Regents approve two new degree programs, honor Sam Hunt during May 7 meeting

Members of the Washington State University Board of Regents approved two new degree programs, elected new leadership for the coming academic year, and honored the late Regent Sam Hunt during their virtual meeting on Thursday.

The two new degree programs approved are a Master of Science in Food Manufacturing Technologies for WSU Global Campus as well as a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence that will be offered in Pullman.

The new food manufacturing technologies degree expands on an existing area of strength for WSU, Provost and Executive Vice President Chris Riley-Tillman noted in his comments during the board's Academic and Student Affairs Committee meeting. By launching an artificial intelligence degree program, WSU is becoming part of a national trend for computer science education, Riley-Tillman noted.

The College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences and the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture are working to establish these new degree programs, with a goal of first offering them in the fall.

Also on the academic side, recent revisions to the faculty manual included the addition of a new highest level ranking among career-track faculty, the Laureate Professor. This status will serve as the equivalent of the Regents Professor status for tenure-track faculty. The number of Laureate professors will be built up slowly over time, with an expected cap in line with the number of Regents professors.

Other actions

In approving the consent agenda, regents gave the go-ahead to the project design for the Southside Dining and Market Renovation project on the Pullman campus. The first phase of this project will bring significant improvements to the building, including changes to food venues. Construction is expected to begin later this month.

Regents also shared memories of Sam Hunt, a 1967 WSU graduate who served on the board following a prolific career in public service. Hunt passed away last month. He was also honored with a formal commendation.

"Regent Hunt brought decades of experience in public service, education, and leadership to this board. His wisdom and his guidance will be missed," Jenette Ramos, chair of the WSU Board of Regents, said.

Student Regent Amina Hussein was also honored with an official commendation as part of her final meeting on the Board of Regents.

Regents also formally elected Doug Picha as the chair of the Board of Regents and Howard Wright as vice chair effective July 1.

Future actions

A $13.5 million renovation of the WSU Creamery and a $9.7 million renovation of existing space to create the Spokane Team Health Building, were discussed as future action items.

Members of the WSU Board of Regents are also expected to meet on May 18 to discuss and vote on fiscal year 2027 operating and athletics budgets for the university. Early stages of the capital and operating budget requests for the 2027-29 state biennium were also discussed as part of Thursday's meetings.

Riley-Tillman and Kerri Davidson, vice president of Institutional Affairs and chief administrative officer, opened the public portion of Thursday's meetings with information on the ongoing systemwide redesign initiative. WSU President Elizabeth Cantwell also shared an update on the university's key performance indicators.

More information about the WSU Board of Regents is available on the governing body's website.