PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University Regent Lura J. Powell and Bob Drewel, former chancellor at WSU North Puget Sound at Everett, will co-chair a presidential transition team as the university plans for the appointment of its next chief executive this spring.
Interim President Daniel J. Bernardo will work closely with Powell and Drewel to ensure a leadership transition that continues the momentum of WSU’s key initiatives. Bernardo will return to his duties as provost and executive vice president once the new president arrives on campus.
“We are profoundly grateful to Dan for his exceptional leadership, grace and vision since he assumed the presidential duties last June following President Floyd’s passing,” said Michael C. Worthy, chair of the WSU Presidential Search Advisory Committee and also a regent. “We anticipate a close collaboration between Dan and the new president.”
Plans to honor Bernardo for his service to the university will be announced in the coming weeks.
“I have been proud – and humbled – to carry forward the university’s initiatives,” Bernardo said. “I’ve been inspired by the commitment of the WSU community to truly make a difference in the world. I’m looking forward to partnering with our next president to continue that mission.”
The interview process with presidential candidates is ongoing. The initial pool of some 200 prospects recently was narrowed to eight, including university presidents and provosts as well as a candidate from the private sector. Their identities will remain confidential so as not to jeopardize their leadership of their current organizations.
“The search is progressing extremely well – thanks to the diligent efforts of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee and our consultants from the executive search firm Isaacson, Miller,” Worthy said. “Based on the committee’s progress, we are on track to name our next president in April, if not before. I’m confident our new leader will continue to guide the institution’s trajectory toward ever-greater excellence.”
The 25-member search committee will make recommendations regarding the presidential selection. The Board of Regents will make the final decision.
Contact:
Christine Hoyt, Presidential Search Liaison Office, 509-335-6615, pres.search@wsu.edu
