Washington State University has announced that Elizabeth Cantwell will officially take over as the new president of the institution on Tuesday. Cantwell, who was appointed by the WSU Regents in February, previously served as the President of Utah State University for the past year and a half. She will reside in the Ida Lou Anderson house on campus, and her office will return to its traditional location in the French Administration building after being temporarily relocated to downtown Pullman for approximately three years.

On the same day, former president Kirk Schulz will begin a sabbatical year following his unexpected announcement to step down last year amidst calls for leadership changes from faculty and former provosts at WSU. Although Schulz’s retirement was initially scheduled for June 30, it was expedited to March 31. Recently, WSU disclosed that Schulz would be on sabbatical to write and provide consultation to President Cantwell as necessary. This announcement came shortly before WSU revealed plans for spending cuts, including the renegotiation or termination of non-essential contracts. Reports indicate that Schulz will receive $765,000 for his sabbatical, a provision that was included in an amendment to his contract in 2020, which stipulates a one-year paid leave once he steps down as president. Schulz is expected to fully retire from WSU in June of the following year.