FaithSearch Partners is pleased to announce that its client, Seattle Pacific University (SPU), has selected Dr. Coba Canales as its next Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students, effective July 8.
Founded in 1891, Seattle Pacific University is a Christian university serving nearly 2,000 students in the heart of Seattle. Under the leadership of President Deana Porterfield, SPU is in a meaningful season of renewal, with growing momentum around student formation, campus life, and community.
“This role called for a leader who genuinely loves students—someone with the vision, warmth, and presence to shape a campus culture marked by belonging, spiritual depth, and care for the whole student,” said Kimberley Wiedefeld, Vice President at FaithSearch Partners. “Dr. Canales is exactly that leader. He understands the complexity of student life leadership and delights in creating vibrant, formative experiences for students beyond the classroom. We are confident he will be a tremendous asset to President Porterfield and the SPU community.”
Dr. Canales most recently served as dean of students at Azusa Pacific University in California. He holds a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Southern California, a master of divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies from Azusa Pacific.
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Founded in 2007, FaithSearch Partners is the premier executive search firm in the U.S. focusing exclusively on serving faith-based educational institutions, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, media organizations, churches, ministries, and faith-driven businesses. FaithSearch understands the importance of effective biblical leadership and strives to help clients find suitable candidates who embody those qualities. In addition, FaithSearch offers leadership advising beyond executive search, including executive coaching, strategic planning, succession planning, leadership evaluations, financial advisory, education strategy, crisis management, and donor & board engagement. Based in Dallas with locations in Houston, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Nashville, Birmingham, Kansas City, Sacramento, Fort Wayne, Durango, Redding, and Rochester, FaithSearch is able to serve faith-based clients in all regions and across the globe.
