UW News

May 23, 2013

Denzil Suite selected as UW vice president for student life

News and Information

University of Washington President Michael K. Young has announced the selection of Denzil J. Suite, associate vice president of student affairs at the University of Southern California, as vice president for student life, effective July 29, 2013. The appointment is subject to approval of the Board of Regents.

Denzil Suite “Denzil Suite has the experience, talent, and skills to lead this very important component of the University of Washington,” said UW President Michael K. Young.  “All of the services in student life contribute substantially toward the quality of the experience our students have here. Dr.  Suite has had a great track record of success and is at the ideal point in his career to head up this organization. We’re absolutely delighted he’ll be joining us.”

Suite has been at USC since 2003, where he also holds an appointment as associate professor of clinical education.  He has provided leadership and oversight for a significant portion of the Division of Student Affairs, including:  Student life and involvement, student support and advocacy, residential education, fraternity and sorority leadership development, academic support, disability services, the volunteer center, student judicial affairs, cultural centers, recreational sports, campus activities, information technology, university publications, marching band and the budget office.

He was selected as the administrator of the year in 2007-8 by the undergraduate student government at USC.

Suite served in the dean of students role at University of California Santa Cruz from 2001 to 2003, where he was responsible for all administrative aspects of two of the university’s ten colleges. He was associate dean for student affairs at USC in 2000 and 2001.

He was director of residential life and housing services at California State University, Los Angeles, from 1990 to 1998.

Suite holds a doctorate in education policy and organization from USC, a master of arts in higher education administration and student development from the University of Vermont and a bachelor of arts in psychology from The Ohio State University.

His annual salary will be $250,000.

The Office of Student Life supports the intellectual, physical, and emotional development of UW students. It is the hub for a variety of programs, services, facilities and operations that are all designed to enrich the Husky student experience. Among these are Housing and Food Services, Career Services, the Counseling Center, Student Activities and Recreational Sports.