Presidential Search

The committee includes:

• Jason Oliver, ’00, Trustee (co-chair)
• Ana White, ’95, Trustee (co-chair)
• Arturo Araujo, S.J., ’06, ’08, Trustee
• Brenda Christensen, ’81 MBA, Trustee
• Anita Crawford-Willis, ’82, ’86 JD, Trustee
• Russell Hagen, ’89, Trustee
• Ryan Sawyer, ’94, Trustee
• Edgar Gonzalez, Senior Vice President for University Advancement
• Tony Varona, Dean, School of Law
• Marc Cohen, President, Academic Assembly; Professor of Management, Albers School of Business and Economics; Professor of Philosophy, College of Arts and Sciences
• Ann McNally, ’00, Associate Teaching Professor, Chemistry, College of Science and Engineering
• Jenna Isakson, ’17 MPA, Director, Office of Research and Sponsored Projects
• Sophia Pho-Tung, third-year undergraduate student
• Patrick Callans, ’08 EMBA, Chair, Board of Trustees (ex-officio)

Dear Seattle University Community, 

On behalf of the Presidential Search Committee, thank you to everyone who participated during the 23 listening sessions facilitated by Russell Reynolds, our search firm. We are deeply grateful for the time, thoughtfulness, and candor so many students, faculty, staff, alumni, and regents brought to these conversations. Your perspectives and experiences are essential to shaping the leadership profile for candidates and for informing the work of the search committee in helping the Board of Trustees select a president who embraces Seattle University’s mission, values, and aspirations. 

For those who were unable to attend the sessions—or those who attended but have additional feedback—we encourage you to share your thoughts here: 

Survey on Seattle University Presidential Search

The survey, which can also be found on the Presidential Search website along with other information, will be open through Friday, Feb. 13. We hope you take the time to share what priorities and qualities are most important to consider in the search for SU’s 23rd president. 

Thank you for your continuing engagement and commitment as we move forward in selecting the next leader for Seattle University. 

With appreciation, 

Jason Oliver, ’00 
Trustee and Co-chair, Presidential Search Committee 

Ana White, ’95 
Trustee and Co-chair, Presidential Search Committee 

Patrick Callans 
Chair, Seattle University Board of Trustees 

Dear Seattle University Community,

We are moving into an important phase in our search for the 23^rd president of Seattle University as campus community listening sessions begin this week for faculty, staff, students, and alumni. To receive a Zoom link, please take a look at the following schedule and e-mail presidentsearch@seattleu.edu with the session you would like to attend. The sessions will be facilitated by Russell Reynolds Associates, the firm assisting us with the search.

Thursday, January 29

Library Faculty | 10–10:45 a.m.
Cornish College of the Arts Faculty | 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
College of Science and Engineering Faculty | 12:30–1:15 p.m.

Tuesday, February 3

Staff Session #1 | 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Students | 12:30 – 1:15 p.m.
Regents/Alumni | 1:30 – 2:15 p.m.

Thursday, February 5

Staff Session #2 | 2 – 2:45 p.m.
College of Nursing and Health Sciences Faculty | 3 – 3:45 p.m.

Friday, February 6

College of Education Faculty | 9 – 9:45 a.m.
Albers School of Business and Economics Faculty | 10 – 10:45 a.m.
Law School | 11 – 11:45 a.m.
College of Arts and Sciences Faculty | 12:00 – 12:45p.m.

All members of the SU community are strongly encouraged to participate in these sessions. Input gathered through these forums—combined with feedback shared by leadership and governance groups earlier this month—will directly inform the leadership profile and position description guiding the search.

The schedule of listening sessions, along with additional information about the search process, is available on the newly launched presidential search website. In addition to the virtual listening sessions outlined above, please watch for an online survey that will be posted to the presidential search website in the coming weeks. This survey will provide the Seattle University community with another opportunity to share your input on the search for SU’s next president.

Your voices and insights are essential as we look to the future of the university and seek a leader who reflects our mission, values, and aspirations. Thank you for your continued engagement and partnership in this important decision for Seattle University.

With appreciation,

Jason Oliver, ’00
Trustee and Co-chair, Presidential Search Committee

Ana White, ’95
Trustee and Co-chair, Presidential Search Committee

Patrick Callans
Chair, Seattle University Board of Trustees

Jan. 8, 2026

Dear Seattle University Community, 

With its work already underway, I am pleased to announce, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, the full membership of the Presidential Search Committee and share next steps in the process.

The committee includes:

• Jason Oliver, ’00, Trustee (co-chair)
• Ana White, ’95, Trustee (co-chair)
• Arturo Araujo, S.J., ’06, ’08, Trustee
• Brenda Christensen, ’81 MBA, Trustee
• Anita Crawford-Willis, ’82, ’86 JD, Trustee
• Russell Hagen, ’89, Trustee
• Ryan Sawyer, ’94, Trustee
• Edgar Gonzalez, Senior Vice President for University Advancement
• Tony Varona, Dean, School of Law
• Marc Cohen, President, Academic Assembly; Professor of Management, Albers School of Business and Economics; Professor of Philosophy, College of Arts and Sciences
• Ann McNally, ’00, Associate Teaching Professor, Chemistry, College of Science and Engineering
• Jenna Isakson, ’17 MPA, Director, Office of Research and Sponsored Projects
• Sophia Pho-Tung, third-year undergraduate student
• Patrick Callans, ’08 EMBA, Chair, Board of Trustees (ex-officio)

In addition to working closely with our search firm, Russell Reynolds Associates, the committee is supported by University Counsel Jordan Talge, Associate University Counsel and Corporation Secretary Sarah Cox, and Chief of Staff and Board Liaison Anne Moran.

What’s Next
Next week, we will share finalized dates and times for the campus community listening sessions and launch the presidential search website. These sessions, along with a survey, are being scheduled to provide faculty, staff, students, and alumni the opportunity to share what qualities and priorities matter most for our next president. Your input will inform the leadership profile and position description.

Prior to the virtual campus listening sessions, consultations will be held with university leadership and governance groups. These meetings will include trustees, regents, the Jesuit community, the President’s Roundtable, deans, and leaders from Academic Assembly, Staff Council, and student government.

Thank you for your engagement and partnership as we move forward with this pivotal decision and, together, help shape Seattle University’s future.

With appreciation,

Patrick Callans

Chair, Seattle University Board of Trustees

Dec. 3, 2025

Dear Seattle University Community,

I am writing to share an update on the search process as we move forward in identifying Seattle University’s next president.

The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that trustees Jason Oliver, ’00, and Ana White, ’95, will serve as Co-Chairs of the Presidential Search Committee. To support this work, the Board has engaged Russell Reynolds Associates, a nationally recognized firm with deep experience in higher education leadership searches.

Additionally, the Board recently began the process of appointing members to serve on the search committee. The committee will include seven trustees, a member of the President’s Roundtable, a dean, the President of Academic Assembly, one additional faculty member, a non-faculty staff member, and a student. We are consulting with Academic Assembly, Staff Council, and student government leaders and seeking their input on nominees.

Listening sessions will take place over several weeks beginning early in the new year. These sessions and a survey will give faculty, staff, students, and alumni the opportunity to share what qualities and priorities matter most for our next president. Your input will help inform the work of the committee, including the leadership profile and position description.

We will launch a presidential search website and share more details in January. Thank you for your continued support as, together, we build on our strong foundation and continue advancing our Jesuit values and educational mission.

With appreciation,

Patrick Callans
Chair, Seattle University Board of Trustees

Dear Seattle University Community,

In light of President Peñalver’s announcement this morning, I want to express the Board of Trustees’ deep gratitude for Eduardo’s exceptional leadership and to share the path forward for Seattle University.

Eduardo has guided our university with vision and integrity through a period of significant transformation. His contributions have strengthened our academic mission, deepened our Jesuit, Catholic identity, and positioned Seattle University for continued success. We are profoundly thankful for his service and partnership.

The Board will begin the presidential search process immediately. Our goal is to have the next president in place by Fall 2026. Initial steps include establishing a Presidential Search Committee and engaging a national search firm to assist in identifying outstanding candidates. Your perspectives will help inform and shape this search, and we will provide meaningful opportunities for faculty, staff, students, and alumni to engage in the process.

We are also committed to ensuring continuity in leadership. Eduardo will continue to serve as Seattle University’s president until the end of March 2026, at which time Seattle University Chancellor and President Emeritus, Fr. Steve Sundborg, S.J., has graciously agreed to serve as interim president pending final Board approval. We are grateful to Fr. Steve for his willingness to return to serve in this interim role and guide the university during this important transition. His deep knowledge of Seattle University and its mission, along with more than two decades of presidential leadership, will ensure stability and continuity.

More information will be shared soon, and we will launch a web page that will provide details, updates, and ways to participate in the search process.

Together, we will build on our strong foundation and continue advancing the Jesuit values that define our mission. Thank you for your continued support, trust, and partnership as we shape Seattle University’s future.

With appreciation,

Patrick Callans
Chair, Seattle University Board of Trustees

Dear Seattle University Community,

I write to share bittersweet news that I will be stepping down as President of Seattle University to become President at Georgetown University. My last day as your president will be at the end of winter quarter in March.

This was not an easy decision, but one I make with gratitude for all that we have accomplished together and confidence in the university’s continued momentum. While I am excited about the opportunity to continue my work in Jesuit higher education at such a pivotal moment, I am also sad to be leaving Seattle University and the Pacific Northwest, which will always be my home.

Serving as your president has been a great honor. Over these five years, we have advanced our mission in meaningful ways — from launching new academic programs, to welcoming the Hedreen art collection, returning to the West Coast Conference, establishing Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University, and navigating complex challenges with resilience and care. I am especially proud of the ways we have lived out our Jesuit values, by centering the dignity of every person and providing an excellent education that prepares you, our students, to lead meaningful lives in service of a just and humane world.

Thanks to the work we have accomplished together, Seattle University’s future is bright. My hope is that my successor will find the path forward clearer and with fewer obstacles than when I arrived — just as I benefited from the path my predecessor at SU, Fr. Steve Sundborg, S.J., forged during his 24 years. I have always believed that is the best measure of success and impact. In the months ahead, I remain fully committed to supporting both the work in front of us and a smooth and thoughtful transition.

I want to thank our extraordinary faculty and staff. Your dedication to our students inspires me every day. To our students, thank you for your courage, your curiosity, and your hope. And to our alumni, trustees, regents, supporters, and partners, thank you for your steadfast support, belief in Seattle University’s mission, and recognition of its impact on the city, region, and world.

Seattle University will always hold a special place in my heart. I leave with deep affection, genuine pride, and enduring hope for all that lies ahead.

Respectfully,

Eduardo Peñalver
President