The Pitre Dish – Oct. 22, 2018
October 22, 2018
Greetings to the #EverCougs Community!
It is hard to believe but we are already halfway through the semester. Time flies at WSU Everett when we’re busy learning, teaching and engaging!
We’ve had a busy month capped by a visit from Washington State University President Kirk Schulz and Provost Dan Bernardo to host their annual Town Hall series. I was proud to see the crowd of Everett students, faculty, staff and community leaders. You came prepared with questions, suggestions and a strong commitment to the Coug community. Thank you for that!
For those who could not attend the Town Hall, below are a few key discussion points as they relate to the WSU six-campus system and to the Everett campus specifically:
- WSU has identified 11 key metrics determining our success in the Drive to 25, the university’s goal to become one of the nation’s top 25 public research universities by 2030. WSU Everett is actively working on three of those metrics which target increases in the following: 1) undergraduate research, scholarship and creative discovery; 2) employment rates of graduates; and 3) diverse faculty, staff and students. We will start with these, but rest assured we will not stop there. As our campus grows we plan to contribute to other metrics including increasing university research, faculty awards,
National Academy members, faculty citations and annual giving. - We are pleased to announce the next array of industry-aligned programs offered in Everett. In the very near future we expect to launch degree programs from the Management, Information Systems and Entrepreneurship Department within the Carson College of Business. Over the next decade, we plan to add Criminal Justice (rooted in Psychology), Computer Engineering and Applied Mathematics. We heard strong commitment from President Schulz and Provost Bernardo to work with us and the college deans to accomplish this growth plan.
- We are confident that as we offer more world-class programming in Everett, more aspiring Cougs will come here. So where are all of those students going to go once our current building is full? We are working with local communities to identify potential land-acquisition or land-lease opportunities. Ours will not be an easy process for a few reasons. Unlike our sister campuses in Pullman or Vancouver, WSU Everett does not sit on a large tract of land amenable to development. In addition, land in an urban setting like ours comes at a greater premium and cost. Despite these challenges, we are excited to begin the work charting our future growth in Everett.
- Lastly, I have heard concerns about the need for more on-campus parking. Parking is very expensive and the funding sources to build it are limited. For those who can, please explore public transit or carpooling to our campus. If you must drive, try to arrive before or after peak parking times, generally from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Meanwhile, as the North Broadway corridor grows, WSU will partner with other local institutions, such as Everett Community College and Providence Hospital, for equitable solutions.
On Saturday, the eyes of the nation watched as the ESPN College GameDay crew shined their light on WSU. The celebration was incredible and continued with a triumphant display by our football team at Martin Stadium. I was proud to wear my crimson and gray in Pullman while a tremendous group from the WSU Alumni Association gathered in Snohomish County. The day exemplified how connected and proud our WSU family is, from Pullman and Everett to our Spokane, Vancouver, Tri-Cities and Global campuses, our statewide network of extension locations and alumni.
Go Cougs!
Paul Pitre, Chancellor
WSU Everett & Everett University Center