Chris Riley-Tillman, former University of Missouri College of Education & Human Development dean, was tenured as Washington State University provost July 1.
According to WSU Insider, Riley-Tillman was one of three finalists for this position. WSU’s land grant mission represented his views and ideals, making the job a selling point.
“I wanted to be at a land-grant institution during a pivotal time when the decisions being made will matter and have a lasting, positive impact on the future of our students, faculty, and staff,” he said.
Anonymous faculty had concerns about the university’s future, but Riley-Tillman plans to take office with the intent of shifting those perspectives by staying connected with faculty.
“I will have an extraordinarily engaged relationship with our deans throughout my tenure,” he said.
When problems arise, he said it is important for faculty to contact him right away.
“We don’t want to wait for the monthly one-on-one to deal with emerging issues,” Riley-Tillman said.
He believes higher education is an imperative part of our society. From the beginning of his career, the main focus was providing families and children access to quality education, said Riley Tillman in the Provost Blog.
Riley-Tillman’s strategic plan to expand programs system-wide and to continue to provide students with educational opportunities is a clear blueprint for the future.
Riley-Tillman’s experience with leadership goes back before his time at WSU. Prior to becoming WSU provost, he was the Dean of the College of Education & Human Development and the Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness at University of Missouri.
“Chris’s experience as a professor, department chair and administrator will be critical to his work as provost … and I am confident he will rise to the occasion,” President Kirk Schulz said.
According to WSU Insider, he is proud to be in office as a new face for WSU. He wanted to find somewhere that excited his wife and son. He also strived to go somewhere where he knew a difference could be made.
“As Washington’s land-grant research university since 1890, we have a deep rich foundation on which to build and I am honored to have the opportunity to serve.” said Riley-Tillman, according to the Office of Provost.
