WashU’s Federal Relations team specializes in navigating the federal policymaking landscape and representing the university’s interests in Washington, D.C. 

As the liaison between WashU and policymakers on Capitol Hill and the Executive Branch, our dedicated team works tirelessly to advance priorities important to the higher education and research communities, secure federal funding for research initiatives, and shape legislative and regulatory developments that impact our campus community. Through our relationships with lawmakers, agencies, and advocacy organizations, we ensure that WashU serves as an important voice that reflects the university’s academic excellence and cutting-edge research and medical discoveries.

Contacts

Nick Saab

Nick Saab

Associate Vice Chancellor for Federal Relations

Jason Van Wey

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Federal Relations
vanwey@wustl.edu

News & Updates

Federal Updates

Federal Updates

Learn how WashU is closely monitoring updates from the federal government.

Collective action, ongoing advocacy

Collective action, ongoing advocacy

WashU Advocates are raising awareness about WashU’s mission with government officials, communicating how the university works to solve societal challenges and improve lives.

WashU’s economic impact totals $9.3 billion

WashU’s economic impact totals $9.3 billion

WashU’s direct and indirect impact to the St. Louis economy in 2024 totaled $9.3 billion, an increase of $500 million from 2023. During fiscal year 2024, which concluded June 30, WashU spent $3.9 billion on salaries, construction and purchasing. That money rippled across the region, generating another $5.4 billion in economic activity

Federal Advocacy:
Letters & Statements

View documents from WashU associations and coalitions to which WashU belongs on federal advocacy priorities.

2025 Letters & Statements
2024 Letters & Statements

Guidance on Political, Campaign and Lobbying Activity

Learn about hosting government officials and staff, candidates and campaign representatives, and other political guests.

This guidance assists members of the university community in understanding restrictions on lobbying and campaign activity and requirements for hosting events on campus that involve elected officials or political candidates in either their campaign or official government capacities.

Engaging with Policymakers

Faculty and staff who wish to or anticipate engaging with policymakers in an official capacity should inform the Government Relations team in advance. By law, those interactions must be included in quarterly reporting the university is required to file. WashU’s Government Relations team can also offer guidance on how to effectively engage with elected officials or agency leadership, support written testimony production and witness preparations, and – if necessary – accompany faculty or staff in meetings with policymakers and their staff.

As America pursues economic growth and other national goals, its research universities have emerged as a major national asset – perhaps even its post potent one. This did not happen by accident; it is the result of forward-looking and deliberate federal and state policies.”


The National Academies’ National Research Council