Elson S. Floyd, Ph.D.

Dear friends,

It is with sadness that I share news of the loss of WSU President Dr. Elson S. Floyd, who died Saturday morning of complications from colon cancer.

While our thoughts are with his family, I know President Floyd would encourage us to focus on the positive impact of his leadership upon WSU and not dwell in this time of sorrow.

A transformative leader, President Floyd will long be remembered for the progress he established at Washington State University and within the Carson College of Business. While this is a difficult time across the University, please take a moment and join me in remembering happier occasions when President Floyd enriched our college during his tenure—such as the times when he took part in our national board meetings and attended or spoke at our signature events such as the Dean’s Leadership Celebration.

One of the best celebrations we have experienced was the naming of the Carson College, largely brought about by President Floyd’s vision and dedication to our success as a premier business college. The image you see on this page captures him celebrating with students at that event, a happy remembrance of his passion for WSU and love for students.

On behalf of the Carson College, I thank Dr. Floyd for his vision and tenacious drive to improve WSU’s contributions to the world. To learn more about his WSU legacy, please visit the WSU’s online tribute.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to honor President Floyd be made to the Elson S. Floyd Founders Fund for the WSU College of Medicine.

Sincerely,

David A. Whidbee, Ph.D.
Interim Dean and Omer L. Carey Chair in Financial Education