SPOKANE, Wash. — Gonzaga University announced Wednesday that Dr. Katia Passerini is the newest university president.
Dr. Passerini will take over the position from Dr. Thayne M. McCulloh when he steps down in July of this year after serving as the president for the past 16 years.
“I am very excited to join the Gonzaga University family this coming summer,” said Passerini.
Dr. Passerini was unanimously selected following a national search done by the University’s presidential search committee. The committee considered applications from Jesuit and lay candidates from a range of professions and academic fields.
Dr. Passerini is an Italian native with political science and economics degrees, as well as an MBA and PhD. She previously taught courses in MIS, project management, IT strategy and knowledge management.
“Through the series of interviews, Dr. Passerini displayed her capability and desire to be a leader who will navigate the challenges, concerns and joys of the changing landscape of higher education by placing Gonzaga’s mission at the center of her work. With an impressive record of leadership progression, the Search Committee believes Dr. Passerini is uniquely positioned to build on Gonzaga’s legacy of excellence,” said search committee chair Trustee Christy Larsen.
She plans to move with her family to Spokane this summer and will begin her presidency on July 15, 2025. Inauguration ceremonies are scheduled for this fall.
You can watch the university’s video announcement here.
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