Colleagues,

I hope your academic year is off to a great start. I feel like this is my first “real” semester on our beautiful Pullman campus, since the last two years have not been quite as energetic and lively! I have had the great pleasure of meeting more of you in person these last few weeks. A special thank you to those who were able to attend the inauguration celebration in late August. It was a great way to kick off the new academic year, and I am honored to be a part of this exciting time in WSU’s evolution. If you were unable to make it, a recording of the event, and a copy of my address are available online. Thank you to the many, many people involved in making the day such a success.

Some good news to share—the Board of Regents for the WSU system will be meeting in Pullman this week. We are excited to give them a tour of some of our facilities and highlight the many ways we support our students’ well-being. Additionally, please save the date for the celebratory launch of our first-ever strategic plan for WSU Pullman. The events will be held on October 11 and 12, and a formal campus-wide invitation will be coming soon. My heartfelt thanks to our co-chairs, Associate Vice Chancellor Jaime Nolan, Vice Provost Craig Parks, Dean Mary Rezac, and the Pullman Strategic Planning Committee.

Meanwhile, best wishes for your fall semester. I hope to see you on the Terrell Mall on my walk to work, at an upcoming meeting or event, or at the Fall Open House that Michael and I will be hosting at our residence in early November.

Go Cougs!

Elizabeth Chilton
WSU Pullman Chancellor

P.S. – Congratulations to our soccer, volleyball, and football teams for their hard-earned wins this weekend. What a great time to be a Coug!

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Around campus

Special announcement regarding statewide outdoor air quality — wildfire smoke

Air quality in various locations statewide may be affected by wildfire smoke. WSU campuses as well as research and extension centers could be affected.

The constitution out loud: a public reading Sept. 16

To celebrate Constitution and Citizenship Day on Sept. 17, the Washington State University Libraries will sponsor a round-robin public reading of the Constitution (with amendments) starting at noon on Friday, Sept. 16, in the Terrell Library Atrium.

Clinical Simulation Center to hold open house as part of Healthcare Simulation Week

The Clinical Simulation Center at Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine will hold an open house 1–2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, as part of worldwide Healthcare Simulation Week. The first 50 guests at the open house will receive free ice cream grabbers from Ferdinand’s Ice Cream Shoppe.

Plan ahead for home football game Oct. 27

The Pullman campus will maintain regular operations on Thursday, Oct. 27, when Cougar Football plays University of Utah in a home game that kicks off at 7 p.m. at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. To allow for game-related parking, faculty, staff, and students must remove their vehicles from affected parking longs no later than 3 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27.

In case you missed it

Martian rock-metal composite shows potential of 3D printing on Mars

WSU researchers used simulated crushed Martian rock mixed with a titanium alloy to make a strong material in a process that one day could be used on Mars.

A better picture of vegetation to reduce fire risk

A grant from Google will help one WSU researcher map vegetation across the Western U.S. that could help reduce the risk of wildfires.

Vaccine policy promotes community health

WSU recently implemented a new executive policy that expands vaccine requirements for students. It also codifies the university’s stance on required vaccinations for employees in response to public health mandates.

New food science director looks to grow school’s prominence and student population

Soo-Yeun Lee, the new director of WSU’s School of Food Science, is an internationally known researcher in the field of sensory science.

Additional resources