NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS, Associated Press

PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) — The new president of Washington State University says he was drawn to the Pullman school by its high academic standards and by the new medical school.

Kirk Schulz on Friday also says the state of Washington’s support for higher education played into his decision to leave the presidency of Kansas State University for the new job.

Schulz and his wife Noel were introduced to students, faculty and staff in Pullman on Friday morning. They answered questions and also met with reporters. They have similar meetings planned later in the day in the Tri-Cities and Spokane.

Schulz says Washington State is poised to top $400 million in research grants in coming years, twice what Kansas State had. He was also drawn by the state’s decision to slash tuition.