Seattle University’s new president Maura Mast made a special appearance at Wednesday’s “Celebrate the Staff” event, to enthusiastic audience applause. The event, taking place hours after Mast’s announcement as president, marked her first introduction to many at the university.

Mast, chosen unanimously by the board of trustees, served as dean of the Jesuit Fordham College at Rose Hill for the last decade before becoming Seattle U’s 23rd president. She succeeds Eduardo Peñalver, who left Seattle U on March 31 to become president of Georgetown. Mast was the first woman to serve in her previous position as dean, and is now making history for the second time as the first woman to hold the office of Seattle University President. Mast’s appointment and its historic nature has been highlighted by the Seattle Times, KOMO, and other local outlets. Mast has a PhD in mathematics, with extensive experience as a professor. 

“It’s exciting to welcome the first woman to the role of president. I believe that President Mast’s passion for promoting equity through scholarship will inspire our actively growing community of engaged student researchers,” Tara Roth, teaching professor and director of the office of undergraduate research, wrote to The Spectator. 

Mast, speaking to a crowd of Seattle U employees around the quad, said that the same love of problem solving that motivated her as a mathematician has driven her work in higher education leadership

“I’ve found that in this kind of work you get to solve problems that make a difference to people, that make a difference to our world and that’s what I want to be able to do at a university that is dedicated to making a difference to people and making a difference to the world, and that is what Seattle University is,” Mast said, speaking at the event.  

Mast officially steps into the role of president on September 1st, marking the end of Father Steven Sundborg’s term as interim president. Sundborg, who introduced Mast at the event, will be returning to his role as university chancellor next year. Mast arrives during a time of change at the university. Seattle U is shifting to semesters in 2027, soon beginning construction of its art museum, and has recently acquired Cornish college of the arts. 

During her time at Fordham, Mast helped pioneer the Serving the City internship program for students. She also restructured the advising system to meet student needs. Mast’s tone was optimistic, celebrating the hard work of Seattle U staff in balancing a variety of initiatives. 

“I actually want to stop and applaud you for a minute because I am really impressed with what you are doing,” Mast said. “Please know that I have been paying attention to that and I am really grateful because this is how we move our institutions forward in a world that keeps changing. Seattle University is not just catching up, Seattle University is moving ahead, and it is because of the work you are doing, so thank you.”