Our Team

Eileen Coughlin

Dr. Eileen Coughlin joins Strategic Partnerships Inc. (SPI) with a highly respected reputation in higher education administration built over her 40 years of professional experience.

Eileen served 23 years, from 1994 to 2017, as the Vice President at Western Washington University (WWU). Her administrative scope included auxiliary enterprises, academic support, student affairs, and enrollment planning functions.

WWU achieved enrollment growth every year under her direction. The growth included a significant rise in student diversity and a substantial increase in out-of-state students, leading to enhanced revenue for WWU. She pursued new approaches and partnerships during her tenure by combining state allocations, bond funding, grant writing, fundraising, and fee-based increases. She also negotiated visionary ancillary contracts.

Eileen served as chair of the university’s administrative bargaining team for the negotiation of a faculty contract. She also has national and federal training and experience in emergency management.

She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Central Michigan University and an Ed.D in Educational Psychology from Northern Arizona University. Eileen is a licensed psychologist who also received an MFA in creative writing from Pacific University.

As a creative and strategic thinker, Eileen will offer big-picture perspectives while incorporating practical and political considerations. SPI is honored to have someone with her substantial experience and knowledge join the team.