Financial Summary 2020-21
In fiscal year (FY) 2021, the University’s overall financial position increased by $50.3 million primarily due to capital revenue attributed to the Interdisciplinary Science Building addition and Kaiser Borsari Hall combined with an overall decrease in operating expenses.
Student head count average annual enrollment for academic year 2020-21 was 14,220 compared to 15,208 during the prior academic year. Total operating revenues decreased $32.8 million in FY 2021 due to the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on enrollment and auxiliary enterprises.
WWU was provided a total of $62.0 million in federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) I, II, and III. Of the $62.0 million, $27.7 million was used for emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations. The remaining $34.3 million was used to cover any costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction. As of June 30, 2021, $11.6 million was spent on financial aid grants to students and $32.3 million to reimburse WWU for allowable expenses and lost revenue. Due to timing constraints with the HEERF grant, the University was able recognize $21.7 million in HEERF revenue during FY 2021.
The FY 2021 decrease in salary and benefits is attributed to the hiring freeze implemented and holding salaries at the FY 2020 salary levels in all groups, with the exception of classified staff, to offset the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, benefit expenses decreased $11.1 million due to an accounting method change related to pension reporting.
Total Assets vs. Net Position
($ in thousands)
Total Revenues by Source for the Year Ended June 30, 2021
$363,058 (in thousands)
Total Expenses by Natural Classification for the Year Ended June 30, 2021
$312,683 (in thousands)
New provost, deans join academic leadership
Brad Johnson
President Sabah Randhawa appointed Brad Johnson as Western’s new provost and executive vice president in summer 2022. Johnson, a professor of physics and former dean of the College of Science and Engineering, became provost after Provost Brent Carbajal retired.
Following a national search, Teena Gabrielson became dean of the College of the Environment in summer 2022. Gabrielson, a scholar in the field of environmental citizenship and political theory, was most recently an associate dean at the University of Wyoming.
David Patrick became dean of the Graduate School and vice provost for Research in summer 2020, after serving as interim. Patrick is a professor of chemistry who directed the Advanced Materials Science and Engineering Center.
Three colleges also have new fixed-term deans: Christopher Bianco in the College of Fine and Performing Arts, Janelle Leger in the College of Science and Engineering and Kevin Roxas in the Woodring College of Education.