Welcome aboard!
It was reported this afternoon that Washington State University announced the newest President – Elizabeth Cantwell!
Or, as some may call her, Betsy.
Cantwell brings a refreshing background to WSU, heading north from Utah State (a future new friend), where she’d been the president since August of 2023. And her list of accolades leading to that role is nothing short of astounding.
I use all those big words above, because Cantwell received her BA in Human Behavior from the University of Chicago, where she started at the fresh age of 16, according to our friends over at Cougfan. She has a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Cal (wow), and an MBA in Finance & Entrepreneurship from The University of Pennsylvania Wharton School, which I am full government naming because of the level of accomplishment that is. She’s worked for the Department of Defense, focusing on economic development, and she made her collegiate sphere debut at Arizona State University.
While what led her to higher ed might seem unconventional, as we well know sometimes the best solutions come from the unlikeliest of places. Cantwell will bring a well of new perspectives, and likely implement positive and exciting changes to the Washington State ecosystem. Welcome, Elizabeth! Let us know when we’ve earned ‘Betsy’ privileges, please.