USU President announces departure, becomes first woman president at Washington State University

SALT LAKE CITY – Utah State University President Elizabeth R. Cantwell has announced her departure from USU and has accepted a position out of state.

The Utah Board of Higher Education released a statement Thursday announcing Cantwell’s departure, and said she has accepted a position as president of Washington State University. Cantwell is set to preside over WSU starting April 1, 2025, according to the UHBE.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for President Cantwell, and we wish her very well in this next chapter,” the statement said.

The USU Board of Trustees released a statement on Cantwell’s decision, and said that “while her time at USU was short, we are grateful for President Cantwell’s dedicated work in lifting up Utah State University.”

Cantwell became USU’s president in Aug. 2023. The Board of Trustees highlighted her leadership while helping the University increase scholarships, a “transformative membership in the new Pac-12 Conference,” and a new model for fiscal sustainability.

“We know that her bold vision for our university left us in a better position and we thank President Cantwell for her service to Utah State University, the Cache Valley and the State of Utah, and we wish her the very best in her new endeavor,” the Board of Trustee’s statement said.

Cantwell’s new position as Washington State University’s 12th president is made historical by the fact she will be the University’s first-ever female president.

The UBHE said an interim president will soon be announced while the search for the next president continues.

“We look forward to partnering with the campus community and its many supporters to ensure a smooth transition and future success,” the statement said.