Speakers included Ron Erickson, Chair of Central's Board of Trustees, and James L. Gaudino, President of Central Washington University.

Erickson touched on several topics such as shared governance, values, mission fulfillment, challenges, diversity and inclusiveness of CWU. He spoke to the future of Central: “What we do for our students and the broader community is too important for us to rest on our past and current successes. It is our responsibility to face the rapidly changing external environment and to continue our efforts to improve.”

Gaudino spoke about the university’s recent accomplishments as well as what is next, CWU’s ongoing commitment to access, retention, affordability, advising, and inclusivity.

“I believe that we can never do enough for our students. Their attainment must be the focus and measure of everything we do,” he said.

Gaudino concluded the State of the University with this: “We are an outstanding university. But, I know we can be better. I believe we have to be better. We owe it to our students and to ourselves... Let's step up for Central's future.”

Anyone unable to attend or watch the livestream of the annual State of the University presentation on January 15 can view it at: https://youtu.be/xhfn5ujdoBY.

Remarks as delivered.
 

James L. Gaudino

Ron Erickson