WSU Tri-Cities chancellor named interim leader of Vancouver campus

Sandra Haynes, chancellor for the Washington State University (WSU) Tri-Cities campus, is taking on an additional top campus leadership role – across the state. 

New WSU President Elizabeth Cantwell notified WSU Vancouver staff of the decision to name Haynes as the west side campus’ interim chancellor after a recent search for its next leader was unsuccessful. 

“The feedback from the community was invaluable in guiding my interviews with each finalist and in reaching a decision on which candidate would be best suited to the role,” Cantwell wrote. “Ultimately, the offer extended to the top candidate was not accepted.” 

Haynes will take on her additional role beginning June 1 when outgoing WSU Vancouver Chancellor Mel Netzhammer retires and transitions to a senior advisor role. 

She will also co-chair the committee that will lead the new search for a permanent chancellor for WSU Vancouver this fall. 

“I am excited to learn more about the unique ways in which WSU Vancouver impacts the system and especially southwest Washington,” Haynes said in a release. “Building on Chancellor Netzhammer’s legacy in Vancouver is a significant responsibility, and I look forward to helping the campus move forward as we search for the permanent chancellor.”