WSU Spokane and the 92nd Air Refueling Wing at Fairchild Air Force Base announced a formalized collaboration through an Education Partnership Agreement (EPA) during an MOU signing ceremony on February 21.
The agreement brings together expertise from both institutions to enhance research, education, and real-world applications and specifically calls out a “commitment to nurturing talent, advancing knowledge, and empowering the next generation of leaders,” benefiting both the military and the broader community.
In his remarks at the event, Daryll DeWald, chancellor of WSU Spokane and executive vice president for WSU Health Sciences, highlighted how partnerships like this one with local organizations, businesses, and civic leaders are instrumental in furthering WSU’s mission as a modern land-grant institution.
“With the right partners, WSU remains not just a hub of knowledge but a catalyst for positive change, adapting to emerging needs and fostering an environment of shared growth,” he said. “Today is another powerful example of how partnerships can change lives.”
One WSU center that has already contributed to this collaboration is the Sleep and Performance Research Center, which conducts critical research on sleep and human performance—essential areas for military effectiveness, safety, and well-being. Over the past five years, the center has received about $50 million in funding from sources like the Department of Defense, the National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Transportation, along with private industry partners.
U.S. Representative Michael Baumgartner from Washington’s 5th congressional district, who also spoke at the event, emphasized WSU’s contributions to national security through several other programs in animal health, shock physics, and nuclear energy. “I am thrilled to see this partnership between WSU and Fairchild,” he stated. “This is a great day for Eastern Washington.”
In addition to its research collaborations, DeWald also recognized WSU’s strong military-affiliated community, particularly in connection with its health sciences programs.
“The Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine enrolls more than 10 times as many medical students with military experience as the national average, and our College of Nursing is home to 33 active military or veterans,” he said. “We are proud of our students and graduates who have served in the military. They bring their diverse skills and experiences to the practice of becoming the best healthcare professionals.”
“Together, we are not just launching an initiative; we are strengthening our communities, expanding opportunities, and paving the way for innovation and progress,” DeWald said.
