WSU GLOBAL SUMMIT
WSU Global Summit: Converge & Catalyze
March 12-13, 2026
Converge together on one of WSU’s physical campuses or virtually on the WSU Global Campus.
WSU Global Summit brings together faculty, students, academic leaders, policymakers, and global technology partners to position Washington State University at the forefront of digital fluency, workforce alignment, and future-ready education.
Through transformative technology panels, open discussion, and hands-on innovation, the Summit focuses on one shared goal: turning ideas into action for WSU’s future.
This video has no spoken audio.
[00:00] Background music plays throughout the video with clips of WSU campus, students in class, and professionals in a work environment.
[00:01] Text on screen: Washington State University logo
[00:03] Text on screen: The future of education starts here.
[00:08] Text on screen: WSU Global Summit logo
[00:10] Text on screen: Ideas meet action.
[00:12] Text on screen: Across campuses. Across perspectives.
[00:16] Text on screen: Catalyze what’s next.
[00:18] Text on screen: Global. Technology. AI. Innovation. Insight. Connection. Leadership. Momentum. Transformation. Future-ready. Now.
[00:22] Text on screen: March 12 &13; In person and virtual
[00:25] Text on screen: WSU Global Summit logo
[00:26] Text on screen: March 12 &13, 2026. Register now: globalsummit.wsu.edu
[00:29] Text on screen: Washington State University
About the Summit
The WSU Global Summit is a collaborative forum where ideas are tested, refined, and activated. Designed to foster cross-campus engagement, the Summit supports shared learning and coordinated action at the intersection of education, technology, and workforce preparation.
Converge & Catalyze reflects a commitment to turning insight into impact. By bringing together diverse voices and expertise, the Summit strengthens WSU’s ability to respond to change, innovate with purpose, and prepare learners for what’s next—locally and globally—for both current students and generations that follow.
Agenda
Thursday, March 12 | 8:00-8:15 a.m. PT
Opening Remarks
WSU President Betsy Cantwell opens the inaugural WSU Global Summit, setting the stage for two days of forward-looking conversations focused on innovation, digital fluency, and the future of higher education.
Thursday, March 12 | 8:15-9:15 a.m. PT
Building the Future-Ready WSU: Insights from Global Tech Leaders
Leaders from Microsoft, Google, and Adobe share perspectives on emerging technologies, digital fluency, and the skills needed for a global workforce—exploring what these shifts mean for higher education and WSU’s future.
Moderated by WSU President Betsy Cantwell
Thursday, March 12 | 9:15-9:50 a.m. PT
Open Forum: How can Washington State University lead the charge into this technological future?
The conversation turns to you. Join WSU Global Campus Chancellor Dave Cillay in Pullman or campus-based moderators across the WSU system for an interactive discussion on how WSU can lead in technology, innovation, and global impact.
Thursday, March 12 | 10:00-11:00 a.m. PT
Architects of Online Excellence
Representatives from Arizona State University, Georgia Tech, and The Ohio State University share insights on building high-impact digital learning experiences at scale and what WSU can learn from national leaders.
Moderated by WSU Global Chancellor Dave Cillay
Thursday, March 12 | 11:00-11:45 a.m. PT
Open Forum: How do we build the ultimate future-ready education for our WSU students and online learners?
Join Chancellor Cillay and WSU facilitators across campuses for a focused discussion on how WSU can collectively shape a future-ready digital education ecosystem.
Thursday, March 12 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. PT
Leading from the Front
WSU faculty on the future of teaching with a dynamic look at the intersection of technology and student success.
Moderated by WSU Provost Chris Riley-Tillman
Thursday, March 12 | 2:00–2:45 p.m. PT
Open Forum: What can we do at WSU to drive this impactful change together?
An interactive forum focused on how faculty innovation can drive meaningful, scalable change across WSU, moderated in Pullman and across WSU campuses.
Moderated by WSU Provost Chris Riley-Tillman
Thursday, March 12 | 3:00–4:00 p.m. PT
The Student Blueprint
Students from across the WSU system share firsthand perspectives on the tools, technologies, and practices that made a difference in their academic journeys—and what institutions can do to better support student success.
Moderated by WSU’s Dr. Samantha Swindell, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies and Scholarly Professor of Psychology
Thursday, March 12 | 4:00–4:45 p.m. PT
Open Forum: Shaping WSU’s Future – What’s Our Role?
Following the student panel, attendees on each of the physical and virtual campuses will participate in a collaborative discussion on translating student experiences into institutional action.
Thursday, March 12 | 5:00–7:00 p.m. PT
Innovation in Action Networking Reception & Technology Test Kitchen
Step into a collaborative environment designed for connection and discovery. Network with colleagues, engage with industry partners, and explore emerging tools shaping the future of education.
The Technology Test Kitchen is an immersive space where innovation meets application, offering hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools redefining the educational landscape.
In person, Pullman campus only | CUB Junior Ballroom (CUB 210/212)
Friday, March 13 | 8:00-9:00 a.m. PT
The Impact Agenda
Legislative experts working with WSU discuss how policy and funding priorities shape higher education—and how WSU’s land-grant mission can drive impact across the state.
Moderated by Jake Dowd, WSU Director of Federal Relations, EAGR
Friday, March 13 | 9:00-9:45 a.m. PT
Open Forum: What is our larger role, and what can we do at WSU to catalyze meaningful change?
An interactive discussion exploring the intersection of innovation, policy, and higher education—and what WSU can do to catalyze meaningful change at the state and national levels.
Friday, March 13 | 10:00-11:00 a.m. PT
The Excellence Exchange
Higher education leaders share insights on emerging challenges, opportunities, and the evolving landscape facing colleges and universities.
Moderated by Kerri Davidson, WSU Chief Administrative Officer & Vice President for Institutional Affairs
Friday, March 13 | 11:00-11:45 a.m. PT
Open Forum: Shaping WSU’s Future – What’s Next?
The Summit concludes with a strategic dialogue synthesizing key themes and identifying next steps as WSU prepares for the future of higher education.
Speakers
The 2026 Summit will feature speakers from across higher education, industry, and government, including:
- Leaders from global technology organizations Microsoft, Adobe, and Google
- University leadership from peer and aspirational institutions Arizona State University, Georgia Tech, and The Ohio State University
- WSU faculty and students representing all campuses
- Washington state legislative leaders
- National higher-education organizations, including The American Council on Education (ACE), The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), and the Education Advisory Board (EAB)
Click on a speaker below to read their bio.
Sally Amoruso
EAB
Noah An
Senator Patty Murray’s Office
Doug Burger
Microsoft
Betsy Cantwell
Washington State University
Lauren Caruso
Washington State University
Dave Cillay
Washington State University
Kimberly Clark
Arizona State University
Meg Daly
The Ohio State
Jan Dasgupta
Washington State University
Kerri Davidson
Washington State University
Jake Dowd
Washington State University
Patrick Flood
Cornerstone Government Affairs
Jesus Trujillo Gomez
Ed Harri
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Karina Hottinger
Washington State University
Bhargav Iyer
Washington State University
Steve James
Washington State University
Brian Johnsrud
Adobe
Jonna Lee
Center for 21st Century Universities, Georgia Institute of Technology
Tavonput Luangphasy
Washington State University
Andy Perkins
Washington State University
Stacy Rich
Cornerstone Government Affairs
Chris Riley-Tillman
Washington State University
Will Smith
Cornerstone Government Affairs
Samantha Swindell
Washington State University
Registration and Participation
Participation options are available both in person and virtually with the primary location as the Pullman campus. Virtual participation is available via Zoom through Global Campus.
| Campus | Room/Location |
|---|---|
| Everett | Room 102 |
| Global Campus | Virtual Zoom Event |
| Pullman | CUB Senior Ballroom |
| Spokane | College of Nursing, Room 205 |
| TriCities | East 266 (East Auditorium) |
| Vancouver | Dengerink Administration Building, Room 129/130 |
For questions regarding attendance options, please contact profed@wsu.edu.
Who Should Attend
The Summit is designed for individuals shaping WSU’s future and the future of higher education, including:
- Faculty and academic leadership
- Staff and administrators across all WSU campuses
- Students and student leaders
- Technology and industry partners
- Policymakers and government relations professionals
- Leaders in innovation, digital learning, and workforce development
Participation is open systemwide, with both in-person and virtual options available
What You’ll Experience
The Summit is designed for participation, dialogue, and action—not passive listening. Attendees will engage in:
- Executive panels with global technology leaders and higher-education innovators
- Facilitated discussions that invite systemwide input and shared problem-solving
- Opportunities to hear faculty and student perspectives on tools and practices that support learning and success
- Policy discussions focused on WSU’s public mission and statewide impact
- Interactive technology demonstrations during a networking reception (Pullman attendees only)
Each session is designed to move ideas forward and support practical progress across WSU.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Summit
The Global Summit is a two-day, systemwide event designed to bring together technology leaders, higher-education innovators, faculty, staff, students, and policymakers to explore the future of education at Washington State University. The Summit emphasizes digital fluency, workforce alignment, and forward-looking innovation.
The Summit supports institutional priorities to modernize the WSU system, position the University as a leader in technology and innovation, and reaffirm its land-grant mission to serve locally, globally, and for the next generation. It focuses on how WSU can adapt, lead, and thrive within a rapidly evolving educational and technological landscape.
WSU Global Campus is coordinating the Summit in partnership with systemwide leadership. Multiple advisory teams are securing panelists and participants.
After each panel, on-site moderators lead attendees in discussion around a central question such as:
- “What can we do at WSU to embrace and drive this technological future?”
- “What can we do to unlock WSU’s potential for future-ready online education?”
- “What role should WSU play in shaping the future of higher education in our state?”
Virtual attendees can participate in parallel online breakout forums.
Purpose & Outcomes
Key goals include:
- Aligning WSU’s educational mission with evolving workforce needs
- Strengthening digital fluency across the university system
- Expanding WSU’s role as a leader in online and technology-enabled learning
- Creating cross-campus collaboration that continues beyond the summit
- Generating actionable solutions and initiatives
- Reinforcing WSU’s land-grant mission for the modern era
Yes. Insights gathered through panels, forums, breakout sessions, and the Technology Test Kitchen will inform systemwide initiatives and strategic priorities.
Communications & Next Steps
Additional details—including the finalized agenda, locations, virtual links, and speaker confirmations—will be released through:
- WSU Insider and Announcements
- Internal systemwide messaging
- Global Summit webpage
If you have questions, please reach out to Professional Education at profed@wsu.edu.
About Washington State University
Washington State University is a top-tier public research university committed to improving lives through education, research, and outreach. Founded in 1890, WSU is a leading land-grant institution with a statewide presence, dedicated to delivering a world-class education and conducting impactful research that addresses global challenges and benefits the state of Washington and beyond.