Sen. David Frockt on the death of WSU President Elson Floyd

Elson Floyd
WSU President

Elson Floyd, 59, the President of Washington State University, died in Pullman Saturday of complications from cancer. He had recently gone on medical leave from the University, but no one seemed to realize that the end was so close.

Even as he battled cancer, he continued to work to create a medical school at WSU.

Sen. David Frockt, who represents the 46th District, including Lake Forest Park, has been a member of the Higher Education Committee in the State Senate since 2011.

He released a statement upon hearing of Floyd's death.

“The State of Washington lost a dynamic education leader this week. Elson Floyd was respected and admired for his vision for the betterment of WSU and all of higher education in this state. 

“When I learned he was ill, I reflected back on a conversation he had with me several years ago when we were discussing how to increase graduates in the STEM fields. He reminded me that we also had to remain committed to broad based liberal arts education in order to develop people’s critical and analytical skills to learn and adapt to a world of tomorrow that we might not be able to envision today. 

“His wisdom and his legacy will live on as the new WSU school of medicine helps the people of our state for decades to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the entire WSU community.”