The search for the University of Puget Sound’s 15th president

At the University of Puget Sound, we’re equipping the next generation of leaders, artists, scholars, scientists, and entrepreneurs to make a difference in their communities. With a commitment to teaching excellence, scholarly engagement, and meaningful student-faculty collaboration, we’re unlocking the potential of our community to reach ever greater heights.

As we begin the search for our 15th president, we seek a leader who will embrace our mission, honor our traditions, and guide us toward a future defined by academic excellence and a deep commitment to a world class liberal arts education.

On Jan. 23, 2026, President Isiaah Crawford announced his intention to retire in July 2027. Under his leadership, the university launched the Leadership for a Changing World strategic plan, successfully navigated the challenges of a global pandemic, and secured the largest individual gift in the institution’s history. Read the announcement.

The Board of Trustees has initiated a national search for our next president. This process will be grounded in the values that make Puget Sound extraordinary. We invite every member of our community — students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends — to join us in this vital work.

The Search Process & Timeline

Finding our next visionary leader will require a deliberate and thoughtful approach. Our 18-month transition period ensures we maintain our momentum while identifying the right successor. While we cannot predict exactly how the search timeline will proceed, we anticipate the following phases:

  • Phase 1: Preparation & Listening (Spring 2026) Establishment of the Search Committee and engagement of a national search firm with demonstrated expertise in higher education. Listening sessions and survey with the campus community and key constituencies to define the leadership profile.
  • Phase 2: Recruitment (Summer 2026) Active recruitment of a diverse pool of highly qualified candidates.
  • Phase 3: Evaluation & Selection (Fall 2026) Interviews and finalist visits. Recommendation to the Board of Trustees.
  • Phase 4: Announcement (Spring 2027) Selection of the 15th President of the University of Puget Sound. Celebration of President Crawford’s tenure and initial onboarding of incoming president.
  • Phase 5: Transition (Summer 2027) President Crawford retires on July 1, 2027. The 15th President of the University of Puget Sound takes office following President Crawford’s retirement.

Our Search Partner

The Presidential Search Committee and Board of Trustees will be assisted in its work by DSG Storbeck. DSG Storbeck is the Education Practice of DSG Global, the world’s largest woman-founded and woman-led executive search firm. We are excited to partner with DSG Storbeck as they are known for providing unparalleled search expertise, an expanded reach, inclusive candidate pipelines, and a shared commitment to advancing leadership across higher education with a special expertise in private, liberal arts institutions. 

Recent presidential searches include Kenyon College, The College of Wooster, Rollins College, St. Olaf College, Whitman College, and Wittenberg University. More than 80 percent of their searches are conducted for returning clients, and 85 percent of their executive-level placements are either still in office or served for five years or more.

Managing Directors Susan VanGilder and Jim Sirianni, along with Managing Associate Danielle Mebert will lead the DSG Storbeck team.

Presidential Search Committee

Chaired by Beth Picardo ’83, J.D. ’86, Chair of the Board of Trustees, the committee is composed of trustees and other key representatives from across the university to ensure multiple perspectives are honored and engaged.

Members:

  • Robin Aijian ’04, Senior Director of Admission
  • Winston Zapet Bamac ‘27, ASUPS president, student
  • Nick Brody, Professor, Communications
  • Bill Canfield ’76, P‘08, Trustee (and former Trustee Emeritus)
  • Patty English, Staff Senate Chair and Manager of Administration, Facilities Services
  • Brian Gross ’98, Trustee
  • Shelly Heier ’98, Trustee
  • Jung Kim, Professor, Exercise Science
  • Gwen Lillis P’05, Trustee (and former Trustee Emerita)
  • Ryan McAninch ‘06, Trustee
  • Sunshine Morrison ‘94, Trustee
  • Chris Pohlad ’07, Trustee
  • Lyle Quasim ’70, Hon. ’05, Trustee (and former Trustee Emeritus)
  • McKenzie Ross ‘06, Alumni Council president
  • Justin Tiehen, Faculty Senate Chair, and Professor, Philosophy
  • Erik Wallace ’96, Trustee
  • Renee Watling, Professor, Occupational Therapy

Committee Staff:

  • Joanna Carey Cleveland, Vice President and General Counsel, Chief of Staff, and Board Secretary
  • Mari Gutierrez, Assistant to the Vice President for University Relations and Board Operations Coordinator
  • Nancy Nieraeth ’93, M.Ed. ’00, Associate Vice President for Human Resources and Chief People Officer

Your Voice Matters

We want to know what qualities you value in our next leader.

  • Send an Email: Send feedback and comments directly to:
  • Attend a Listening Session: Share your thoughts with our consultants on the challenges and opportunities facing the university and help identify and prioritize the knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and overall qualities needed in the next president. Listening sessions will be conducted April 22-23 with various members of our campus and broader community.
  • Take the Survey: Complete our online survey on the challenges and opportunities facing the university and help identify and prioritize the knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and overall qualities needed in the next president.
  • Nominate a Candidate: Help us identify bold leaders from around the globe.

Stay Updated

We are committed to keeping the community informed throughout this journey. Check this page regularly for updates.

Campus communications
Stay informed with the latest announcements regarding the search process:

Reference

Contact Us
For general information regarding the search process or to provide additional comments to the Search Committee, please reach out to us directly.


Institutional identity
These resources offer a comprehensive look at the University of Puget Sound’s mission, values, and strategic goals: