Catherine “Katie” Cooper has been selected as Washington State University’s next vice provost for faculty affairs and development, following a comprehensive internal search.
Cooper currently serves as associate dean for faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences and as an associate professor in the School of the Environment, receiving full professorship this summer. She will succeed outgoing senior vice provost Doug Call, who announced plans to return to the faculty this spring.
Cooper brings more than a decade of leadership experience at WSU, with a strong focus on strengthening systems that support faculty success. Since joining WSU in 2008, she has served in a range of roles centered on faculty development, advancement, and equity.
Cooper led WSU’s Salary Equity Task Force, and, in partnership with colleagues across the system, coordinated the university’s first comprehensive salary study in decades — ultimately advancing a plan to address gender-based pay gaps. She also co-chaired the university’s Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education (COACHE) survey effort, helping translate faculty feedback into improvements in promotion and tenure clarity, guidelines, and processes.
“I am thrilled to have Katie joining the Provost’s Office,” said Provost and Executive Vice President Chris Riley-Tillman. “She brings a deep commitment to supporting faculty at every stage of their careers and a proven ability to strengthen the systems that help them succeed. When faculty are well-supported, our students benefit through stronger teaching, mentorship, and opportunities for engagement.”
She brings a deep commitment to supporting faculty at every stage of their careers and a proven ability to strengthen the systems that help them succeed.
Chris Riley-Tillman
Provost and Executive Vice President
Washington State University
In her role as associate dean, Cooper has supported professional development for more than 500 faculty across 23 departments, schools, and programs on five campuses, spanning disciplines from art to physics. During this time, she oversaw the hiring of more than 100 new faculty and supported more than 150 faculty through promotion and tenure.
Her work has also focused on improving the clarity and consistency of faculty processes, including promotion and tenure guidelines, mentoring structures, and review practices — efforts that help faculty navigate expectations and focus on teaching, research, and service that directly benefit students and the communities WSU serves.
“I am honored to serve as the next vice provost for faculty affairs and development,” said Cooper. “Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to creating clear, supportive pathways for faculty to grow and thrive. I look forward to working with colleagues across the system to expand opportunities for faculty success — because when faculty have the support they need, it creates better learning, mentorship, and research opportunities for our students.”
Cooper earned her bachelor’s degree in geophysics from Texas A&M University and her PhD in geophysics from Rice University. Her research examines the thermal and tectonic evolution of Earth and other planetary bodies, including exploring how plate tectonics shapes the history of our planet.
Cooper will begin a phased transition into the role starting June 15, working closely with Call. The College of Arts and Sciences will launch an internal search for a new associate dean this week.
