Dr. Elson S. Floyd
Dr. Elson S. Floyd, whose love for education took him from writing math problems in the sand as a boy when his family could not afford paper to the leader of major university systems, died today. Floyd, 59, led Washington State University since 2007. His work at WSU culminated earlier this year in the state Legislature’s decision to allow WSU to start its own medical school after a hard-fought and public battle – first with the University of Washington and then with some lawmakers.
Section:Picture story
In this Dec. 13, 2006 file photo, Washington State University President V. Lane Rawlins congratulates Dr. Elson S. Floyd after being named as his successor by the WSU Board of Regents. Floyd became the 10th President of WSU.
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In this Dec. 15, 2006 file photo, University of Missouri System President Elson S. Floyd poses for a photo after accepting the position of Washington State University President.
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In this Dec. 15, 2006, University of Missouri System President Elson S. Floyd waits to make some remarks during the Student Government Leaders Breakfast with the Board of Curators.
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In this Dec. 16, 2006 file photo, University of Missouri System President, Elson S. Floyd lines up for the processional during a Commencement Honors Convocation in Columbia, Missouri.
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In this Dec. 16, 2006 file photo, University of Missouri System President, Elson S. Floyd attends a Commencement Honors Convocation in Columbia, Missouri.
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In this Dec. 16, 2006 file photo, Dr. Elson S. Floyd greets friend Linda Atkins at Elson and Carmento Floyd’s Holiday Soiree annual party. About 150 University of Missouri connected people attended the event at the Floyd’s holiday decorated home on UM college campus.
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In this May 21, 2007 file photo, new Washington State University President Elson S. Floyd walks the WSUcampus greeting people enroute to a noon meeting on his first day on campus.
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In this May 21, 2007 file photo, new Washington State University President Elson S. Floyd walks the WSU campus. Walking with him are ASB Vice President Tommy Simmons and President Kasey Webster.
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In this May 21, 2007 file photo, new Washington State University President Elson S. Floyd walks the WSU campus. Walking with him are ASB Vice President Tommy Simmons and President Kasey Webster.
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In this Dec. 17, 2007 file photo, Dr. Elson S. Floyd, president of Washington State University, talks about his philosphy when it comes to collegiate athletics in his office on the WSU campus in Pullman.
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In this April 15, 2009 file photo, U.S. Senator Patty Murray meets nursing students while touring the new Intercollegiate Nursing Center at the Spokane Wash. Riverpoint Campus. At right rear is Washington State University President Elson S. Floyd. The Nursing Center is cooperative effort of WSU, Eastern, Whitworth and Gonzaga.
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In this May 8, 2009 file photo, Washington State University President Elson S. Floyd along with Provost and Executive Vice President Warwick Bayly prepare for their presentation to the WSU Board of Regents at the WSU Academic Center in Spokane, Wash.
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In this Oct. 14, 2009 file photo, University of Washington President, Mark Emmert and Washington State University President, Elson S. Floyd conduct a fireside chat during the Greater Spokane Incorporated annual meeting in the Spokane Convention Center in Spokane, Wash.
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In this Feb. 21, 2010 file photo, Bill Moos, formerly the athletic director for the University of Oregon from 1995 to 2007, smiles as he shakes hands WSU President Elson S. Floyd during a press conference announcing his appointment to the position of athletic director at Washington State on WSU’s campus in Pullman, Wash.
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In this March 5, 2011 file photo, Washington State University president Elson S. Floyd points to someone he knows in the student section before Washington State’s NCAA college basketball game against UCLA in Pullman, Wash.
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In this Nov. 23, 2012 file photo, Washington State head coach Mike Leach and University President Elson S. Floyd hoist the Apple Cup trophy before fans and players after WSU defeated Washington during the second half at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. WSU won the game 31-28 in overtime.
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In this March 31, 2015 file photo, Gov. Jay Inslee congratulates WSU President Elson S. Floyd after signing a bill that gives WSU authority to start its own med school in Spokane, Wash.
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In this May 4, 2015 file photo, Dr. Lisa Brown, chancellor of WSU Spokane, Elson S. Floyd, president of Washington State University, and Ken Roberts, acting dean, talk about the formation of the new WSU medical school at WSU Spokane.
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