Why endometriosis causes such chronic debilitating pain
A new WSU study shows that repeated inflammation from endometriosis can rewire the brain and nervous system, helping explain why debilitating pain often persists even after lesions are gone.
Campus & Community
Temple Grandin to give inaugural Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean’s Distinguished Lecture
Grandin, an internationally renowned author, inventor, and autism advocate, will speak from 6–7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, in the CUB Senior Ballroom at WSU Pullman.
Students tackle real-world problems in statewide public health competition
A team of six peer health educators on the WSU Pullman campus are finalists in a statewide competition and are vying for a $5,000 grant to implement their ideas.
April 17: WSU AMDT Fashion Show to shine spotlight on student creations
The hard work and creativity of 21 WSU students will be on full display as models strut the runway at this year’s fashion show.
Greek Week success provides big support for Pullman downtown businesses
WSU students contributed more than 250 hours of service and raised over $10,000 to support Pullman businesses, strengthening ties between campus and the community.
University Affairs
WSU celebrates #CougsGive on April 15
The popular event runs from midnight to midnight and features live campaign counting, a donor wall, unlockable special match and challenge gifts, and leaderboards highlighting daily results.
WSU names Sandra Haynes EVP for statewide campuses
The new role aligns leadership and operations at Everett, Tri‑Cities, and Vancouver campuses to better serve students, communities, and workforce needs across Washington.
Jon Haarlow to lead Washington State Athletics
Haarlow, who has served as interim athletic director since Nov. 12, 2025, will be introduced at a press conference in the Alger Family Club Room at Gesa Field Monday, April 20, at 11 a.m.
Construction begins for new WSU Plant Growth Facility
Construction of the $18 million, 24,000-square-foot facility is expected to wrap up in a year, with an opening planned for summer 2027.
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
Pre‑retirement seminars — Spring 2026
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 Retirement Supplementation for WSURP participants These seminars are split into separate sessions […]
TIAA consultant on Pullman campus April and June dates
Do you know how much you can contribute to your retirement account for 2026? Are you wondering if you are on track for your retirement? Feeling a bit lost on how to invest your funds? Do you need help adjusting your VIP contribution amount for 2026? TIAA Consultant Eli Jenkins will be on the Pullman campus on […]
Awards & Achievements
Paul Hirzel receives lifetime achievement award
WSU emeritus professor and alumnus Paul Hirzel has received the Inland Northwest Architectural Foundation’s lifetime achievement award, recognizing decades of influential design work.
Donor-funded $2 million scholarship match supports future doctors at WSU College of Medicine
The funding, provided by longtime WSU supporters Tom and Barbara Wilson and first-time donor Barbara Stephanus, will match philanthropic contributions to student scholarships through the college’s Medicine Multiplied campaign.
Two WSU professors among 2025 AAAS Fellows
Michael Court, an emeritus professor with the College of Veterinary Medicine and Michael Neff, a professor of crop biotechnology, were announced today as 2025 AAAS Fellows.
College of Veterinary Medicine researcher awarded competitive Microsoft Research Fellowship
Sascha Duttke has been awarded a prestigious Microsoft Research Fellowship with a stipend to further his work into decoding DNA’s “spatial grammar.”
Science & Technology
Nvidia grant will support AI for teaching and learning
A new industry-supported project will have WSU students help build and test an AI-powered virtual teaching assistant designed to make learning more interactive.
New tech allows WSU professor to boost tracking of monarch butterflies
New high-tech tracking tags are helping a WSU scientist follow monarch butterflies in near real time, offering new clues about their mysterious migration routes and how to better support their survival.
Science confirms torpedo bat works as well as regular bat
Lab tests show the much-hyped torpedo bat offers no real power advantage over traditional designs, with only a slight shift in the sweet spot that may suit certain hitters.
Baseball’s ABS Challenge is an offshoot of WSU’s work
Major League Baseball has an exciting new wrinkle this season, one that depends on work done by WSU’s Sports Science Laboratory.
Food & Agriculture
WSU bee scientist hosting international pollinator conference in Pullman
The June conference will bring global experts together for the first North American meeting of a group focused on tackling honey bee colony collapse around the world.
Extreme microbe may change how apples are protected
A compound derived from an extreme microbe is being tested by WSU researchers as a potential new way to protect apples from fire blight and Listeria.
In a camper down by the river: WSU students spend spring break helping cows
Students traded spring break trips for hands‑on experience caring for calves in a rugged Snake River pasture, gaining real-world training in animal science and veterinary medicine.
Dr. Universe explains why some apple trees produce more fruit than others
The university’s resident feline scientist explores how pollination, weather, and genetics determine whether apple trees yield a bumper crop or come up empty.
Health & Medicine
Why endometriosis causes such chronic debilitating pain
A new WSU study shows that repeated inflammation from endometriosis can rewire the brain and nervous system, helping explain why debilitating pain often persists even after lesions are gone.
WSU College of Medicine celebrates Match Day, milestone for Class of 2026 Coug docs
Students gathered with loved ones across the state on March 20 to celebrate a major milestone on their path to filling a critical need for more physicians in Washington and beyond.
‘Empowered Hosted by Meg Ryan’ sheds light on WSU’s solutions to national nursing crisis
A new national TV segment highlights how WSU is tackling the growing nursing shortage through innovative simulation-based training and expanded education pathways.
‘Fruitful partnerships’: Researcher guest-edits journal on Indigenous mental health
Rachel Wilbur and her colleagues at IREACH are working to change the way research is done with Indigenous communities.
Veterinary Medicine
Rare Angora goat rejoins her herd after surgery at WSU
A rare Angora goat from northern Idaho has returned to her herd after WSU veterinarians performed a minimally invasive surgery to remove cystic ovaries that had been threatening her health and behavior.
Rabbit returns home for Easter after cancer treatment at WSU
After life-saving radiation treatment at WSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, a 10-year-old rabbit is back home in time for Easter, giving his owners more time with their beloved pet.
WSU veterinarians restore dog’s heart, give owner more time with best friend
A life-saving pacemaker procedure at WSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital helped an aging dog regain her strength and stay by her owner’s side after a dangerous heart condition.
Distinguished Bustad Lecture to focus on the human‑horse relationship
The March 27 lecture at WSU Pullman will explore how human‑horse relationships can support mental health for both species, highlighting a more reciprocal approach to equine-assisted care.
Arts & Culture
Seeing through paper: Light sheet reveals printing in MASC’s early books
A new light sheet at WSU’s special collections is helping researchers peer inside centuries-old books, revealing clues to their origins and history.
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU announces four spring exhibitions
Running March 31–June 27, the exhibitions invite visitors to observe shifting light and engaging works that unfold through sensory awareness.
Port Townsend Writers Conference invites WSU Campus Civic Poet to attend
Hope Dela Cruz, WSU’s Campus Civic Poet, will attend the Port Townsend Writers Conference this summer thanks to a new fellowship supported by the nonprofit arts organization Centrum.
Visiting Writers Series to feature Josiah Morgan and Courtney Ann LaFaive
A New Zealand poet and performance artist and a nationally recognized essayist will share their work with the WSU community through free in‑person and virtual events this April.
Business & Economics
Kahlil Simeon-Rose brings global perspective to responsible gambling research
The Carson College associate professor is working with global partners to help shape responsible gambling policies by bridging industry strategy, consumer behavior, and public well-being.
Joseph Scott Gladstone advances global collaboration in Indigenous business research
WSU scholar Joe Gladstone is partnering with the University of Melbourne to advance global research on how Indigenous values shape business leadership, entrepreneurship, and community-focused decision-making.
Selling the city: Students elevate Vancouver’s tourism strategy
WSU students partnered with Visit Vancouver to develop real-world tourism strategies, identifying new event opportunities and marketing ideas that highlight the city’s growing potential as a regional destination.
Carson GPS: Creating a buzz in the greater Puget Sound
A new Carson College initiative is expanding its presence in the Puget Sound by strengthening ties with alumni, major employers and regional business leaders to boost workforce development and engagement.
Politics & Society
Christianity in America: A conversation with historian Matthew Avery Sutton
The WSU historian explores how Christianity has shaped American culture in a new book tracing the religion’s evolving role in the nation’s past and present.
Indian Consulate General Prakash Gupta visits WSU
Gupta said agricultural technology is a field where an exchange of resources, research, faculty, and students could greatly benefit both countries and WSU.
Solar schools shine on Washington students
A WSU-led solar program is helping rural Washington schools cut energy costs while reinvesting the savings into programs that support low-income students and strengthen their communities.
New Murrow Artifacts exhibit brings historic artifacts to Terrell Library
The exhibit in the Terrell Library atrium lets visitors explore Edward R. Murrow’s legacy and the history of the Murrow College through rare items like his mentor’s pocket watch.
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.