Pacific Faculty Earn Tenure and Promotions
Recommendations for rank promotions and tenure status come from the college and department personnel committees, then are reviewed and recommended by the University Personnel Committee, the provost, and the president of the university. Tenure appointments are also approved by the Board of Trustees.
Please join us in congratulating our colleagues on these recognitions of their excellence in teaching, scholarship and service!
Faculty Awarded Indefinite Tenure
The following faculty members have been granted indefinite tenure at their current rank.
Robert Harris, PhD Professor | School of Graduate Psychology | College of Health Professions
Dr. Harris joined Pacific in 2023 as the PsyD Program Director, bringing over 30 years of academic and clinical experience. He has secured millions in grants for community-based training and is a recognized expert in Rorschach administration and coding. He has led multiple doctoral programs through successful APA reaccreditation.
Brian J. Wilkinson, DHSc Associate Professor | School of Physical Therapy & Athletic Training | College of Health Professions
Dr. Wilkinson is a specialist in upper extremity conditions and work-related ergonomics. He earned his Doctor of Health Science degree from Pacific University in 2024 and oversees curriculum related to physiology and pharmacology. He is an active member of the American Society of Hand Therapists and the American Physical Therapy Association.
Faculty Receiving Tenure and Promotion
The following faculty members have been granted indefinite tenure and promoted from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor.
Emily Bower, PhD Associate Professor | School of Graduate Psychology | College of Health Professions
Dr. Bower serves in the Clinical Psychology PhD program, having joined Pacific in 2020. Her research focuses on older adult behavioral health, with specific specializations in suicide prevention, social connection, and cognitive impairment. She completed her postdoctoral training at the San Diego State University/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program and the Salem VA Medical Center.
Jeni Dulek, EdD Associate Professor | School of Occupational Therapy | College of Health Professions
Dr. Dulek specializes in occupational therapy foundations and psychosocial practice. Her scholarship focuses on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and neurodiversity-affirming pedagogy, often co-authoring research with her students. She also serves as an evaluator for the Accreditation Council on Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
Mari Fujimoto, OD Associate Professor | College of Optometry
Dr. Fujimoto is a specialist in cornea and contact lens education and research. She is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Optometry and has lectured internationally on specialty contact lens fitting and cultural competency. She earned both her Doctorate of Optometry and completed her residency at Pacific University.
Kara Lanning, PhD Associate Professor | School of Natural Sciences | College of Undergraduate Studies
Dr. Lanning teaches plant and sustainability science within the Department of Environmental Studies. Her research focuses on invasive plant pathogens and their ecological impacts in the Pacific Northwest. She is dedicated to high-impact undergraduate research, collaborating with local organizations to promote environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.
Nancy Murakami, DSW Associate Professor | Master of Social Work Program | College of Graduate Studies
Dr. Murakami is a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience in refugee mental health and trauma. She serves as a technical advisor for Friends of Kisoro in Uganda and has co-edited multiple books on integrative social work practice. She earned her DSW from New York University and previously served in the Peace Corps.
Ximena Keogh Serrano, PhD Associate Professor | School of Arts and Humanities | College of Undergraduate Studies
Dr. Keogh Serrano teaches Spanish and Latinx Studies, specializing in the intersection of Latin American and U.S. Latinx literary and cultural studies. Her research explores borders, migration, and sexual politics through visual art, film, and performance. A transnational scholar and poet, she produces work across Spanish, English, and Spanglish.
Faculty Promotions
The following faculty members have been promoted in rank.
Bonnie Bolkan, PhD Associate Professor | Department of Biology | College of Undergraduate Studies
Promoted from Assistant Professor, Dr. Bolkan specializes in genetics and neurodegeneration. A 2025 Fulbright Scholar in Uganda, her research explores the links between genetics and diseases like Alzheimer’s. She is highly regarded for her mentorship of undergraduate capstone projects and her science-themed travel courses.
Michael Bridges, PT, DPT Full Professor | School of Physical Therapy & Athletic Training | College of Health Professions
Promoted from Associate Professor, Dr. Bridges has held significant leadership roles at Pacific, including Faculty Senate Chair and a member of the Restructuring Leadership Committee. His work focuses on student advocacy and developing university-wide promotion and tenure language. He brings a clinical perspective to his goal of helping all community members reach their full potential.
Alison McLellan, MMS Full Professor | School of Physician Assistant Studies | College of Health Professions
Promoted from Associate Professor, Professor McLellan is the Director of Academic Education for the School of PA Studies. With nearly two decades of experience as a PA specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, she now focuses her research on assessment and professional development. She is an active volunteer at local free clinics and national PA education committees.
Ty Merick Assistant Professor | Office of International Programs | English Language Institute
Promoted from Instructor, Professor Merick serves as the Academic Coordinator for the English Language Institute. She recently led the development of the Hospitality Internship Program which has expanded into the CareerSync Internship Program for English language learners. She also currently serves as President of Oregon TESOL. Her scholarly work focuses on gamified and flipped-classroom instructional models.
Caroline Ooley, OD Full Professor | College of Optometry
Promoted from Associate Professor, Dr. Ooley teaches systemic disease and provides patient care in Pacific’s clinics. A graduate of Pacific’s optometry program, she completed her residency at the Portland VA Medical Center, where she continues to practice. Her work bridges the gap between clinical practice and didactic instruction.
Alison Santoro, MNL Associate Professor | School of Dental Hygiene Studies | College of Health Professions
Promoted from Assistant Professor, Professor Santoro has been a part of the Pacific community since 2001. She currently serves as the Director of Clinical Operations for the Pacific University Dental Clinic. In 2025, she earned her third degree from the institution, a Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership.
Tamara Tasker, PsyD Full Professor | School of Graduate Psychology | College of Health Professions
Promoted from Associate Professor, Dr. Tasker has served Pacific for 18 years. She coordinates the Adult Emphasis for the PsyD program and serves as the Sport Psychologist for the Pacific Athletics Department. Her research focuses on the impact of mindfulness training on athlete resilience and performance.
Jordan Tinsley, DHSc Associate Clinical Professor | School of Communication Sciences and Disorders | College of Graduate Studies
Promoted from Assistant Clinical Professor, Dr. Tinsley specializes in gender-affirming voice and communication services. She received the 2025 Pacific University Diversity and Justice Award and serves as President of the Oregon Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She also coordinates the university’s nationally recognized Clinical Simulation program.
Jongsun Wee, PhD Full Professor | School of Learning and Teaching | College of Graduate Studies
Promoted from Associate Professor, Dr. Wee researches the use of children’s literature to explore cultural perspectives and social issues. She serves as an international bridge for teacher education between the U.S. and Korea and has collaborated with UNICEF Korea. She currently chairs the NCTE Children’s Poetry Awards committee.
Trent Westrick, AuD Full Professor | School of Audiology | College of Health Professions
Promoted from Associate Professor, Dr. Westrick serves as the Year 3 Externship Coordinator for the School of Audiology. His expertise includes adult audiologic diagnostics, amplification, and the psychosocial aspects of hearing impairment. He joined the Pacific faculty in 2014 after completing his studies at The Ohio State University.