Our #ONEWSU system initiative continues to evolve as WSU works to meet educational and research needs across the State of Washington. As part of this evolution and following examination of peer Power 5 university systems, we concluded that Cougar Athletics should be recognized and led at the WSU system level. This is reflected by the positive national impact and enthusiasm for Cougar Athletics apparent on all six WSU campuses spanning the State of Washington.
During his time at WSU, President Kirk Schulz served as the WSU representative on the Pac-12 Board of Directors and as the Pac-12 representative to the College Football Playoff Board of Managers. The recognition of Cougar Athletics as a system function will allow President Schulz to continue his service on a national level and to serve a two-year term as Pac-12 Board of Directors chair starting this summer. As such, the reporting structure for Cougar Athletics transitioned to the Office of the President in January of this year in recognition of the system wide impact of intercollegiate athletics at WSU.
“Athletics plays an integral role in the success of our statewide system, and in many ways serves as the front door to the University, along with our global research expertise,” said President Kirk Schulz. “The impact and visibility of our athletic programs extends beyond the Pullman campus, and having a direct connection to the national landscape will be instrumental for the growth of the program.”
“Our Athletics program is at the heart of campus culture and student life in Pullman,” said WSU Pullman Chancellor Elizabeth Chilton. “I am looking forward to continuing to work with President Kirk Schulz and Director of Athletics Pat Chun to support our athletic program and our student athletes.” Chancellor Chilton will work to ensure strategic integration of Cougar Athletics with the WSU Pullman campus, and will continue to have responsibility for student success initiatives and athletic facilities development.
