College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Dear Seattle University Community, 

We are pleased to announce that, effective July 1, the College of Nursing has been officially reorganized as the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. This follows approval by our Board of Trustees at their March meeting.  

In establishing the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Seattle University is building upon its legacy of excellence in nursing education, creating greater opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations among existing programs, and setting a foundation for growth into new academic areas. Taken together, these efforts will increase the university’s impact in addressing a persistent shortage of healthcare workers in our state and region. 

As part of this transition, the Department of Kinesiology, offering both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees, will join the college, creating new opportunities for learning and research collaborations. The Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Ultrasound, which was the first of its kind in Washington state and has been a part of the College of Nursing since 2017, will now be more prominently represented under the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.  

Looking ahead, the college is developing plans to launch new programs in public health, such as a Master of Public Health geared to professionals working in public health roles. In addition, the expanded college will allow the university to deepen its partnerships with healthcare systems, particularly Providence-Swedish and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health.  

The establishment of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences aligns with our Strategic Directions, repositioning the university for growth, and helps to meet an important workforce and societal need by expanding our offerings in the health professions. This commitment has been bolstered by the endowed deanship made possible by a generous gift from Mr. Charles M. Pigott. As previously announced, Dr. Butch de Castro is leading the college as the inaugural Charles M. Pigott Dean, and Dr. Melissa Owen has recently been named Vice Dean for Nursing.  

We are grateful to the faculty and staff of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences as they lead us in educating skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals.  

Respectfully, 

Eduardo M. Peñalver 
President 

Shane P. Martin 
Provost