CWU to Inaugurate 14th President, James L. Gaudino on Nov. 6

November 5, 2009

Ellensburg, Wash. — Central Washington University will celebrate the inauguration of its 14th president, James L. Gaudino, on Nov. 6 with musical performances, a historical symposium, swearing-in ceremony and several other events.

Gaudino arrived at Central Jan. 1, 2009, following the retirement of Jerilyn S. McIntyre, who served as president for eight years. Out of all the candidates who applied, Gaudino stood out, recalls CWU Board of Trustees Chair Sid Morrison.

“When we were searching, the board asked for one non-traditional candidate, and as it turned out everyone liked that candidate — Jim Gaudino,” Morrison says. “It’s traditionally required that a president come from the ranks of provosts or former presidents. Jim came from a different path.”

Gaudio came to Central from Kent State University where he was the founding dean of the College of Communication and Information. The college houses the departments of communication studies, journalism and mass communication, library and information science and visual communication design. He helped lead the college into a new direction, making it a center of innovation in the new information age.

During his CWU presidency, Gaudino plans to focus on student success, the strengthening of shared governance systems, stronger communication with the community, maintaining a clear vision for the university, improving upon data collection and transparency, and enhancing the university’s technology.

“Commitment, at least in my experience, involves not only loyalty and dedication, but also a willingness to give and share,” Gaudino says. “What makes Central Washington University strong is our collective commitment to our students, to our disciplines, to our institution, and to our communities.”

Gaudino asserts that higher education must be accessible, regardless of location, ethnicity, age or income. He wants to see CWU become a university that’s ideally positioned to fulfill the educational goals of a diverse population.

During the inauguration ceremony, Gaudino will address these priorities, as well as touch on other important issues facing Central. He will speak after the processional march from the CWU SURC to McConnell Auditorium, which is scheduled to begin at 1:45 p.m. Nov. 6. Joining him on the stage will be former presidents James E. Brooks, James Pappas, Ivory Nelson and Jerilyn S. McIntyre. .

Other speakers at the ceremony include U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development Deputy Secretary Ron Sims, General Council Chairman for the Yakama Nation Moses Squeoch, Sid Morrison, Ellensburg Mayor Nancy Lillquist, Higher Education Coordinating Board Chair Jesus Hernandez, and representatives of employees and students.

For a full list of inauguration events, please visit www.cwu.edu/inauguration.

Media contacts: Becky Watson, PR and Marketing, 509-963-1117, bwatson@cwu.edu

Liz Bryson, PR and Marketing, 509-963-2714, brysone@cwu.edu

Central Washington University is a master's degree-granting institution with approximately 10,000 students and 1,500 faculty and staff. More than 160 undergraduate and master's degrees are offered. Founded in 1891, the Ellensburg campus is located in the heart of Washington State, nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River. Since 1975, CWU has served the needs of placebound students at six university centers throughout the state. CWU is an AA/EEO Title IX Institution.