Romando Nash

Today, Higher Education (HE) in the US has become increasingly polarized, and speaking across difference is not just a courtesy – it's a critical practice for building inclusive, dynamic campus communities. As campuses strive to foster mutual understanding amid diverse perspectives, the ability to engage in honest, respectful dialogue has never been more essential. 

In this interview, Romando Nash, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at Washington State University, shares his journey from law school to HE leadership and outlines innovative strategies for cultivating open dialogue on campus. Romando sat down with Jack Eagle, Co-Host of The Interview, to discuss these key topics and more.

Romando’s Journey

Jack: Can we start with a brief introduction to your role and institution?

I serve as the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at Washington State University in Pullman. WSU is a public land-grant university with five campuses – Pullman is our flagship. We are one of the oldest land-grant institutions in the West, and our Pullman campus enrolls about 22,000 students. As an R1 research institution, we support a diverse population of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students across many disciplines. Given this diversity, it’s imperative that we foster a vibrant campus community outside the classroom to support our academic environment.

Jack: How has the transition been? And what has your journey into Student Affairs been like so far?

I have a great leadership team that has enabled us to make significant progress in just 10 months – though many might say it feels like I’ve been here much longer given our pace. We organize our work into three “buckets”: activities we do well, things we probably shouldn’t be doing, and initiatives we aren’t doing but should be to better support our students.

We’re now in the final phase of our strategic planning process. Our plan includes setting smart goals that align with our new vision, mission, and values. Our mission is succinct: “For all students, every day” – a focus that underpins all our efforts.

My journey into Student Affairs wasn’t straightforward. I originally planned to become an attorney – I majored in Political Science and History and was very involved as an RA and in student government. I went to law school expecting to practice law. However, while in law school, I became a Graduate Hall Director thanks to a mentor who encouraged me to take on the role. That experience not only enriched my time in law school but also helped me complete my degree.

Ultimately, though, I decided not to practice law at that time. When one of our full-time Hall Directors left, a mentor urged me to apply for the Resident Director role at Santa Clara, where I was enrolled. Initially, I hesitated, but I soon recognized the benefits.

What keeps me enthusiastic about this work is the opportunity to help change the trajectory of students’ lives – and sometimes even their families’ lives. It’s incredibly rewarding to see a student, who once doubted they’d return the next semester, ultimately walk across the stage to receive their degree.

Jack: Looking from a Student Affairs perspective, I know a huge focus is creating a unified environment. How do you aim to do that?

I always tell my staff to keep it simple. Our mascot is the Cougar, and our rallying cry is “Go Coogs.” Despite our differences in beliefs, we all share a common identity. In today’s polarized world, it’s essential to create opportunities for genuine listening and understanding. We focus on facilitating constructive, civil discourse – allowing students to discover and shape their unique “Coog experience.”

As a land-grant institution, our mission emphasizes access and the opportunity to obtain a higher education degree. This mission serves as the foundation for building a unified, positive campus climate.

Jack: What kinds of initiatives have you put in place to allow that?

It starts with centering our institutional values – integrity, trust, respect, inclusion, and belonging. We embed this ethos into every discussion. Even when disagreements occur, there is always common ground. I believe that active listening is key; it fosters the kind of dialogue where everyone feels heard and valued.

In today’s climate, the true purpose of HE  – open, respectful dialogue – seems to be under threat. We’re seeing instances where people are shouted down or even dehumanized. To counteract this, we’re developing a new living-learning community focused on civic engagement, civic democracy, and talking across differences. One major goal of this community is to equip students with the tools to engage in constructive debate rather than retreat from it.

We also have a dedicated university team that meets with students who wish to protest or engage in other forms of expression. This team works with them to clarify their goals and ensure that both their group and those who disagree can participate in safe, civil discourse – always guided by our core values.

Jack: How do you engage the entire student body on non-academic matters like this?

I believe it’s crucial to engage students as early as possible in their college careers. During orientation, we introduce them to critical discussions and set the expectation that open dialogue – where disagreements are welcomed – is a fundamental part of their experience.

Beyond formal settings, I make it a point to meet students in their own spaces. For years, the approach was to bring students to campus events, but I ask: Why should they come to us if we’re not willing to meet them where they are? I’ve consistently made an effort to be present in the spaces that matter to students, which opens the door for meaningful engagement.

Sometimes, the best reward is simply walking into one of our affinity centers, sitting down, and being present – it shows that I value these conversations. Additionally, we recognize that physical spaces are no longer the only venues for engagement. We’re exploring ways to meet students on social media platforms like TikTok, creating content that resonates with their interests. It’s all about blending into their realm and connecting on their terms.

Jack: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received that you’d like to pass on to others in the field?

First, no one rises to low expectations. We must set high expectations for ourselves if we are to support and challenge our students effectively. Second, even in the midst of challenging situations, there is always a gift – you just have to be strong enough to look for it. If you focus on what you can’t control, those challenges will control you. Finally, it’s important to avoid what I call “the swirl” and focus on what’s directly in front of you. That focus is what our students need every day; without it, we do them a disservice.