Employment : Why Work at CWU?

About CWU.

Central Washington University is one of six state-assisted, four-year institutions of higher education in Washington. A regional comprehensive university, CWU offers baccalaureate and graduate degrees in more than 100 academic programs to over 9,600 students. Throughout its history, the university has distinguished itself in many ways, most notably through quality teaching and academic programs, student-centered orientation, and commitment to research, outreach, international experiences for faculty and students, and provision of life-long learning opportunities to the citizens of Washington. The university is composed of the College of Arts and Humanities, College of the Sciences, College of Education and Professional Studies, and College of Business. CWU's faculty, numbering more than 500, compiles an impressive record of teaching, scholarship and service. The main campus is located in Ellensburg, a community of approximately 17,000 that enjoys one of the finest living environments of the Pacific Northwest. In the shadow of the Cascade Mountains and only minutes from the Wenatchee National Forest, Ellensburg is situated in the Kittitas Valley, an agricultural region 110 miles east of Seattle, the cultural center of Washington State. Further information about the university is available at www.cwu.edu. For more information about Ellensburg, see http://www.ellensburg-chamber.com/

The People.

See what others have to say about working at Central.

"I very much appreciate the many opportunities CWU has given me to explore different aspects of my career as a professor. These opportunities have enriched me and enriched my relationships with my students. I'm never bored and never run out of interesting things to do. I like it here!" - Dr. Phil Backlund | Communication Department

"CWU has given me the opportunity to live and work in my home town. The university provides a stable work environment and quality benefits package. My wife is also working on campus and the flexibility in work schedules allows us quality family time as well. I cannot see myself working anywhere else in the valley." - Tom Engel | Campus Life

"I've been so very blessed while giving service to the CWU campus community and the State of Washington. In my 20 years at CWU, there have been many changes in technology to aid our students in their learning experience. In my next 20 years, I'm excited to dream about future changes in technologies that we'll use to even better serve our students, faculty & staff." - Keith Jones | Information & Technology Services

"I like working at Central because students matter here. Teaching is the very heart of our mission. CWU offers me the opportunity to teach an interesting mix of general education, major, and graduate classes. I enjoy the challenges inherent in attempting to address the diverse interests, needs, and abilities of a wide range of students." - Dr. Terry Martin | English Department

"Returning to CWU has been rewarding. The opportunities are endless. I am able to work cross-departmentally with many different individuals. This interaction with students, faculty and staff is what makes my experience here fantastic!" - Leslie Webb | Diversity Education Center

"I have worked for CWU Dining Services for fourteen years. I enjoy the students; each quarter brings new students and new ideas. What a great place to work!" - Laurie Wirt | Dining Services

The Campus.

Once Washington's best-kept secret, CWU is the fastest growing, four-year, public university in the state.

• Over 500 faculty and 800 staff work on the main campus, located in Ellensburg.
• CWU has University Centers to the west, in Lynnwood, Des Moines, and Pierce County, and to the east, in Yakima, Moses Lake, and Wenatchee.

Experience the sights and sounds of the main campus, including a virtual tour, an interactive campus map, and photos that capture the seasons.

The Location.

Ellensburg is one of 141 "Dreamtowns" (U.S. cities with populations of 10,000 to 50,000 that offer an outstanding quality of life), according to a 2000 study by Demographics Daily.

Some of the cultural events locals and visitors enjoy:

• First Friday Artwalk
• Ellensburg Rodeo
• Jazz in the Valley
• Kittitas County Fair

The Farmer's Market is a popular destination on weekends from May through October.

Many also enjoy camping, hunting, fishing, and hiking in their leisure time. In the shadow of the Cascade Mountains, Ellensburg is only minutes from the Wenatchee National Forest, and 110 miles east of Seattle.

The History.