President Morse honored by state Senate today

OLYMPIA – Citing her 15 years of service to Western Washington University, the Washington State Senate honored President Karen Morse today – who is set to retire this September.

“Karen Morse’s leadership has guided Western to become one of the top liberal arts universities in the nation,” said Sen. Paull Shin, D-Edmonds, Chair, Senate Higher Education Committee.

“She exemplifies dedication to education – the students, the faculty and her university,” Sen. Jean Berkey, D-Everett, said.

Other Senators praised her for her commitment to hands-on learning.

“President Karen Morse has been a tireless advocate of cleaning up Puget Sound and incorporating that priority into educational opportunities,” said Sen. Phil Rockefeller, D-Kitsap County, Chair, Senate Water, Energy & Telecommunications Committee. “I believe I am not alone in saying her thoughtful, personable approach will not be forgotten.”

Under her vision, Western became a premier undergraduate institution in the Northwest and entered the top echelon of undergraduate schools in the nation. Enrollment has increased, and the university’s endowment has grown from $3.6 million to $29.3 million. But for Shin, it is her commitment to diversity that is most important.

“She has spent so much of her life working to ensure that all students — no matter their race or socioeconomic status — get a quality education,” Shin said. “Her commitment has ushered in the most diverse campus in Western’s history, and all of Washington should thank her for her important efforts.”

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