A New Chapter for Washington State University
Washington State University’s land-grant mission has guided us for more than 135 years — fueling opportunity, advancing knowledge, and serving generations of people in Washington. That mission continues to shape our direction as we begin a strategic realignment of WSU’s financial model that ensures we focus our resources on what matters most and create space to invest in the future.
Like many public universities, we are responding to long-term declines in state and federal funding, slower tuition growth, and volatility in research revenues. We are not standing still in the face of these pressures. We are moving forward with purpose.
Our goals are clear:
- Protect WSU’s core academic mission
- Prioritize student success
- Sustain our land-grant service and research
- Secure long-term institutional sustainability and innovation
WSU leadership has heard clear calls to streamline administration, prioritize academic programs, and elevate student outcomes. That’s exactly what we’re doing.
This is a necessary structural correction. From academics and programs to research and athletics, we are realigning WSU’s financial model to operate more effectively and efficiently and invest in a stronger future. This step is just the first in a long-term effort to ensure WSU thrives.
These changes will position us to continue to lead as a modern land-grant university, one capable of solving the most pressing challenges facing our communities, state, and world.
Together, we’re shaping the future of WSU.
Background
Washington State University presented its proposed fiscal year 2026 operating budget to the Board of Regents during a special meeting on June 5, 2025. This followed budget hearings for all university units in April and Governor Bob Ferguson’s approval of the state’s final budget on May 20.
Next Steps
Committed to transparency and frequent communication, WSU leadership will continue sharing next steps in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget process:
- February 2 – Unit FY27 budget templates available
- March 3 – Academic unit materials due to Provost’s Office
- March 17 – All budget materials due to Budget Office
- March 23-30 – Unit budget hearings
- March – April TBD – State Budget complete
- April 1-30 – Budget deliberations, decisions and internal communications
- May 18 – Board of Regents to review and approve WSU budget for the 2027 fiscal year
Presidential Updates
Presidential Update | Week of February 9, 2026
Presidential Update | Week of February 2, 2026
Presidential Update | Week of January 26, 2026
Administration
Streamlining Administrative Structures
to Support Our Mission
We’re rethinking administrative structures to better serve the university’s academic, research and service goals. These improvements will free up resources, reduce duplication, and enhance accountability—so that every administrative function adds clear value to the WSU mission.
Explore how we’re strengthening our administrative foundation.
WSU adopts strategic pillars to guide university’s future
WSU Human Resource Services announces leadership changes and team realignments
Longtime WSU employees elevated to senior leadership roles
Campuses
Reimagining Offerings for a New Era of Education
WSU is aligning academic investments with the evolving needs of Washington’s workforce. The university will prioritize high-demand majors and programs that prepare students for careers in critical sectors while phasing out or reducing those with declining enrollment and limited market relevance.
These decisions reflect a commitment to student success, economic impact, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
Northwest Public Broadcasting announces cost reduction measures
Daryll DeWald to retire honoring a legacy of leadership and service in health sciences
WSU’s in‑house design services ceasing operation later this fall
People
At the heart of our success is our people. Faculty and staff are the driving force behind our academic and institutional success. Through purposeful support and opportunities for growth, employees are empowered to thrive, innovate, and lead.
Despite reductions in state appropriations and the state’s decision not to fully fund expected salary increases, the university will invest in modest merit increases for faculty and salary increases for staff.
Learn more about how we’re committed to our employees.
Voluntary Early Retirement Incentive
Investments
Aligning Resources to Secure Long-Term Sustainability
We are making targeted investments in areas that reflect our deepest commitments: student success, community well-being, and knowledge with real-world impact.
Understand the steps we are taking to ensure WSU remains not only relevant—but indispensable—to the people we serve.
