He is the first voice guiding Murrow College graduate students through the maze of admissions, and one of the last faces cheering them on from the Beasley Colosseum tunnel at Commencement.
Graduate Coordinator and Advisor Jeremy Watson is a steady, supportive presence at the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication’s Center for Student Success. With a calm demeanor and unwavering commitment, he has become an essential guide for graduate students from the moment they apply to the moment they cross the stage.
This spring, Watson received the President’s Award, a university-wide honor recognizing his exceptional leadership of Murrow’s graduate program. The recognition highlights his unique role: mentoring students from pre-admission all the way through their academic journey.
“I am both humbled and honored by the nomination and selection. Great people are doing great work across Murrow College and WSU,” Watson said. He noted that the support letters from faculty and graduate students were especially meaningful as a touching gesture that embodies the Murrow family.
Watson’s path to Murrow began after 22 years of service in the U.S. Navy, where he built a career centered on mentorship and leadership. Upon retiring, he and his family embarked on a year-long RV journey before returning to the Palouse — a community he says immediately felt like home.
“Being retired at 42 without the need to check the time or set an alarm was enjoyable for a while, but something always felt missing,” Watson said. “We knew we wanted to return to the Palouse, and a position at WSU was the perfect chance to re-enter the mentoring world.”
His Navy career, including three years as a Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) instructor, shaped the way he advises today. The lessons learned mentoring sailors and future officers now guide his approach to graduate students, many of whom face their own challenges balancing research, teaching, and personal commitments.
No student has an easy path from start to finish, and it’s awesome to see their resilience and ability to overcome obstacles and find a way to win.
Watson
For Watson, the most rewarding moments come at the culmination of a student’s graduate journey: watching their pride after a successful defense and congratulating them just before they walk out to receive their degree.
“My two most rewarding times, though, are when students are invited back into the room following their thesis or dissertation defense to hear they have passed, or hear themselves called ‘Doctor’ for the first time,” he said. “The second moment is shaking their hand or hugging them in the tunnel right before they walk out to receive their degree. It’s an absolute honor to play a supporting role in this brief period of their life.”
Colleagues and students alike praise Watson for his warmth, professionalism, and tireless commitment to student success.
“Jeremy effortlessly embodies excellence every day,” said CJ Janssen, a Murrow PhD student. “One could enter his office in tears and leave with dry eyes and a smile returned to their face after an advising meeting with him.”
Faculty members say his steady presence helps students thrive. “He provides organization, structure, and support to our graduate students, which is especially important given some of the uncertainty that graduate students face,” said Dr. Jessica Willoughby, associate professor of Strategic Communication. “I really appreciate Jeremy’s interest in the students and their research areas, and his excitement to celebrate their successes.”
Director of Graduate Studies Ryan J. Thomas adds that Watson is an exemplary ambassador for Murrow College who “guides students in a steady, calm, and reassuring manner, and his description of his procedural knowledge is unparalleled, and his attention to detail is incredible.”.
Additional praise comes from alumni who credit Watson with shaping their graduate school experience in meaningful ways.
“His ability to balance his expertise with a genuine commitment to students is exceptional and has contributed significantly to my academic achievements,” said Murrow MA alumna Enaiya Clarke.
That combination of expertise, compassion, and resilience reflects what Watson calls the heart of the Murrow family.
“This College truly embodies the team and family mentality. I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to surround myself with, and I absolutely enjoy coming to work every day,” he said.
Watson’s pride in Murrow runs deep, inspired by the legacy of Edward R. Murrow and the students who carry it forward.
“The students inspire me every day,” he said. “Graduate school is not an easy journey, nor should it be; however, our students consistently find a way to succeed. Watching their confidence, knowledge, maturity, and skills grow during their time here is incredible.”
Outside the office, Watson and his wife, Andrea, enjoy life on the Palouse — tending chickens, gardening, and spending fall weekends outdoors. But his heart remains with Murrow.
“I will be here at Murrow College until it’s time to step back into retired life permanently,” he said with a smile.