Effective today, Washington State University’s Marketing and Communications unit will report to Pam Scott, who joined the university as vice president for system communications and strategy on May 12, 2025.
Scott brings more than two decades of experience in strategic communications, with a background spanning higher education, hospitality, and tourism. She previously served as vice president of corporate communications at Red Lion Hotels Corporation and as associate vice president at the University of Arizona. Most recently, she led communication and media relations at Eastern Washington University.
Throughout her career, Scott has led award-winning media campaigns and guided institutions through complex issues involving crisis response, reputation management, and strategic storytelling. At the University of Arizona, she played a key role in integrated media relations for one of the nation’s top research institutions and collaborated with then-Vice President for Research Elizabeth Cantwell on major initiatives, including the high-profile NASA OSIRIS-REx asteroid mission.
WSU has a compelling story to tell that includes world-class research and life-changing student experiences, and I’m excited to help share that story in ways that inspire connection and impact.
Pam Scott, vice president for system communications and strategy
Washington State University
“I am confident that Pam’s expertise will be an invaluable asset to the university community, particularly as we continue to evolve our marketing and communications strategies to support the university’s long-term vision,” said President Cantwell. “As the university navigates financial strain and diminished enrollments, this role will play an essential part in our efforts to enhance the university’s reputation and engage effectively with constituents on both sides of the aisle.”
Scott expressed enthusiasm about joining the WSU community and leading the university’s communications efforts.
“I’m thrilled to join the talented team at Washington State University and contribute to the powerful work being done across the system,” said Pam Scott. “WSU has a compelling story to tell that includes world-class research and life-changing student experiences, and I’m excited to help share that story in ways that inspire connection and impact.”
Scott succeeds Phil Weiler, who served as the vice president for marketing and communications at WSU since 2017. During his tenure, Weiler made significant contributions in building an integrated marketing and communications operation for the university system, refining and updating the WSU brand, increasing the university’s visibility nationally, and providing strategic communications support system-wide. WSU is committed to supporting Weiler and is working closely with him during this transition.
Weiler shared, “It has been an honor to serve Washington State University and I want to thank the University Marketing and Communications team for their outstanding work over the years.”
