Sabah U. Randhawa
The Western Washington University Board of Trustees named Oregon State University Provost and Executive Vice President Sabah U. Randhawa as the preferred candidate in their search for Western’s president.
Randhawa currently serves as Oregon State University’s provost and executive vice president. “I am honored and excited to be considered as the preferred candidate for president at Western Washington University,” Randhawa said, adding that he was “impressed by the achievements and focus on student success and collaboration at Western. Those align well with my own values and passion for higher education.”
Randhawa, 62, was born in Pakistan and received his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering there. He earned his master’s degree in industrial engineering from Oregon State University in 1980, and his doctorate from Arizona State University, also in industrial engineering, in 1983.
Randhawa impressed members of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee with his “focus on student success and his interest and understanding of issues related to diversity and inclusivity on campus,” said Trustee Sue Sharpe, chair of the search committee.
Bruce Shepard is retiring June 30 after eight years as Western’s president.
The trustees will meet during the week of April 4, to vote on Randhawa’s appointment.