Awards and Recognition

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WSU has received recognition from state and national organizations for its  continued commitment to community engagement and creating economic impact through partnerships and being responsive to the communities we serve. These efforts stretch across a wide range of activities, from developing life-changing biotech products  to leading regional efforts to develop new industries to expanding access to educational opportunities to supporting small businesses throughout the state of Washington.

National and State University Recognition

Innovation and Prosperity Universities Designation

The Association of Public Land-grant Universities created the Innovation and Economic Prosperity Designation to acknowledge universities working with public and private sector partners to support regional economic development through a variety of activities. Those activities include innovation and entrepreneurship, technology transfer, talent and workforce development, and community development.

WSU was designated in the inaugural 2013 class.

Carnegie Foundation Community Engagement Classification

The Community Engagement Classification is one of seven nationally recognized classifications established by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education over 30 years ago to help “recognize and describe institutional diversity in U.S. higher education.”

WSU received the classification in 2015.

CleanTech Achievement Award Recipient

The CleanTech Achievement Award, granted by the CleanTech Alliance Washington, honors a business or organization for making significant contributions in Washington State’s cleantech industry.

WSU received the award in 2016.

National Programmatic Recognition

Awards of Excellence from the University Economic Development Association

The UEDA Awards of Excellence recognize leading edge initiatives that transform campuses into engines of economic prosperity, and encourage adoption of these initiatives among UEDA members. Awards are granted in five categories: community connection, innovation and entrepreneurship, leadership and collaboration, research and analysis, and talent development.

2015 Leadership and Collaboration Award of Excellence Winner: Rural Pathways to Prosperity
- 2015 Talent Development Finalist: Team Mentoring Program
2014 Talent Development Finalist: Intern Program from Small Business Development Centers
2013 Talent Development Award of Excellence Winner: Beta Alpha Psi Mentor Program

Employee Recognition

Women to Watch in Life Sciences Award

The Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association grant the Women to Watch Awards during the premier life science event, Life Science Innovation Northwest. The awards recognize women who are thought-leaders in their fields and shaping the future of their industries.

2015 Winners: Susmita Bose, Ph.D. and Leen Kawas, Ph.D., ‘12
2014 Winner: Sita Pappu, Ph.D.
2013 Winner: Katrina Mealey, Ph.D.

2015 Volunteer of the Year Award from the Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association: Alexis Holzer