The Council of Presidents is the association of Washington state’s six public four-year college and universities. For more than 50 years we have worked to advance collaboration, cooperation, innovation, and efficiency across our sector and broader higher education to help drive economic prosperity, fiscal responsibility, and the advancement of sound public policy.

Who we are
Our Institutions
Founded in 1891, Central Washington University is a regional, comprehensive public university located in the historic town of Ellensburg, and co-located with community colleges in Lynnwood, Everett, Des Moines, Kent, Steilacoom, Yakima, Moses Lake, and Wenatchee.
Founded in 1882, Eastern Washington University is a regional, comprehensive public university located in Cheney, with programs also offered at the Riverpoint Campus in Spokane and at Bellevue, Everett, Kirkland, Lakewood, Seattle, Vancouver, and Yakima.
Founded in 1967, The Evergreen State College is an innovative public liberal arts and sciences college located in the state capital of Olympia, with an additional program in Tacoma and a Native Pathways Program at four locations across Western Washington.
Founded in 1861, the UW is a multi-campus research university in Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell, as well as a world-class academic medical center.
Founded in 1890, Washington State University is a land-grant research university located in Pullman, with additional campuses in Everett, Tri-Cities, Spokane, and Vancouver.
Founded in 1893, Western Washington University is a regional, comprehensive public university located in Bellingham, with additional programs in Bremerton, Everett, Port Angeles, Poulsbo, as well as the Shannon Point Marine Center in Anacortes.
Recent News
A Farewell from COP’s Executive Director

There’s a trick to the ‘graceful exit.’ It begins with the vision to recognize when a job, a life stage, or a relationship is over–and let it go. It means leaving what’s over without denying its validity or its past…
The End of Pride Month Doesn’t Mean the End of Pride

As Pride month ends, it is worth taking a moment to acknowledge and honor the celebrations that have concluded, as well as the continued recognition of the queer community. What is Pride? June is LGBTQ Pride month, a commemoration of…
Read More The End of Pride Month Doesn’t Mean the End of Pride
The Pell Grant: 50 Years of Opportunities

“I would never have had the chance to pursue my goals without the help of the Pell Grant. To me, the Pell Grant means opportunity.“ — L.T., Eastern Washington University student and Pell Grant recipient June 23, 2022 marks the…
Honoring Juneteenth

This Sunday marks Juneteenth. The holiday, also called Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, and Black Independence Day, is celebrated across the country. What is Juneteenth? Juneteenth is a portmanteau of the date June Nineteenth – “Juneteenth”. The day celebrates…
Celebrating the Return of In-Person Commencement Ceremonies

The end of this academic year marks an exciting time for our member institutions, as they celebrate a return to in-person commencement ceremonies after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. COP is thrilled to see the return of…
Read More Celebrating the Return of In-Person Commencement Ceremonies
Washington’s Public 4-Year Sector: Serving Those Who Served

This year marks the 154th observance of Memorial Day. What began as “Decoration Day” in 1868 to commemorate Civil War soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery, has become a national holiday to remember those who have died in service of our…
Read More Washington’s Public 4-Year Sector: Serving Those Who Served
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