Oct. 19: Five to be recognized at Crimson Coat Ceremony

WSU’s newest chancellor, vice presidents and dean will be recognized by President Kirk Schulz in a Crimson Coat Ceremony set for Oct. 19.

Those being honored at the ceremony, which is open to the entire WSU community, include:

• Daryll DeWald, who became chancellor of WSU Spokane on Sept. 1 after serving as dean at the College of Arts & Sciences. DeWald is an experienced academic leader and professor with a strong research background in cell biology and biochemistry. He replaced Lisa Brown, a former state Senate majority leader who as chancellor from 2013 to this past August oversaw establishment WSU’s new medical school.
• Mary Jo Gonzales, vice president for student affairs. Gonzales earned a Master’s degree in communications and a doctoral degree in education at WSU and returned in her new role Feb. 6. She previously served as assistant vice president and dean of students at University of Rhode Island.
• Stacy Pearson, vice president for finance and administration. Prior to joining WSU on March 1, Pearson served in a similar role at Boise State University for 12 years.
• Phil Weiler, vice president for marketing and communications. Weiler assumed the new role on May 1 and brings more than 26 years of experience in a variety of executive marketing, strategic communication and public relations positions within higher education, the corporate sector and government.
• Mary Rezac, dean of Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture. Rezac joined WSU on July 1 and previously served as a professor of chemical engineering and director of the Major Grant Initiatives program within the College of Engineering at Kansas State University.

The ceremony is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 19 at Martin Stadium’s Suite Building on the Club Level, floor 2. Beverages and light refreshments will be served.