Father Sundborg New Interim President

Father Stephen Sundborg, S.J., officially begins today as interim president of Seattle University. Widely known as “Father Steve,” he previously served as the university’s 21st president from 1997 to 2021, guiding SU through a remarkable period of growth, innovation and transformation.

SU’s longest‑serving president, Father Sundborg oversaw major campus developments, took the lead in articulating a mission grounded in the university’s Jesuit, Catholic identity, strengthened academic and co‑curricular offerings, advanced diversity and inclusion initiatives, deepened SU’s engagement with the community and led the university’s return to Division I athletics.

In a brief video conversation with Father Steve, he shares more about himself, key initiatives underway and his gratitude for the Seattle University community.

After being appointed president emeritus by the Board of Trustees in June 2021, taking a sabbatical and assisting the president of Georgetown University for two years, Fr. Sundborg returned to Seattle University in 2024 to serve as chancellor. Following the announcement in October that his successor, Eduardo Peñalver, was named president of Georgetown, Fr. Sundborg was asked by the board to serve as interim president.

“Seattle University, its students, faculty and staff, alumni, friends and partners have been a central part of my life and hold a special place in my heart,” Fr. Sundborg shared in a message to the SU community. “Serving and supporting this community in any way I can is something I am grateful to do.

“As interim president, my focus will be forward-looking. My responsibility is to help ensure that the university and the major initiatives already underway are on a strong path and well positioned for the next president to carry forward,” he continued. “This period calls for active stewardship, not new direction or change, and my intention is to support and advance what is already in motion.”