Washington State University Appoints Kerri Davidson as VP of Institutional Affairs
Washington State University (WSU) has announced the appointment of Kerri Davidson as the new Vice President of Institutional Affairs and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). This strategic move signals a significant step in WSU's ongoing efforts to modernize its land-grant university mission and optimize operations across the entire WSU system.
Davidson will work directly with President Elizabeth Cantwell as a senior advisor and partner, ensuring WSU's core missions of teaching, research, and community outreach are advanced with clarity, efficiency, and alignment. This appointment is aimed at streamlining processes and fostering greater collaboration across the university's various campuses.
Experience and Expertise
President Cantwell highlighted Davidson's extensive experience, stating, "Kerri brings more than two decades of experience in higher-education leadership, organizational structure, and enterprise development. Her collaborative spirit and analytical foresight will help us translate bold ideas into coordinated action across the WSU system."
Davidson's primary responsibilities in her new role will include:
- Leading system-wide and presidential initiatives.
- Strengthening cross-campus collaboration for consistency and efficiency.
- Advancing innovation-focused enterprise development.
- Ensuring effective communication and alignment among leadership teams.
- Optimizing system-wide administrative operations for the Office of the President.
Davidson's Background
Before joining WSU, Davidson served as Vice President and Chief of Staff at Utah State University. She also held executive positions at Arizona State University for over 13 years, working closely with ASU President Michael Crow. Her impressive track record includes leading state initiatives and driving organizational improvements.
"I am honoured to join Washington State University and to contribute to its proud legacy of excellence, innovation, and service to the state of Washington," said Davidson. "I look forward to working with President Cantwell, her outstanding leadership team, as well as faculty, staff, students and the entire Coug community to help advance the university’s land grant and R1 mission.”