Inauguration of Seattle Pacific’s next president on Feb. 23, 2024

The inauguration of Dr. Deana L. Porterfield, the 12th president in Seattle Pacific University’s 133-year history, will be Friday, Feb. 23, 10 a.m. at First Free Methodist Church, adjacent to campus.

Porterfield, who is SPU’s first female president, assumed her new role on July 1, 2023. She previously served nine years in the dual role as president of Roberts Wesleyan University and Northeastern Seminary in Rochester, New York. Her 35-year career in Christian higher education included multiple positions in admissions including serving as vice president for enrollment management and senior vice president for people and organization development at Azusa Pacific University in California.

Porterfield is familiar with SPU from her long career in higher education. “As a Christian university affiliated with the Free Methodist Church, SPU has always led the way, bringing new insights and thoughtful discussion to complex conversations that face our society,” says Porterfield. “We celebrate the strengths of our community and commit to building bridges within our campus and in Seattle while leaning into our rich heritage that creates space for new ideas and innovative thinking,” Porterfield said.

During her time in Rochester, Porterfield served on several boards and received numerous awards for community and organizational leadership, including being named a 2021 Rochester Business Journal Circle of Excellence honoree, recognizing women of “longstanding, notable success in the community who lead the way for other women.” She is eager to get to know Seattle community leaders and organizations.

To request an interview with President Porterfield, contact:

Tracy Norlen

Director of Public Information

Office of University Communications

206-963-9779

Posted: Thursday, February 15, 2024