The Gonzaga community is thrilled to welcome Katia Passerini, Ph.D., as our next president. During the interview process, students, faculty, Jesuits, board chairs and more had the opportunity to get to know Dr. Passerini. Hear what they have to say and why they're excited for what's ahead.
Thayne McCulloh, D.Phil.
President
"I am delighted at Dr. Passerini's election and excited for Gonzaga University's future. Having had a number of opportunities to meet and engage with Dr. Passerini over the past weeks, I'm convinced that the board has chosen a great leader who will work diligently with faculty, staff, students, alumni, our Jesuit community, board members and community members to bring an amazing future for Gonzaga into being."
Maddie Ediger ('25)
GSBA President
"What excites me the most about Dr. Passerini is not her vast accomplishments, renowned reputation, or impressive resume, it's how she leads. Her curiosity leads to asking thoughtful questions and searching for creative solutions. It also leads to connection. She already understands the Gonzaga “why”: the importance of community and relationships. She has the skillset and the heart to chart our path into the future. She has a kindness that shines through each step she takes. I cannot wait for students to get to know her, and I am so excited to welcome Gonzaga’s first female president, Dr. Passerini, into our Gonzaga family."
Thomas McKenzie
Faculty President
"Dr. Passerini has proven herself to be an effective leader by piloting her previous university through a very difficult period. Although she has been involved in university leadership at the highest levels for several years, she has continued to perform scholarly research, publish in peer-reviewed journals and attend academic conferences. We are entering uncertain times in higher education, but I believe Gonzaga is in a good position to meet the coming challenges. I look forward to working cooperatively with a leader and scholar like Dr. Passerini to make Gonzaga an even better place for faculty, staff and students."
Fr. Gilbert Sunghera, S.J.
Superior, Della Strada Jesuit Community
"During the interview process, Dr. Passerini was asked how she would respond to a sensitive cultural issue, and she used a rather obscure incident from Jesuit history when Jesuits were invited by a mogul prince to work in India. She saw in this specific case that such a response wasn't necessarily a problem but an opportunity for sincere understanding and respect for learning from different cultures and the ability to share richly the gifts we can bring. It told me that even though she had not worked in a Jesuit institution, she was able to understand an approach that was and remains a uniquely Jesuit way of proceeding. "
Christy Larsen
Presidential Search Committee Chair/Past Board Chair
"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."
Cindy Runger
Vice Chair, Board of Regents
"Dr. Passerini is an accomplished, visionary leader who understands the transformative power of a Catholic Jesuit education. She brings a wonderful combination of warmth and humanity with all the skills needed to navigate the complex landscape of higher education. I'm confident she will inspire innovation and excellence and set a bright path for future generations of Zags."
Matt Eastman
Staff Assembly President
"Dr. Passerini is an authentic and inspiring leader who embodies our Catholic, Jesuit and humanistic values. Her unique blend of strategic academic foresight and business acumen promises an exciting new chapter ahead for our university."Shannon Strahl
