When the University of Washington began searching for a new president back in 2015, they did what you might expect:

They started a nationwide hunt, looking for the best fit to lead an institution known at the time, more for its research than for its classes.

It turns out the answer was right at home.

Ana Mari Cauce had been at the University of Washington since 1986, in various teaching and leadership roles, starting as an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology.

Cauce entered the office as the first openly gay, first Latina, and first woman to lead the largest University in the state.

And during her time in the office, the UW has changed a lot. There was a global pandemic and move to online learning. Campus-wide Pro-Palestine protests brought national attention to the school as students clashed with university administrators.

Key for sports fans, The Huskies left the PAC-12 conference, joining the Big 10.

Add to that – in the last few months, defunding moves, international student visa cancellations and further threats from the federal government.

Now, Cauce’s ten years at the helm of the University of Washington is coming to the end.

What has she learned from her tenure?

And what advice does she have for her successor as he prepares to take over?

Guest:

• Ana Mari Cauce, President of the University of Washington

Related Stories:

• Trump Has Targeted These Universities. Why? - New York Times
• UW president warns of budget crisis, potential layoffs - KUOW
• ED, HHS, and GSA Initiate Review of Anti-Semitic Activity at the University of Washington - HHS.gov
• What comes next for the pro-Palestine protesters at UW? - KUOW

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.