Her Story
About Susan
Susan Wagshul-Golden is a seasoned higher education public safety and emergency management leader with more than 30 years of public service experience. She currently serves as the Director of Emergency Preparedness & Campus Safety at the University of Washington Tacoma, where she advises senior leadership on safety strategy, leads policy development, and coordinates multi-agency responses to campus and regional emergencies. Known for her collaborative leadership style, she focuses on building strong partnerships, improving operational processes, and fostering environments grounded in trust, communication, and resilience.
Her career began within the City University of New York system, where she served in multiple campus public safety roles, ultimately rising to Campus Police Lieutenant and Assistant Director positions at institutions including Hunter College and Borough of Manhattan Community College. During her tenure at BMCC, she was on duty during the events surrounding September 11, 2001, an experience that deeply shaped her approach to crisis response and emergency preparedness. At Hunter College, she led complex, multi-campus safety operations supporting large and diverse academic communities, strengthening her expertise in incident management and organizational leadership during high-pressure situations.
Across her career, she has developed expertise in community crisis response planning, emergency operations, behavioral intervention, and campus safety leadership. She is also recognized for her advocacy work addressing student food insecurity and for her contributions to regional emergency planning initiatives, including collaborations with public health and emergency management agencies. A recipient of the University of Washington Tacoma Distinguished Service Award (2020), she holds a Master’s in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University and continues to be guided by a leadership philosophy centered on empathy, inclusion, and helping communities navigate complex challenges together.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Susan
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a commitment to servant leadership, preparation, and resilience. Throughout my career, I have believed that effective leadership means showing up during difficult moments, whether responding to a crisis, supporting someone in need, or helping a community navigate uncertainty. By leading with empathy, accountability, and a willingness to have meaningful conversations, I have been able to build trust, foster collaboration, and make a positive impact.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I've had a lot of mentors that I've learned from, but there have also been some that I consider to be not great examples of leadership. However, I have learned from both, taken in the good and the bad, and what I've learned most is you don't have to quiet your voice. I've always been encouraged to find my voice, even though I'm 5 feet tall, to remain tall and stay present in the room and let others feel your presence. My mom taught me at a very early age that one of the special pieces of paper that you need to get is your education. They could take away everything else, but they can't take away what you've learned. The more information you have, the more cosmopolitan awareness you have, and you're able to navigate no matter what the group is. I've learned through the years to find my voice but also not lose myself too much in it as well.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
One of the biggest pieces of advice I would give is that in order for you to navigate, remember who you are, your true self, and stay focused, as well as enjoy life and enjoy the journey. It's very important to understand that there aren't a lot of women in public safety that are in leadership - we're very rare. You would think now, by 2026, that wouldn't be so much of a rarity, but it's hard for us to break through the glass ceilings. I call it the glass cliff - you're looking over all the time. So it's very important to just say, you know what, I know how to get down the giant mountain, I'm just gonna make my own ski lift and just build it with others, or build a bridge. Don't let that stop you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
As a woman in public safety leadership, I understand the significance of representation. Throughout much of my career, women have remained underrepresented in leadership positions within the field. That reality has motivated me to lead with authenticity, encourage others to pursue leadership opportunities, and help create pathways for future generations of women entering public service and emergency management professions.The old expression breaking The the glass ceiling I call it staying off the glass Cliff it's a slippery slope and you have to remember who you are and stay focused
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are collaboration, emotional intelligence, dedication, lifelong learning, and service to others. Working throughout college taught me the importance of hard work and perseverance, while my mother instilled in me a deep appreciation for education and personal growth. These values have guided both my professional development and my commitment to supporting and strengthening the communities I serve.
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