The University of Washington System is a major public research institution serving the state and driving innovation across the Pacific Northwest. Its president provides strategic direction, represents the system to lawmakers and partners, and ensures academic excellence across multiple campuses.
Elected by the Board of Regents, the UW System president balances budget constraints, enrollment growth, and statewide access while responding to evolving student and employer needs.
| Name | Campus | Role | Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ana Mari Cauce | Seattle | President of UW Seattle and UW System President | 2015 (System President from 2025) |
| Tri Do | Bothell | Executive Vice Chancellor | 2023 |
| Nancy Backman | Tacoma | Executive Vice Chancellor | 2021 |
| Jeremy J. Smith | Health Sciences | Vice President for Health Affairs | 2022 |
Strategic Vision for the UW System
Expanding Access and Affordability
The UW System president champions initiatives that widen pathways for first-generation, low-income, and rural students. These efforts include in-state tuition reforms, emergency aid programs, and guided pathways that clarify how students move from community colleges to four-year degrees.
Driving Research and Innovation
Under the president’s oversight, UW leads major research centers in clean energy, health technologies, and data science. Public-private partnerships translate laboratory discoveries into regional jobs and new companies that strengthen Washington’s economy.
Governance and Accountability
Working with the Board of Regents
The president collaborates closely with the Board of Regents to set tuition, allocate resources, and approve new academic programs. Regular public reports and campus forums help keep decisions transparent and aligned with public expectations.
Budget and Enrollment Planning
Enrollment targets, faculty hiring, and facility investments are guided by multiyear financial models. The president’s office balances state funding fluctuations with tuition stability and long-term capital planning to avoid disruptive program cuts.
Campus Experience and Student Outcomes
Support Services and Career Readiness
UW System campuses offer tutoring, mental health services, career coaching, and internship pipelines tied to regional employers. These supports aim to improve retention, accelerate time to degree, and boost post-graduation employment rates.
Diversity and Community Impact
The UW System president emphasizes inclusion in curriculum, faculty recruitment, and community engagement. Partnerships with local organizations extend research expertise on public health, climate resilience, and K-12 education across the state.
Leading the Future of the University of Washington System
- Understand how Board of Regents policies shape tuition, financial aid, and academic offerings.
- Track annual metrics on enrollment, graduation rates, and research funding to assess progress.
- Engage in campus forums and public comment periods to influence strategic decisions.
- Follow updates on affordability initiatives and workforce partnerships that align with regional employment needs.
- Support diversity, mental health, and completion efforts that improve outcomes for all Washington students.
FAQ
Reader questions
Who appoints the UW System president and how long is the term?
The UW System president is appointed by the Board of Regents and serves at their pleasure, with terms aligned to board cycles and performance goals set through regular evaluation.
How does the president influence tuition and fees?
The president recommends tuition and fee policies to the Board of Regents, balancing state funding, instructional costs, and student affordability while complying with statutory limits.
What role does the president play in campus safety and student well-being?
The president oversees systemwide standards for emergency response, mental health resources, and campus climate initiatives, working with local leaders to tailor solutions to each UW campus.
How can students and community members engage with the UW president’s office?
Residents can participate in public comment periods, town halls, and advisory councils, providing direct input on academic priorities, facilities projects, and budget tradeoffs that affect their campuses.