Ellen Taylor has been named vice chancellor of student affairs for WSU Pullman. Taylor, who has a doctorate in clinical psychology, is currently serving as interim vice president/vice chancellor and will begin her new position as vice chancellor on July 1, 2022. Since assuming the interim vice president position, she has provided strong, collaborative, and forward-looking leadership for the Division of Student Affairs.
“I appreciate Dr. Taylor’s exemplary leadership during this challenging time brought by the pandemic. She assumed the interim role at the beginning of the academic year and immediately went to work engaging colleagues within student affairs and across the university system. I could not imagine a better fit for someone to lead student affairs for this next phase in WSU’s evolution. She will help lead a renewed focus on student success on the Pullman campus and across the system,” said Elizabeth Chilton, WSU Pullman chancellor and provost and executive vice president.
A self-described incorrigible optimist, Taylor believes and embraces what she refers to as the “engagement mindset.” This holistic approach requires the participation of students, staff, and faculty at all levels of the institution to support student success. Every interaction with a student helps to develop their sense of belonging at Washington State University. She believes that providing challenging yet supportive environments for students to learn and grow is an essential part of their college experience.
“Students don’t see divisions,” says Taylor, “they see the university as a whole.” Students are most likely to succeed when they feel connected to the university.
Taylor served as associate vice president of student engagement beginning in July 2018. In her her role as vice chancellor at WSU Pullman, Taylor will continue to lead critical aspects of student life and ensuring that an exceptional university experience is accessible to all students. She will continue to oversee student health and wellbeing; community, equity, and social justice; auxiliary facilities and operations; the Office of the Dean of Students and campus life; and division administrative functions including finance, marketing, and communications.
Taylor came to the Pacific Northwest more than 20 years ago as a psychologist and coordinator of the National Testing Program at Oregon State University. During her time at OSU, Taylor served in a variety of leadership roles, including the director of counseling and psychological services. She also served as the associate vice president for student life at the University of Washington, where she led institution-wide efforts in the mental, physical, and social well-being of students.
Taylor earned her doctorate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her undergraduate degree in psychology from Stetson University. Throughout her career, she has always found ways to engage in the broader mission of student affairs. She is an experienced trainer for community organizations on issues relating to college mental health, leadership development, organizational change, and creating inclusive workplaces.
