There’s a role for our college as WSU plans take off in Everett
A.G. Rud
I didn’t expect to spend the Thursday before the Independence Day holiday traveling to Western Washington. Especially not in a four-seater charter plane out of Pullman-Moscow International in the company of President Elson S. Floyd and Murrow College Dean Larry Pintak. But when the university president invites you to a meeting and offers you a ride …
When we landed at Paine Field, our plane was dwarfed by Boeing jets stacked up, awaiting insignia painting for many countries around the world. From there, we drove to three meetings with stakeholders in WSU’s initiative to operate the present University Center in Everett, starting in 2014.
We met in the lovely new convention center in Everett’s harbor area, joined by several other WSU deans and partner institution officials. Also present was WSU Spokane Chancellor Brian Pitcher, whose Riverpoint campus is seen as a model for WSU’s effort in Everett.
WSU’s first order of business in Everett will be to establish mechanical and electrical engineering programs, modeled on what we already offer in Bremerton. The programs will involve a clinical faculty member, distance education via video, and summer study in Pullman. But the stakeholders in Everett — including the mayor, Chamber of Commerce representatives, and state legislators — also want programs in nursing, media arts and, importantly, education. At the meeting, I shared my eagerness for the College of Education to provide educational opportunities to local school administrators, and to teachers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Western Washington University has traditionally provided education course work in Everett, and I look forward to working with them.
President Floyd said it is premature to think of Everett as being the fifth WSU campus. For now, we are exploring the opportunity and learning how we can collaborate. An advisory board and planning committee are already at work.
I am proud that the College of Education is so well represented in the leadership of this initiative. Paul Pitre of our Vancouver faculty will oversee WSU’s developments at Everett in the coming year. Joan Kingrey, our academic director in Spokane, led the discussions at the Everett meeting. And President Floyd has his faculty appointment in our college.
Our plane took off from Paine Field just before 5 p.m. I rode shotgun. Heading east, we flew above a blanket of clouds over the Cascades, with Mount Rainier peeking above that, off the right wing. A half hour later, I could see in the distance lush green fields, and Kamiak and Steptoe buttes. It was thrilling to see Pullman edge closer as we sped home. It was a fun and inspiring day.
July 25th, 2011 at 8:04 pm
We have a growing number of students from the Everett area in our WSU Superintendent Certification program. The Everett location would serve us well with regard to an additional seminar location. We would certainly enjoy the opportunity to serve this area in a more personal manner. We were proud to have Paul as part of our superintendent faculty. His selection is wise and will lead to productive outcomes. We look forward to helping where appropriate. Gene and WSU Superintendent Team
November 14th, 2011 at 11:50 am
[...] Paul Pitre, an expert in school leadership and policy, with a special interest in what it takes to help minority students succeed. This academic year, he is on leave from his Vancouver position while he puts his talents to use overseeing WSU’s efforts in Everett. [...]
December 14th, 2011 at 10:20 pm
I missed this when it was first posted. Thanks for bringing it to our attention via your holiday card. As a member of the College of Educations Advocacy Board and as a graduate from the then School of Communications, I can’t think of two better Deans for President Floyd to have chosen to share the trip with. And as a Coug who was born and raised in Snohomish County, just outside of Everett in the small town of Lake Stevens, I can’t think of a better region for WSU’s fifth campus. I hope the planning, funding, and passion come together in a way that makes the dream a reality. Go Cougs!