About
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Dear Faculty, Staff, and Administrator Colleagues,
For the past 18 years, John Sklut has served Gonzaga University with fortitude, grace, and unmatched professionalism. Throughout his tenure, he has led with a mission-first approach, always seeking to find ways to advance our strategic plan grounded in our Jesuit, humanistic mission.
Over the course of his career at Gonzaga, John has held numerous leadership roles, including Assistant Dean of the Law School, Assistant Vice President for Administration & Planning, Assistant General Counsel, Interim Vice President for Administration, Chief of Staff to President McCulloh, and most recently Senior Advisor to the President and Liaison for External and Government Affairs. A role new to the institution, this required building and sustaining strong collaborative relationships with federal, state, and regional government entities as well as community-based organizations and private sector partners. In addition to his current role, John has served as Executive Director of the University of Washington School of Medicine-Gonzaga University Health Partnership and Administrative Liaison to the University's Board of Regents, positions that have been instrumental in our Academic and Advancement efforts.
John has represented Gonzaga in multiple associations, organizations, and collaboration groups including, but not limited to the:
- Association of Jesuit Colleges & Universities (AJCU) Government Affairs Council and Community Relations Network
- National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU)
- Independent Colleges of Washington (ICW) Public Policy Council
- Presidents Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration
- Workers Right Consortium
- Pac-12 Government Relations Council
Additionally, John has been a dedicated community servant, representing Gonzaga on the:
- GSI Economic Development Council
- Mayoral Transition Team for Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown
- U-District Board
- Spokane Transit Authority Transit Oriented Development Committee
- LaunchNW Leadership Council
- Congressman Baumgartner's Advisory Committee on Education and Workforce Development
- World Cup 2026 Regional Planning Committee
At the end of September, John will be leaving Gonzaga University to prepare for an upcoming return to Southern California with his wife Amy. While Spokane has been home for the past 21 years, they greatly look forward to this next chapter in their lives.
To ensure a smooth transition, Joe Poss (Vice President for University Relations) will lead our Legislative and Community Affairs work, Laura Gatewood (Assistant Vice President for Donor Relations) will serve as administrative liaison to the Board of Regents, and the Provost's Office will assume temporary leadership of the UW-GU Health Partnership. My thanks to these colleagues for taking on these critical roles to continue our institutional advancement.
I want to take this opportunity to share my deepest gratitude for John's years of service. The partnerships that he has built, promoted and facilitated to advance the goals of higher education have strengthened the educational experience that distinguishes Gonzaga.
John's last day at Gonzaga will be October 1. Gonzaga University would not be in the position it is without John's leadership, guidance, and partnership and we wish him and his family all the best for all that is to come.
With appreciation,
Katia Passerini
President