Stacy Pearson, vice president for finance and administration and CFO, and Elizabeth Chilton, inaugural Pullman chancellor, are excited to announce that Victoria Murray has been jointly appointed as associate vice president for public safety, business affairs, and campus operations, and vice chancellor for business affairs and campus operations for the WSU Pullman campus effective Dec. 1. Murray will hold the joint position until June 30, 2023, at which point she will assume a full-time role as vice chancellor for business affairs and campus operations for the WSU Pullman campus reporting to Chancellor Chilton.
Murray has been serving as the acting associate vice president for public safety to address extensive leadership changes in the WSU Police Department that occurred over the summer.
Gary Jenkins, former chief of police for the City of Pullman, was recruited in early fall to assume interim leadership of the WSU Police Department. Chief Jenkins has recently accepted a longer-term appointment, and will continue to address the culture, operations, and future development of the department.
In addition to her current responsibilities in finance and administration, Murray’s new appointment reflects expanded responsibilities for oversight of additional campus operations and facilities, including WSU Transportation Services, WSU Environmental Health & Safety, and WSU Emergency Management. Over the next six months, Murray’s team will carefully assess and differentiate system and Pullman campus responsibilities.
Pearson emphasized the importance of having someone familiar with WSU’s structure and operations stepping into this inaugural role for the Pullman campus. “Vicky’s promotion is well-deserved, and we are grateful for her steady leadership during this period of transition and look forward to future progress,” Pearson said.
Murray has 30+ years of experience serving in many different roles at WSU, and brings extensive familiarity with many business, finance, and operational programs on the Pullman campus and within the WSU system.
“I’m excited to take on this role and assist in the creation of the business and administrative operations structure for the Pullman campus,” said Murray. “I have been extremely fortunate to have so many wonderful mentors and leaders that have given me opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills throughout my WSU career. The mission and challenges of higher education appeal to both my head and my heart, and I’m honored to be a part of WSU Pullman as we look towards the future.”
Echoing Pearson’s gratitude, Chilton said, “Vicky is a well-known and respected leader at WSU, and I am thrilled to have her as a member of my leadership team. I look forward to working with Vicky in her joint role for the next several months, and greatly appreciate her willingness to aid us through this transition.”
