Eric Godfrey: Meet the replacement

UW President Mark Emmert announced this week that Eric S. Godfrey will be replacing Ernest Morris as the new Vice President for Student Affairs when Morris retires at the end of the month.

"It's an exciting time," said Godfrey, who is presently Vice President in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations. "My entire career has been focused on student life and the wellbeing of students ... I'm looking forward to returning to that."

Godfrey has been with the Office of Development and Alumni Relations for the past four years. His unit focuses exclusively on private funding and expanding scholarships, especially to those students coming from lower income and underprivileged families. The office also works to ensure a diverse campus population.

When it comes to changing offices though, Godfrey seems more eager than disappointed.

"I'll be joining a talented group of officials over there and [it's a] particularly exciting time as the University community begins to examine the undergrad student experience and ways to strengthen and deepen it; clearly student affairs has a role there," he said.

"It's important to continue to do what we do, which is provide top level programs for students and constantly improve them and find ways to collaborate and build a greater sense of campus community."

Prior to his position at the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, Godfrey worked closely with Morris as the assistant Vice President for the Office of Student Affairs.

"I thoroughly enjoyed working with him [Morris]," Godfrey said. "His tenure speaks volumes to his skill and commitment. His focus on students was unwavering. He will be missed."