University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce has announced her plans to step down from her leadership position in June 2025, at the conclusion of her second five-year term. Cauce, who has served nearly 40 years at the institution, plans to assist in a smooth transition and then return to her faculty position as a professor of psychology and American ethnic studies. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as president and pride in the impact that UW faculty, staff, students, and alumni have made in the community, state, and world.
Cauce, an immigrant from Cuba who was raised in Miami, first joined the UW in 1986 as an assistant professor of psychology. Throughout her tenure, she has held various leadership roles, including serving as provost and executive vice president before being appointed as the university’s president in 2015. She made history as the first woman, first Latina, and first openly gay person to hold the position, and has been credited with a number of accomplishments, such as doubling the size of the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, increasing state support for the UW after cuts made during the Great Recession, and strengthening relationships with other educational institutions in the state.
Cauce has been a prominent figure in Seattle’s research and technology community, serving on the board of the Allen Institute for AI and the Washington nonprofit Tech Alliance. She played a key role in developing an impact ecosystem at the UW, facilitating the translation of faculty research into real-world action. Through her leadership, she has emphasized the importance of innovation and resilience, encouraging students to view failures as steps toward success. Cauce’s departure announcement marks the beginning of a new chapter for the university, as the Board of Regents prepares to search for her successor in the coming weeks.
Throughout her time as president, Cauce has been a champion for UW students and the broader community, advocating for initiatives such as the Washington College Grant to increase accessibility to higher education. She has worked to foster collaboration with other educational institutions in the state, such as Washington State University and community colleges, and has been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion on campus. As she prepares to transition back to her faculty role, Cauce leaves behind a legacy of leadership and service that has helped shape the University of Washington’s impact in the region and beyond.
Cauce’s departure announcement comes at a time of reflection on her accomplishments and the future direction of the University of Washington. As she prepares to pass the torch to her successor, she leaves behind a lasting impact on the institution and its community. The search for the next UW president will be a crucial process in determining the future trajectory of the university, building on the foundation laid by Cauce’s leadership. Her dedication and commitment to excellence have set a high standard for her successor to uphold as they navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.
