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By Flynn Espe

Washington State University Tri-Cities Chancellor Sandra Haynes has been named a 2026 Leader of Distinction by the ������ President’s Commission on the Status of Women.

�ճ���� are presented annually to a select group of ������ faculty, administrators, staff, students, alumni, and university partners who have promoted gender equality�����Ի���championed positive social change. Award winners are selected through an open nomination process and considered based on their exemplary leadership, career achievements, public service,�����Ի���positive contributions to the growth and success of others, including women.

Haynes, who won in the administrator category, joined ������ Tri-Cities in 2018 to serve as the campus’ seventh chancellor. She also currently serves as the interim chancellor for ������ Vancouver.

“Her work reflects a clear focus on student success, community engagement, and expanding opportunities for women and underrepresented groups,” one of the nominating ������ community members wrote to the award committee. “In conversations with industry leaders, donors, and community partners, I consistently hear appreciation for Chancellor Haynes’ leadership and presence in the Tri-Cities community. She has strengthened ������ Tri-Cities’ role in the region and aligned the university’s mission with community priorities, creating lasting impact.”

The same nominator praised Haynes for steering campus growth in multiple areas such as ���Գ����𲹲��������԰��DZ�������Գ�, expanded academic programs, capital projects, and the creation of ������ Tri-Cities’ Institute for Northwest Energy Futures in 2021.

“She also oversaw the design and construction of Collaboration Hall, a 40,000-square-foot interdisciplinary building that earned national recognition for excellence,” the nominator wrote. “Designed by an all-female architectural team, the project reflects her commitment to advancing women in STEM and leadership roles.”

Haynes earned her PhD in experimental neuropsychology from Colorado State University, where she later re-specialized in counseling psychology, and holds a professorship through ������’s Department of Psychology. As a first-generation college student, Haynes has demonstrated a career-long commitment to increasing access to higher education through novel programs and community connections — including bridge�����Ի���teaching pathways programs made in partnership with regional schools and community colleges. Haynes previously received the TRIO First-Generation Champion Award in recognition of such efforts.

Her community leadership has extended beyond the ������ Tri-Cities campus as well. Serving as a board member and immediate past chair of the Tri-City Development Council, Haynes has worked to foster economic growth within the Columbia Basin region. The Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business also selected Haynes as one of its 2025 Tri-City People of Influence awardees.

“In every conversation and decision, Chancellor Haynes centers people — students, colleagues, and the communities we serve. She consistently models respect, transparency, and accountability, creating an environment where others feel empowered to lead, innovate, and grow,” another nominator wrote. “Her contributions reach far beyond job responsibilities — they touch lives, open doors, and strengthen the future of both ������ Tri-Cities and ������ Vancouver.”

Haynes will be honored alongside eight other 2026 Leader of Distinction winners at a formal awards ceremony on March 26 at the Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center in Pullman.