New WSU research challenges traditional crop rotation thinking
Nearly two decades of WSU research suggest eastern Washington farmers could improve profitability and soil health by growing a wider variety of crops and reducing the time fields are left unplanted.
Campus & Community
Student art exhibition celebrates voices of recovery
The fifth annual Cougs for Recovery Art Exhibition on Nov. 13 will showcase student artwork exploring recovery, identity, and perseverance while fostering connection and belonging.
Navy veteran Patrick Hylton joins his family at WSU Global Campus
After more than 23 years of service in the U.S. Navy, veteran Patrick Hylton is pursuing a degree in data analytics through WSU Global Campus, joining his wife and two oldest children in a family tradition of Cougar education.
Nov. 18: Carson faculty discuss building AI literacy on Adobe podcast
WSU Carson College of Business faculty will share strategies for integrating AI into coursework and preparing students for the workplace during Adobe’s Academic Innovation Café podcast on Nov. 18.
Washington State Magazine celebrates 25 years with anniversary reception
The WSU community is invited to join founding editor Tim Steury, recently retired editor Larry Clark and current staff for a free public gathering Nov. 13 in the Terrell Library Atrium.
University Affairs
Voiland College redesigns first year engineering courses with smaller classes, peer mentors
The new approach gives incoming students more opportunities to develop practical engineering skills while building connections with fellow students and undergraduate mentors.
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.
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 to know — Complete your Workday elections
When making your Open Enrollment elections in Workday, be sure to go to the final page of the process where you are asked to save/print a confirmation page. If you do not get to this page you have not fully submitted your election, and it will not be processed. It is strongly recommended that you […]
IMPORTANT 2027 Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA) Limited FSA Announcement
The IRS has announced an increase to the 2027 maximum allowed pre-tax contribution for flexible spending accounts. Since you already submitted your 2027 FSA/LFSA election for Open Enrollment, please be aware of the following: The annual maximum amount has increased from $3,400 to $3,500. Up to $700 of unused 2027 funds will be available for […]
Awards & Achievements
Trailblazing alumni Scott and Lisa Crump presented with WSU’s highest alumni honor
WSU celebrated Scott and Lisa Crump as they became the latest recipients of the Regents Distinguished Alumni Award
Center for Civic Engagement recognized for downtown Pullman collaboration
A partnership between WSU’s Center for Civic Engagement and the Downtown Pullman Association has earned statewide recognition for connecting hundreds of students with downtown businesses through volunteer projects and community events.
WSU Regent Howard Wright honored for public health work in Guatemala
Later this month, the vice-chair of the WSU Board of Regents will receive an honorary doctorate from the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala and deliver its commencement address to graduating students.
WSU entomologist, newly elected fellow reflects on mentoring students
Newly elected Entomological Society of America fellow and WSU professor David Crowder reflects on his research career and the importance of mentoring the next generation of scientists.
Science & Technology
Post-mortem helpers: WSU students explore forensic importance of insects
With Halloween this weekend, check out how WSU students are exploring the creepy but fascinating world of forensic entomology, where insects can provide valuable clues about when someone died.
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.
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.
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.
Food & Agriculture
New WSU research challenges traditional crop rotation thinking
Nearly two decades of WSU research suggest eastern Washington farmers could improve profitability and soil health by growing a wider variety of crops and reducing the time fields are left unplanted.
WSU study shows different winegrape varieties react similarly to drought
A grapevine’s variety may matter less than previously thought when it comes to drought tolerance, according to new WSU research.
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.
Health & Medicine
An ‘amazing’ partnership: WSU and state join forces to prevent youth substance use
Evaluations conducted by IMPACT Lab show that prevention programs across the state of Washington are slowing rates of substance use among young people.
BRAIN-FIT model shows promise for dementia prevention in rural communities
WSU researchers are bringing comprehensive brain health screenings directly to underserved communities, helping adults identify risk factors and take steps to protect their cognitive health.
WSU Psychology Clinic offers expanded low-cost services and assessments
A private donation is helping the WSU Psychology Clinic expand access to affordable mental health services and psychological assessments for students and Palouse residents while training future psychologists.
WSU researcher works to advance peptide-based male contraceptive toward human trials
A $274,849 grant will help WSU researcher Jon Oatley advance a promising new male contraceptive that targets sperm development toward human clinical trials.
Veterinary Medicine
WSU alumnus shares experiences as a veterinarian in the Vietnam War
Dr. Neill Johnson recalls harrowing encounters with combat and his efforts to protect military dogs and soldiers’ beloved pets during the war.
WSU research could save dogs facing life-threatening bleeding
A new storage method allows canine blood platelets to be refrigerated for up to three weeks, making critical transfusions more accessible to veterinary hospitals.
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.
Arts & Culture
WSU librarian explores what makes a book rare
After studying the history of bookmaking at the University of Virginia, Will Gregg is bringing new insights to WSU’s collection of more than 50,000 rare books.
Four decades of shaping WSU’s visual identity
After 42 years capturing everything from Rose Bowl memories to Palouse sunsets, longtime WSU photographer Bob Hubner reflects on his career behind the lens.
New art micro-galleries to open at Terrell Library Nov. 9
Two formerly unused spaces in WSU’s Terrell Library are being transformed into miniature art galleries featuring original works by two WSU professors.
WSU museum brings art, music and local cuisine together for free after-hours series
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU is bringing together live music, local cuisine and art exhibitions for its free Arts First Thursdays series, returning Nov. 5 and continuing monthly through April.
Business & Economics
Abby McCarthy connects global learning with career goals
When McCarthy began a five-month exchange at City University of Hong Kong, she became the first Carson College of Business student to participate in a bilateral exchange in China since 2019.
Nov. 10: Tax policy expert to speak on navigating Washington state tax policy
Ryan Frost of the Washington Policy Center will discuss the millionaire’s tax, capital gains tax and recent changes to state tax policy during the fall Hoops Tax Institute Forum.
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.
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.
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.
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.