Elizabeth Cantwell to leave USU; hired as president of Washington State University
On Feb. 6, it was announced that Elizabeth “Betsy” R. Cantwell, 17th president of Utah State University, has been hired as the new president of Washington State University. She will start at WSU on April 1, exactly one month before commencement.
Cantwell has been at USU since August 2023, making her run at USU one of the shortest of all university presidents in history. Alan L. Smith, Dean of the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services has been named interim president for the time being.
According to an article from The Daily Evergreen, Cantwell will earn $735,000 a year as president. Her contract at WSU will extend to 2030.
On Feb. 6, WSU hosted a press conference to announce Cantwell as the replacement for Kirk Schulz, who was not expected to depart from WSU until June of this year.
“I do value transparency incredibly,” Cantwell said at the press conference.
Utah State Today released a statement written by the Chair of the USU Board of Trustees Jacey Skinner.
“While her time at USU was short, we are grateful for President Cantwell’s dedicated work in lifting up Utah State University,” Skinner wrote. “We are working closely with the Board of Higher Education on next steps, including the timing of a transition, the appointment of an Interim President, and the parameters of a presidential search.”
Student Advocate VP Sydney Lyman was informed of the decision on the evening of Feb. 6.
“USUSA is a subsystem within the larger system of the university, and it has a distinct culture and kind of this unique role as far as engaging the students,” Lyman said. “It’s such an enduring culture at Utah State, and I would argue that USUSA is a large part of creating the feeling of belonging and engagement that we so value, and that doesn’t change with administration.”
Matt Richey, student body president, was informed of Cantwell’s decision with less than 24 hours prior notice.
“Utah State has a very unique culture. It’s a culture that I’m proud of. That’s the culture that keeps me here. I love Utah State,” Richey said.
Abraham Rodriguez, 2023-24 USUSA student body president was contacted via text by The Utah Statesman.
“Utah State’s strength comes from its students, so we need a leader who prioritizes them—someone who is student-centered, engaged, and committed to ensuring their voices shape the university’s future,” Rodriguez wrote.
Rodriguez also connected the Statesman with former Logan VP Emily Smilanich.
“Cantwell came in with a uniquely strong leadership style. She knew what she wanted and didn’t let others get in her way. With this being said, her ‘student facing approach’ at the beginning of her presidency was deceiving. Student leadership meetings with her felt short, one-sided, and insignificant. There was an apparent power dynamic that left students feeling unseen. I can hope that the next president strives to show up for students,” Smilanich wrote in a text message.
Rodriguez mentioned he and other USUSA officers were not a part of the search committee when Cantwell was hired 18 months ago.
“I felt like I wasn’t heard in the hiring process,” Rodriguez said in a phone call to the Statesman.
Clara Alder was acting student body president when Cantwell was hired in 2023.
“Utah State University students deserve the very best in a university president and I hope the student voice and perspective will be fully represented and heard through the search process coming up. Student voice should be the center of every decision. Aggies want the next president to be an advocate for them, to see and hear them, and to be accessible, involved and deeply interested in their critical needs and the overall student experience,” Alder wrote in a text to the Statesman.
2023-24 Student Advocate VP Tyson Packer also contacted the Statesman via text in reflection of Cantwell’s time as president and her relationship with the student body.
“Personally I don’t think students will remember very much if at all, she did not make a big effort to been seen by them or connect with them. I cannot speak for the faculty,” Packer wrote.
Why Cantwell has decided to leave USU is unclear as of Feb. 7. There was an email sent to all students, faculty and staff on the morning of Feb. 7 from Cantwell.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of this remarkable journey, even if only for a short time!,” Cantwell wrote.
The Utah Statesman will provide updates as new information comes out.