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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Community praises Elson Floyd’s leadership

As news of WSU President Elson Floyd’s death spread Saturday morning, official statements began flooding in lauding Floyd as a visionary leader and a great man. Here are some of the statements. Governor Jay Inslee: “Trudi and I send our deepest condolences to Carmento and Elson’s family, friends and colleagues. This was a man wholly devoted to serving his state and expanding opportunities for all of Washington’s students. He turned Washington State into Cougar State, dramatically expanding the scope of the university on both sides of the mountains. He loved inspiring students and challenging them. Thanks to Elson there are Cougars all around the world engaged in innovative and influential work. “I personally appreciate the counsel he’s provided me over the past three years, starting with his help as co-chair of my transition team. Many of the strides we’ve made these past years in everything from higher education funding to student aid to innovative new research programs have Elson’s handprints all over them. He was an incredible leader and his legacy will be one of excellence and dedication. Elson will always be remembers as one of the greatest Washingtonians.” U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, D-Seattle: “All Washingtonians should say a prayer of thanks and gratitude for the leadership of Elson Floyd. His skill and perseverance led change at WSU that will last forever. Whether leading the way on new science investments like the biofuels, or fighting to improve access to medical education, President Elson was focused, driven and successful. We will miss him. Our hearts and prayers go out to his friends, families and the WSU community.” U.S. Senator Patty Murray, D-Bothell: “I join so many in Washington State and across the country in mourning the truly heartbreaking loss of Dr. Elson Floyd. As anyone who has ever had the privilege of meeting him knows well, Elson was truly one of a kind. He led WSU with incredible energy, passion, and a deep and personal commitment to our students and communities. He was a giant in his field and someone whose thoughts on higher education and research were greatly valued by me and so many others. Elson made a great university even greater, and though he will be missed terribly, his vision for the continued growth of a world class research university will live on. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Carmento, their family, friends, and the WSU community.” Spokane Mayor David Condon: “Spokane and the Inland Northwest have lost a great leader and advocate for students and learning. For nearly a decade, Dr. Elson Floyd advocated for greater access to higher educational opportunities in Spokane and was a significant part of the advancement of medical education in our University District. “Dr. Floyd went about his work with integrity and a smile that made him a major influence in making the partnership of higher education among our region’s great institutions a centerpiece of the east end of downtown Spokane. He led the designation of Spokane as a healthcare campus that created new opportunities for students interested in pharmacy, nursing and medical education. “I like so many others who had the great pleasure of getting to know him are far better for that chance. “Cancer took Dr. Floyd far too soon, but it did not beat him. His legacy lives on in the future medical professionals, engineers, business leaders, scientists and so many other graduates who walk out of Washington State University with the world ahead of them. Our hearts go out to Dr. Floyd’s family, Cougar Nation and all those he so profoundly influenced.” U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Spokane: “It is with a very heavy heart that I remember the indelible legacy Elson Floyd has left behind. He was a visionary leader and passionate advocate for higher education, our region and state. “As president of Washington State University, he was beloved by students, faculty, and staff. I am grateful for his transformative vision and his impact on thousands of students. His superlative leadership ignited WSU – with higher enrollment, more grants, a successful capital campaign, and by reaching out to successfully recruit a more diverse student body. He had the gift of making our dreams seem possible and turning our aspirations into reality. “My thoughts and prayers in this difficult time are with his wife, Carmento, and to his children, as well as the whole WSU ‘family’ who has lost a leader and father. Together, Washingtonians will carry on his legacy. It has been my privilege to know him and call him my friend.” Eastern Washington University president Mary Cullinan: “On behalf of Eastern Washington University, I send heartfelt condolences to the family of Dr. Elson Floyd as well as to the entire Washington State University community. “Dr. Floyd was a brilliant leader and a strong proponent of public higher education. He was committed to significant partnership as we worked together to ensure the growth and quality of programs on the WSU Spokane and EWU Spokane campus in downtown Spokane. “Early in his career, Dr. Floyd served as EWU’s Vice President for Student Services and Executive Vice President. Even then, his colleagues knew he was a shining star who would work tirelessly to support student learning and success. “I am grateful to have had the chance to work with such an effective and charismatic leader during my first year here at EWU. We are all greatly saddened to hear of his death. He will be greatly missed. Gonzaga University President Thayne McCulloh: “Our state has lost a true visionary, and our community has lost a wonderful human being. President Floyd was a visionary who saw not only the tremendous potential of Washington State University, but the incredible gifts within each individual. His power of intellect and expression, and his passion for students, will remain an inspiration to all of us. On behalf of the Gonzaga community, I wish to express sincere condolences to the Floyd family, his wife Carmento and the entire WSU community. We will always be grateful for the profound impact Dr. Floyd has had on higher education in our region and nation. I ask that we keep the Floyd family and the entire Cougar Nation in your prayers during this difficult time.” University of Idaho President Chuck Staben: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of President Floyd. Elson was a talented, visionary leader for higher education on the Palouse, in Washington and beyond. He led with passion, wisdom and the highest integrity. On behalf of the entire Vandal family, I offer our thoughts and condolences to his family and friends, as well as the entire Washington State University community at this very difficult time.” Interim University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Elson Floyd and his family. He was a great champion of higher education and his leadership has left an indelible imprint on our state and students for generations to come. We are all Cougars today.” State Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville: “It was with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Elson Floyd this morning. As president of Washington State University, Dr. Floyd was a widely admired leader and a passionate advocate for improved access to higher education. His dedication to his work is demonstrated by the way he championed the new medical school for WSU-Spokane over the last year, even as he suffered from the disease that took his life. “Anybody can be president of a university when times are good, but only the great ones can succeed during tough financial times. Dr. Floyd shepherded his university through one of the most difficult times for higher education that we have seen in this state. “He was always a straight shooter. One of the things I admired so much was that he would provide the same message out on the Palouse, at the Spillman Agronomy Farm, about the important role agricultural research plays in our economy, as he did when he addressed business leaders in the skyscrapers of Bellevue. “The new medical school in Spokane will offer a lasting tribute to his accomplishments. This new institution will expand medical training programs for Washington students, encourage physicians to practice in underserved areas of the state, and provide new opportunities for economic development in Spokane and Eastern Washington. Now that we understand the severity of the personal challenge Dr. Floyd faced as he pushed the bill through the Legislature this session, his accomplishment seems all the more significant. “A man of strong faith and love of family, Dr. Floyd was a good friend to many of us in the caucus. Our prayers were with him two weeks ago when he announced that he was taking a leave of absence to fight colon cancer. The entire Cougar nation is grieving today, as am I. He was taken from us too soon.” State Sen. Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane: “It is a great sadness to learn of the passing of Washington State University President Elson Floyd. He was a great man who leaves an unsurpassed legacy of excellence, expansion and improvement in higher education that will be felt for generations across Washington State. There was no better diplomat for higher education than Elson Floyd. His tireless dedication made all of Washington’s universities better, our communities stronger and our state’s future brighter. He will be greatly missed.” State Rep. Marcus Ricelli, D-Spokane: “I am deeply saddened by the heartbreaking loss of WSU President Elson Floyd. His legacy in Pullman, Spokane, and our state is immeasurable and has created long-lasting opportunities for all current, former, and future students for many years to come. He was the definitive champion for moving WSU forward. “Despite his health concerns, Dr. Floyd worked tirelessly to create a path for a new generation of doctors to engage in cutting-edge community-based training to ensure Washington patients get the care they deserve. His WSU Medical School will have an enduring impact on the health of the people of our great state and the economic vitality in the Spokane region. But more importantly, the personal impact Dr. Floyd had on the countless lives he touched will forever be how he is celebrated. “My deepest condolences go out to Mrs. Floyd, their family and the entire Coug Nation.”