Seattle U president stepping down to lead Georgetown

Seattle University president Eduardo M. Peñalver will leave his post to take the helm at Georgetown University at the end of March. He has served Seattle U for five years, navigating challenges posed by the pandemic while overseeing significant campus growth. Peñalver expressed gratitude for his time at Seattle U and excitement about continuing his work in Jesuit education. Notable developments during his tenure include the construction of the Jim and Janet Sinegal Center for Science and Innovation and the Seattle University Museum of Art, which is backed by a major donation.

The planned demolition of the Lee Center for the Arts for the new museum has sparked backlash due to the loss of the performance space. Peñalver also facilitated Seattle U's acquisition of Cornish College, expanding its presence in South Lake Union. He became the first layperson president in the university's history when appointed in 2020, succeeding Father Stephen Sundborg. Following Peñalver's departure, Sundborg is expected to serve as interim president until a new president is appointed by fall 2026.