Elizabeth Cantwell named WSU's new president, first female to take job
Washington State University's new president
Dr. Elizabeth R. Cantwell has been named WSU's 12th president, making her the first woman to hold the position in the university's 135-year history.
PULLMAN, Wash. - Washington State University announced Dr. Elizabeth "Betsy" R. Cantwell as the university’s next president, marking the first time a woman will hold the role.
What's next:
Cantwell will be the 12th president of WSU, succeeding Kirk Schulz, who has served as president since 2016 and will continue to assist with the transition until June 2025.
Cantwell was selected following a nationwide search that identified more than 260 potential candidates. The WSU Board of Regents unanimously voted to appoint her during their recent meeting.
Elizabeth "Betsy" Cantwell has been selected as the 12th president of Washington State University — and the first woman to serve in the role. (Photo by WSU Photo Services)
"I am deeply honored by the trust the Board of Regents has placed in me to lead this incredible institution," Cantwell said. "To be selected to lead this esteemed institution as its 12th president is a profound privilege. I’ve long admired Washington State University, and a couple of years ago my family’s connection to the university deepened when my daughter became a Coug, enrolling in one of WSU’s graduate programs. This opportunity to serve WSU as president is truly a dream come true!"
Who is Elizabeth Cantwell?
What we know:
Currently the president of Utah State University’s 30-campus system, Cantwell has led notable advancements in academic growth, research funding, and campus development, including significant increases in research funding and the construction of key campus buildings.
She has previously held leadership roles at the University of Arizona, Arizona State University and national research laboratories, such as Lawrence Livermore and Oak Ridge.
Cantwell holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering from UC Berkeley, an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and a bachelor’s degree in human behavior from the University of Chicago.
What they're saying:
"We are energized by Dr. Cantwell’s ambitious vision for the future of WSU. She is a passionate advocate for student success and a champion of our land-grant mission," said Lisa Keohokalole Schauer, WSU board chair. "Her experience in leading university systems and national research labs, combined with her tenacity and leadership will be invaluable as we navigate the complexities of the modern higher education landscape. Dr. Cantwell understands the challenges and opportunities facing WSU and is positioned to guide our university to new heights."
"Dr. Cantwell’s combination of academic, research and innovation sector leadership make her uniquely qualified to guide WSU’s next chapter," said Jenette Ramos, a Board of Regents member and chair of the presidential search committee. "The challenges facing higher education today require more than just academic experience. She brings experience in collaborative problem solving with innovative solutions and a deep understanding of complex systems. Dr. Cantwell’s leadership experience at national labs and NASA has provided her with invaluable insights to address large-scale challenges — all of which will benefit WSU."
"Dr. Cantwell meets the key criteria we sought in our next leader," said Eric Shelden, past chair of the WSU Faculty Senate and member of the committee. "It was clear that she prioritizes collaboration and open communication. She listens closely to the voices of those around her."
Cantwell will relocate to Pullman to begin her tenure on April 1.
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The Source: Information for this story came from a Washington State University press release.
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