The next president of Washington State University is Elizabeth “Betsy” Cantwell, currently the president of Utah State University.has extensive experience with national security and the US Department of Energy.
The WSU regent considered more than 260 candidates to be successors to current President Kirkschultz before unanimously selecting Cantwell at a special meeting on February 6th. She will begin April 1st. An advisor who supports the transition until June 2025.
“We are energised by Dr. Cantwell’s ambitious vision for the future of WSU. She is a passionate advocate for student success and a champion of the mission to win our lands.” Lisa said Keo Hokarol Schauer, WSU board chair, release. “Her experience in the university’s major systems and national labs, her tenacity and leadership are invaluable in navigating the complexities of modern higher education environments. Dr. Cantwell said that WSU was the first to do so. We understand the challenges and opportunities we face, and are taking our university to new heights.”
During Cantwell’s tenure in Utah, sponsored research spending reached a record $495 million, student scholarships rose 10%, including the construction of veterinary medical education buildings and Monument Valley Education Buildings. , there have been significant improvements to the campus. Navajo and. She also played a role in leading Utah to the Pac-12 athletic conf.It will start in the grades of 2026-27.
Before his time in Utah, Cantwell oversaw $825 million a year. the study University of Arizona Portfolio and I was responsible Research and business development at Arizona State University. Before her academic background, she took on a leadership role at Lawrence Livermore in Oak ridge The Los Alamos National Laboratory works with a variety of government agencies, including the U.S. Energy and Defense Department, the National Nuclear Security Agency, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, and NASA.
“I am deeply honored to have the trust that the Regent Committee has placed within me to lead this incredible institution,” Cantwell said. “It is a great privilege to be chosen to lead this respected institution as the 12th President. I have long admired Washington State University, but a few years ago, when my daughter became a daughter. My family has deepened my connections with the university. COUGis registered in one of WSU’s graduate programs. This opportunity to serve WSU as president is truly a dream come true. ”
