Lynne Szymanski

The Board meeting included reports from shared governance groups, university leadership, and various board committees. Key actions involved the re-election of board officers, the modification of bylaws regarding the selection of a faculty representative, the establishment of a Bachelor of Science in Viticulture and Enology, and the establishment of a Master of Science in Kinesiology. The Board also discussed and approved the 2021-2023 biennial capital budget request and reviewed projected changes to the FY2020 athletics budget due to the COVID-19 pandemic. An executive session was held to discuss the performance of a public employee.

The Board of Regents meeting involved various governance, administrative, and strategic discussions. Key actions included the election of Board officers, the approval of revised Board of Regents bylaws, the adoption of the 2024-2029 WSU Spokane Strategic Plan, and revisions to the Washington Administrative Code regarding student housing and conduct standards. The Board also approved the establishment of several new academic degrees, including a Master of Veterinary Anatomic Pathology, a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. Financial decisions included authorizing service and activities fee rate changes, revising the debt management policy, approving the Workday contract renewal, and finalizing the 2025-2027 state capital budget request. Furthermore, the Board addressed leadership transitions, specifically the retirement of the University President, and established a search advisory committee for his successor.

The Board of Regents reviewed the six-year accreditation report required by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, which covers university policies, finances, and resources. They discussed a proposal to establish an educational location at the University of Nairobi to support joint international research and PhD training programs. Additionally, the Board received a report on fall 2023 admissions and enrollment figures, noting the largest incoming class since 2019 and discussing ongoing systemwide efforts to improve student enrollment and retention.

This strategic plan outlines Washington State University's five-year roadmap to achieve its vision as a world-class institution. It focuses on four key strategic goals: offering a premier undergraduate experience, nurturing a world-class environment for research, scholarship, graduate education, arts, and engagement, creating an environment of trust and respect, and fostering a culture of shared commitment to quality. Guided by core values such as inquiry, diversity, and teamwork, the plan aims to enhance intellectual, creative, and practical abilities within the university community and beyond.

The discussion featured the 13th annual Crimson Reads event, highlighting works by WSU authors. Panelists engaged in a conversation regarding the intersection of academic research and general audience publications, specifically discussing strategies for writing books that function as both scholarly textbooks and approachable material for lifelong learners. Key topics included the shift toward audiobook versions of scholarly work, the challenges of text-to-voice technology, the importance of logistics in historical research, and the methodologies used in structuring academic inquiries across various disciplines.