PULLMAN, Wash. — Krissi Hewitt will join Washington State University’s College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) as Director of Strategic Initiatives. She will report directly to the dean beginning May 18, 2026.
Photo courtesy Duke University
In her role, Hewitt will work closely with Raj Khosla, Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean of CAHNRS, to advance the college’s strategic priorities across teaching, research, Extension, and outreach.
“I’m very excited to welcome Krissi to CAHNRS,” said Khosla. “She brings a breadth of experience across higher education and government that will be invaluable to the college. As a direct member of my leadership team, she will play a key role as chief of staff in helping move forward our college’s priorities and strengthening alignment across our missions.”
Hewitt earned her PhD in science education from Oregon State University and her MS in microbiology from San Diego State University. She started her career in Oregon, working for the Governor’s Chief Education Office on STEM education policy and statewide initiatives. She comes to WSU after nine years of working in higher education in North Carolina, including the past two years at Duke University.
“I look forward to returning to the Pacific Northwest,” Hewitt said. “I am excited to start work at WSU and get to know the people who work at and support CAHNRS throughout Washington.”
Upon assuming her role, Hewitt said her initial priority will be to develop a deep understanding of the college and the university and to advance the work of the Dean’s Office.
“I do very well when I’m engaging with a lot of different stakeholders and projects,” said Hewitt, who grew up in southern California. “I enjoy building new things and creating organizational effectiveness to advance larger initiatives. I think working with WSU and CAHNRS is a perfect fit.”
The biggest draw was the land-grant mission of both the university and the college, she said.
“I’m passionate about working with stakeholders to make an impact, and land-grants are one of the best places to do that,” Hewitt said. “I’m excited to apply my skills to advancing the land-grant mission at WSU while getting to know the people who do that work on a daily basis.”