Leading the way on AI:
Eye on the future: WSU prepares for next chapter in the story of AI
New aquaculture initiative and future plans to connect national labs into a single supercomputer are on the horizon as the technology advances.
Campus & Community
National Geographic explorer Robbie Shone to deliver ‘Adventures in Caving’ lecture
WSU’s School of the Environment will host a free, public presentation, “Adventures in Caving,” by National Geographic Explorer Robbie Shone at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20 in Webster Hall 16 and via Zoom.
Cougar football schedule for 2026 season features strong matchups
WSU’s season includes six home games in the new Pac‑12’s approach to scheduling that also introduces a strategic flex week.
WSU MBA alum Chris Stokes reflects on an unlikely Olympic journey
From a chance trip to Calgary to the real-life story behind the Disney movie Cool Runnings, WSU MBA alum Chris Stokes reflects on how a leap of faith became one of the Olympics’ most improbable journeys.
Gilman Scholarship helps WSU student find value in study abroad beyond her major
Leisly Hernandez Alvarado used a Gilman Scholarship to study in Spain, discovering how a culture-focused program could deepen her agriculture studies back home.
University Affairs
Inaugural System Forum happening Feb. 24
Strategic insights, as well as legislative and operational updates from university leaders, will be presented to faculty and staff attending in‑person or via Zoom.
WSU Extension launches regionalization pilot project
The project will test how shared administrative functions and improved coordination can strengthen long-term Extension services.
Dr. James Record to step down as dean of the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
Record, who has led the medical school since 2022, is returning to faculty but will continue serving as dean until a replacement is found to fill the position.
WSU sets dates for 2026 presidential listening sessions
The sessions are part of the ongoing system‑wide redesign effort and are intended to foster open dialogue about priorities, challenges, and long-term direction for the university.
WSU-related Podcasts
From WSU:
Food safety, WSU stories, science answers for kids, and more — listen to podcasts from Washington State University.
About WSU:A selection of programs about Washington State, produced by alumni and friends.
WSU PodcastsBenefits & Training
WSU Voluntary Investment Program — Universal availability notice
Washington State University (WSU) provides the opportunity to save for retirement through the Voluntary Investment Program (VIP). All WSU employees who receive compensation reportable on an IRS Form W-2 are eligible to participate in the plan, as long as the employee contributes a minimum of $15.00 per pay period with a minimum of $200 per year. Please take […]
1095 Tax Forms
If you were eligible for WSU employee health benefits in 2025, you will be provided with 1095 form(s) starting this month. The 1095 form reports information about your health care coverage as required by the Affordable Care Act. This form is not needed to file your taxes, but you should keep it with your 2025 tax documentation. It […]
Awards & Achievements
Former U.S. Ambassador Roger Nyhus to receive WSU Alumni Achievement Award
Roger F. Nyhus, a former U.S. ambassador and business leader, will receive WSU’s 2026 Alumni Achievement Award for his impact in public affairs, diplomacy, and ethical communication.
Pharmacy graduates lead the Pacific Northwest with top licensure pass rates
WSU’s newest pharmacy graduates posted the region’s top licensure pass rates, signaling a practice-ready workforce poised to expand access to care across Washington and beyond.
Students earn top ranking in cyber competition
The WSU computer science students competed against more than 8,500 students from nearly 500 colleges across the country in the National Cyber League Fall 2025 Competition.
A season of recognition for WSU’s longest-serving Extension specialist
Though the content of Margaret Viebrock’s Extension coursework has changed since she started working for WSU in 1970, the mission of strengthening her community never has.
Science & Technology
WSU Data Analytics program leads with stackable, industry-aligned certifications
As demand for data skills surges, WSU is rolling out new training certifications that let learners upskill quickly without closing the door on a full degree.
Leading the way on AI:
WSU scientists build on expertise in energy grid, computer security
AI is a two‑sided coin for power grids and cybersecurity: A potential problem, in terms of energy use and cyberthreats, as well as a tool for future challenges.
Northwest continues to dodge polar vortex blast, but a warm winter brings its own challenges
While much of the country is getting slammed by the polar vortex, the Pacific Northwest has mostly dodged the cold — though a warm, rainy winter is bringing its own challenges.
Leading the way on AI:
WSU weaving AI into the classroom, aiding K–12 teachers
As professors decide, class by class, how to integrate AI, WSU researchers are building resources for Washington’s rural K–12 classrooms.
Food & Agriculture
New Indigenous-focused horticulturist brings traditional ecological knowledge to light
Jeffrey Wall is exploring how traditional practices from the state’s first people can nourish societies and repair the environment.
Leading the way on AI:
Automating the harvest: WSU works to ease labor shortages on the farm
Robotic solutions for pruning, harvesting and other orchard tasks are being developed by researchers to help address agricultural challenges.
Leading the way on AI:
Revolutionary technologies deeply woven into WSU’s research and teaching
In everything from health care to agriculture, AI tools are fueling scientific inquiry and being adapted for applications to benefit the public.
WSU to offer first public tasting of new Sunflare™ apple
Be among the first to bite into Sunflare™ — WSU’s newest apple — as the Pullman campus community gets an exclusive preview tasting tomorrow.
Health & Medicine
WSU research shows being neighborly can boost community health
It’s National Random Acts of Kindness Day, and new WSU research shows that small, everyday gestures between neighbors can boost health, reduce stress, and strengthen social bonds.
New biosensor technology could improve glucose monitoring
A wearable sensor could improve wireless monitoring for diabetes patients, making it more cost-effective and accurate while less invasive.
WSU College of Nursing Yakima-based education transitions to Tri‑Cities and Spokane campuses
The college will continue to work closely with healthcare partners in the Yakima Valley for clinical rotations and to support the nursing workforce needs in the region.
Pigs and grizzlies, not monkeys, hold clues to youthful human skin
WSU researchers discovered that a microscopic skin structure shared by humans, pigs, and grizzly bears forms after birth and could help slow skin aging and improve wound and scar repair.
Veterinary Medicine
Opening doors to veterinary medicine
WSU veterinary student Anjelica Bautista is opening doors to STEM and higher education for Pasco youth — work that just earned her a Merck Animal Health Diversity Leadership Scholarship.
Flying high: At WSU, ‘seahawks’ get second chances
As the Seahawks head into Super Bowl Sunday, WSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital is giving real “seahawks” a second chance, from treating injured ospreys to returning birds like team mascot Taima to the sky.
WSU employee and her dog to compete at Westminster dog show
After nearly 70 dog shows in a single year, Denise Waiting and her Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Witton, will be competing at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Custom prosthetic gives donkey a big leg up on life
Home for the holidays and back on her feet — thanks to a custom prosthetic from WSU veterinarians, a miniature donkey named Elsa is getting a second chance at life.
Arts & Culture
‘They need this’ — WSU students redesign prison yard as class project
Landscape architecture students are part of a project that could change the prison experience in Washington.
Hidden signatures of ancient Rome’s master craftsmen revealed
WSU’s Hallie Meredith identified hidden makers’ marks on late Roman glass cups, revealing workshop “brands” that reframe how these masterpieces were made.
Native youth curate Clyfford Still exhibition with WSU art professor
Michael Holloman helped Colville Tribal youth bring fresh perspectives to the exhibition, dedicated to the famed artist and former Washington State College faculty member.
WSU conductor bridges cultures at Japan’s premier music conservatory
A short summer residency at Japan’s premier music conservatory yielded a big result for Dahn Pham, conductor of the WSU Symphony Orchestra.
Business & Economics
Study of NBA finds that pay inequity among top performers erodes cooperation
A new WSU-led study examined a decade’s worth of data from the NBA to draw lessons about the effects of pay disparities on performance.
Crossler named Carson College of Business senior associate dean for academic affairs
A longtime WSU professor and information security scholar, Robert Crossler will guide Carson College’s undergraduate programs and help lead the integration of AI into student learning.
New leadership guides Center for Professional Sales
WSU’s Center for Professional Sales is entering a new chapter under Director Patrick Johnson, strengthening hands‑on, industry-connected training that prepares students for business careers.
Business of aging certificate offers resume-building credentials for senior living
The recently refreshed certificate has new training modules benefiting anyone connected to or aspiring to work in the senior living industry.
Politics & Society
As the revolution turns 250, a WSU historian takes a harder look
Through a statewide lecture series, a WSU historian invites communities to reconsider how the American Revolution reshaped power, land, and empire.
‘A reporter in every county:’ WSU, Report for America launch groundbreaking program to confront Washington’s local news crisis
Washington’s land-grant university and the nation’s leading nonprofit program for placing journalists in local newsrooms will work to ensure that every county in the state has reliable, local reporting.
Coug alum Ryan Blethen takes the helm at The Seattle Times
The fifth-generation newspaperman will bring a Coug’s perspective to one of the nation’s most successful family-owned newspapers.
WSU makes nearly $4B economic impact on Washington
A new economic impact report shows WSU generated nearly $4 billion for Washington’s economy in 2024, supporting jobs, research, and communities statewide.
Reports & Updates
Foundations respond to changes in federal funding
Over the past week, several foundations have stepped forward to offer rapid response and bridge funding to help mitigate the impact of grant cancellations.
Message from the President:
Leading with purpose
This is a time to carry forward both resolve and innovative thinking with a healthy dose of Cougar pride.
‘Let’s get to work — together’
President Elizabeth Cantwell thanks the university community in a personal message, sharing her belief that WSU is uniquely positioned not only to adapt — but to lead.
Message from Kirk and Noel Schulz:
Thank you, WSU
On their last day as President and First Lady of Washington State University, Kirk and Noel Schulz extend one final thank you for a memorable nine years.
