As part of WSU’s continued efforts to improve operational and financial efficiency, the Office of the Chancellor for WSU Pullman is being dissolved effective June 1.
The move, recommended by both Pullman Chancellor Dave Cillay and Provost and Executive Vice President Chris Riley-Tillman, reflects a strategic shift in leadership structure as well as President Elizabeth Cantwell’s direct commitment to the Pullman campus. Going forward, President Cantwell will assume executive oversight of the flagship campus. Staff and units previously under the chancellor’s office will be integrated into other areas within the WSU system to enhance alignment and support.
“As Washington’s R1 land-grant institution, we have an obligation to operate in a way that best serves the communities of our state. As we look to optimize system functionality, this structural change will ultimately provide better support and alignment for our students, faculty, staff, and programs,” said WSU President Elizabeth Cantwell.
As we look to optimize system functionality, this structural change will ultimately provide better support and alignment for our students, faculty, staff, and programs.
Elizabeth Cantwell, president
Washington State University
With this change, Student Affairs will move to the Office of the Provost, creating an opportunity for a renewed focus on developing academic partnerships that enhance each student’s WSU experience, both in and out of the classroom.
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art will also return to the Provost’s Office and partner closely with the WSU Libraries to amplify their efforts and bring experiential learning around art, museums, and galleries to the student and community experience.
“I’m thrilled to have Student Affairs and the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art join the Office of the Provost,” said Riley-Tillman. “Our offices have worked closely together on student retention efforts, and we look forward to expanding that effort to support the entire student lifecycle, from recruitment through graduation and beyond.”
This structural change for WSU comes following President Cantwell’s intention to maintain a strong presence at WSU’s flagship campus in Pullman. In addition to maintaining her residence in the Ida Lou Anderson House on campus, President Cantwell looks forward to building on the strong community ties established by President Emeritus Kirk Schulz and Chancellor Cillay.
“I want to extend a sincere thanks to Chancellor Cillay for his willingness to step in as the chancellor of our flagship campus, and his concerted efforts to build community partnerships over the past year. WSU Pullman is stronger because of his leadership,” said Cantwell. “Chancellor Cillay and I have had extensive discussions about his vision for the WSU Global Campus, and I look forward to partnering with him on innovative new ways to expand its reach.”
This transition, along with the transfer of the Office of Research from the Provost’s Office to the President’s Office, is part of a larger effort to better align presidential priorities with institutional resources to improve operations across the system.
