Elizabeth Cantwell named first woman president of Washington State University

PULLMAN, Wash. — Elizabeth Cantwell has been appointed as the next president of Washington State University (WSU), marking a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to assume the role.

Cantwell will officially take office on April 1.

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!

WSU announced that Cantwell’s appointment follows a nationwide search that considered 260 potential candidates.

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.

In addition to her presidential duties, Cantwell will join the WSU engineering faculty. Cantwell has spent the past year and a half serving as president at Utah State University.

“I am confident that Dr. Cantwell is the right leader to guide WSU at this critical time. She possesses the vision and strategic acumen to align talent and resources to achieve WSU’s goal of being a model land-grant university in the modern era,” said Kirk Schulz.

She also has a personal connection to Pullman, as her daughter enrolled as a graduate student there a couple of years ago. WSU noted that Cantwell played a significant role in the revitalization of the Pac-12 Conference.

Cantwell will succeed Kirk Schulz, who has served as president since 2016. Schulz will remain as a senior advisor through June 2025 to assist with the transition.