The University of Washington Bothell has selected Santhi Perumal as its new vice chancellor for Planning & Administration, effective Sept. 1, 2025.
Perumal has served as assistant dean for Finance & Administration at the University of Washington’s College of Education since 2017. As steward of the college’s $70 million budget, she has led cross-functional teams across finance, human resources, research administration, information technology, institutional research, enrollment management and facilities.
“I have been privileged to work alongside extraordinary colleagues who are transforming education systems every day,” Perumal said. “Together, we strengthened financial sustainability, streamlined operations and created space for bold, equity-driven programs to grow.”
Guided by a philosophy of creating shared understanding, Perumal — together with her finance and IT teams — made financial systems more approachable and user-friendly. She bridged strategy and operations while advocating for staff voices and well-being in the decisions that shape the college’s shared environment. She has mentored numerous emerging administrative professionals, and many have gone on to hold leadership roles across the UW.
“Ms. Perumal’s combination of strategic insight, collaborative spirit and institutional knowledge makes her an outstanding choice to lead our planning and administrative efforts as we continue to develop and evolve as a campus,” said UW Bothell Chancellor Kristin G. Esterberg.
Perumal lauded the University’s focus on innovation, access and community. “UW Bothell’s spirit of collaboration reflects the kind of institution where I want to put down roots,” she said.
“This is why I am so energized to join a community that is thinking deeply about its future: how to grow sustainably, serve its diverse stakeholders and remain grounded in its mission.”
Perumal received her Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. Prior to the UW, she worked at the Presidio Graduate School, a public accounting firm and a top-rated after-school program that served 15,000 children. Since 2016 she has been on the Western Association of Schools and Colleges’ Senior College and University Commission, serving as a finance member of the evaluation team for reaffirmation and accreditation review of peer institutions.
