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Interim WSU president to speak at Pullman luncheon

The June Pullman Chamber of Commerce luncheon will feature Washington State University's Interim President Dr. Dan Bernardo, who will be speaking on the state of the university.

The luncheon is booked for next Tuesday, June 14, at Banyan's on the Ridge. Chamber members, non-members and guests are all welcome.

Bernardo, who was named interim president last June following the death of President Elson S. Floyd, will conclude his presidential duties next week. The university has hired Dr. Kirk Schulz to permanently replace Floyd. Schulz was previously the president at Kansas State University. Schulz, who officially begins his job duties June 13, last week revealed to the public through an email the financial state of the university.

The email, sent May 31, states the university has “been spending more money annually over the past couple of years than has been brought in, which is simply not sustainable.”

Schulz said there will be adjustments to how the budget is handled. He highlighted four immediate steps to take, which include re-instituting a formalized budget development process, no longer building new buildings without a comprehensive funding plan in place, not bringing items to the Board of Regents for approval without a robust financial analysis accompanying the proposals and discussions with WSU Athletics on ways to reduce the university's annual deficit while still maintaining the ability to compete for Pac-12 championships.

“Ultimately, we will have some financial challenges over the next couple of years, and I will work to ensure that university leadership is bringing forth reasonable solutions that continue our positive momentum but are fiscally responsible,” Schulz wrote in the email.

The Chamber luncheon is slated for a noon start time, and RSVP is due by June 10 to the Pullman Chamber of Commerce. Cost is $15 for non-members and $12 for members.

509-334-3565 or chamber@pullmanchamber.com.

 

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