By Kathy Barnard, University Communications
PULLMAN, Wash. – Daniel J. Bernardo is Washington State University’s new provost and executive vice president. WSU President Elson S. Floyd announced the appointment today.
“Dr. Bernardo is a highly skilled administrator with the professional capacity to help take the university to the next level,” Floyd said. “He is deeply committed to the institution, its land-grant mission and the entirety of its academic enterprise. I especially appreciate his ability to work with faculty, department chairs, deans, senior leadership and staff to generate positive results.”
Bernardo, who has served as interim provost and executive vice president since May 2013, will fill the permanent position effective immediately. He was formerly vice president for agriculture and extension and dean of the WSU College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS).
Bernardo has led several major initiatives as interim provost, especially regarding student success and support of WSU’s research faculty. He spearheaded the institutional strategic planning process and engaged faculty, staff, students and stakeholders throughout the state. The new WSU Strategic Plan is scheduled to go before the Board of Regents May 9.
“As an alumnus and passionate advocate for WSU, I am truly honored by this appointment and the confidence President Floyd has placed in me,” Bernardo said. “The position of provost and executive VP carries with it an enormous set of responsibilities, and I look forward to working with the faculty to advance the academic reputation and excellence of WSU. Stability of leadership is critical to the long-term advancement of any academic institution; I am committed to seeing our envisioned transformation to one of the nation’s truly outstanding land-grant institutions become reality.”
In CAHNRS, Bernardo focused on rebuilding relationships with agricultural stakeholders throughout the state, improving research facilities and building a world-class faculty that can compete with any institution in the nation. Under his leadership, the college raised more than $210 million toward its campaign goal, nearly doubled its extramural funding and dramatically increased both undergraduate and graduate enrollments.
A devoted Coug, Bernardo earned his Ph.D. in agricultural economics from WSU in 1985. He completed his bachelor’s degree at University of California, Davis.
Contact:
Kathy Barnard, WSU University Communications, 509-335-8055, kbarnard@wsu.edu