Government Relations and External Affairs

Responsible citizenship is central to the mission and heritage of Gonzaga University. In support of this commitment the institution seeks to build and sustain strong collaborative relationships with federal, state, and regional government entities as well as community-based organizations and private sector partners. These partnerships promote and facilitate public policy objectives to advance the goals of higher education and strengthen the educational experience that distinguishes Gonzaga.

The liaison for government affairs partners with President Passerini to coordinate the University’s legislative agenda and advocacy through personal and direct contact with elected officials and their staff as well as through active participation in state and national educational organizations including the Association of Jesuit Colleges & Universities (AJCU), the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), and the Independent Colleges of Washington (ICW). The institution’s legislative agenda and accompanying advocacy work is informed by and focused on issues pertaining to the mission of higher education.

John Sklut, Senior Advisor to the President
and Liaison for External and Government Affairs

John is Gonzaga’s principal liaison on matters related to local, state, and federal policy, advocacy, and funding. He also serves as Executive Director of the University of Washington School of Medicine-Gonzaga University Health Partnership and works as the administrative liaison to the University’s Board of Regents.

John graduated with his Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles and is a member of both the Washington State Bar Association and the State Bar of California.