Meet the 2019-2020 NASPA Board Chair, an Interview with Denzil Suite

The following is an interview with the 2019-2020 NASPA Board Chair, Denzil Suite

Who is one of your heroes?

My mother for sure. Super strong woman. She worked double shifts to put her kids through school, never complained, and still asks for nothing in return. We should all be so selfless!

What is your favorite animal? 

I enjoy seeing most animals, not in captivity. I am especially captivated when I come across wild horses in my travels because seeing them makes me think of a long-lost era when there were many more roaming the country.

If you could go back in time, when would you travel to? With what aim? 

I actually wouldn’t mind going back and starting college again. I kind of had a blast in college and I could probably improve a few grades this time around.

What are some of your pet peeves?

Only one comes to mind. When people turn on their turn signal after the light turns green and then they hold up the traffic behind them! Hello—I would have gone around!! 

What makes you laugh the most?

When I need a good laugh, I can always count on re-runs of the Big Bang Theory! Even though I know many of the lines by heart, I still burst out laughing when I hear them!

If you were home for a sick day, what would you binge watch?

Suits! I love the show, but I am now at least two seasons behind. 

What items would go into your survival bag for a deserted island?

Swiss army knife, water filtration bottle, food, fire-starter, fully loaded Kindle, oh, and a working satellite phone that I would use after a week or so.

What’s one thing you miss from your childhood?

I used to have these really cool lunch boxes that I carried to school. I remember that opening that box every lunch period was such a joyful experience because I would not always know what my folks had packed for me, but it was ALWAYS delicious!

What is your favorite book or movie of all time and why did it speak to you so much?

I remember reading Isaac Asimov’s Little Lost Robot when I was a child. It fascinated me and sparked a passion for science fiction that has never left me. I then tried to read as much as I could about robots, space travel, and the future. Though, I was never a fan of the stories that predicted an apocalyptic future—I preferred the ones that spoke to a more positive and accepting path ahead. Live Long and Prosper!

What do you like to do when you visit new cities?

I love walking around the non-tourist areas. I feel like I get a real sense of the community by exploring areas when locals live, eat, and hang out.

What advice would you give to your eighteen-year-old self? 

You’re going to be fine, so don’t worry so much. Oh, and avoid all licorice flavored liquor at all costs (when you’re 21, of course) —not a good thing.

What are some items from your bucket list?

• Take a trip around the world
• Learn Chinese
• Travel to space
• Have a conversation with Stevie Wonder

---

Dr. Denzil Suite, Vice President for Student Life, joined the University of Washington in July 2013. In that capacity, he provides leadership and direction for strategic planning, assessment, and staff development for a comprehensive division of student programs and services. He leads a team of approximately 1,000 professionals in creating and maintaining a healthy campus environment through services, programs, and innovative learning experiences beyond the classroom, and through a highly collaborative relationship with other senior UW leaders.

Prior to joining UW, he served as Associate Vice President of Student Affairs at the University of Southern California where he had oversight responsibilities for over 20 departments in the division. He also served and as an Associate Professor for Clinical Education at the USC Rossier School of Education. He taught master’s level courses on Student Development, the History of Higher Education, and on Intervention Strategies.

Suite earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology at The Ohio State University, a master’s degree in Education from the University of Vermont, and a Ph.D. in Policy and Organization from the University of Southern California. His research for his doctorate centered on factors affecting student success in college. He is especially interested in how students from differing backgrounds are affected by the college environment. He chose this topic because of his long-standing commitment to college students and their success.

Dr. Suite has worked professionally in student affairs for over 20 years and has held positions of responsibility at UC Berkeley, Cal State L.A., and UC Santa Cruz. He is the recipient of numerous awards from national, local, and student organizations.

He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Front Porch Communities—a nonprofit company serving the elderly, indigent, and disabled.