UW Tacoma Finance & Administration is excited to welcome Sylvia James as our new Vice Chancellor.

Ms. James comes to us from Pierce College where she served most recently as Vice President for Administrative Services. She began her career at Pierce College in 2001 as a part-time employee for the Music Department. She then served in a variety of roles in student life and athletics, receiving, institutional technology, and facilities before moving into budget and finance in 2006. These experiences shaped her vision of finance and administration and the role they serve in mission fulfillment.

Under Ms. James’ leadership, Pierce College was awarded the Stewardship Award from the Washington State Auditor’s Office. A committed advocate for training and professional development, she designed a statewide academy for members of the Washington State Board of Community & Technical Colleges Budget, Accounting and Reporting Council (BAR); and developed a conference hosting 150+ attendees from across the state. In 2018, Sylvia was acknowledged for her demonstrated leadership and awarded the BAR Member of the Year Award.

She was a first-generation college student, starting her college journey at Pierce College, and then earning her B.A. in organizational leadership from Chapman University.

February 1, 2023