Anne Mason to Lead WSU Nursing College in November
The Washington State University alumna will assume the role of permanent dean on November 1, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Nursing Jobs
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Washington State University has appointed Anne Mason as the permanent dean of the College of Nursing. She is set to begin her new leadership role on November 1, 2026.
Why it matters
Mason is expected to leverage her long-standing experience and understanding of regional workforce requirements to guide students toward nursing careers. Her leadership follows a year spent steering the college on an interim basis.
The WSU College of Nursing graduates more than 335 nurses each year, including over 200 new registered nurses. This output remains a key metric as the institution continues to address state workforce demands.
The players
Anne Mason
She is a two-time WSU Tri-Cities alumna and doctor of nursing practice who has served as the college's interim head.
Washington State University
This public research university maintains multiple campuses across the state and operates the College of Nursing.
The details
Mason, a two-time alumna of the WSU Tri-Cities campus, was selected following internal reviews and meetings with external stakeholders. Her tenure includes experience as a clinical faculty member since 2010 and serving as associate dean for academic affairs starting in 2020.
Timeline
Mason began her tenure as a clinical faculty member in 2010.
Mason became the associate dean for academic affairs in 2020.
Mason served as interim head of the College of Nursing from October 2025 to October 2026.
Mason officially begins her role as permanent dean on November 1, 2026.
Market Landscape
The leadership change marks a pivotal moment for the institution, building upon the structural transition from the Intercollegiate Center for Nursing Education. This appointment solidifies the college's administrative direction as it competes to produce enough graduates to meet statewide labor needs.
Students and faculty can expect continued stability in the college's academic programs as Mason moves from interim to permanent leadership. The appointment signals a commitment to maintaining existing nursing graduation volumes to support the state health workforce.
The takeaway
Effective institutional leadership is vital for navigating the complex transitions required in higher education nursing programs. Readers should note that consistent administrative oversight plays a major role in ensuring that degree programs remain aligned with critical regional job market needs.
Further reading
For more information on the current state of healthcare employment, visit the Nursing Jobs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business.
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