December 21, 2021
Dear WSU Community,
Congratulations on a successful fall 2021 semester!
As we wrap up another academic term, I want to thank all of
you for the outstanding work you continue to do to make our
university a leader in learning, research, and public service.
Thank you to our students
It was exciting to see all of you back in our classrooms,
studios, teaching and research laboratories, and on the field
or court. As I interacted with you across our campuses, your
energy and enthusiasm for a robust in‑person experience were
reinforced again and again. I appreciate your resiliency as
we continue to navigate the challenges of a global pandemic.
Thank you to our staff members
Many of you have been working on our campuses throughout
the pandemic. You are the glue that holds WSU together. I
appreciate your positive outlook as we have continued to
manage with fewer colleagues due to the fiscal impact of
reduced enrollment and COVID‑19. I am so appreciative of
your continued support of our students and our educational
and research mission.
Thank you to our faculty members
A year ago, the majority of our instruction was done
remotely, and we pivoted once again this semester to a
primarily in‑person experience. I know many of you were
uneasy as the semester started—but I watched the joy of
teaching and working with students happen as the semester
got underway. I also appreciate your continued flexibility
in finding ways to accomplish your scholarly and outreach
work through a continually evolving work environment.
In closing
I want to acknowledge that some of you may feel
apprehensive about the future with continuing reports of
new COVID‑19 variants disrupting our home and work lives.
I appreciate your leadership in using all of the tools
available to us to combat the spread of COVID through
vaccinations and boosters, wearing masks, and social
distancing. These mitigation efforts have proved highly
effective in protecting our WSU communities across the
state.
It was a privilege to serve as your president during
2021—and I am looking forward to an even better 2022.
I wish all of you and your families a Happy Holidays!
Go Cougs,
Kirk Schulz, President
Washington State University
