University of Washington Government & Community Relations

Total enrollment is up across all three University of Washington campuses for the 2025-26 academic year, according to the annual census count released this month. We love to see it!

Washington residents make up nearly two-thirds of incoming class as enrollment increases across all three UW campuses Total enrollment is up across all three University of Washington campuses for the 2025-26 academic year, according to the annual census count released this month.

We are thrilled to share that Morgan Hickel has been named Director of State Relations! To this position, she brings a wealth of experience, strong relationships both inside and outside the UW, and deep knowledge about the opportunities and challenges facing our University. Congratulations, Morgan!
https://www.washington.edu/externalaffairs/2025/09/12/morgan-hickel-takes-on-new-role-as-director-of-state-relations/

Thank you for investing in students and allocating funds in 2023 to grow our local STEM workforce! Your investment will grow our ability to meet the demand from students and the local tech industry.

This Seattle tech giant is gobbling up computer science grads from the University of Washington The graduation ceremony last month in Seattle for the University of Washington Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering. (UW Photo /

How do you sum up a 21-year career in public higher education? On his last day as Vice President of External Affairs, we'll let Randy Hodgins wrap it up in his own words.

“It has been my honor to help steward the reputation of this great university and to advance its mission at the local, regional, state and national levels. Throughout my tenure, there have been many changes and incredible growth at the UW, but our north star has remained the same: to serve our students and the state of Washington with excellence.”

Thank you, Randy, and congratulations on a job well done! We will miss you immensely and wish you the best in retirement.

The next Vice President of External Affairs was announced this morning! Joe Dacca, who is currently serving as director of State Relations, will assume his new role on July 2.

Joe Dacca tapped for UW Vice President of External Affairs University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce today announced the selection of Joe Dacca as vice president for the UW Office of External Affairs effective July 2.

Former speaker Frank Chopp left our state a heathier, more prosperous place and that will stand as his enduring legacy...The UW community joins his family and friends in mourning the loss of one of our state’s foremost public servants.

UW President honors life and impact of Rep. Frank Chopp University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce issued this statement following the passing of Rep. Frank Chopp, former speaker of the Washington House and a 1975 UW graduate:

The UW Board of Regents has named Robert J. Jones as the 34th President of the University of Washington! Dr. Jones is currently concluding a nine-year tenure as Chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and will join us in the PNW when his contract begins August 1. Welcome to the Pack, Dr. Jones!

Robert J. Jones named 34th president of the University of Washington The University of Washington Board of Regents on Monday announced that Robert J. Jones, who is currently concluding a nine-year tenure as Chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, has...

Democracy in action! These images were taken earlier today in the Husky Union Building where students lined up to access a student-focused vote center. Vote centers like this one are available throughout King County to register new voters, update current voter records, obtain a voter registration card. Trained staff and specialized equipment are available to help voters with disabilities cast a private, independent ballot. The UW HUB location has seen triple the projected number of voters already! Way to go, Huskies!

Huskies, there's still time to turn in your ballot! You have until 8 p.m. to drop your ballot in a ballot drop box or have it postmarked with today’s date. Students can visit a student engagement hub in the HUB for help registering to vote, updating their registration, receiving a replacement ballot, or using an assistive device. https://kingcounty.gov/en/legacy/depts/elections/how-to-vote/ballots/returning-my-ballot/student-engagement-hubs

For every $1 in state appropriations, the UW generates over $28 in economic impact in Washington state's economy.

That's just one of the ways that the University of Washington is the University for Washington — read on for more here: https://www.washington.edu/externalaffairs/eir/