President Schulz Emphasizes Access and Opportunity In State of the University

PULLMAN – WSU President Kirk Schulz gave his annual state of the university address to students and faculty on March 26. Schulz said that there are many changes taking place right now in higher education.

The president focused on two main talking points. Diversity, and WSU’s contribution to the Pullman community and the state of Washington as a whole.

Schulz mentioned revitalizing downtown Pullman several times throughout the address. Brandon Chapman a city council member and professor at WSU was pleased to hear the president voice his commitment to making downtown vibrant. “I think president Schulz just gets it,” said Chapman, ” he understands that it’s important and he’s willing to back that up by putting resources.”

The biggest point by far of Schulz’s address was his emphasis on the need for WSU to provide access and opportunities to students who may not realize that higher education could be an option for them. “I believe to my core that we must have access to (Washington) residents that don’t see higher education as an option, WSU has got to be there.” said Schulz.

Vice president of student affairs Mary Jo Gonzales says that without that kind of mentality at WSU she would not be where she is today. “I’m a first gen(eration) myself,” said Gonzales, “it was a faculty member who tapped me on the shoulder and said Mary Jo you are so much more than you are showing up to be.”

I believe to my core that we must have access to Washington residents that don’t see higher education as an opportunity. WSU has got to be there

~ Kirk Schulz, WSU President