Provost Bayly steps down to return to equine research

PULLMAN, Wash. – Warwick M. Bayly, Washington State University’s chief academic officer during some of the institution’s most challenging years, announced today (March 14) that he is stepping down as provost and executive vice president effective May 31.

WSU President Elson S. Floyd thanked Bayly for his five years of service.

“Working with the faculty and deans, Warwick helped to guide our institution through some of the roughest budgetary waters we have ever faced,” Floyd said. “I have appreciated his energy, insight and dedication to preserving the quality of our academic programs through it all, and now I respect his decision to return to his research.”

Bayly, who previously served as dean of the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine, said recent research developments and opportunities have re-energized his interest in pursuing research full time. A fellow to the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences and a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, he focuses on equine exercise science, particularly the evaluation of performance capacity in racehorses.

“I have really enjoyed working with the various university leadership teams over the last five years,” Bayly said. “WSU is fortunate to have such talented and dedicated leaders.

“However, I have found myself increasingly engaged with thoughts regarding equine exercise and have taken it as a sign that, after five years, it is a good time to return to that arena,” he said.

Floyd said he will immediately begin taking nominations for an interim provost.