: November 30, 2026, to earn at least 2,000 […]
Coming soon: 2027 Open Enrollment
This year’s Open Enrollment period runs from Oct. 26 through Nov. 23, with employees needing to submit benefit changes in Workday by midnight of the final day.
Awards & Achievements
WSU student journalist picked for New York Times mentorship program
Lucille Stutesman, editor-in-chief of The Daily Evergreen, is the first WSU student selected for The New York Times Corps, a mentorship program pairing aspiring journalists with Times reporters and editors.
Anjan Bose elected International Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering
A globally recognized expert in electric power systems, Bose has helped shape many of the technologies and analytical tools that underpin today’s electric grid.
WSU earns top 100 in U.S. News ranking of best public schools
WSU’s undergraduate international business program is also now among the top-ranked in the nation.
WSU doubles amount of money raised during the Apple Cup Food Pantry Challenge
The number of gifts received, and money donated in support of WSU’s food pantries more than doubled during this year’s Apple Cup Food Pantry Challenge.
Science & Technology
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.
WSU geologist investigates formation of rare earth element deposits
A new National Science Foundation grant is helping WSU researchers investigate how certain geologic systems form critical ore deposits.
Dr. Universe explains why reptile eggs aren’t common at the grocery store
With help from WSU biologist Ryan Wagner, Dr. Universe explores why chicken eggs became a breakfast staple while eggs from turtles, snakes, and lizards generally did not.
President Cantwell named to Gov. Ferguson’s Space Council
The new council’s mission is to advise the governor on how to keep the state competitive in the space industry and improve Washington’s standing as a global leader in the field.
Food & Agriculture
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.
Our Food, Our Farms, Our Washington
WSU’s expanding role in a Washington State Fair exhibit showcases how university research, technology and expertise support the state’s farmers and food systems.
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.
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 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.
Rescue puppy overcomes heart defect, finds forever home with WSU veterinarian
A puppy saved from a hoarding situation has overcome a life-threatening heart defect and found a forever home with the WSU veterinarian who first stepped in as his medical foster.
NIH awards WSU researcher $3M to study inflammatory response during virus infection
WSU researcher Santanu Bose is investigating why the immune response to RSV can damage the lungs, with the goal of finding treatments for RSV and other viral infections.
Arts & Culture
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.
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU opens three new exhibitions exploring nature
Opening Aug. 25, the exhibitions examine the ways artists engage with landscapes, ecosystems, memory, and place — revealing nature not simply as scenery, but as a living force that shapes identity, culture, and imagination.
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
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.
WSU researchers to develop messages to help Washington families store firearms safely
A new grant is helping WSU researchers to work with rural Washington parents to develop and test messages that encourage safe firearm storage in homes with adolescents.
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.
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.