New energy in the Summer 2026 issue of Washington State Magazine
Heading into the weekend, readers can explore the new issue, packed with stories on energy innovation and more from WSU and its alumni.
Campus & Community
New energy in the Summer 2026 issue of Washington State Magazine
Heading into the weekend, readers can explore the new issue, packed with stories on energy innovation and more from WSU and its alumni.
Commencement volunteers needed in Pullman
Any members of the WSU community who would like to volunteer can sign up for a time slot online. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
ROAR students win gold at Washington Special Olympics
WSU ROAR students helped lead the Whitman County Superstars to a gold medal at the Washington Special Olympics Winter Games, capping a season defined by teamwork, growth, and standout sportsmanship.
Dr. Universe explains why people drop out of school
WSU psychologists Brian French and Paul Strand help Dr. Universe explain that there’s rarely just one reason students leave school.
University Affairs
WSU Board of Regents hosting virtual meeting May 7
Regents will convene a series of committee meetings prior to the full meeting of the WSU Board of Regents.
WSU Regent, longtime civic leader Sam Hunt dies following battle with leukemia
Hunt, a 1967 WSU graduate, devoted more than five decades to public service, education, and civic leadership across Washington.
WSU’s #CougsGive surpasses $1 million for second consecutive year
Donors made a combined 1,451 gifts for $1,056,226 during the campaign, with every WSU campus and college receiving support.
WSU celebrates #CougsGive on April 15
The popular event runs from midnight to midnight and features live campaign counting, a donor wall, unlockable special match and challenge gifts, and leaderboards highlighting daily results.
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
Pre-retirement seminars — Spring 2026
Are you considering retiring? Join a pre-retirement seminar to assist you in your planning. Topics include: Retiree Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance Enrollment Processes Medicare and Social Security Voluntary Employee’s Benefit Association Medical Expense Plan (VEBA MEP) Annual Leave Payment Voluntary Investment Programs Retirement Income, and Retirement Supplementation for WSURP participants These seminars are split into […]
Pre‑retirement seminars — Spring 2026
Are you considering retiring? Join a pre-retirement seminar to assist you in your planning. Topics include: Retiree Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance Enrollment Processes Medicare and Social Security Voluntary Employee’s Benefit Association Medical Expense Plan (VEBA MEP) Annual Leave Payment Voluntary Investment Programs Retirement Income Retirement Supplementation for WSURP participants These seminars are split into separate sessions […]
Awards & Achievements
WSU veterinary student Ammasie Allred earns international theriogenology honor
Allred has been named a 2026 Nandi Scholar, earning one of two $5,000 international awards recognizing final-year veterinary students who demonstrate exceptional promise in theriogenology, leadership, and scholarly excellence.
WSU student team takes first at national cyber competition
A team of WSU computer science students recently earned first place in the 2026 VICEROY National Cyber Competition called The Guardian Prevails.
WSU SURCA undergraduate researchers earn 65 awards
Seventy‑three students who participated in the Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities 2026 were awarded prizes totaling $14,000.
WSU recognized for support of first-generation students
The university’s elevation to FirstGen Forward Network Champion reflects growing enrollment, improved retention, and expanded support programs helping first-generation students succeed.
Science & Technology
WSU research helps to unravel power outage mystery
Since a massive outage of the European power grid last year, researchers have helped to unravel why it occurred and how to prevent similar events in the future.
Inside WSU’s student-run hackathons
Hackathons have become a defining space for student innovation, with two taking center stage this year.
April 28: Ensor lecture focuses on synthetic biology
James Collins of MIT will speak on synthetic biology and making biology programmable from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, on the Pullman campus and livestreamed via Zoom.
What’s in a name? Study finds two dahlia-damaging viruses are variants of same species
WSU researchers clear up decades-long misunderstanding of the cause of an untreatable disease in dahlias.
Food & Agriculture
New WSU raspberry breeder to continue career goal of helping farmers
Germán Sandoya-Miranda aims to develop improved varieties and work closely with growers to help Washington farmers boost yields and adapt to evolving challenges.
Trio of USDA grants will help WSU scientist make food safer, reduce waste
The three projects led by WSU’s Kang Huang aim to improve food safety and cut waste by targeting harmful microbes across every stage of food production.
WSU bee scientist hosting international pollinator conference in Pullman
The June conference will bring global experts together for the first North American meeting of a group focused on tackling honey bee colony collapse around the world.
Extreme microbe may change how apples are protected
A compound derived from an extreme microbe is being tested by WSU researchers as a potential new way to protect apples from fire blight and Listeria.
Health & Medicine
Pharmacy class of 2026 achieves 90% residency match rate
The result positions WSU’s College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the top among pharmacy schools in the Pacific Northwest and across the West Coast.
Why endometriosis causes such chronic debilitating pain
A new WSU study shows that repeated inflammation from endometriosis can rewire the brain and nervous system, helping explain why debilitating pain often persists even after lesions are gone.
Donor-funded $2 million scholarship match supports future doctors at WSU College of Medicine
The funding, provided by longtime WSU supporters Tom and Barbara Wilson and first-time donor Barbara Stephanus, will match philanthropic contributions to student scholarships through the college’s Medicine Multiplied campaign.
WSU College of Medicine celebrates Match Day, milestone for Class of 2026 Coug docs
Students gathered with loved ones across the state on March 20 to celebrate a major milestone on their path to filling a critical need for more physicians in Washington and beyond.
Veterinary Medicine
Undergrad researchers drive discovery in the College of Veterinary Medicine
Hands‑on research opportunities in the college are enabling students to contribute directly to major discoveries, including a recent Nature study.
A crafty way to support WSU’s mission to end rabies
A Massachusetts craft artist is turning handmade creations into funding for dog vaccinations in Africa, supporting the university’s efforts to eliminate rabies deaths.
Companion goat with pink goatee thrives after meticulous surgery at WSU
The 7‑year‑old La Mancha goat is back to her playful self after a high‑risk, life‑saving surgery by veterinary specialists removed a rare cancerous tumor.
WSU spay program eases financial strain for animal rescues
Veterinary students are providing free spay surgeries and care for rescue dogs, saving shelters money, improving adoptability, and giving students surgical experience.
Arts & Culture
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU acquires 80 photographs by Kristin Capp
The acquisition expands the museum’s photography holdings while strengthening connections to local agricultural and cultural landscapes.
Seeing through paper: Light sheet reveals printing in MASC’s early books
A new light sheet at WSU’s special collections is helping researchers peer inside centuries-old books, revealing clues to their origins and history.
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU announces four spring exhibitions
Running March 31–June 27, the exhibitions invite visitors to observe shifting light and engaging works that unfold through sensory awareness.
Port Townsend Writers Conference invites WSU Campus Civic Poet to attend
Hope Dela Cruz, WSU’s Campus Civic Poet, will attend the Port Townsend Writers Conference this summer thanks to a new fellowship supported by the nonprofit arts organization Centrum.
Business & Economics
Propel gift empowers aging business management innovation
The $50,000 gift is helping WSU’s Granger Cobb Institute expand brain health screenings, end-of-life care training, and workforce education to improve healthy aging outcomes in the region.
Kahlil Simeon-Rose brings global perspective to responsible gambling research
The Carson College associate professor is working with global partners to help shape responsible gambling policies by bridging industry strategy, consumer behavior, and public well-being.
Joseph Scott Gladstone advances global collaboration in Indigenous business research
WSU scholar Joe Gladstone is partnering with the University of Melbourne to advance global research on how Indigenous values shape business leadership, entrepreneurship, and community-focused decision-making.
Selling the city: Students elevate Vancouver’s tourism strategy
WSU students partnered with Visit Vancouver to develop real-world tourism strategies, identifying new event opportunities and marketing ideas that highlight the city’s growing potential as a regional destination.
Politics & Society
Christianity in America: A conversation with historian Matthew Avery Sutton
The WSU historian explores how Christianity has shaped American culture in a new book tracing the religion’s evolving role in the nation’s past and present.
Indian Consulate General Prakash Gupta visits WSU
Gupta said agricultural technology is a field where an exchange of resources, research, faculty, and students could greatly benefit both countries and WSU.
Solar schools shine on Washington students
A WSU-led solar program is helping rural Washington schools cut energy costs while reinvesting the savings into programs that support low-income students and strengthen their communities.
New Murrow Artifacts exhibit brings historic artifacts to Terrell Library
The exhibit in the Terrell Library atrium lets visitors explore Edward R. Murrow’s legacy and the history of the Murrow College through rare items like his mentor’s pocket watch.
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.