PULLMAN, Wash. — Washington State University regents took time during
their meeting today to recognize retiring WSU President Samuel H. Smith for
his 15 years of service to the land-grant institution.
“It has been a pleasure for me to serve WSU with President Smith,” board
President Peter Goldmark of Okanogan said. “His leadership has made a great
difference to this university and the state of Washington.”
The meeting was Smith’s final regents’ meeting. WSU’s next president, V. Lane
Rawlins, is expected to begin duties in June.
Among action items winning regents’ approval was a joint bachelor’s degree
in hotel and restaurant administration between WSU and Montana State
University. The board also approved schematic designs and authorized the
university to proceed with design and construction documents for a $12.4
million facility for the federally funded Institute for Shock Physics adjacent to
the Webster Physical Sciences Building.
Regents also approved a $2.5 million summer infrastructure project to add road
improvements and site development on the Pullman campus’ east side.
The board authorized sale of some 70 acres of WSU Wenatchee Tree Fruit
Research orchards and purchase of orchard acreage in rural southwest
Wenatchee.
Greg Royer, vice president for business affairs, said community growth has
limited activities on the site. Another area southeast of Wenatchee is better
suited for orchard research.
The board also elected its officers for 2000-01. Kenneth Alhadeff of Seattle will
serve as president, while Robert Fukai, Spokane, will serve as vice president.
Alhadeff is chairman of Elttaes Enterprises and president and CEO of MiKen
Properties. He earned a WSU degree in general studies in 1970.
Fukai is vice president of external relations for Avista Corporation. He is a 1972
WSU graduate in business administration and accounting.
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