Coming Full Circle

Although she has been at Seattle University—as a senior administrator—just since last August, Tammy Herdener’s roots to the university run deep.

When considering where to go as an undergrad, Seattle University seemed preordained for Herdener as her both parents are graduates. And as someone who was Catholic educated all her life, she also knew she wanted her higher education experience to be at a Catholic university. Once here she fully immersed herself in the college experience, balancing her studies—a double major in political science and foreign languages—and activities, serving in student government, as a campus minister and an ROTC cadet.

When she stepped back on the SU campus for the first time in more than 30 years, there was no doubt that Herdener was where she was meant to be. “There was something intangible and unmistakable—a spirit, a soul—that made SU feel like home,” says the 1994 graduate. “As a student, I felt an immediate sense of belonging and knew I would be supported, not just academically but also holistically.”

That same feeling of belonging and inclusivity that she experienced as a student remains very much a part of the fabric of the institution today, says Herdener, who returned in an administrative role as Senior Vice Provost for Academic and Student Affairs.

“That same soul of Seattle University—the spirit of care, community and a shared commitment to justice—continues to inspire me,” says Herdener, who came to SU from the University of Portland. “SU isn’t just where I earned my degree—it’s where I grew into the person I am today.”

The journey of returning to her alma mater—something that Herdener says was always her end game—was paved with many twists and turns professionally. After earning a law degree from Notre Dame Law School, she embarked on what would be a more than 20-year legal career. She was a JAG (Judge Advocate General) for the U.S. military, General Counsel at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the City Attorney for Cannon Beach, Oregon. Moving away from law to higher education, before joining Seattle University Herdener served as the Associate Vice President of Student Development and Dean of Students at the University of Portland, where she also taught undergraduate, graduate and law classes.

“There was something intangible and unmistakable—a spirit, a soul—that made SU feel like home. As a student, I felt an immediate sense of belonging and knew I would be supported, not just academically but also holistically.”
—Tammy Herdener

Making her way back to Seattle University is a full-circle moment for Herdener.

“Through all the moves and transitions across the country, Seattle University was never far from my thoughts,” she says. “The institution gave me so much and I’ve always wanted the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way, to contribute to preserving and enhancing what makes SU so unique.”

In her current role Herdener is collaborating with people and programs across campus—notably the deans and vice provosts—all with the shared goal of providing a transformational student experience. The uniqueness and depth of her role is to ensure that students feel that same sense of belonging and community that she did, while also providing an enriching educational experience that illustrates what it means to educate the whole person.

“This work is distinctive because it goes beyond academics,” says Herdener. “It’s about helping students grow into compassionate, thoughtful and courageous leaders who are prepared to make a meaningful difference in the world.”

In January, one of the key members of Herdener’s team, Alvin Sturdivant, EdD, the Vice Provost for Student and Campus Life, took a new position at the University of Portland. Herdener, who will be taking on this position in the interim, sees this as an opportunity to find greater alignment of her team, which includes Student and Campus Life, Student Success and the Office of the Registrar.

“Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that all of these areas are aligned and integrated in providing a seamless, student-centered experience that reflects our mission and values.”

There are many ways to nurture a culture of belonging. One of those is athletics. And beginning July 1, 2025, SU will be joining the West Coast Conference and Herdener sees this as a boon for the university and the city of Seattle. For SU it means greater national exposure and competing against schools with similar values and missions including Jesuit and Catholic universities. It can also help with recruitment and retention of students. For current students the pitch is that being part of the WCC means a slew of competitive, exciting games where they can flex their school spirit and their Redhawk pride.

“This is about much more than athletics; it’s about building pride and engagement among our students, alumni and supporters, as well as creating memorable experiences that extend beyond the court or field,” Herdener says. “The excitement surrounding games and the pride of being part of something bigger contribute to a stronger, more unified student body.”