Knowledge, Explored and Applied
At the Creative Works and Research Symposium this spring, our campus came alive with discovery. Students filled both the Art Building and PUB Nysether Community Room, sharing original research, creative projects and applied solutions to real-world challenges. From health sciences to the humanities, engineering to the arts, the breadth of our student’s work was a powerful reminder of who we are as a university, and who we are becoming.
At EWU, innovation is not a distant aspiration — it is a daily practice, grounded in our commitment to students and the evolving needs of our region. As we look ahead, we are embracing thoughtful growth that positions us for a strong and sustainable future.
A key step forward is the strategic consolidation of our College of Health Science and Public Health programs into the Catalyst and SIERR buildings in Spokane (see story, Page 7). By bringing these programs together into a unified health sciences hub, we are strengthening interdisciplinary education while deepening partnerships with healthcare providers and industry leaders. This alignment expands opportunities for collaboration, research and workforce development in one of Washington’s most critical sectors. At the same time, this transition allows us to reinvigorate our Cheney campus.
As programs such as business, accounting, design and creative writing return from the Catalyst, they will be more fully integrated into campus life and create new opportunities for connection, collaboration and student engagement. Cheney remains the heart of EWU, and this moment represents an exciting renewal of its role as the principal home of our vibrant academic community.
Of course these moves are about more than location — they are about possibility. By bringing disciplines into closer proximity, we are fostering an environment where innovation thrives at the intersections of ideas and where students are prepared to address complex challenges.
All of this is reflected in our continued work on EWU’s 10-year campus master plan. This long-term vision ensures that our physical spaces align with our academic priorities, support student success, and reflect the dynamic future we are building together. As we evaluate how best to position Eastern for the years ahead, one thing will never change: our belief in the transformative power of education. The work happening across our campuses continues to inspire confidence in what lies ahead.
Our future is bright because of the people who make this university what it is. Together, we are shaping an Eastern that is innovative, resilient and deeply connected to the communities we serve.
Shari McMahan, PhD
EWU President
