PULLMAN – Michael J. Tate, who has served as vice president for the Office of Equity and Diverity at Washington State University since September 2004, now will also serve as vice president for Student Affairs for the university.
In making the announcement, WSU President Elson S. Floyd said the positions are complementary ones and that Tate’s experience as an administrator who has worked on issues of retention, achievement and student success makes him the right choice for the job.
“I am pleased that Dr. Tate has agreed to take on this additional role. I believe this joint assignment will help us, as an institution, collaborate effectively on issues that directly affect the success of students,” Floyd said. He said WSU intends to improve student retention and graduation rates, while continuing to focus on attracting a highly qualified, diverse student body.
“I am very excited about this opportunity. I think this approach will work well,” said Tate. “I know there are many good people in both areas who have been working hard to help our students succeed. I am certain this structure will allow all of them to make even greater contributions to these goals.
Tate said he and Floyd had first discussed the possibility of his new role during the months that Floyd was planning the presidential transition. “Dr. Floyd has a vision and I wholeheartedly agree with it,” Tate said.
During his first two days in office, Floyd has discussed the reorganization with student and faculty leaders, academic deans and staff members in student affairs and equity and diversity.
Al Jamison has served as interim vice president for student affairs since September 2005. He will retain a leadership role in the new organization.
“I have great respect for the skill, work and career of Dr. Jamison. He will continue to be a very important part of our efforts,” said Tate. Tate said Luci Loera, who was appointed as acting dean of students during Jamison’s tenure as interim vice president, would remain in that role.
Tate came to WSU from Michigan State University where he was assistant director of extension. He received three degrees from Michigan State — a bachelor’s degree in food science and human nutrition (1972), a master’s degree in adult and continuing education (1982) and a doctorate in extension education and administration (1996).
Tate became associate dean of the College of Agriculture and Home Economics (now the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences) and associate director of WSU Cooperative Extension (now WSU Extension) on July 1, 1998. He was named director of cooperative extension in January 2000 and dean of cooperative extension a year later.
