November 17, 2025
Hasoni Pratts named chief of staff to the president
University of Washington President Robert J. Jones today appointed Hasoni Pratts to the position of chief of staff to the president. In this pivotal leadership role, Pratts will serve as a senior advisor to the President and play a critical role in advancing the university’s strategic priorities and institutional goals.
Hasoni Pratts
Pratts brings a distinguished record of leadership in higher education governance and national policy advocacy. She currently serves on the New York State Board of Regents, with responsibility for the general supervision of all educational activities within the state, the University of the State of New York, and the New York State Education Department. She serves on several committees, including the Higher Education and the Professional Practice Committees overseeing the licensing and discipline of 54 professions.
In addition to her service on the New York State Board of Regents, Pratts serves as Senior Advisor to the CEO of the National Urban League, where she has demonstrated exceptional skills in public policy, education equity, workforce development, stakeholder engagement, and economic empowerment initiatives that impact communities across the nation.
“Hasoni Pratts brings an exceptional combination of governance expertise, strategic vision, and commitment to educational excellence,” Jones said. “Her experience navigating complex policy landscapes and her dedication to expanding access and opportunity in higher education make her ideally suited to help us achieve our strategic objectives and serve our diverse community.”
Pratts holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from North Carolina A&T State University and a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University. This blend of financial acumen and public sector leadership expertise positions her to provide valuable counsel on the operational, strategic and policy dimensions of university administration.
As chief of staff, Pratts will serve as key advisor to the President, manage strategic priorities, oversee operations of the Executive Office of the President and Provost, facilitate communication between leadership and key stakeholders, manage special projects, and ensure alignment of institutional efforts with the university’s mission and values. She will play a central role in advancing the university’s strategic plan, fostering collaboration across divisions, and strengthening connections between the administration and the UW Board of Regents.
“I am honored to join the University of Washington at this transformative moment in higher education,” Pratts said. “I am hopeful that my experience in advancing an institution’s strategic priorities in the ever-dynamic landscape of higher education will position me well as a partner with the UW leadership, faculty, students and staff,” Pratts says. “I’m excited about building new relationships and working alongside President Jones, the talented leadership team, and the entire campus community to enhance the University of Washington’s impact regionally, nationally and internationally.”
“Hasoni’s appointment reflects my ongoing commitment to recruiting visionary leaders who can help navigate the evolving landscape of higher education and staying true to the institution’s core mission of teaching, research and public service,” Jones said.
Pratts succeeds Margaret Shepherd, who left the UW in September after serving at the University for 16 years.
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Contact Victor Balta: balta@uw.edu.
Tag(s): Robert J. Jones