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News Release

WSU Tri-Cities Chancellor Sandra Haynes Honored As A 2026 Leader Of Distinction (Photo) - 03/09/26

Washington State University Tri-Cities Chancellor Sandra Haynes has been named a 2026 Leader of Distinction by the WSU President’s Commission on the Status of Women.

 

The Leader of Distinction awards are presented annually to a select group of WSU faculty, administrators, staff, students, alumni and university partners who have promoted gender equality and championed positive social change. Award winners are selected through an open nomination process and considered based on their exemplary leadership, career achievements, public service and positive contributions to the growth and success of others, including women.

 

Haynes, who won in the administrator category, joined WSU Tri-Cities in 2018 to serve as the campus’ seventh chancellor. She also currently serves as the interim chancellor for WSU Vancouver. 

 

“Her work reflects a clear focus on student success, community engagement and expanding opportunities for women and underrepresented groups,” one of the nominating WSU community members wrote to the award committee. “In conversations with industry leaders, donors and community partners, I consistently hear appreciation for Chancellor Haynes’ leadership and presence in the Tri-Cities community. She has strengthened WSU Tri-Cities’ role in the region and aligned the university’s mission with community priorities, creating lasting impact.”

 

The same nominator praised Haynes for steering campus growth in multiple areas such as increased enrollment, expanded academic programs, capital projects and the creation of WSU Tri-Cities’ Institute for Northwest Energy Futures in 2021.

 

“She also oversaw the design and construction of Collaboration Hall, a 40,000-square-foot interdisciplinary building that earned national recognition for excellence,” the nominator wrote. “Designed by an all-female architectural team, the project reflects her commitment to advancing women in STEM and leadership roles.”

 

Haynes earned her Ph.D. in experimental neuropsychology from Colorado State University, where she later re-specialized in counseling psychology, and holds a professorship through WSU’s Department of Psychology. As a first-generation college student, Haynes has demonstrated a career-long commitment to increasing access to higher education through novel programs and community connections—including bridge and teaching pathways programs made in partnership with regional schools and community colleges. Haynes previously received the TRIO First-Generation Champion Award in recognition of such efforts.

 

Her community leadership has extended beyond the WSU Tri-Cities campus as well. Serving as a board member and immediate past chair of the Tri-City Development Council, Haynes has worked to foster economic growth within the Columbia Basin region. The Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business also selected Haynes as one of its 2025 Tri-City People of Influence awardees.

 

“In every conversation and decision, Chancellor Haynes centers people—students, colleagues and the communities we serve. She consistently models respect, transparency and accountability, creating an environment where others feel empowered to lead, innovate and grow,” another nominator wrote. “Her contributions reach far beyond job responsibilities—they touch lives, open doors and strengthen the future of both WSU Tri-Cities and WSU Vancouver.”

 

Haynes will be honored alongside eight other 2026 Leader of Distinction winners at a formal awards ceremony on March 26 at the Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center in Pullman, Wash.

Attached Media Files: Sandra Haynes joined WSU Tri-Cities in 2018 to serve as the campus’ seventh chancellor.,

WSU Tri-Cities Chancellor Sandra Haynes Honored As A 2026 Leader Of Distinction (Photo) - 03/09/26

Washington State University Tri-Cities Chancellor Sandra Haynes has been named a 2026 Leader of Distinction by the WSU President’s Commission on the Status of Women.

 

The Leader of Distinction awards are presented annually to a select group of WSU faculty, administrators, staff, students, alumni and university partners who have promoted gender equality and championed positive social change. Award winners are selected through an open nomination process and considered based on their exemplary leadership, career achievements, public service and positive contributions to the growth and success of others, including women.

 

Haynes, who won in the administrator category, joined WSU Tri-Cities in 2018 to serve as the campus’ seventh chancellor. She also currently serves as the interim chancellor for WSU Vancouver. 

 

“Her work reflects a clear focus on student success, community engagement and expanding opportunities for women and underrepresented groups,” one of the nominating WSU community members wrote to the award committee. “In conversations with industry leaders, donors and community partners, I consistently hear appreciation for Chancellor Haynes’ leadership and presence in the Tri-Cities community. She has strengthened WSU Tri-Cities’ role in the region and aligned the university’s mission with community priorities, creating lasting impact.”

 

The same nominator praised Haynes for steering campus growth in multiple areas such as increased enrollment, expanded academic programs, capital projects and the creation of WSU Tri-Cities’ Institute for Northwest Energy Futures in 2021.

 

“She also oversaw the design and construction of Collaboration Hall, a 40,000-square-foot interdisciplinary building that earned national recognition for excellence,” the nominator wrote. “Designed by an all-female architectural team, the project reflects her commitment to advancing women in STEM and leadership roles.”

 

Haynes earned her Ph.D. in experimental neuropsychology from Colorado State University, where she later re-specialized in counseling psychology, and holds a professorship through WSU’s Department of Psychology. As a first-generation college student, Haynes has demonstrated a career-long commitment to increasing access to higher education through novel programs and community connections—including bridge and teaching pathways programs made in partnership with regional schools and community colleges. Haynes previously received the TRIO First-Generation Champion Award in recognition of such efforts.

 

Her community leadership has extended beyond the WSU Tri-Cities campus as well. Serving as a board member and immediate past chair of the Tri-City Development Council, Haynes has worked to foster economic growth within the Columbia Basin region. The Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business also selected Haynes as one of its 2025 Tri-City People of Influence awardees.

 

“In every conversation and decision, Chancellor Haynes centers people—students, colleagues and the communities we serve. She consistently models respect, transparency and accountability, creating an environment where others feel empowered to lead, innovate and grow,” another nominator wrote. “Her contributions reach far beyond job responsibilities—they touch lives, open doors and strengthen the future of both WSU Tri-Cities and WSU Vancouver.”

 

Haynes will be honored alongside eight other 2026 Leader of Distinction winners at a formal awards ceremony on March 26 at the Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center in Pullman, Wash.

Attached Media Files: Sandra Haynes joined WSU Tri-Cities in 2018 to serve as the campus’ seventh chancellor.,