Washington State University's Board of Regents named a new president Thursday who will take over in April as the school's first female president.

Utah State University President Elizabeth Cantwell, pictured here on the Pullman campus of Washington State University, was named the university's 12th president Thursday in Pullman. She is the first woman in the role since the university's creation in 1890. (Robert Hubner)

Washington State University announced its new president during a Board of Regents meeting Thursday, marking a historic first as she becomes the university’s first woman president.

The Washington State University Board of Regents is taking another step toward selecting a new president for the university.

PULLMAN, Wash. — Elizabeth “Betsy” Cantwell has been appointed the 12th president of Washington State University following a nationwide search. Cantwell will begin on April 1 and will succeed Kirk Schulz, who has served as president since 2016 and will remain on as a senior advisor to support the transition through June 2025.

University of Washington has named Robert J. Jones as its next president. Jones will be the first Black president in the university’s 164-year history.

Former Utah State University President Elizabeth “Betsy” Cantwell has been appointed WSU's 12th president in school history, and the first woman to hold the role.