Dr. Mary Von Named Vice Provost, Dean of College of Health Professions
Dr. Mary Von has been named vice provost and executive dean of the Pacific University College of Health Professions, effective Jan. 1, 2022.
She has been serving in the role on an interim basis since July 1, 2021. Previously, she was director of the School of Physician Assistant Studies within the college from 2014 to 2021. Alumna and faculty member Saje Davis-Risen succeeds Dr. Von as director of the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
“Dr. Von has proven herself to be a valuable member of the Provost’s Council as a representative of the College of Health Professions students, faculty and staff,” said Dr. Ann Barr-Gillespie, Pacific University provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, who is also Dr. Von’s predecessor in the College of Health Professions. I am delighted to have Mary taking the reins of CHP as the executive dean and vice provost, and I look forward to the future successes that the college will enjoy guided by her innovative and enthusiastic leadership.”
Von first joined the Pacific faculty in 2003, and has held a variety of roles including clinical coordinator, director of academic education, and associate director of the School of Physician Assistant Studies. She is a certified physician assistant specializing in migraine and headache management and lifestyle counseling. She holds a doctor of health education (DHEd) from AT Still University of Health Sciences, a master’s degree in advanced PA studies from Arizona School of Medicine, and a PA certificate from the University of Washington School of Medicine.
“I am incredibly honored to be chosen for this role and look forward to building upon the strong foundation that Provost Barr-Gillespie has established over the past 12 years,” said Dr. Von. “I am committed to working with our insightful faculty, staff and students to develop the next strategic plan for a bright future for the College of Health Professions.”
The Pacific University College of Health Professions is home to eight schools and several interdisciplinary graduate and professional programs in healthcare, including audiology, dental hygiene, health science, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy and athletic training, physician assistant studies, and psychology. The college serves a third of Pacific University’s 3,700-plus students from its location at the Hillsboro Campus.