Dr. Philip W. Eaton, SPU President

With a background in both higher education and private business, and a strong belief in serving both the community and the church, Dr. Philip W. Eaton is uniquely qualified to lead SPU into the 21st Century. Eaton has provided leadership for Seattle Pacific University’s vision of Engaging the Culture/Changing the World. The comprehensive plan envelops strategic targets for enrollment, endowment and new educational programs and facilities while seeking to make a difference in the world by graduating individuals of competence, character and modeling a grace-filled community.

Eaton became the University's ninth president in 1996, after serving three years as the Vice President for Academic Affairs and provost. He had been the institution’s interim chief administrator for nine months until his promotion. Eaton came to SPU from Whitworth College in Spokane, where he served 17 years, including interim president in1992-93. While at Whitworth, he held a variety of positions, including chair of the English department and humanities division. Later he served on Whitworth’s Centennial Campaign Committee, which raised $15 million in capital and endowment gifts.

Eaton was once president of a family business, Eaton Properties, Inc., an industrial and commercial property development company in Phoenix. The current boards on which he serves include the Washington Association of Independent Colleges & Universities, Christian College Consortium, Council of Christian Colleges & Universities and the Harbor Club.

Eaton holds a B.A. in English and economics from Whitworth, and an M.A. and Ph. D. from Arizona State University in English and American literature. He and his wife, Sharon, have three grown sons: Mark, Michael and Todd.