State, political, education leaders pay respects to the 'greatest Cougar'

PULLMAN - Governors and former governors, political and education leaders and thousands of students and graduates paid tribute Wednesday to Washington State University President Elson Floyd.

More than 3,000 people attended a celebration of Floyd's life, honoring him for his commitment to education and his leadership at WSU.

"If we ever have a Mount Rushmore for college presidents, Elson will be on it," said Gov. Jay Inslee, one of several speakers who offered their thoughts on Floyd and his legacy. "We all wear crimson today, on our lapels and in our hearts."

Floyd, 59, died June 20 of complications from colon cancer. The university waited until students returned for the fall semester to celebrate his life.

Inslee tapped Floyd to lead his transition team after he was elected governor in 2012. He first met him in 2007, shortly after Floyd was named WSU's 10th president, and said he immediately knew Floyd "was a guy who was going to rock the state of Washington."

"This was a leader who made WSU a statewide institution," Inslee said. "Now there's no place in the state that isn't Cougar Country. He will be recognized not just as one of the greatest Cougs, but as one of the greatest leaders in Washington."

Noting the efforts to start a four-year medical school in Spokane, as well as the drive to expand the university's research mission, former Boeing executive and WSU Regent Scott Carson said Floyd's leadership will be felt in communities around the state for decades to come.

"He was with us for eight years, but he will be with us for the next 80 years," Carson said. "That's a remarkable gift."

Floyd was born in North Carolina in 1956, the son of a brick mason and a factory worker. Although neither of his parents graduated from high school, they pushed their children to work hard in the classroom. He went on to receive an undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina, as well as a master's in adult education and a doctorate in higher education.

"He understood how education has the power to transform industries, transform countries and transform lives," Carson said.

While multiple speakers praised Floyd for his grand vision and his ability to get others to dream big, Paula Groves Price remembered him for more personal reasons, telling a story of how he cradled her 3-month-old daughter one evening over dinner.

"For me, his legacy is about more than his vision. It's in his humanity and his unwavering dedication to social justice," said Price, an associate dean for diversity at the WSU College of Education.

She also praised Floyd's wife, Carmento, for her grace and hospitality - a sentiment that received a standing ovation.

"You granted unprecedented access to the president's mansion, and you always made sure everyone felt at home," Price said.

In an unexpected move, Carmento Floyd asked to say a few words to the audience, thanking them in turn for their kind wishes and support.

"I can't tell you how difficult this has been for our family," she said. "But the one constant throughout the whole ordeal was your love and support. We're blessed to be here. Thank you for loving Elson and embracing us and allowing us to be a part of the Cougar Nation."

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Spence may be contacted at bspence@lmtribune.com or (208) 791-9168.