Statement on the Passing of WSU President Elson Floyd

Elson S. Floyd, the president of Washington State University, died Saturday, June 20 of complications from colon cancer. He was 59. His passing is a big loss for higher education.

“Elson was a leader among leaders,” said CWU President James L. Gaudino. “His energy and compassion will be impossible to replace. I will remember him as a friend.”

Floyd was WSU's 10th president. In a prepared statement, WSU Board of Regents Chair Ryan Durkan said the university’s progress throughout Floyd’s eight-year tenure is unprecedented.

Under Floyd’s leadership, WSU earned bipartisan support in the state Legislature to create its own medical school at its Spokane campus, established the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, and opened the Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health.

To see Floyd’s full obituary, photos and other stories, visit WSU’s online tribute page.