Washington State University president Elson Floyd, UNC alum and former administrator, dies at 59

Posted Jun 21, 2015
Elson Floyd, the beloved president of Washington State University who fought successfully for WSU to have its own medical school even as he himself was ill with cancer, died Saturday. President Floyd, 59, president of WSU for eight years, died in Pullman of complications from colon cancer. He had gone on medical leave just a few weeks ago, and his death came as a shock to many. (Seattle Times)

Related: Campus Connections

Michael Jordan’s historic $10 million gift honors mother, expands UNC School of Social Work’s impact
In honor of his mother, Deloris P. Jordan, Michael Jordan has made a $10 million commitment to the UNC School of Social Work. The largest...
Mon Oct 5, 2026

Audio: 100 Years of Kenan Stadium - Commencement VIPs
You never know who you’ll see at Kenan Stadium. For Chapelboro’s own Kenny Dike, his commencement in the spring of 2001 featured a few special...
Tue Sep 29, 2026

A guide to the most iconic UNC campus characters
The beloved campus crossing guards by South Road have left the most positive effect on my time at UNC out of any of the campus...
Sun Sep 27, 2026

Video: Carolina Insider - Ken Cleary On Montross Day Of Service
UNC Assistant Athletic Director for New Media Ken Cleary discusses his role in GoHeels Productions (1:14), his personal journey with cancer and recovery (12:47), and...
Fri Sep 25, 2026