Office of the President

On July 15, 2025, President Katia Passerini became Gonzaga University's 27th president, only the second layperson to serve in the role. President Passerini leads the University in educating undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students for lives of leadership and service to the common good.

Established in 1887, Gonzaga is a nationally ranked Catholic, Jesuit liberal arts institution intentional in developing the whole person. In accordance with our mission and as an incorporated, non-profit higher education institution, Gonzaga University utilizes a unique governance structure composed of a Board of Members and a Board of Trustees with leadership from President Katia Passerini and the President’s Cabinet & Deans. The Board of Regents serves in an advisory capacity to the President and Senior Academic and Administrative Leadership.

The University is led by a chief executive officer who is both elected as President by the Board of Trustees and missioned as Director of the Work by the Provincial Superior of the Society of Jesus, which is overseen by the Board of Members.

The Board of Members, Board of Trustees and the Board of Regents work collegially and collaboratively with one another and with the President of the University to ensure fulfillment of the educational mission of Gonzaga University, as articulated in the University's Mission Statement and further elaborated in its Strategic Plan.