Dear Campus Community,
Welcome back to campus and to the beginning of a new spring semester. It is always a joy to see our community return after the New Year, bringing with you the intellectual energy, creativity, and sense of purpose that make the University of Puget Sound such a special place.
Over the winter break, I found myself reflecting on our shared journey. Nearly ten years ago, I was honored to be invited to serve as president, and together we developed and launched our Leadership for a Changing World strategic plan—our collective vision for a university that is both academically rigorous and boldly responsive to the world our students will inherit. Today, that vision is alive in the classroom, in our programs, and in the lives of our graduates who go forth ready to lead, serve, and open doors for others.
With deep gratitude and confidence in our future, I write to share a personal update: I plan to retire and conclude my service as the 14th president of the University of Puget Sound on July 1, 2027.
This decision comes with a full heart. The timing feels right as I look at all we have accomplished together—navigating a global pandemic, modernizing our curriculum, expanding graduate education, securing the largest individual gift to the university in our history, and advancing ambitious plans for the years ahead. By sharing this news now, I hope to provide the Board of Trustees, under the leadership of Chair Beth Picardo ’83, J.D. ‘86, the time needed to conduct a thoughtful, inclusive national search and to ensure a transition that sustains our momentum.
Please know that this announcement marks no slowing of our work. I remain fully and enthusiastically committed to pursuing our strategic priorities outlined in our institutional strategic plan and A Sound Future 2.0: Embracing Opportunity and Driving Transformation; promoting student success and curricular innovation; advancing the implementation of our strategic enrollment plan; and launching the public phase of our Greater, We Ascend comprehensive campaign this fall. The road ahead over the next 18 months will be busy and inspiring, and I look forward to all that we will continue to accomplish together.
Serving this university has been the honor of my professional life. Kent and I are profoundly grateful for the warmth of this community and for the countless moments we have shared with you—at lectures and performances, in classrooms and laboratories, at staff celebrations, alumni gatherings, at Logger games and competitions, and at our glorious Commencement ceremonies. The rhythms of life at Puget Sound, from the first day of classes to graduation, have shaped us deeply, and we will carry these memories with us always.
Thank you for all you do for this extraordinary institution. To the Heights!
With great appreciation,
Isiaah Crawford, Ph.D. | President