A Bold Step Forward in Health Education

In an effort to fill a critical need for health care professionals and to build on the stellar reputation of producing high-quality, Jesuit-educated nurses and health care professionals who put the care of people first, Seattle University’s College of Nursing has expanded to become the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

The College of Nursing and Health Sciences will enhance Seattle University’s institutional identity as a hub and model for health innovation in the service of others, while deepening the college’s partnerships with health care systems in the Puget Sound region. 

“The expanded College of Nursing and Health Sciences will build on the longstanding tradition of excellence in our nursing programs, respond to the growing demand for interdisciplinary health sciences education and research and serve the communities in our region by addressing health care workforce shortages,” says Provost Shane P. Martin.

As Seattle University repositions for growth in line with its strategic plan, the university is looking for mission-aligned academic programs that can launch or existing programs that can grow to meet current and future needs, says President Eduardo Peñalver.

“We see the health professions as an area of current need in our community that will only become more urgent as our population ages. Creating the College of Nursing and Health Sciences establishes a home at Seattle University for this important effort. We are grateful to Charles Pigott for his generous gift to name the dean of this new college, which allowed us to accelerate our efforts.”

Infused in the College of Nursing—set to celebrate its 90^th anniversary this fall—and Health Sciences is the mission of Seattle University to care for the whole person. It is this holistic approach that prepares graduates to really see their patients as people and inspired to make positive impacts across the health care landscape.

The College of Nursing and Health Sciences will be led by Dean Butch de Castro, transitioning from being dean of the College of Nursing to now serve in an enhanced role as the Charles M. Pigott Dean, named for the retired chairman and CEO of PACCAR, Inc., whose $5M gift made the College of Nursing and Health Sciences deanship possible.

The endowment will also support new programs aimed at addressing the most pressing health care industry and workforce needs. Serving alongside Dean de Castro will be Vice Dean for Nursing Dr. Melissa Owen.

“I deeply appreciate the selfless generosity of Mr. Pigott and his belief in our commitment to addressing the health care needs of communities throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond,” de Castro says. “His gift strengthens our institutional ability to live out our Jesuit tradition in service of the greater good.”

New & Expanded Programs
The vision for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences is to be the spirit and soul of how Seattle University attends to the health and well-being of society. Graduates of our current academic health programs have an overwhelmingly strong, positive regional reputation as being highly knowledgeable, competent and compassionate. This will continue as a distinct hallmark of existing and new programs, as the college remains dedicated to preparing students to provide care with presence—as much as with professionalism—and to serve with passion and purpose. 

On the academic front, nursing programs—Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs (with specializations in Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery, Family Nurse Practitioner, Health Systems Leadership, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner)—will remain the cornerstones of the college. Additional program offerings will create opportunities for students to pursue various career paths to contribute to the greater good. These include:

• Diagnostic Ultrasound, existing since 2017, was the first academic program of its kind in Washington state to offer a baccalaureate degree. 
  
  
• Kinesiology, focused on graduating leaders in sport, exercise and health through its bachelor’s and master’s degree options, will migrate its programs from the College of Arts and Sciences to become part of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
  
  
• Public Health programs—master’s degree and a graduate certificate—will be launched and designed for high accessibility and orientation for working professionals interested in addressing health issues at population and community levels.

Meeting the Demand
Every county in Washington state has been designated as a Health Workforce Shortage Area, according to the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration, underscoring the urgent need for qualified health care professionals across a variety of fields. The College of Nursing and Health Sciences will allow Seattle University to expand its undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing and other health professions to help close this need gap. Developing an expanded portfolio of academic programs in the health professions and sciences, to complement storied nursing programs, is an expression of Seattle University’s commitment as a Jesuit higher education institution to improve the human condition and shape a better world for all. 

—Beth Branchaw contributed to this story.