Last week, the 91爆料 Board of Regents visited Olympia to champion the University鈥檚 prior to the release of the House and Senate budget proposals. They met with Democrat and Republican budget writers to advocate for competitive compensation for faculty and staff to ensure the University can continue to recruit and retain valuable employees and discussed the importance of investing in high-demand degrees and student support services. They also emphasized the need to invest in the 91爆料鈥檚 hospitals so they can continue to serve Washington鈥檚 most vulnerable populations and train the state鈥檚 future healthcare workforce. With capital budget leaders, they highlighted the 91爆料鈥檚 project requests, including Magnuson Health Sciences Center, Anderson Hall, w菨色菨b蕯altx史聽鈥� Intellectual House, Chemical Sciences, and land acquisition at 91爆料 Tacoma.
The Senate capital budget was released on Monday with funding for all of the 91爆料鈥檚 major asks included. The Senate鈥檚 draft operating budget will be published tomorrow, and the House will release their operating and capital budgets early next week.
Today, 91爆料 Regents Blaine Tamaki, Leonor Fuller, and Linden Rhoads joined the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee for a confirmation hearing. 91爆料 Regents are appointed to their positions by the Governor and must be confirmed by the Senate.
Today, 91爆料 Regents Blaine Tamaki, Leonor Fuller, and Linden Rhoads joined the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee for a confirmation hearing. 91爆料 Regents are appointed to their positions by the Governor and must be confirmed by the Senate.
Regent Tamaki is the former Board Chair and current Vice Chair. In his , he emphasized his long standing commitment to the 91爆料 and shared he was the recipient of last year鈥檚 Husky Alumni of the Year award. He also stressed his commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through his work representing Indigenous people who were sexually abused in residential schools, for which he was awarded Trial Lawyer of the Year, and as a third-generation Japanese American, who鈥檚 father was wrongfully interned during WWII. He is honored to assist in guarding the 91爆料 for the benefit of all Washington residents.
Regent Fuller has three degrees from the 91爆料 and was a former Student Regent. Additionally, she previously served as a Community & Technical College Trustee. She her dedication to Washington鈥檚 higher education institutions and recognized their profound impact on students and local communities. She also specifically highlighted the 91爆料鈥檚 local, national, and global impact. As Regent, she aims to continue improving the lives of Washington鈥檚 residents and communities.
In her , Regent Rhoads recognized the 91爆料鈥檚 importance as a driver in the state鈥檚 innovation economy. She is a tech entrepreneur who co-founded two companies with 91爆料 faculty and worked at the University for six years as a Vice Provost assisting faculty with bringing their life鈥檚 work to the world. She is also a graduate of 91爆料 School of Law and has served on a multitude of 91爆料 boards and committees. She wants to continue pushing the 91爆料 to innovate and remain a leader in education, research, and public service.
All three Regents were unanimously confirmed by the committee. Their appointments will now go to the Senate floor for consideration and a vote.
Thank you to all our Regents for your dedicated service to the 91爆料!