PNWU President Search is Now Open
Welcome Interim President, Dr. Robbyn Wacker
We are pleased to introduce our interim president, Dr. Robbyn Wacker, who began her role on October 7. Dr. Wacker’s wealth of experience in higher education leadership and change management makes her an ideal candidate to lead PNWU during this transitional period.
Dr. Wacker brings over 30 years of experience in higher education as a university faculty, researcher, and administrator, including her most recent six-year term as President of St. Cloud State University. A systems thinker, Dr. Wacker understands the importance of alignment and integration across all university areas, ensuring that every department and individual works harmoniously towards our shared goals.
Dr. Wacker has held several administrative posts throughout her career, including Dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences, Assistant Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, and Provost at the University of Northern Colorado. She is renowned for her collaborative approach and for fostering an inclusive and supportive campus environment.
As a faculty member in gerontology, she had a leadership role in attracting major external awards, published over 65 referred presentations, scholarly articles, and conference proceedings, and authored three books. She has earned numerous university and professional awards for leadership excellence and attended the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Management Development Program for leaders in higher education. She is a first-generation student with a doctorate in sociology from Iowa State University and a master’s and a bachelor’s degree in gerontology from the University of Northern Colorado.
Under Dr. Wacker’s leadership, we are confident that our university will continue to thrive and uphold the values that make our community so special.
Contact:
Vikki Gore, MS
Chief of Staff, Office of the President/Board Liaison
509.249.7720, email: president@pnwu.edu
Learn More About Dr. Robbyn Wacker
In the video below, Dr. Robbyn Wacker discusses what drew her to our mission, her role as a servant leader, her motivations, and the transformational opportunities that exist at PNWU.
We mourn the loss of Dr. Michael J. Lawler, the sixth president of Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences. In addition to his years of professional experience, Dr. Lawler brought compassion, transparency, mentorship, and friendship to the campus. We are all better for the time spent with Dr. Lawler.
Past Presidents
Gregory Mick, DO
Interim 2005-2006
Fred Tinning, PhD
Interim 2007
Stan Flemming, DO
2007-2009
Lloyd Butler, DO
Interim 2009-2012, President Emeritus
D. Keith Watson, DO
2012-2018, President Emeritus
Michael J. Lawler, PhD
2018-2024
President Emeritus status is reserved by the Board of Trustees to honor, in retirement, a president who has provided outstanding and distinguished service to Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences and has served a significant portion of his or her career at the University. Outstanding and distinguished Emeritus status is given to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment and contributions to PNWU, exemplifying the highest standards of personal and professional integrity, civic responsibility, vision, and leadership. The designation identifies the university president as a continuing member of the PNWU community.
President’s Annual Awards
Staff President’s Award, Administrative Service
2022: Jennifer Garehime, BS
2023: Rachel Hagler
Staff President’s Award, Service
2022: Catherine McCulley, BS
Staff President’s Award, Student Support
2022: Gloria Brooks
2023: Michael Leadercharge, BA
Faculty President’s Award for Teaching
2024: Janelle Mapes, PhD
Faculty President’s Award for Scholarly Activity
2024: Kathaleen Briggs, Early, PhD RDN CDCES
Faculty President’s Award, Distinguished Professorship:
2024: William Elliott, MD, PhD
President Emeritus status is reserved by the Board of Trustees to honor, in retirement, a president who has provided outstanding and distinguished service to Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences and has served a significant portion of his or her career at the University. Outstanding and distinguished Emeritus status is given to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment and contributions to PNWU, exemplifying the highest standards of personal and professional integrity, civic responsibility, vision, and leadership. The designation identifies the university president as a continuing member of the PNWU community.