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.
Good To Know
Campus & Community
‘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, including the challenges of turning laboratory discoveries into successful businesses, Nov. 2 at 4:10 p.m. in Fulmer Hall.
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.
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.
University Affairs
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.
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-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
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 […]
2027 Open Enrollment Now Open
Open Enrollment 2027 is now open! This is the one time each year when you can change your medical, dental or vision plans, add or waive eligible dependents from your coverage, enroll/re-enroll in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Limited FSA, and/or Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) for 2027, and re-attest to the spousal surcharge […]
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
A high school science teacher and WSU Tri-Cities alumna spent the summer working with university researchers to explore how agricultural waste can be turned into bioplastics, gaining hands-on 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
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.
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.
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
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.