PULLMAN, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Washington State University (WSU) is preparing for a leadership change next summer.

WSU President Kirk Schulz announced Friday that he plans to retire in June 2025 after eight years in the position.

“It’s been my sincere pleasure to serve as president of Washington State University,” Schulz said. “Certainly, it’s been the highlight of my career.”

It follows a period of turbulence for the Cougars’ athletic department after it was left as one of two schools in the Pac-12 conference. As for post-retirement plans, Schulz said he has plenty to look forward to.

“Well, my primary thing is I want to support my successor to be successful as the next Washington State University President. I also want to do some writing in higher-education space and mentor that next generation of public higher education leaders,” Schulz said. He was hired in 2016 as Washington State’s 11th president.

The university said it will begin its search for new leadership later this month.