The WSU Office of Corporate Engagement is moving to the Office of the President as part of the ongoing restructuring to build a more unified university system.
Formerly under the Office of the Provost, WSU’s unit dedicated to building and maintaining relationships with industry partners will be headed by Alex Pietsch in his role as executive director of corporate engagement.
“Under Alex’s leadership and in partnership and coordination from relevant administrative and academic units across the WSU System, the Office of Corporate Engagement will maintain a tiered approach to maintaining and growing holistic corporate partnerships that result in increased hiring of WSU graduates, sponsorship of and other financial support for WSU activities impacting currently enrolled students, philanthropic giving to WSU, initiation of applied research projects with WSU faculty members and participation on advisory boards,” said WSU President Kirk.
Pietsch heads an operation that includes development personnel working on behalf of each campus as well as several departments and colleges. All are working to maintain strong existing bonds with corporate partners as well as pursuing new opportunities with other major players in the technology, manufacturing and agricultural industries across Washington and the region.
“By reorganizing in this way, we’ll raise the profile and credibility of the Office of Corporate Engagement and bring about more opportunities for WSU campuses and departments across the system,” Pietsch said.
The office is set to plan a major role in the university’s next multiyear fundraising campaign spearheaded by the WSU Foundation. It’s also set to assist Schulz in connecting with industry partners as a means of deepening bonds.
Partnered with the Office of Research, Pietsch’s outfit analyzed more than 1,000 companies that engage with WSU in some form.
Among the office’s most significant recent accomplishments has been securing the naming of the PACCAR Lecture Hall in the Spark Academic Innovation Hub, deepening ties with Boeing, and signing a 5-year comprehensive sponsorship agreement with BECU.
For more information on the Office of Corporate Engagement, visit its website.
