WWU alumna Traci Rogstad returns to campus as its new AVP for Facilities Development & Operations

April 26, 2024

The image shows Traci Rogstad, a woman with blond hair and green eyes. She is smiling and looking at the camera. She is wearing a white shirt. The background is blurred.

Traci Rogstad is WWU’s new associate vice president for Facilities Development and Operations.

After a national search, WWU Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs Joyce Lopes has announced that Traci Rogstad has been hired as WWU’s new associate vice president for Facilities Development and Operations.

Rogstad comes to Western from Renton School District where she has served since 2020 as the senior facilities program director and deputy executive director for Capital Planning and Construction. She previously served as the director of Capital Construction Projects and Planning for the Northshore School District in Bothell for six years, and as the deputy assistant secretary of Transportation and director of operations/chief of staff for the Washington State Ferries.

Rogstad brings 27 years of facilities operations and capital planning and construction experience. She has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Western Washington University and has received numerous recognitions for excellence in service from the State of Washington.

“I am genuinely enthusiastic and eager to begin my role! My first efforts will be to explore more in-depth the existing complexities and opportunities of the job. I look forward to engaging and collaborating with Facilities Development and Operations team members and stakeholders," Rogstad said. "Working together as a unit will be critical to supporting the advancement of Western's strategic plan, to making notable progress on equity of access and success goals, and to drive innovation with a service-oriented approach in all aspects of support services.”

During her interviews, Lopes said Rogstad demonstrated that she had the skills, experience, and care to meet the needs of FDO and the WWU community, and showed connection in a genuine way with everyone she met and demonstrated alignment with the university’s values, mission, and priorities. Her charisma and confidence spoke to her ability to lead and mentor the FDO team with grace, confidence, and strategic focus.

Rogstad will join her son, JJ, who is a first-year student at Western. Her daughter, Madeline, is a senior studying political science and human rights at the University of Washington.

Rogstad’s first day on campus as AVP will be June 3.