VANCOUVER, Wash. – Washington State University Vancouver alumnus Max Ault will join the university’s staff as assistant vice chancellor for strategic partnerships effective Feb. 1.

WSU Vancouver Chancellor Mel Netzhammer and WSU President Kirk Schulz collaborated to create and fund a position that will focus on strategic engagement in the broader Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area for both WSU Vancouver and WSU systemwide. Ault will be responsible for engaging the university with businesses and individuals in Portland and beyond in areas including research and business partnerships, internships, philanthropy and student recruitment.

“We have ample opportunity to build new relationships with metro-area businesses and extend the reach of some of WSU Vancouver’s successful programs. More than 35,000 Cougar alumni work in the region, many of whom can facilitate partnerships with WSU for their companies or employers,” said Netzhammer.

Ault is currently the interim president of the Columbia River Economic Development Council and previously served as executive vice president. He also worked on contract part time at WSU Vancouver last spring as assistant to the chancellor for strategic partnerships.

“Max provided exceptional leadership for these activities and has strong relations in the metro area and on campus as a result. He is an excellent fit for the strategic partnerships position,” said Netzhammer.

About WSU Vancouver

As one of six campuses of the Washington State University system, WSU Vancouver offers big-school resources in a small-school environment. The university provides affordable, high-quality baccalaureate- and graduate-level education to benefit the people and communities it serves. As the only four-year research university in Southwest Washington, WSU Vancouver helps drive economic growth through relationships with local businesses and industries, schools and nonprofit organizations. 

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