WSU Everett chancellor leaves job, replacement named

Published 11:25 am Wednesday, April 1, 2026

EVERETT — The top executive at the Washington State University Everett campus will leave his position to return to a faculty role, the university announced Monday.

Paul Pitre, the founding dean of the Everett branch and the chancellor there since 2016, helped oversee the construction of the college’s new campus in 2017. He is an associate professor of educational leadership and counseling psychology, according to his university biography.

“Throughout his career, he has remained deeply committed to teaching and mentorship as a faculty member in educational leadership, preparing future leaders in both higher education and K–12 systems,” the university wrote in a press release. “His return to the faculty marks a continuation of that mission — this time with the perspective of a leader who helped build a campus from vision to reality.”

The Washington State University Everett branch opened in 2014.

Before his time at Washington State University, Pitre had jobs at Auburn University, the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Education.

Sandra Haynes, the current chancellor of the Tri-Cities and Vancouver Washington State University campuses, will take the reins of the Everett campus as well. According to the university, Haynes has worked with Snohomish County organizations on initiatives like the Sustainable Aviation Fuel program and an increased presence of Washington State University at Paine Field.

The leadership transition was effective immediately, a Washington State University spokesperson confirmed Wednesday.

Will Geschke: 425-339-3443; william.geschke@heraldnet.com; X: @willgeschke.