Effective May 16, 2025, the Office of Research will report to President Elizabeth Cantwell, underscoring research as a core enterprise of Washington State University — alongside academics, operations, and athletics.
This shift aligns with President Cantwell’s broader efforts to strengthen institutional coherence and elevate WSU’s research impact across the state, nation, and world.
“Research is not an auxiliary function of our university — it is a central pillar of our land-grant mission,” said Cantwell. “WSU’s research enterprise fuels discovery, attracts external investment, drives innovation in industry, and enriches our students’ academic experience. It deserves a seat at the table where university-wide strategic decisions are made.”
The move comes at a time when federal investment in university research is facing growing uncertainty. By integrating the research enterprise more directly into presidential leadership, Cantwell aims to reinforce WSU’s research competitiveness, expand cross-campus collaboration, and amplify the university’s role as an engine of practical, enduring solutions.
WSU Vice President Kim Christen will continue to lead the Office of Research. Last year, Christen spearheaded a systemwide data-driven analysis of WSU’s research strengths — laying the foundation for a more focused, high-impact strategy.
“WSU is home to extraordinary interdisciplinary expertise and partnerships that span agriculture, health, energy, and technology,” said Christen. “By aligning more closely with university leadership, we can sharpen our strategic priorities and better support researchers at every campus.”
“I believe WSU is uniquely positioned to help solve the most pressing challenges of our time,” said Cantwell. “But to do that, we must be intentional. We must invest in our strengths, partner widely, and think generationally.”
In 2023, the Office of Research was moved under the supervision of the Office of the Provost. Before 2023, the Office of Research reported to the Office of the President.
