Former Washington lawmaker Sam Hunt joins WSU Board of Regents

Washington State University logo.

Sam Hunt, a longtime member of the Washington Legislature and Washington State University alumnus, will be returning to his alma mater to serve on its Board of Regents.

Appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee, Hunt’s term began Dec. 31 and runs through Sept. 30, 2030. He will join his fellow regents for a series of special meetings of the board Jan. 13–15.

Hunt spent more than two decades as an elected member of the Washington Legislature, with 16 years in the House of Representatives and eight in the Senate. Until his term ends in January, he represents the 22nd Legislative District in the Senate, which is the center of the South Puget Sound and includes Olympia.

Closeup of Sam Hunt.
Sam Hunt

Hunt is a former Pasco school teacher and Mayor Pro Tempore. He worked in Washington, D.C. for U.S. Senator Warren G. Magnuson on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Washington Gov. Booth Gardner, and served as a staff member in the Washington State Senate. His work in education includes serving two terms on the North Thurston School Board.

First elected to the House in 2000, he held numerous committee positions during his time as an elected representative, including chairing the State Government & Elections Committee in both the House and Senate, as well as serving on the Ways and Means and Early Learning & K–12 Education Committees. Hunt graduated from WSU in 1967 and completed his fifth-year teaching certificate in 1970.

Hunt succeeds John Schoettler, who concluded his term on the WSU Board of Regents last fall.


This story has been updated to accurately reflect which of the two open positions on the WSU Board of Regents Sam Hunt was appointed to fill.

Next Story

WSU Health Board of Directors to meet July 14

The board will hold a regular meeting via Zoom on Tuesday, July 14, to conduct board business, including consideration of governing documents and required training.

Recent News

WSU psychology course boosts student well‑being

The course is helping students improve their well‑being, and new research from the class shows participants reported statistical gains in happiness during the semester.

WSU human development professor recognized with industry award

WSU’s Debbie Handy has received the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences’ Distinguished Service Award, recognizing her decades of leadership and service.