Feb. 20, 2018
Central Names Interim Vice President of Operations
Central Washington University President James L. Gaudino has named Richard Duffett as the university's interim Vice President of Operations.
Duffett, who begins on March 19, replaces Joseph Han, who recently accepted a position at the University of Louisville.
"We feel very fortunate to have a veteran administrator such as Dr. Duffett to oversee our campus operations during the coming months while we prepare to conduct a national search to hire a permanent vice president of operations," Gaudino said. "His years of experience in a similar role at Ferris State University will allow him to have an immediate and positive impact at CWU."
Duffett, who holds a PhD in College and University Administration from Michigan State University, previously was Vice President for Administration & Finance and University Advancement & Marketing at Ferris State University. In that role, he was responsible for all university business and financial operations, physical plant operations, university-wide information services and telecommunications, campus public safety, human resource development, residential life and dining, the campus bookstore, and recreational facilities.
"CWU is one of the most dynamic and fast-growing universities in the Pacific Northwest, so I'm happy to contribute in any way that I can," Duffett said. "I'm particularly looking forward to working with the excellent staff, faculty, and administration at Central on various campus projects that are nearing completion, such as the Samuelson STEM Center."
While at Ferris State, Duffett served in a variety of additional administrative roles including Associate Vice President for Administration and Finance, Director of Administrative Services, and Athletic Facilities Coordinator.
He will be responsible at CWU for the Division of Operations, which includes Information Services (and information security), Institutional Effectiveness, Environmental Health and Safety, Facilities Management, and Police and Parking Services. The vice president of operations works directly with the president and serves as a member of the president's cabinet.
Media contact: Richard Moreno, Department of Public Affairs, 509-963-2714, Richard.Moreno@cwu.edu.