January 7, 2025
Dear Colleagues,
The start of a new year is always a special time, filled with opportunities for
reflection and resolution. It’s a moment to decide what lessons we hold on to, what
we leave behind, and how we set our course for the future. As I embark on my last
semester serving as president of WSU, I am immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished
and excited by the work ahead of us this spring.
While it may seem like business as usual for many of us, I think it’s important to
acknowledge the significant changes ahead at the federal, state, and local levels that
could affect the way we live and work as a university community.
These transitions bring uncertainties. Questions arise about what to expect, how to
adapt, and how to go about securing the support we need to continue fulfilling our
mission. In the face of this uncertainty, WSU is doing what we do best: rolling up our
sleeves and going to bat for the people we care about.
Preparing for change at the federal level
In just a few short weeks, the federal government will undergo significant changes
as the president-elect and a new class of Congressional representatives are sworn into
office. WSU’s Office of Federal Relations is hard at work forging strong relationships
with new staff and members of Congress, including Rep. Baumgartner, a proud Coug
who fills the seat formerly held by Rep. McMorris Rodgers and Rep. Randall, who
fills the seat formerly held by Rep. Kilmer.
During what may be a contentious time for higher education, we will continue to
reinforce the value WSU brings to the state of Washington and the value universities
bring to society at large. We will also continue to advocate on behalf of our students,
faculty, staff, and research in Washington, D.C. as we enter this period of change.
Advancing WSU’s priorities in the state Legislature
Having served as a university president for 16 years now, first at Kansas State
and here for the last eight years, I’ve had the privilege of participating in several
state legislative sessions in drastically different political climates. It’s sometimes
difficult to see beyond our own borders but I’ve found Washington to be quite supportive
of higher education. Just in my time here, we’ve seen the Legislature fund new or
renovated buildings on four WSU campuses, fund the operations of a medical school, and
establish new high-demand academic programming at five campuses. That’s to say nothing
of the state’s significant investment in college affordability that is slashing the cost
of entry and reducing the debt load for a great many Washington residents. Many of our
colleagues across the country have not been so fortunate and are looking at our state
as leaders.
We are preparing for a tighter state budget that will lead to some challenging
discussions during the next four months. Working with our state relations team, I am
committed to advancing our priorities — chief of which is securing full funding for
cost-of-living adjustments and collective bargaining agreements.
Ensuring continued success for WSU moving forward
The Board of Regents is currently in the process of determining the best fit for
my replacement and the next person to propel WSU moving forward. Regardless of who
they select, I know that the next president will look to the WSU community and the
great leaders who have advised me over the course of my tenure at WSU to steer them
in the right direction.
In short, WSU will adapt as it always has, drawing on the resiliency that has
defined its 135‑year history. In a new year with many changes in store, I am
reassured by the fact that we have dedicated and talented faculty and staff at
every corner of this institution, working on behalf of our students and our state
every day. Together, we will continue to build on our legacy of excellence, ensuring
that Washington State University remains a beacon of innovation, spirit, and
community for generations to come.
Thank you for all you do.
Go Cougs!
Kirk
Kirk H. Schulz
System President
Washington State University
