SEATTLE — Ana Mari Cauce, who has served as president of the University of Washington for a decade, announced Wednesday that she’ll be stepping down at the end of her second five-year term in June 2025. She plans to return to her faculty position.

“Throughout her tenure, President Cauce has been a skilled relationship-builder, a champion for student success, and a strong advocate for the importance of public universities like the University of Washington,” said Ken Denman, UW Foundation Board chair. 

Cauce, the 33rd president in the university’s history, is the first woman, first Latina and first openly-gay person to serve as president.

A Cuban-born immigrant, Cauce has been with the university since 1986, when she was hired as an assistant professor of psychology. She served as chair in the American Ethnic Studies and Psychology departments, then as dean of the college of Arts & Sciences and as provost. She was named president in 2015.

“Ana Mari Cauce is an outstanding president, who has led the UW through some of the most tumultuous times in its history. She has advanced the University’s public mission through partnerships with legislators, civic leaders, and the philanthropic community,” David Zeeck, chair of the UW Board of Regents wrote in a statement on behalf of the Board. “Few university presidents now serve 10 years. The University has been fortunate to have Ana Mari in this position since 2015.”

““I am deeply grateful for Ana Mari’s leadership and friendship during her tenure as UW president,” said Gov. Jay Inslee. “Ana Mari will depart with a long list of accomplishments that have strengthened our world-class university.”

Cauce said she plans to use the next year to shore up support for higher education in the Legislature, work to encourage civil discourse and learning across differences, advance interdisciplinary research and teaching, break down traditional academic silos, and ensure a smooth transition to the Big Ten.

“While I never imagined that my path would lead me here when I arrived as an assistant professor almost 40 years ago, the chance to lead this great public university has been an immense honor and a wonderful experience. I’m deeply grateful to be part of this incredible community that creates so much positive impact in the world,” Cauce said.