Longtime student advocate Romando A. Nash will serve as the new WSU Pullman vice chancellor for student affairs, effective April 1, 2024.
Nash, who holds a law degree from Santa Clara University and has served students in a variety of roles at several universities, is replacing Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Ellen Taylor, who is retiring.
WSU Pullman Chancellor Elizabeth Chilton was particularly impressed with Nash’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging. “It is clear that Romando operates with a students-first mentality and has worked throughout his career to ensure that students have what they need to succeed in higher education, both in and out of the classroom,” Chilton said. “I am thrilled to welcome Romando to the Cougar family.”
Nash currently serves as the associate vice president for student life services at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), where he provides leadership for the Student Life Services portfolio. Prior to his position at UNR, he served as the associate vice president for student services at San Jose State University; associate dean of student affairs and executive director for residential education at the University of Southern California; and has held senior housing officer, student conduct, housing and residence life, and multicultural affairs positions at Loyola University Chicago, Seattle University, and Santa Clara University.
“I am honored, humbled and excited to join the Washington State University community. During the search process, I was struck by the enthusiasm and passion that everyone I met had for the university,” said Nash. “As I have learned more about WSU, it is clear that student success is an outcome that is deeply meaningful for the entire WSU system. I look forward to partnering with the outstanding professionals in Student Affairs, staff, alumni, parents, and community members of Pullman to elevate the Cougar student experience. I am eager to meet more of the university’s student community and begin to work on their behalf.”
A proud first-generation student, Nash received a master’s degree in counseling from Santa Clara University, where he also earned his juris doctorate. He received his bachelor of arts from Notre Dame de Namur University in political science and history.
Nash will fill the role currently held by Ellen Taylor, who is retiring later this month. Taylor joined WSU in 2018 as the associate vice president for student engagement. She assumed leadership of Student Affairs in September 2021 and was appointed vice chancellor for student affairs on the Pullman campus in July 2022.
Taylor’s last day at WSU will be Dec. 21. Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students Jenna Hyatt will serve as the interim WSU Pullman vice chancellor for student affairs until Nash begins his appointment in April.
Hyatt came to WSU in August 2022 as interim assistant vice chancellor and dean of students; she was appointed to the permanent role in July of this year, following a competitive national search.
“I am grateful for Jenna’s willingness to serve in this role and for the exceptional care and support that she provides to our students,” said Chilton. “Jenna is a dynamic leader, and I am delighted that she will continue to guide Student Affairs throughout this transition.”
