May 10, 2024 will mark the 35th anniversary of WSU Tri-Cities becoming part of the WSU system. We’ve come a long way since 1989, transitioning from a graduate center to welcoming our first freshman class in 2007 to now offering more than 20 baccalaureate degrees and 30 graduate degrees. WSU Tri-Cities is proud to serve the educational and research needs of our community.
Alumni spotlight
Madison Rosenbaum
Madison Rosenbaum earned degrees in psychology and digital technology and culture from WSU Tri-Cities in 2015. Initially, she did not want to attend college, but she applied to WSU Tri-Cities to appease her parents, intending to just complete her education without much involvement. However, she later became active in the Women’s Success Program, joined ASWSUTC as the director of marketing, and interned for the campus marketing and communications department, soon realizing that attending had been her best decision. Her college experience proved transformative, exposing her to enriching experiences, life-long friends, and a passion for photography and working with people. After earning her undergraduate degrees, she faced a setback when the master’s program she was accepted into was discontinued, but this led her to a pivotal role at Mid-Columbia Libraries as a communications specialist. Over the years, she advanced to Creative Media and Branding Specialist, successfully blending her psychology and DTC degrees. Rosenbaum has maintained strong ties with WSU Tri-Cities, frequently returning to inspire future graduates, and credits several faculty and staff for her professional and personal growth.
She advises future Cougs, “What would happen if you gave yourself full permission to chase your dreams, to be your authentic self, and to live in the moment? There is no doubt that college can be a trying time in life. It really can confront and challenge all aspects of yourself, but there is something beautiful waiting for you on the other side when you get to hold up your degree, smiling at your loved ones, and quietly whisper to yourself, ‘I did it. I really did it.’ And why not say that WSU Tri-Cities was part of that story?”
Mandy Wallner
Mandy Wallner, Economic Development Manager for the City of Richland received both a bachelor of arts in 2001 and a master of business administration in 2005 from WSU Tri-Cities. Choosing to study on the Tri-Cities campus allowed her to remain close to home and continue working in the community, while also focusing on education and getting the most out of her studies. Wallner credits WSU Tri-Cities for creating an environment where she could learn alongside non-traditional students, helping her gain additional information that cannot be taught from a textbook.
Her advice to future Cougs, “Don’t be afraid to pivot and find creative ways to enhance your specialty and find your niche in industry.” She says, “I absolutely love the work I do but it is not the career I thought I would be in when I graduated, either time. It was best said by Harvey MacKay, ‘Find something you love to do, and you’ll never work a day in your life.’”
Savanna Navarro Kresse
Savanna Navarro Kresse, Deputy Manager of the Racial Equity Unit in the Washington State Office of the Attorney General, received a bachelor’s degree in history from WSU Tri-Cities in 2020. She chose to study at WSU Tri-Cities for its strong academic programs, supportive faculty, and the opportunity to be part of a close-knit, vibrant community, which she became a part of through her time in student government. Kresse cherished her time on campus, and the opportunity to work with fellow students and faculty on projects, ultimately leading to an enriched academic experience and lifelong friendships.
She encourages current and future students to embrace every opportunity for growth and learning. “Don’t be afraid to take on challenges, seek mentorship, and build a network of peers. Your time at WSU Tri-Cities is a unique chance to shape your future, so make the most of it and never stop pursuing your dreams,” she says.
Peter Tensmeyer
Peter Tensmeyer received a master’s degree in technology management from WSU Tri-Cities in 2003, which has allowed him to grow in his career at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. He appreciated the convenience of the campus and the course offerings, especially as someone who was working and studying simultaneously. Tensmeyer believes that the partnerships the campus holds with local business and industry provides amazing opportunities for students, exposing them to hands-on experiences in the local job market.
He says, “The opportunity to translate and practice academic concepts in real life applications through project-based learning really helped me to better understand the content of my degree program and make it more useful in my career. Concepts put into practice is where the lightbulb came on.”
Josie Villa
Josie Villa received a bachelor’s degree in social science and psychology from WSU Tri-Cities in 2012, and now is the owner of her own consulting company. She attended WSU Tri-Cities while working full time at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and her education allowed her to work her way up through multiple positions within human resources. Villa is thankful for the faculty she interacted with on campus, stating that they were supportive, kind, and dedicated to their professions.
For current and future students, she said, “Remember that learning is a lifelong adventure filled with exciting discoveries. Embrace each challenge as an opportunity to grow and develop your unique talents. The faculty at WSU Tri-Cities are passionate about their fields and are invested in your success.”
Doug Hamrick
Doug Hamrick attended WSU Tri-Cities as a transfer student from Columbia Basin College, receiving a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1990. He chose to attend WSU Tri-Cities because he wanted to remain local while being employed at Hanford. At the time, many of the instructors on campus were adjunct professors that were also working at Hanford, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and other local businesses, which allowed Hamrick to gain hands-on knowledge for local industry.
Hamrick is appreciative of professors who were never too busy to help students and went out of their way to assist, despite having a tremendous workload.
Raul Contreras
Raul Contreras earned a bachelor’s degree in digital technology and culture (DTC) from WSU Tri-Cities in 2021, allowing him to pursue higher education while remaining close to home and family. Contreras appreciated the DTC program and professors for being hands-on and project based, while allowing him the freedom to be creative and unique. While pursuing his degree, he was an intern with the Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, where he is now employed. Contreras remains involved with WSU Tri-Cities through the Hispanic Chamber and looks forward to inspiring and working with young Hispanic students at WSU Tri-Cities.
“Just go with your passion,” Contreras advised to future Cougs. “We all have an idea of what we want to do but the first two years of college are always great to venture out and take different classes to find your true passion. Don’t give up either! You have no idea how many cheerleaders you have.”
If you are a WSU Tri-Cities alumnus or alumna you are part of our story! We invite you to celebrate this milestone with us by sharing about your experience as a Tri-Cities Coug and where it has taken you.
1946
The General Electric School of Nuclear Engineering opened. This partnership of Washington State University, the University of Washington and Oregon State University offered graduate-level engineering programs.
1958
The campus name was changed to the Joint Center for Graduate Study. Directors and deans included George Garlick, Wayne Cassett, Raymond Gold and Peter Chen.
1968
The Joint Center for Graduate Studies, under new director, George Garlick, moved from its original location on Lee Boulevard in Richland to a new building on land donated by the Atomic Energy Commission located along the Columbia River. That new building would later be named the East Building.
1985
Central Washington University and Eastern Washington University joined to form a five-school consortium called the Tri-Cities University Center, led by Dean Jerry Finnegan from 1981 to 1989.
1989
Washington State University Tri-Cities was established, supported by the mayors of the three cities. Campus Dean Jim Cochran led the transition to the WSU family, with six full-time faculty, 100 part-time faculty, 800 part-time students, 25 staff, an 84-acre campus and one 40,000 square foot building.
1991
The West Building opened. The $12.7 million building includes the Liberal Arts and Education library named by Dean Cochran in memory of the late State Senator Max E. Benitz, engineering and nursing programs, a copy/mail center, classrooms, a mechanical engineering laboratory and the Atrium gathering space.
1993
The Food and Environmental Quality Lab became operational. The facility was mandated by the legislature in Washington Administrative Code in 1991.
1997
The Consolidated Information Center opened. The $18.6 million building houses the Hanford Technical Library, in addition to the WSU library, classrooms, the College of Business programs, an art gallery and an event space.
1999
Larry James was named chancellor of WSU Tri-Cities.
2006
Governor Christine Gregoire signed a bill into law making WSU Tri-Cities a four- year university that accepts freshmen and sophomores beginning in the fall of 2007.
2006
Vicky L. Carwein was named chancellor of WSU Tri-Cities.
2007
WSU Tri-Cities welcomed 117 students in its first freshman class, far exceeding the state’s initial goal of 35 full-time freshmen. Each freshman received a laptop computer donated by Lockheed Martin, a $3,000 scholarship for the first year and, for those who completed their bachelor’s degree at WSU Tri-Cities, a $3,000 scholarship for their senior year financed by business and community donations.
2008
The Bioproducts, Sciences and Engineering Laboratory opened. The $24 million building is a partnership between WSU and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Dr. Birgitte Ahring, a world-renowned microbiologist from Denmark, joined WSU as director of the biofuels research in BSEL.
2009
Dr. Thomas Henick- Kling joined WSU as director of the Viticulture and Enology program. Henick-Kling, an international leader in wine research and education, is based at WSU Tri-Cities with statewide responsibilities.
2009
WSU Tri-Cities set an enrollment record for the third year in a row, welcoming 1,505 students. Of those, 77 percent were undergraduates, 26% were age 20 or younger, and 18% were students of color, making WSU Tri-Cities the fastest growing and most diverse campus in the WSU system.
2012
The Columbia Center Rotary Stage opened. It was built with funding from the Columbia Center Rotary Club Charity Board ($80,000), the City of Richland ($40,000 from the Hotel/Motel Lodging Tax Fund), and the Associated Students of WSU Tri-Cities ($20,000 from service & activities facilities fees).
2012
James R. Pratt, vice chancellor for academic affairs, was named interim Chancellor.
2012
The Energy Solutions Engineering Laboratory opened. This $3 million building was constructed by Energy Solutions on WSU land at the corner of George Washington Way and University Drive, then donated to WSU.
2012
“Stories” was unveiled outside the East Building. The Veterans Monument is a 10-foot-tall bronze sculpture designed by Tom McClelland. The Veterans Monument was created to set the tone that veterans and their goals for higher education are supported and that veterans are not alone.
2013
H. Keith Moo-Young, P.E., was named chancellor.
2013
The College of Nursing building opened in renovated commercial space in central Richland near Kadlec Regional Medical Center.
2015
The $23 million Ste. Michelle Wine Estates WSU Wine Science Center opened. In addition to private support and $7.4million from the Washington State Wine Commission, the center was funded with $4.95 million from the state of Washington and a $2.06-million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. It is built on land donated by the Port of Benton in Richland.
2017
The West building was renamed to the Elson S. Floyd Building in honor of late WSU President Elson S. Floyd.
2018
Sandra Haynes was named chancellor of WSU Tri-Cities.
2018
The $5.73 million Student Union Building opened. Students voted in the spring of 2014 to approve a fee on themselves to fund the building that includes a multipurpose space, lounge, student and staff offices and a coffee shop.
2018
The Brelsford Vineyards apartments opened on campus. WSU Tri-Cities partnered with Corporate Pointe Developers, which formed Vineyards Apartments, LLC, that agreed to build the apartments on the university campus to provide students with an on-campus housing option.
2019
The MOSAIC Center for Student Inclusion celebrated its grand opening. MOSAIC, stands for Mobilizing Opportunities for Student Advocacy, Inclusion, and Culture. It provides student resources to enhance equity and inclusion, and is a place to learn about cultures and social issues.
2021
Collaboration Hall Academic Building and Amphitheater construction was made possible by $3 million in design funding and $27 million in construction funding from the Washington State Legislature.
2021
The Veterans Monument and General James Mattis Leadership Library were added to campus.
2021
The Bush Family Monument, a replica of a monument installed on Washington’s capital campus in Olympia, Wash., was installed on campus to commemorate George Bush, the first Black pioneer in Washington Territory, and his son William Owen Bush, who served in the first Washington State legislature.
2021
The Learning Commons opened to host a range of student services, study spaces and collaborative areas in one convenient location.