Watch Dr. Lawler’s celebration of life below.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Michael Lawler, President of Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU). As we process this immeasurable loss, we recognize the immense impact Dr. Lawler has had on our university, our community, and the field of health sciences.
A Visionary Leader and His Transformative Impact
Dr. Lawler was a visionary leader whose tenure as PNWU’s longest-serving President was marked by extraordinary achievements and unwavering dedication to our mission. Under his guidance, PNWU transformed from a single-program institution into a flourishing health sciences university, encompassing five mission-focused programs. His commitment to advancing healthcare education and serving rural and medically underserved communities was not only a testament to his professional expertise but also to his profound compassion and commitment to serving others.
“His boundless compassion for all people and his passionate vision for PNWU have been a remarkable gift to us all.”
“It is with a heavy heart indeed that we mourn the passing of our dear friend and esteemed colleague, Dr. Michael Lawler,” said Lloyd Butler, DO, Founder of PNWU. “Many of us have been truly blessed by the opportunity to know and love Dr. Lawler. His boundless compassion for all people and his passionate vision for PNWU have been a remarkable gift to us all. While we all knew this day would come eventually, it feels like it has arrived far too soon. Just last Friday, Mike was sharing his exciting plans for the future of our university, filled with the same enthusiasm and vision that marked his tenure as President.”
A Legacy of Knowledge and Compassion
With 35 years of professional experience in health and human services, Dr. Lawler’s knowledge and passion illuminated our health sciences campus from the moment he arrived. His previous roles as Dean and Professor of the School of Health Sciences at the University of South Dakota (USD) and his extensive work at the University of California, Davis (UCD) laid the foundation for his visionary leadership at PNWU.
“Mike was a visionary leader who built extensively on the progress PNWU has made,” said Keith Watson, DO, who served as PNWU President prior to Dr. Lawler’s tenure. “The accomplishments he spearheaded have truly made the institution a university. His legacy will forever be embedded in the PNWU history and presence in the Pacific Northwest.”
Commitment to Health, Human Services, and Education
Dr. Lawler’s commitment to health, human services, and education forever inspired our university. His significant contributions extended beyond administrative roles; he was a prolific author with over 80 publications and served as the U.S. Principal Investigator for the Children’s Worlds survey, assessing global child well-being. His role as chair-elect of the American Psychological Association’s Committee on Children, Youth, and Families further exemplified his dedication to advancing the field.
During his time in Yakima, Dr. Lawler was pivotal in fostering PNWU’s strong partnership with the fourteen confederated tribes and bands of the Yakama Nation, working to establish a land acknowledgement expressing our deep gratitude to the Yakama Nation for the opportunity to serve others from this land and recognizing PNWU’s unified reverence for the land and all the elements of nature that make up our campus.
“Dr. Lawler was a friend of the Yakama Nation,” said Davis “Yellowash” Washines, PNWU Trustee and Government Relations Liaison with the Yakama Nation Fisheries Department.
An Enduring Legacy of Touching Lives
Dr. Lawler’s legacy will live on through the many lives he touched—students, faculty, staff, and the broader community. His leadership fostered an environment of innovation, inclusivity, and pure excellence. As we grieve this loss, we find solace in knowing that his vision for PNWU and his dedication to our mission will continue to guide us.
In honoring Dr. Lawler’s memory, we extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Kimberly Lawler, and their son, Sebastian.
“Your legacy has touched our hearts and made us better.”
“Our deepest love and prayers are with Kim and the family during this time of profound loss. Rest in peace, my dear friend,” said Dr. Butler. “Your legacy has touched our hearts and made us better. We will always hold you in our hearts with love and respect.”
Dr. Lawler’s impact on PNWU and his commitment to improving healthcare education and access will always be remembered and celebrated. As we move forward, we will carry forward his vision and dedication, ensuring that his legacy of service and compassion continues to inspire and shape the future of our university and the communities we serve.
We invite you to share your memories of Dr. Lawler in the comments below the photo gallery.
The day I started at PNWU last October, there was a campus conversation to discuss the tragic death of a former student. Seeing Dr. Lawler’s earnest compassion and deep love for that student and for the whole campus community was awe-inspiring. I was certain then that I had made a good choice in coming to work for PNWU.
One of the highlights of my day was when Dr. Lawler would spontaneously show up at my office just to sit down and chat for a minute or two. He always took time for others and made us feel important and valued. His leadership style and endearing nature will stay with me forever.
Dr. Lawler had an extraordinary heart for people. When he spoke with you, it was as if you had his complete and undivided attention, no matter how brief or seemingly small the conversation. He not only remembered your words but also remembered your name, making you feel truly seen and valued. It’s a simple gesture, but it meant the world. His ability to show genuine kindness and compassion was unparalleled.
I will always remember Dr. Lawler’s kindness and genuineness. After being hired remotely for my first year, I often encountered him in the hallways and break room when I returned to campus. He always took the time to engage in meaningful mini-conversations with me, showing genuine care for me as a person. Our chats always left me feeling uplifted, like a bit of sunshine had been poured into my day. Dr. Lawler made a positive impact on my life, and I will miss him dearly.
I worked with him for several years while I was on the board. It was always a pleasure to see him and talk with him. He was always so full of energy and passion. I will miss him.
He was such a nice guy, ran into him last week and was really interested on how my business and I was doing. Rotary and I will surely miss you. My sincere condolences to his family
The first day Dr. Lawler was on campus, he learned my name. From that day forward he never forgot it, no matter how much time passed before we crossed paths again. His ability to make each person he met feel valued and important was truly extraordinary. He was the epitome of the term “servant-leader” and I hope that each of us who knew him will carry that example forward.
Dr. Lawler was such a champion of our mission, our students, the underserved communities we serve, and all of us here on campus. Always eager to shake my hand with a hearty, “How are you doing, Dr. Early?” Just a downright Good Person who believed in us and what we are trying to do. I will miss him, his optimistic attitude, and his book recommendations. Sending all my best to his family.
I will always remember Dr. Lawler for his leadership and his compassion. I will remember fondly the out of the blue conversations, and how he knew just what to say, even if we didn’t know we needed to hear it.
I will remember him for how he would genuinely ask about my family (by name), and how (at the Pippins game) he asked my son (Aiden, now 6) if he had any tips and pointers for him before he threw out the first Apple, and their entire conversation about what he should do. Then he came back and thanked Aiden for his advice…
I will remember the support and encouragement, and the mentorship, which has led me to start my Doctorate.
In his honor, I will strive to (as he would always say) “do better.” To never be content, and always strive to do more!
I will miss Dr. Lawler, as all of you will, but will have his legacy live on through the work that we all do!!!
After my younger sister passed away in May 2023, Dr. Lawler came to see me in the office. He sat on the corner of my desk and asked me such sincere questions about her. It’s no surprise that he took the time to do that–that’s exactly the kind of person he was. He also mailed a beautiful living plant to my home in Oregon, a Peace Lily, with a hand-written card of condolence. Everything he did, he did with sincerity and compassion. I’m not alone in saying how greatly he is missed!
My first encounters with Dr. Lawler took place when he was referred to me for hyperbaric medicine treatments for some complications that he had from his first cancer fight. I was always amazed at how humble, kind, and genuine he was towards all of the staff in the clinic. When I later came onboard to PNWU as faculty, he remembered me immediately and was still that same amazing person. He was the epitome of calm leadership and someone who truly cared for all he met. I am going to really miss Dr. Lawler. Although PNWU will continue on, future classes will unfortunately miss out on his words of wisdom and encouragement.
I am saddened to hear of the passing of President Lawler. I worked closely with Dr Lawler when he was Chair of Social Work and Dean of the School of Health Sciences at the University of South Dakota. Dr Lawler was both an ally of faculty and students, balancing the needs of both and in supporting faculty research and teaching, developing new programs at our three campuses – three physical locations and the online environment and using his experience as a scholar, Department Chair, and Dean to ensure learning objectives were designed to be equal and assessing learning to ensure they were equal. Mike also demonstrated leadership in leading our university through institutional accreditation working between schools and colleges, across learning environments, and engendering substantive and genuine cooperation across academic units.
Perhaps most important is his character and his ability to establish relationships with colleagues and from my experience, at all levels of our hierarchy – greeting people by name and engaging in conversations with them. He showed genuine interest in their lives. We missed him when he left Vermillion and I am sure that he will be missed be people at PNWU.
If offer my condolences to Kimberly and Sebastian, as well as the entire PNWU. My wish is that all who encountered Dr Michale Lawler will remember his care and concern for them and remember our great luck to have known him.
I appreciate he took the time to stop by and check in periodically. Last year after the back to back death’s of two family members. He stopped by my office to give his condolences and make sure I took the time I needed to grieve. He was never too busy to take time to listen. He will definitely be missed.
I am saddened to hear of the passing of President Lawler. I worked closely with Dr Lawler when he was Chair of Social Work and Dean of the School of Health Sciences at the University of South Dakota. Dr Lawler was both an ally and advocate of faculty and students, balancing the needs of each in supporting faculty research and teaching, developing new programs at our three campuses – three physical locations and the online environment, and using his experience as a scholar, Department Chair, and Dean to ensure learning objectives were designed to be equal and assessing learning to ensure they were equal. Mike also demonstrated leadership in leading our university through institutional accreditation working between schools and colleges, across learning environments, and engendering substantive and genuine cooperation across academic units.
Perhaps most important is his character and his ability to establish relationships with colleagues and from my experience, at all levels of our hierarchy – greeting people by name and engaging in conversations with them. He showed genuine interest in their lives. We missed him when he left Vermillion and I am sure that he will be missed be people at PNWU.
I offer my condolences to Kimberly and Sebastian, as well as the entire PNWU community. My wish is that all who encountered Dr Michale Lawler will remember his care and concern for them and remember our great luck and good fortune to have spent and shared time with him on this Earth.
Those we love are always with us. Their laughter, their wisdom, and their thoughtfulness, are gifts of love that are ours to keep.
May the gifts we received from Michael Lawler console you now, and fill your heart with comforting warmth.
Like all of you, I feel a hole in my heart for losing such a compassionate and kind servant leader and friend. He made each of us more confident in what we could accomplish for the greater good in the world. As much as I am saddened by our loss, I know that he would not want us to morn his loss, but rather celebrate our times together. I think often of his inauguration here at PNWU, where he encouraged us all to volunteer in town the week of this event. And then there was the inauguration event itself. I just rewatched the recording of the event he planned, where the East Valley Middle School choir sang “What a Wonderful World” (starting at about 12:30 in the recording:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdKPjvQ0-1Q ). Dr. Lawler truly helped make it a Wonderful World for all those fortunate enough to know him.
Thanks for sharing the video Diana! I was just remembering his inauguration myself. It was a special moment.
During my preclinical years, our autistic son Michael lived with me, and would walk me to and from campus each day. Dr. Lawler always made a point of greeting and chatting with Michael, calling him an “honorary student” at PNWU and encouraging him to continue his education. Thanks to his support, Michael is now one class away from completing his associate’s degree with honors. Dr. Lawler was so extraordinary not only for the love and support he extended to the students, but to their families as well. He will be forever in our hearts.
Michael Lawler was a colleague, friend, boss, fellow comrade and kindred spirit. We were colleagues when he was Chair of Social Work and I was Chair of Physical Therapy at the University of South Dakota. I encouraged him to apply for the Dean of Health Sciences position. He then became my boss. We worked together for excellence in the School and collaborated on many issues to move the School forward. He was always warm, genuine, compassionate, and calm. We have lost a great man.
I am one of the Board of Trustee Members who was involved in hiring Dr Lawler to be the President of PNWU. We knew as soon as we spoke with him during the interview process that he was the obvious choice. And what an amazing President he has been as we all have seen. But for me he has also been a friend. On my first day in the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees, Mike told me he had just been diagnosed with cancer and over the next nine months of his rigorous and challenging treatment course he displayed remarkable courage and tenacity. After he completed his treatment he returned to work and poured all his energy into the University accomplishing everything we witness today. After his cancer returned he told the Board that he wanted nothing more than to spend whatever time he had left focusing on the goals he had for the University. And that’s exactly what he did.
He was one of the finest human beings I have ever met and I was so blessed to have known him. I will miss him more than I can say.
When Dr. Lawler was in the interview process, he gave a presentation to the faculty and staff in the UCC. At the end of his talk, he asked if there were any questions. I was sitting in the back of the room and raised my hand. He said- “Yes, Dr. Scandalis.” I had not met him at that point. My first two thoughts were- that’s a little freaky that he knew my face and my name without even meeting me, and my immediate second thought was- wow, this guy has done his homework. There was a dinner with him later that evening with some members of the board and of the PAC and I was listening intently all evening to his comments and the answers he gave to questions. I was impressed and completely sold on him being the right choice for us. After dinner, I pulled him aside and said- “Mike, you have to come here and be our president.” I’m not naive or arrogant enough to think that my saying that was the reason why he came. I was only thinking that he was the right person to lead us at that moment and into the future. Over the years he demonstrated in so many ways that he indeed was the right person. I’m so fortunate and grateful for having the privilege of working closely with him since he arrived. I will miss him. He was my president, my friend, and my brother.
ODE TO DR. MICHEAL J. LAWLER
Michael Lawler PhD
President PNWU (2010-2024)
It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to Dr. Lawler, the esteemed President of Pacific Northwest University, who departed from us on August 6, 2024. His legacy, characterized by compassion, humility, and unwavering dedication, will forever resonate within our hearts and halls.
Dr. Lawler was more than a leader; he was a beacon of kindness and empathy. His personable nature allowed him to connect with everyone he met. He knew each of us by name and took the time to engage in meaningful conversations. He embodied the very essence of humanity, always extending a helping hand and fostering peace. His gentle and humble demeanor made him a beloved figure on campus, one who never hurt but always healed.
In times of sorrow, Dr. Lawler was a pillar of support. He empathized and sympathized with the bereaved, often sending flowers and handwritten cards to those in need. These two gestures I received from hm. His thoughtful gestures provided comfort and solace, leaving an indelible mark on our community. His love and compassion will continue to inspire us, keeping our spirits strong and our wounds healed.
“Dr. Lawler brought 35 years of professional experience in health and human services to our rapidly expanding university. As the Dean and Professor of the School of Health Sciences at the University of South Dakota (USD), he led ten academic departments, cementing USD’s School of Health Sciences as a national leader in interprofessional health sciences education. He created new programs, established research centers, doubled student enrollment, improved graduation rates, and raised $65M for a new teaching and research facility.
Prior to USD, Dr. Lawler served at the University of California, Davis (UCD) for 16 years. His roles included Director of the Center for Human Services and Co-Director of the Center for Public Policy Research. He partnered with stakeholders to secure $130M in funding for research and education centers. His contributions to the field were vast, authoring over 80 publications and serving as the Principal Investigator for the Children’s Worlds: International Survey of Children’s Well-Being.”
Dr. Lawler’s dedication to improving the lives of others, both within and outside the academic sphere, was truly remarkable. His leadership, marked by vision and compassion, has left an enduring legacy. May his love continue to fire us and keep our wounds healed as we carry forward his mission.
As we mourn his loss, we celebrate his life and the indelible impact he made on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Dr. Lawler, you will be sorely missed, but your spirit will forever remain with us.
In gratitude and remembrance,
Femi Jaiyeola, PhD
Pacific Northwest University
Femi, this was beautiful! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and speaking from your heart. It gave me peace and joy to read.
I hadn’t known Dr. Lawler for very long. In my 2nd month of working for PNWU, I was told to meet with him for a particular matter. After our very first interaction, I could tell hat Dr. Lawler wasn’t an ordinary person. He had deep genuine care for the people around him, especially PNWU students, faculty, and staff.
I remember receiving a handwritten letter from Dr. Lawler one day and I now know that he would do this quite commonly. The fact that it was a habit of his just goes to show that we were worth his time and effort. Clearly a selfless individual that completely embraced what PNWU works towards on a daily basis. Every interaction I had with him was the same. Recognizing his sincerity, kindness, patience, and knowledge.
With how much weight he had on his shoulders, he never seemed to display any negativity and that’s what a real leader is capable of. I will truly miss Dr. Lawler and I’m sure that PNWU will miss him as well. Not everyone gets to meet a human like him and I consider it a blessing. Thank you Dr. Lawler for enriching my life.
It was a privilege and honor to have worked side-by- side with Dr. Lawler as his CFO for many years. He was a remarkable leader with genuine compassion for everyone. He embodied the mission of PNWU to train health care professionals focusing on the underserved in our communities, and was instrumental in adding many new programs and adding to the solid foundation of the existing programs. He lived it. His courage and grace the past few years is inspiring. Thank you Dr. Lawler.
I had the privilege of serving under Dr. Lawler as his Director of Security. His leadership was marked by wisdom, compassion, and enduring dedication to the core values of the University. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and all of those who had the honor of working with him.
Dr Lawler was a remarkable person.No matter what the situation he had the ability to let you know he cared; whether it was as President, in the many roles that entailed, or just as the man walking by and stopping to say “Hi”, remembering your name and something about you. When my husband was in the car waiting for me to come out he would stop and wave and ask how he was doing. It is those “little things” that he did that inspired those who knew him. His time at PNWU has been a time of growth both in the physical campus but also in the spirit, the vision and mission of PNWU. I will miss him. The greatest tribute I feel we can pay to his legacy is to continue to carry on in the same spirit and ask ourselves”what would Dr. Lawler do?”.
I served on the search committee that vetted Dr. Lawler and am a member of the Board of Trustees. From the moment I picked Mike up at the Yakima Airport I knew he was the right fit for President. We immediately bonded over mission and vision and felt like we’d been friends forever. He was truly one of the most compassionate, humble and gracious people I have ever met. Mike and his wife Kim were of great comfort to me when I lost my beloved husband. He understood the vision the founders had for PNWU and made that vision a reality with his dedication and hard work. His legacy will live on with every health care provider we graduate and send out into the world. Bless you Mike and know that I will carry you in my heart forever.
I met Dr. Lawler who was Dean of the School of Health Sciences at the University of South Dakota when I was Program Coordinator for Native Student Services and then when I moved to the Sanford School of Medicine as Diversity Pipeline Coordinator. He showed his compassion, his vision, and USD lost a great leader in him when he moved on to PNWU as he was meant for a greater service. He will be missed.
Dr. Lawler always brought a smile and good energy into the room. That’s hard to do, especially with the consistency that he did. I am forever grateful for the time he took to sit with my late husband who also battled cancer. Sometimes they didn’t even talk, just shared each other’s space, knowing what the other was going through. I think they are together up there now, smiling down on us. The world lost a true hero and his positive impact lives on.
Though deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Michael Lawler, I also feel privileged to have known Michael as a colleague and friend. Michael exemplified servant leadership with vision, humility and authentic relational and respectful interactions with everyone he came in contact with. His selfless ability to uplift others have left a significant impact on the lives of numerous individuals and the organizations he served.
When the search committee brought Mike’s name forward I did some research into his background and found a copy of the testimonials that the faculty had made at UC Davis. I remember thinking if he is half as good as these notes say he will be the perfect President for us . Mike was a genuinely warm and caring person and in talking to him he made you feel special.
When he came to campus I was the acting President but he treated me as if I had been President for life and with that same respect. He told me one of his best friends in South Dakota was named Bob Sutton and always treated me as a friend. going through his cancer he was always hopeful. He was a great asset to our university and a great friend.
Dr. Lawler, Mike, was an amazing social worker! He was Chair of the Social Work Department at USD and later became Dean of the School of Health Sciences. He was an advocate for Native American children, especially those in foster care. He was an amazing leader who was personable, kind, thoughtful, considerate and one who acknowledged your professional abilities. He personally helped me grow as a professional and I am grateful I had the opportunity to work with him but especially to have known him. He truly was an exceptional person; we have lost a remarkable human being. RIP Mike!
Dr. Lawler was influential as Dean of USD and within the social work department. I valued his wisdom, hope, and kindness. I am thankful to have experienced his leadership. May his life be celebrated as he is truly missed.
I will remember Dr. Lawler as someone who continually chose hope. He thought and cared deeply about family, friends, colleagues, and students, and he was able to see the best in all of us. Thank you, Dr. Lawler, for always showing up and never giving up. Thank you for sharing your light.
Thanks to all who have led us in celebrating the life of Dr. Lawler. He has been such a champion for the underserved in our community, and a friend and advisor to other community leaders who share his passion. On behalf of the Union Gospel Mission and our Care Center, please accept our deep appreciation for his impact on us. We are truly grateful.