On February 24, the Eastern Washington University (EWU) Board of Trustees selected California State University, San Bernardino Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Shari McMahan as the 27th president. Her appointment will begin on June 24, 2022. A first-generation college graduate, Dr. McMahan possesses a bachelor’s degree and doctorate in social ecology from the University of California, Irvine, as well as a master’s degree in health science from California State University, Northridge. Among Dr. McMahan’s goals and aspirations for EWU are to become a Hispanic-serving institution, solidify the relationship between the university and Cheney, increase student access and success, and develop partnerships with private and public employers.
One of our state’s three comprehensive universities, EWU was established on April 3, 1882. The university offers more than 100 majors in 150 fields of study, in addition to 39 masters degrees, 20 graduate certificates, and two applied doctoral programs. The university also offers several academic programs in Spokane. Approximately 43% of EWU’s 11,000 students are the first in their families to attend college. EWU is the only college or university in eastern Washington to be named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency. Seventy-five percent of EWU graduates currently reside in Washington, including 2018 National Teacher of the Year Mandy Manning.
The COP team acknowledge the distinguished service of Interim President David May. President May has served as the leader of EWU for the past 18 months and is currently chair of the Council of Presidents. He has skillfully and gracefully navigated EWU through a series of crises during his tenure, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to being named interim president, Dr. May served as the university’s vice provost and provost and vice president for academic affairs. He has been with EWU since 1999 and is an alum of both Whitman College and Washington State University. Thank you, President May, for all that you have accomplished for EWU and your service to our sector and state.
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