Karen Weathermon

The Association for Faculty Women is delighted to announce that Karen Weathermon is the 2022-23 recipient of the Samuel H. Smith Leadership Award.

Dr. Karen Weathermon is the Director of First-Year Programs in the Division of Academic Engagement and Student Achievement, and has worked for more than two decades to further WSU’s goals of collaboration, community engagement, and life-long learning. She developed and leads the WSU Common Reading Program and First-Year Focus Living-Learning Communities, and the programs she has developed at WSU are a model for universities nationwide.

Throughout her career, Dr. Weathermon has championed WSU’s general education program and the value of broad, interdisciplinary connections. She is known for her rigorous, evidence-approach to student learning, well-being, and retention, as well as the warmth and generosity she brings to her leadership roles. The award nomination praised her ability to bring together an “ever-changing cast” of faculty, staff and students, and to create a culture of learning and involvement that reaches the full WSU system and beyond.

As one nominator wrote, “She performs her job with a leadership style characterized by humility, compassion, and focus — just the traits we hope to cultivate in our students.”

As a letter of support stated, “She provides a model of quiet, thoughtful, persistent leadership that is helpful for many women, who are able to see themselves in that style and to emulate it.”

Dr. Weathermon’s commitment to community-building extends beyond campus, with leadership in her faith community and local groups including the Friends of Neill Public Library, the Palouse Choral Society, and the Kenworthy Performing Arts Center Board of Directors. Her contributions enrich our community in countless ways.