Gov. Bob Ferguson recognized Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine Vice Dean for Educational and Faculty Affairs Radha Nandagopal, MD, FAAP, and two other Washington State University faculty members with the 2026 Governor’s Outstanding Leadership Award.
Dr. Nandagopal, David Makin, and Praveen Sekhar were honored for their accomplishments in public service and exceptional contributions to their respective fields. They were among 26 recipients from across state government, including the University of Washington and WSU.
“Public service is at the heart of WSU’s land-grant mission,” said Provost and Executive Vice President Chris Riley-Tillman. “Professors Makin, Nandagopal, and Sekhar exemplify that commitment, using their expertise to make a meaningful difference far beyond our campuses. We are incredibly proud to see their contributions recognized with this honor and grateful for the lasting impact of their work.”
Dr. Nandagopal has helped build the systems used to select and train WSU’s medical students. A founding faculty member and practicing pediatric endocrinologist, she helped establish the college’s admissions process and clinical skills curriculum. She also led faculty preparation for the college’s most recent successful accreditation visit.
Dr. Nandagopal chaired the college’s admissions committee from 2016 to 2024 and directed its clinical skills program for seven years. Her work helped create the framework for evaluating prospective students and preparing those admitted for the practical demands of caring for patients.
Colleagues who supported Nandagopal’s nomination emphasized that her influence extends beyond the programs and systems she has helped build. They described a mentor who gives others room to think bigger and take on new challenges while providing the candid feedback they need to build confidence and make better decisions.
“Because of her leadership, I have grown not just in my role, but in how I show up as a leader for others,” one nominator wrote.
Established in 1985 by Gov. Booth Gardner, the annual award recognizes state employees who demonstrate leadership that produces better results and a strong commitment to public service and accountability. The recipients were honored at a luncheon with the governor Oct. 26 at the Executive Mansion in Olympia.