PHILIP W. EATON, Ph.D.
A Vision for Seattle Pacific
In February 1996, Philip W. Eaton was appointed by the Board of Trustees as the ninth president of Seattle Pacific University. Immediately upon his arrival, President Eaton began a grand conversation with the SPU community out of which came a bold, new vision of Engaging the Culture, Changing the World. This is now the guiding mission of Seattle Pacific.
Under President Eaton’s leadership, the University has flourished over the past 10 years, investing more than $100 million in its facilities, completing the most successful fundraising campaign in the history of the University, and launching significant programs such as the John Perkins Center for Reconciliation, the SPU Common Curriculum, and the Center for Scholarship and Faculty Development.
Recently President Eaton unveiled 2014: The Blueprint for Excellence, an ambitious strategic plan for the next 10 years. Can A University Change The World?—that’s the question of the Blueprint, and just the kind of question President Eaton and the people at SPU like to ask. Under President Eaton’s leadership, Seattle Pacific will continue its work as a premier, national Christian university strategically expanding its impact and influence over the next 10 years.
Education
Dr. Eaton earned a bachelor of arts in English and economics from Whitworth College, and a master of arts and doctorate from Arizona State University in English and American Literature. He completed post-doctoral work at the University of California-San Diego and participated in an institute for new university presidents at Harvard University. He received an honorary doctorate from Whitworth College.
Professional Experience
Dr. Eaton was a professor of English and American literature and is the recipient of numerous grants and fellowships. He also spent eight years in business in Phoenix, Arizona, as a commercial and industrial property developer.
Speaking and Writing
Dr. Eaton is constantly on the go as a writer and speaker. He speaks with great interest and passion on a broad range of issues like character formation, leading with vision, the profound importance of higher education, cultural engagement, and embracing the Christian story.
Awards and Achievements
President Eaton was one of just 100 college presidents invited to the University Presidents Summit on International Education to discuss the future of U.S. higher education in the global arena (Washington, D.C., 2006); was named one of the 100 Most Influential People in Washington state (Washington CEO magazine, 2002); one of 50 U.S. College and University Character-Building Presidents (John Templeton Foundation, 2002); and was recognized for his role as a community leader through the story “Engaging Faith” ( The Seattle Times Pacific Northwest Magazine, 2002).
Service and Community Involvement
President Eaton is passionate about being at the table in the community and beyond. He has served on more boards and committees than is healthy for one individual, including the King County Elections Commission; the Independent Colleges of Washington (ICW); the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU); the Downtown Seattle Association; the Seattle Chamber Roundtable; the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC), and others. He and his wife, Sharon, are active members of First Free Methodist Church in Seattle.
Personal
Dr. and Mrs. Eaton place a high priority on their family. They have three grown sons: Mark (a professor of literature, married to Victoria), Michael (film director/writer, married to Holli) and Todd (Web designer, married to Molly). The Eatons especially enjoy spending time with their seven grandchildren. Dr. Eaton is an aspiring golfer, a devoted reader (contemporary thought, cultural studies, theology, poetry, American culture), and an enthusiastic fan of Seattle Pacific University athletic teams.
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