In order of appearance:
Sandra D. Haynes
Executive Vice President for Washington State University Statewide Campuses
Sandra Haynes serves as Executive Vice President for Washington State University Statewide Campuses, providing strategic leadership for WSU Everett, WSU Tri-Cities, and WSU Vancouver. In this role, she strengthens coordination and alignment across these campuses to advance student success and regional impact.
Haynes brings more than two decades of higher education leadership experience, with a strong record of building community partnerships, supporting student achievement, and guiding institutional transformation a range of higher education settings. Known for her clarity, integrity, and people-centered approach, she fosters trust and empowers teams to create environments where innovation can thrive.
Previously, Haynes served as Chancellor for WSU Tri-Cities and InterimChancellor for WSU Vancouver, where she led efforts to expand access,strengthen academic and student support programs, and align campusoperations with WSU’s strategic goals. Her leadership has contributedto enrollment growth, improved student outcomes, and deeper regionalengagement across the campuses she oversees.
Haynes holds a Ph.D. in experimental neuropsychology with a re-specialization in counseling psychology and is a professor in theDepartment of Psychology at Washington State University.
Betsy R. Cantwell
President, Washington State University System
Dr. Betsy R. Cantwell became Washington State University’s 12th president on April 1, 2025, bringing extensive experience in research leadership. Before joining WSU, she served as president of Utah State University, a space and land-grant R1 institution, where she managed a $1.3 billion annual operating budget and successfully led a redesign of the Academic Enterprise and increased annual research expenditures. Prior to that time, President Cantwell held senior leadership positions at the University of Arizona and Arizona State University, where she significantly expanded their research enterprises. Her distinguished career also includes extensive service in U.S. national security, with leadership roles at several national laboratories. She holds degrees from Wharton (MBA), UC Berkeley (Ph.D., mechanical engineering), and the University of Chicago (BA, human behavior). She is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Rafia Shakil
Vice President, Associated Students of Washington State University Everett
Rafia Shakil is an emerging leader recognized for her ability to turn ideas into purposeful action. This year, she served as vice president of the Associated Students of WSU Everett, partnering with campus leadership and administration to advance student advocacy, governance, and
community impact.
A Boeing Scholar, she has collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to address real-world business challenges through market analysis, strategic thinking, and operational problem-solving. Her professional experience includes supporting executive leadership at Windspeed Technologies, where she developed strengths in project management, organization, and cross-functional collaboration.
Across academic, professional, and community settings, her work focuses on bridging strategy and execution building effective systems, aligning teams around shared goals, and delivering meaningful outcomes. She is
passionate about leadership development and looks forward to continuing her career in operations and strategy.
Keynote Speaker: Angela Jones
Director, Washington State and U.S. Charters
Angela Jones leads the Gates Foundation’s efforts to create sustainable and positive impact for students, families, and communities in Washington state. With more than 25 years of passionate engagement, service, and leadership in Washington’s public education systems, she applies her experience in leading systemic change and a strong belief in community sustainability and generational growth through access to education.
Before joining the foundation in 2021, Angela held roles as the CEO of Washington STEM and various leadership roles at Washington State University, Eastern Washington University, Spokane Public Schools, and the Wapato School District that included vice president of student affairs, vice president of university advancement, chief of staff, and director of employment and conciliation services.
Angela received her J.D. from Gonzaga University School of Law as well as an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. She also holds a master’s degree in communications from Eastern Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English/Language Arts with an initial teaching certificate from Washington State University.
Angela is a co-founder and managing partner of the Black Future Co-op Fund, Washington’s only Black created and led philanthropic organization designed to ignite Black health, generational wealth, and well-being. She also serves on the board of trustees for Gonzaga University, the Edmonds Teachers of Color Foundation, and the Washington State University Student Affairs Advisory Committee.
2025/26 VCEA Student Excellence Award
Outstanding Achievement, Senior, Mechanical Engineering
Heather McCartney