About President Dr. Coyle

Dr. Jennifer Coyle became the 18th president of Pacific University on July 1, 2022.

Dr. Coyle brings nearly 30 years of experience in higher education, healthcare and leadership as she returns to Pacific, where she is an alumna, parent, and former professor and dean in the College of Optometry.

"Dr. Coyle is a top university president candidate and a perfect fit for Pacific University, said Presidential Search Committee Chair Mark Frandsen. “The search committee and the board have great confidence in the leadership that Dr. Coyle will bring to Pacific. We are fortunate that she has a deep connection to our community and culture. She exemplifies the Pacific mission and commitment to student support and success, along with excellence in academic scholarship and research.”

Most recently dean of the Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University, Dr. Coyle earned her bachelor of vision science in 1990, doctor of optometry in 1993, and master of science in vision science in 2000, all from Pacific. She also completed a residency in contact lenses in 1993-1994 at Pacific, and taught in the College of Optometry starting in 1994. She served as associate dean from 2006 to 2008 and as dean from 2008 to 2019.

Dr. Coyle begins an inaugural tour — "Conversations About Community" — to meet with faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends throughout Fall 2022.