Preliminary Guide to the Washington State University Office of the President Records, 1986-2000

The president is the chief executive officer of the multi-campus Washington State University system and reports to a 10-member Board of Regents.

As the University’s leader, the president collaborates with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to define the vision and set the direction for the institution. As the champion of its reputation, the president articulates the strategic goals and messages of the University in order to build broad support for and ownership of WSU’s aspirations among its many constituents, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, the Board of Regents, the WSU Foundation, local communities, government, business, and industry leaders statewide, the media, and the general public. Samuel (Sam) H. Smith was selected by the Board of Regents on March 7, 1985, to serve as the institution’s 8th president. He took office at age 45 on July 1, 1985, and served for 15 years.