The WSU Office of the President posted the following blog today reviewing the challenges, opportunities and many points of pride for the university in 2013, including the strong and valued relationship WSU has with lawmakers.
December 19, 2013
This year has been filled with both challenges and opportunities. As I reflect on our work together, it is clear that students, faculty, and staff continue to serve as the pulse of WSU, anchored by the dedication of alums and the generosity of volunteers, friends, donors, and supporters. We are fortunate to call Washington State University home.
Our Capital Campaign continues to exceed expectations, with total giving eclipsing $857 million toward our $1 billion goal. We are establishing new endowed faculty positions, creating more scholarships for our students, and building greater research capacity through private philanthropy. Our donors are making a significant difference in the life of WSU for generations to come. We are both fortunate and grateful.
Our student enrollment remains strong and competitive. We have experienced our largest entering classes over the past several years, and that trend will hold for the foreseeable future. WSU is becoming an institution of choice as measured by an almost 80 percent increase in applications to the first-year class compared to last year. Our story is being heard, and prospective students are responding.
Our faculty members are making new research discoveries at a record pace. From their work with organics, bio-products, bio-fuels, alternative energy, and global animal disease to their advances in cancer detection, creative writing, hospitality, new media, and even extending the shelf life of batteries, we are matching our expertise with the priorities of our state and the nation. This is precisely what research universities were created to do.
Our staff continues to provide quality and unwavering support for the entire WSU enterprise, and we thank them for that.
Our relationship and engagement with legislators in Olympia and in Washington, D.C. has never been stronger. We are recognized as a strong university partner, and that reputation will redound to our mutual benefit.
And now our football team also is enjoying success with its first Bowl appearance since 2003. We look forward to success over Colorado State this Saturday.
So as the semester and 2013 come to a close, I ask that you enjoy the holiday season with your family and friends. Thank you for being part of the WSU story.
All the very best,
Elson S. Floyd