Graduate Studies Reimagined

When Kima Cargill reflects on her first six months at Seattle University leading graduate education—newly named as Graduate Studies—two words come to mind: energizing and clarifying. 

For the Vice Provost and Dean, the Jesuit values that define an SU education touch all parts of the university experience, from the mission to pedagogy, community to collegiality. 

Her tenure has also been marked by a period of transition—the source of the clarification. 

“I’ve spent a great deal of time understanding our graduate students, who they are, where they come from and how their needs are evolving, so that we can become more adaptable and responsive as an institution,” says Cargill. “Overall, this has been a time of building alignment, listening deeply and setting the groundwork for the next chapter of graduate education at SU.”

In this Q&A, Cargill details more about her priorities, the changing demographic of today’s graduate students, new programs and more. 

Q. What are some of the achievements or priorities met during your time here? 

Cargill: We’ve made important strides in a relatively short period. One of the most significant steps has been the renaming of Graduate, Executive and Professional Education to Graduate Studies. This renaming realigns Graduate Studies to ensure our work is tightly connected to SU’s strategic priorities.

We also appointed a new Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Planning & Innovation, which has already accelerated how we think about new program development and academic planning. During this time, one of Graduate Studies’ priorities is to analyze our current communication structure to prospective students and improve the way we market graduate programs. 

Q. What makes SU’s graduate programs distinctive?

Cargill: What sets our graduate programs apart is our values-driven approach. I have seen how the embodiment of Jesuit principles shows up in how we teach, how we advise and how we care for students. Our programs emphasize professional formation for all, not just training for a job, but cultivating reflective, ethical leaders who understand their responsibility to the communities they serve. That combination of holistic education and career-forward preparation is something truly distinctive in today’s landscape.

Q. What are some of the trends you are seeing, across higher education, as it pertains to graduate and professional programs?

Cargill: Across the nation, graduate education is shifting toward more agile, market-responsive programs. Institutions must adapt quickly to changes in student expectations and workforce needs. We’re also seeing a rise in flexible, pathway-oriented models, from stackable credentials to more intentional undergraduate-to-graduate bridges. Additionally, external factors, such as shifts in government policy, have created new challenges for international students, prompting institutions to rethink how they support global learners.

Q. Has the makeup or demographic of students changed?

Cargill: Absolutely. Our student demographics and behaviors are evolving and we’re paying close attention to how those shifts inform program design, marketing and student support. This is one of the reasons we’ve deepened our marketing analytics and outreach strategies, so we can more effectively reach and serve a diverse, dynamic graduate population.

Q. Are there any new programs in the graduation and professional space or new innovations to be aware of?

Cargill: Our colleagues in the College of Education are reimagining the program formerly known as the Master’s in Student Development and Administration (SDA), unveiling its new name, the Master’s of Higher Education Leadership and Administration (HELA). This change brings a sharper leadership focus to the program and brings it into better alignment with its learning outcomes, as well as with evolving best practices in the field.

Additionally, the Instructional Design Studio (IDS), formerly CDLI (Center for Digital Learning & Innovation), has also undergone a thoughtful renaming that reflects its growing scope and influence. IDS continues to be an essential partner in the university’s calendar‑unification (semester) work and has delivered meaningful support for faculty, including the rollout of updated semester‑based Canva templates.

Across Graduate Studies, our collaborations with schools and colleges remain as energizing as ever. Together, we’re exploring new program opportunities that respond to the needs of today's learners and I’m genuinely excited for the work ahead.

Q. What would be the elevator pitch to recruit students for Graduates Studies at SU?

Cargill: At Seattle University, you don’t just earn a degree, you experience a transformative education rooted in Jesuit values grounded in real-world professional formation. Our programs are designed to meet the needs of today’s learners—flexible, innovative and deeply connected to the communities we serve. We prepare ethical, reflective leaders equipped to thrive in complex, rapidly changing professional environments and we support you at every step along the way.