PULLMAN, Wash. — The Washington State University Board of Regents
announced today that V. Lane Rawlins, Ph.D., president of the University of
Memphis, is the leading finalist for the position of WSU president.
Faculty, students, alumni and other stakeholder groups will now interview
Rawlins before a final decision is made on the position.
Regent President and Search Committee Chair Peter Goldmark said Rawlins’
qualifications are of such a high caliber that he stands far above the other
candidates. “The pool of candidates is very well qualified, but Lane Rawlins is
by far the most impressive,” said Goldmark. “We think he will be an excellent fit
for this university, and now we want to let the WSU community get to know
him.”
Rawlins is already familiar with WSU. He joined the economics faculty in 1968
and later served as chair of the department of economics for five years. He was
vice provost from 1982-86.
In 1986, he left WSU to become vice chancellor for academic affairs at the
University of Alabama system.
Rawlins has been president of the University of Memphis since 1991. He is
known for expanding academic programs and for a commitment to the
development and use of information technology. Eight additional endowed
chairs and six new research centers have been created during his tenure at
Memphis. Research funding has more than tripled.
Under his leadership, the university developed its first overall strategic plan. A
new technologically advanced library has been completed, a student activities
complex is under construction, and plans are in place for a performing arts
center, an emerging technology complex, new athletic facilities, and other major
construction projects.
Rawlins has successfully developed and implemented strategies for bringing
the university and community together. He is also involved in many national
and community activities.
He received a bachelor of science degree in economics from Brigham Young
University in 1963 and a doctorate in economics from Berkeley in 1969.
A native of Idaho, Rawlins and his wife, Mary Jo, have three children and nine
grandchildren. He enjoys outdoor sports, especially fly fishing and golf. His
interests also include travel and writing.
Meetings with campus groups are expected early next week. Details will be
announced as soon as arrangements can be made.
hi120-00
