Elizabeth Cantwell has been appointed as the new president of Washington State University (WSU), as confirmed by the WSU Regents in a special meeting. Cantwell's prior experience includes a year and a half serving as president of Utah State University, bringing valuable leadership skills to her new role. She will officially begin her tenure at WSU on April 1. This leadership transition comes as Kirk Schulz, the outgoing president, announced his retirement last April, which was initially set for June 30 but has now been moved up to March 31. The regents' decision to expedite Schulz's retirement follows mounting pressure from hundreds of faculty members and three former provosts who called for a change in leadership at the institution.

Schulz will remain at WSU in a senior advisory position, allowing for a smoother transition. This change in leadership is significant for the university community, as it reflects ongoing conversations about governance and institutional effectiveness. Cantwell's appointment is seen as a pivotal moment for WSU, with hopes for renewed direction and vision under her leadership.