30 seconds with an alum: From an unexpected start to a lifelong career
Nicole Sanderson, IAS ’04, discovered her interest in facilities through a part-time campus job when she was in college.
She began as a student employee answering phones and processing work orders — a job Sanderson thought would be temporary. Instead, it launched a career: She now serves as associate vice chancellor for Facilities, serving both the University of Washington Bothell and Cascadia College, which is co-located on the same campus.
After starting her college career at Cascadia College, Sanderson transferred to UW Bothell where she majored in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Global Studies. She said also discovered a supportive faculty, small classes and a sense of belonging that has shaped her life ever since.
In this Q&A, she reflects on her student experience, her career path and why UW Bothell’s community continues to inspire her.
What first brought you to UW Bothell?
In high school, I thought I’d go to Western [Washington University], but I wasn’t admitted. Instead, I started at Cascadia, then transferred to UW Bothell after completing my associate’s degree. At first, it felt like a second choice, but once I was here, I realized it was where I was meant to be. UW Bothell is such a special place.
What stood out from your experience in the Interdisciplinary Studies program?
The small class sizes and the ability to really connect with professors. They were approachable and generous with their time.
One of my favorite memories was the D.C. Human Rights Seminar in my senior year. We visited the Pentagon and other sites, and I don’t think I fully appreciated how unique that opportunity was until later. It’s something that has stuck with me.
How did you get involved with facilities as a student?
I was working for Cascadia College in the president’s office when someone mentioned that UW Bothell’s Physical Plant was looking for student help. I didn’t even know what that meant at the time! I started by answering phones and handling work orders — and I loved it. The people were welcoming, the culture felt like family, and I could see that my work mattered.
That sense of belonging drew me in and kept me here.
How did that student job lead to your career?
I discovered I loved helping others. Even as a student, staff would come to me with a problem, and I’d get to help solve it. After graduation, I stayed on full-time, and my responsibilities kept evolving. I transitioned from fiscal work to project management, then to budget oversight and ultimately into my current role.
I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who trusted me to try new things and supported me along the way.
What has it been like to watch UW Bothell grow over the years?
When I was a student, the campus was small — we only had juniors and seniors. Since then, I’ve seen new buildings, residence halls and even major infrastructure like the south entrance take shape.
What hasn’t changed is the culture. UW Bothell still feels like one big family. Even as the “family” gets bigger, the sense of community has endured.
UW Bothell still feels like one big family. Even as the ‘family’ gets bigger, the sense of community has endured.
What makes you proud to be both an alum and a leader here?
I’m proud that my own journey started here and that I’ve been able to give back in a meaningful way. Facilities work is often behind the scenes, but it’s vital — from maintaining safe, clean spaces to supporting new construction that meets students’ needs. I’m proud of my team and the work they do every day to make UW Bothell a place where students can thrive.
What message would you share with fellow alumni?
UW Bothell isn’t just where you studied for a few years — it can be part of your life long after graduation. For me, it became a career, but for all alumni, it can be a place to return to, stay connected and take pride in.
This campus is unique, and the community is something special we all share.
Want to share your own UW Bothell story? Connect with us at uwbalumn@uw.edu.