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Presidential Blog

Statement regarding President Obama’s proposals for rating higher education institutions

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We are pleased to see President Obama speaking about the importance of higher education to the future competitiveness of the United States and the necessity of affordability and access for everyone. The University of Washington already scores well on many of the factors the President is promoting such as percentage of Pell Grant eligible students, tuition, debt loads and graduation rates, and we continue to expand our use of technology to improve access as well as services to students. While these measures are important, sustained financial support from our state government remains the best way to ensure affordability and access for Washington students. The state of Washington is indeed fortunate to have one of the best universities in the world at a cost that is still relatively low for students, and we intend to keep it that way.

Michael K. Young
University of Washington President

Governor Inslee appoints new regents

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Dear Colleagues:

I am pleased to inform you that Gov. Jay Inslee today announced two new appointments to the University of Washington Board of Regents. Read the governor’s press release.

Constance Rice has been appointed to fulfill the remaining term of former Regent Sally Jewell who resigned this past spring to become Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, and will then be appointed to a new six-year term effective Oct. 1. Dr. Rice currently serves as managing director for Knowledge Management for Casey Family Programs, the nation’s largest operating foundation focused on foster care and improving the child welfare system. She holds a graduate degree from the UW Evans School of Public Affairs and a doctor of philosophy from the UW College of Education.

Rogelio Riojas will be appointed to a six-year term effective Oct. 1 to succeed Regent Craig Cole whose term expires Sept. 30. Mr. Riojas is president and chief executive officer for Sea Mar Community Health Centers and was recently honored as the 2013 recipient of the Charles E. Odegaard Award – a community and university selected award regarded as the highest achievement in diversity at the UW. Mr. Riojas graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in political science and economics and a master’s degree in health administration.

I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with these two outstanding alumni who are so passionate about improving higher education opportunities for the citizens of the state of Washington. I would also like to thank former Regent Jewell and Regent Cole for their extraordinary service as University of Washington Regents. This institution is much stronger today because of their dedicated work and leadership.

Please join me in welcoming Constance Rice and Rogelio Riojas to Board of Regents and thanking former Regent Jewell and Regent Cole for their committed service to the university.

Michael K. Young

President Young’s statement on the proposed state budget

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The proposed state operating budget agreement represents a significant step forward, not only for University of Washington students, faculty, staff and their families – but also for the state of Washington.

For the first time in over two decades, state reinvestment in this budget agreement will allow the UW to hold resident undergraduate tuition rates at their current levels without compromising the extraordinary quality of students’ educations. In addition, new investments in engineering and computer science will expand access to critical programs for qualified students, creating an expanded talent pipeline for the 25,000 high demand job opportunities currently available in our state.

Budget negotiators are to be commended for their vision in making these essential investments in Washington’s economy and future leaders. Furthermore, we are grateful for the strong commitment and unyielding efforts of our incredible advocates, including the steadfast UW community, engaged alumni, dedicated partners in the business community, and broad-based newspaper editorial support. I am optimistic the investments in this budget are a sign of renewed focus and investment in higher education in Washington state.

2013-15 State Budget expectations

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Dear Faculty and Staff:

With the Legislature now in its second special session trying to come to an agreement on a state budget for 2013-15, a number of questions are being raised about the unlikely—though theoretically possible—situation that the state could begin the new biennium on July 1 without a budget and without monies appropriated to spend on various programs. Such a circumstance would be unprecedented. I understand in the early 1990s it took until late June for the Legislature to adopt a budget and that was as close to the start of a new biennium as it had ever come.

At this point, there are more questions than answers, and we do not yet have clear direction or information from the state Office of Financial Management about impacts to the University absent an approved budget. I can tell you that the Governor and his administration are looking into this, with assistance from the State Attorney General’s office. We, along with other state agencies, have been asked for information about our programs, including those funded by state appropriations and those mandated either by federal or state law. State-funded programs comprise only about three percent of our total budget, albeit a crucial and important three percent. It is our expectation that programs funded from other sources, such as federal funds, tuition, or self-sustaining revenues will not be affected by what is occurring with regard to state appropriations. We believe summer quarter will not be impacted, and instructional programs and classes will start as scheduled June 24. Our deans and vice presidents are working closely with our Office of Planning and Budgeting to ensure that we are prepared both to move quickly if a state budget is adopted prior to July 1 and to manage any contingencies should legislators not make the deadline. More information should be available to us in the coming weeks.

It is everyone’s hope—and expectation—that the Legislature will adopt a budget and not force the state into uncharted waters regarding its financing. As the state formulates answers and contingency plans in the eventuality of reaching July 1 without a budget, we will keep you informed. At this point, we continue to encourage legislators to complete their work on the budget by June 30 and are in close touch with officials in Olympia.

Sincerely,

Michael K. Young

Another year of impressive accomplishments

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Dear Members of the University of Washington Community:

My favorite time of the year is nearly upon us—the time to celebrate with all those students who have completed the rigors of their degree programs and are about to “commence” the next chapter of their lives. It is exciting and gratifying to share the moment when our students reach their educational goals. To all who are graduating, congratulations. I hope your time at the UW has been challenging and invigorating, and I hope your next stop along the journey is equally so. Congratulations, too, to the many members of the community who helped these students reach these milestones.

I had hoped by this time of the year that my message might include good news about the University’s budget, including funding for our many outstanding programs and for the people who make them so special. As of today, however, our state legislature is still in special session, leaving us uncertain about our budget, our programs, and even our tuition rates. This delay makes it hard for everyone to plan. I can only assure you that as soon as a state budget is passed, we will work feverishly to translate it into a detailed University budget. Stay tuned.

Despite the present uncertainty, this has been an exceptional year for the University. Our incoming students are as good or better than they have ever been, as shown in the continuous rise in entrance qualifications. Once they get here, our students do astonishing things, as we saw recently at our annual Undergraduate Research Symposium in Mary Gates Hall. The level of work exhibited there was impressive, both in its originality and its expertise. Meanwhile, our faculty continue to lead the nation in attracting funding for innovative research, which simultaneously increases human knowledge and helps drive the insatiable curiosity of our undergraduate and graduate students. We’ve seen more UW faculty elected to the rosters of the National Academy of Sciences, to its Institute of Medicine, and to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. The chair of our Department of Global Health, Dr. King Holmes, received the prestigious Gairdner Award, one of the top scientific awards in the world. As impressive as these individual accolades are, we also know that thousands of other UW faculty members are doing amazing work every day in our classrooms and laboratories, working with students and mentoring them along their ambitious intellectual paths. It is always worthwhile to reflect on the great enterprise we are part of. Even for those of us who have been at it awhile, it never loses its luster.

Besides their teaching and research, our faculty also help govern this institution, and I want to say a special word of appreciation for the elected leadership of our faculty this past year. Faculty Senate Chair Jim Gregory and Vice Chair Jack Lee have been remarkable partners. They, along with many others in the Senate, have helped shape institutional policy and approved a number of important innovations, including new online degree completion programs and a new diversity requirement for undergraduates. These were difficult, complicated issues, with important principles at stake. The questions, criticisms, and ideas the faculty brought to bear on these proposals made the policies stronger and more sustainable for the long-term. Their contributions also reinforced the critical importance of shared governance at this or any university. Similarly, the elected and appointed leaders of our student organizations have consistently presented ideas and solutions, rather than just identifying problems.

I also want to express a special thanks to the staff who work with such diligence and dedication at their many and various jobs throughout the University. We would not be able to educate our students or conduct our research without you. You play a vital role in the life of the UW and, as a result of reductions in our budget, you have been asked to do more than ever. We’ve found some ways to streamline and gain efficiencies, but there is simply no question the staff of this University have stepped up and done superb work in the face of diminishing resources.

Like few other endeavors, university life follows an annual rhythm that creates seasonal moments to record achievements, take stock, and refresh plans. I hope you can take these opportunities, even if the coming weeks find you back in the classroom, the lab, or the office. And to those who may be temporarily dispersing for the summer, I wish you a happy and productive time away. It is a good chance to recharge those batteries and come back in the fall for another great year of discovery and growth.

Sincerely,

Michael K. Young

Join us for the 2013 UW Awards of Excellence, June 13

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Please join me in celebrating the outstanding achievements of our faculty, staff, students and alumni at the 43rd Annual Awards of Excellence.

Thursday, June 13, 2013
Meany Hall Auditorium

  • 3:30 p.m. Awards Ceremony
  • 4:30 p.m. Reception with light refreshments

Reservations are not required.

The Awards of Excellence ceremony honors members of the UW community who exemplify the University’s values with special distinction. While the first ceremony was held in 1970, the origins of these awards date back to 1938, when the Alumnus Summa Laude Dignatus Award was first presented. Since that time, other awards have been added to pay tribute to individuals from across our UW community who have demonstrated exceptional talents, dedication and service.

To read more about these awards and their history, visit the Honors & Awards site.

2013 UW Awards of Excellence Recipients

Distinguished Staff Award
Given to staff who contribute to the mission of their unit and the University, respond creatively to challenges, maintain the highest standards in their work, establish productive working relationships and promote a respectful and supportive workplace.

  • Sarah Jackins, Exercise Training Center, UWMC
  • Carol Kummet, Palliative Care Social Work, UWMC
  • Robert Lubin, Housing & Food Services
  • James Cobb, Dale A. Hubler, Brian McNally, Roy Obenchain, Alexander Safir, Skylar Thompson, Charles Winston and Elizabeth Young, Genome Sciences Tech Team
  • Mira M. Emmanuel-Ogier, Harald S. Haugen, Ting Hong, Lara S. Kidoguchi, Meighan L. Krows, Susan A. Morrison, Dana Panteleeff and Katherine K. Thomas, Partners PrEP Study Team, Global Health

David B. Thorud Leadership Award
Given to one UW faculty member and one staff member who have demonstrated exceptional abilities to lead, serve, inspire and collaborate with broad impact.

  • Faculty Award, Nancy B. Alarcon, Speech & Hearing Sciences
  • Staff Award, Susan Terry, UW Career Center

Distinguished Librarian Award
Recognizes excellence in librarianship, especially as it benefits the academic community through teaching, research, learning and innovative approaches to practice.

  • Glenda J. Pearson, Microform and Newspaper Collections, University Libraries

Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award
Given to individuals who make outstanding efforts on behalf of the UW Alumni Association and the University.

  • Bryan Pearce (Awarded Posthumously)

Distinguished Retiree Excellence in Community Service Award
Given to a faculty member or staff retiree for the quality of the individual’s contributions, subsequent to retirement, in service to the community locally, regionally, nationally or internationally.

  • Richard Simkins, UAA Advising

Distinguished Teaching Award
Presented to faculty who show a mastery of their subject matter, intellectual rigor and a passion for teaching.

  • Holly Barker, Anthropology
  • John Byron Manchak, Philosophy
  • Jim Pfaendtner, Chemical Engineering
  • André Punt, Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
  • Phillip Thurtle, Comparative History of Ideas
  • Ronald L. Tilden, Business, UW Bothell
  • Carolyn M. West, Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, UW Tacoma

Excellence in Teaching Award
Given to graduate teaching assistants who demonstrate outstanding skills in the classroom.

  • Deepa Bhandaru, Political Science
  • Chi Hou Lei, Mechanical Engineering

Distinguished Contributions to Lifelong Learning Award
Presented to faculty who have taught for at least two years in non-degree programs sponsored by the UW and aimed at adults who are pursuing professional development, personal interest or career redirection.

  • James B. DeLong, Social Work

S. Sterling Munro Public Service Teaching Award
Recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated exemplary leadership in community-based instruction, including service learning, public service internships and community partnership projects.

  • Eleanor Bond, Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems

University Faculty Lecture Award
Honors current or emeriti faculty whose research, scholarship or art is widely recognized by their peers and whose achievements have had a substantial impact on their profession.

  • Stephen Gloyd, Global Health and Health Services

Marsha L. Landolt Distinguished Graduate Mentor Award
Recognizes faculty members who have made outstanding contributions to the education and guidance of graduate students.

  • Fred Rieke, Physiology and Biophysics

Outstanding Public Service Award
Presented to a faculty or staff member to honor extensive local and/or national and international service.

  • Katherine Beckett, Sociology and Law, Societies & Justice

Distinguished Alumni Veteran Award
Bestowed on a veteran graduate who has made a positive impact through community service and civic engagement.

  • Rear Adm. Herbert Bridge, USN, Ret., ’47

President’s Medal
Awarded to two graduating seniors who have achieved the most distinguished academic records at the University—one to a student who has completed at least three-fourths of his or her degree requirements at the UW and one to a student who entered the University from a Washington community college.

  • Bethanny Danskin
  • Michelle Drews

Alumnus Summa Laude Dignatus Award
Awarded to a former UW student whose lifetime achievements have earned him or her national or international prominence.

  • William H. Gates, ’50

UW President Michael Young comments on House Democrat budget proposal

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Statement from University of Washington Michael K. Young on House Democrat budget proposal:

“Today’s House budget proposal lacks significant, new state investment in public higher education. Washington ranks second to last in the nation — 49th — in higher education funding per student, with 25,000 jobs in high demand industries awaiting graduates we do not have the funding to educate.  If we are to compete in the 21st century economy, we can and must do better.

“In the absence of significant, new state investment, we appreciate this budget allows for modest tuition increases, which will be necessary to preserve student access to a high quality education.  If we want to keep tuition increases low, the state must adequately reinvest in our students and public higher education.

“There is much more work to be done as budget negotiations progress, and I look forward to working with the House, Senate, and Governor on getting this right.”

Early learning and K-12 are UW priorities

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President Young stressed the importance of early learning and called the UW’s new online bachelor’s completion program “a good thing for all of us” during remarks to the Alliance for Education in Seattle this week.

“As long as I’m president,” he told the group Thursday, “improving early learning and K-12 will be a major priority for the University of Washington.”

He said the just-announced online-only degree in early childhood and family studies is “a great example of how we are breaking boundaries and challenging conventional thinking when it comes to teacher preparation.”

“It’s a good thing for our early childhood educators, it’s a good thing for our littlest learners who will be learning from these well-trained teachers and it’s a good thing for all of us.”

UW president joins Economic Development Commission

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The Economic Development Commission was created by Mayor Mike McGinn and the Seattle City Council to examine Seattle’s ability to compete in the global economy of the 21st century.

Members of the Commission represent a cross section of business, industry and higher education to advise the Mayor and City Council on the development of plans, policies, regulations, and strategies that have substantial impact on creating and maintaining an innovative economy that is resilient, sustainable, and equitable.

“The University of Washington is deeply interested in training our students to meet and to take advantage of the challenges and opportunities of the future. At the same time, we are fully committed to moving the incredible research done at the University into the market and into our communities where it can improve lives,” said Michael Young, president, University of Washington. “For the University to maintain its capacity as an engine for economic stimulation and growth, we need the right environment and partners. The City of Seattle’s Economic Development Commission can support just such an ecosystem, and we are very excited to participate.”

Read more about the Economic Development Commission