The Pitre Dish | Sept. 12, 2019
September 12, 2019
Greetings to the #EverCougs community!
WSU President Kirk Schulz and Provost Mitzi Montoya recently shared exciting news from the entire University system as well as our Puget Sound campus in Everett. Important updates for the University system included a positive operating balance for the first time since 2013, and progress on the systemwide strategic plan. Right now, you can provide input to help shape the strategic plan at strategicplan.wsu.edu. It took me about 15 minutes to complete the community survey, which will remain open through Sept. 17.
At the same time as the WSU President and Provost were in Everett, Governor Jay Inslee visited to host an Everett Education Roundtable discussion with me, new leaders from Everett Public Schools and Everett Community College, and Associated Students of Washington State University Everett President Lynn Aylesworth and Vice President Anna Boll. The Governor led a great discussion in which we shared real strengths that our partnership at different levels has for our students, putting them in position to enter a career they find fulfilling and where there is strong industry demand. We also spoke earnestly about improving the connections between K-12, community college and four-year education and making that connection consistent for all our students. The interdisciplinary, industry- and project-based learning WSU Everett students like Lynn and Anna are engaged in really, really impressed the Governor.
Another impressive initiative that has garnered front page news coverage in Island County is our new classroom located at the WSU Extension Island County office in Coupeville, Wash. Beginning this semester, two WSU Everett engineering students will use distance learning technology to take a total of four classes at the WSU Extension Island County in Coupeville. One software engineering student is transferring from Skagit Valley College in Oak Harbor. The other is a senior electrical engineering student finishing up his undergraduate degree. The system includes a voice-activated camera which zeros in on whoever is speaking, so the professor can interact directly with that student. This is the first semester where students enrolled in classes will be taking advantage of this educational opportunity in pursuit of a degree.
In my last letter, I highlighted the graduation speech of Murrow College graduate Adam Householder. Well, I’m proud to update you that he is now working at Fluke Manufacturing as a new product introduction marketing specialist. I was able to recognize him before our campus advisory council recently, alongside fellow Murrow College graduate Nashika Stansbro, now a public information specialist for Community Transit, and Jessica Woods, a Voiland College electrical engineering graduate who is now leading a fulfilling career as a software design engineer, also at Fluke Manufacturing. I was also delighted to highlight Carson College graduates Olivia Ericksen, who is now in her dream job as an events manager for Google, Olivia Fredricksen, who is an event and marketing specialist for Novelty Hill Januik Wineries in Washington wine country down the street in Woodinville, and Chelsea Long, who will be taking over as the restaurant manager at the new Hotel Indigo at the Port of Everett.
Their success is a small sample of the success the more than 350 graduates of our campus, and what more than 300 active students will do with their degrees and the transformative experience at this campus, as part of the Cougar family. I encourage you to donate to the WSU Everett Scholarship Fund to make these opportunities available to even more local students.
Go Cougs!
Paul Pitre, Chancellor
WSU Everett & Everett University Center
WSU Everett Highlights
Adam Householder: Forging his own story
Veteran, Murrow College Alumnus, and father of three, Adam Householder found his place at WSU Everett. “Cherish the hard times because that’s where character and strength are forged. Brave people are not fearless; you cannot be brave without also having fear.” Read more…
Whidbey News-Times | WSU’s remote classes on Whidbey get first students
Higher education is now a little more within reach for some on Whidbey Island. After more than two years of having the capability to do so, the Washington State University Island County Extension at last has students who are enrolled and attending classes there. The Coupeville office has become the first and only WSU county extension to offer these types of classes, which are attended remotely through video conferencing technology. Read more…
Everett Herald | All business, all day for Gov. Inslee in Snohomish County
The governor wanted to hear from educational leaders and students about ideas they have to help support students as they pass through different phases of the educational experience — K -12, community college, university or workforce development,” said Tara Lee, an Inslee spokeswoman. Read more…
WSU Everett Chancellor and students join local financial podcast
WSU Everett Chancellor Paul Pitre joined local financial podcast Growing Your Wealth Radio with Brian Evans of Madrona Financial with multiple WSU Everett students.