THE FIRST 35 YEARS

A selection of milestone moments from 1990 through 2025

  1. 1989

    Governor Booth Gardner signs legislation creating a “branch campus” in Bothell for the University of Washington, increasing access to UW undergraduate and graduate degrees.

  2. 1990

    The University of Washington Bothell opens its doors at a Canyon Park office building with 126 students,13 faculty members and a small, dedicated support staff.

  3. 1991

    Three students graduate with Bachelor of Arts degrees, becoming UW Bothell’s first alumni.

  4. 1993

    As first chair of the General Faculty Organization, Robert Schultz charts the course for shared governance at UW Bothell.

  5. 1997

    Joe Santos becomes the 1,000th graduate, receiving his Liberal Studies degree from Dean Norman Rose.

  6. 1998-2000

    UW Bothell builds a permanent campus and starts restoration of the surrounding wetland. Prior to UW Bothell, the property served as a ranch for the Boone-Truly family. The land is the ancestral territory of Muckleshoot, Snoqualmie, Stillaguamish, Suquamish and Tulalip Nations.

  7. 1999

    Warren Buck is approved as UW Bothell’s first chancellor by the UW Board of Regents under UW President Richard L. McCormick.

    The Chancellors and Early Leaders of UW Bothell

    • 2021-present – Kristin G. Esterberg
    • 2013-21 – Bjong Wolf Yeigh
    • 2007-13 – Kenyon S. Chan
    • 2005-07 – Steven G. Olswang (interim chancellor)
    • 1999-2005 – Warren W. Buck
    • 1998-99 – Stanley F. Slater (acting chancellor and dean)
    • 1994-98 – Norman J. Rose (dean and vice provost)
    • 1990-94 – John P. Keating (dean of UW branch campuses and vice provost)
    • 1989-90 – Donna H. Kerr (director of branch campus planning and dean of UW branch campuses)

  8. 2000

    Part of UW Libraries, the Campus Library opens, serving students, faculty and staff from both UW Bothell and Cascadia College.

  9. 2002

    Wetland restoration work ends, preparing the area to become a living laboratory for faculty, students, staff and the community to do research and participate in experiential learning.

  10. 2005

    Governor Christine Gregoire signs legislation that approves UW Bothell as a four-year university, opening the door for high school graduates to enroll as first-year college students.

  11. 2005

    More than 100 participants complete the first-ever UW Bothell Husky 5K, raising $1,000 for scholarships. In the 20 years since, event participants have raised almost $250,000 to support students through the Alumni Endowed Scholarship.

  12. 2006

    Discovery Core classes, part of the First Year & Pre-Major Program launched in 2005, are launched to help students explore interdisciplinary topics and connect with academic advising and campus resources as they plan their career paths.

  13. 2008

    Holly the Husky becomes the UW’s first female mascot, making her home at UW Bothell.

  14. 2012

    Business and Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences are the first programs to transition into academic schools, upon approval of the UW Board of Regents.

    The Schools of UW Bothell

    • Est. 2012 – Business
    • Est. 2012 – Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
    • Est. 2013 – Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
    • Est. 2014 – Educational Studies
    • Est. 2014 – Nursing & Health Studies

  15. 2013

    The Sarah Simonds Green Conservatory opens after the University receives a transformative gift from Dr. Gordon Charles Green. The 2,800-square-foot space includes a greenhouse, classroom and work areas for environmental research and learning.

    Sustainability at UW Bothell

    • Salmon Safe certified
    • Bee Campus USA certified
    • RYC Green Grounds certified platinum
    • AASHE Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System certified gold
    • National Wildlife Federation certified wildlife habitat

  16. 2014

    UW Bothell opens Discovery Hall as an academic building dedicated to science research and teaching — and installs the iconic “W” statue on the south end of the campus Plaza.

  17. 2018

    UW Bothell establishes the Student Diversity Center in the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion to offer an open and inclusive cross-cultural space for students.

  18. 2020

    The UW’s “Boundless” fundraising campaign ends with UW Bothell raising more than $40 million for scholarships, student experiences, faculty research and other high-impact programs.

  19. 2020

    UW Bothell receives national recognition in the “community engagement” classification from the Carnegie Foundation for its exceptional work in research and teaching that benefits the broader community.

  20. 2021

    UW Bothell graduates its largest-ever class of students — 2,064 proud new alumni.

  21. 2024

    Academic life on campus becomes even more dynamic as UW Bothell opens Innovation Hall, a science facility shared with Cascadia College.

  22. 2025

    Residential Village opens, offering on-campus housing for up to 1,000 students and featuring a long- anticipated dining hall as well as much- needed student and office space.

  23. 2025

    The Carnegie Foundation nationally recognizes UW Bothell for its commitments to faculty research collaborations, driving innovation and impact across the Puget Sound region.

  24. 2026

    UW Bothell will welcome our 35,000th graduate!