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Pacific Union College President Ralph Trecartin announced this week that after nearly 25 years of service, Vice President for Alumni and Advancement Kellie Lind will transition to a new business opportunity in the Napa Valley. Trecartin told PUC staff that Lind’s departure at the end of the month came with “mixed emotions.”“Kellie possesses an exceptional ability to connect with everyone, making each person feel special and important,” Trecartin told the PUC faculty and staff in an email announcement. “Her vibrant personality and warmth exemplify the kinds of friendships and connections that PUC is famous for. While we celebrate Kellie’s exciting new business opportunity, her regular presence on campus will be deeply missed. Going forward, I will continue to welcome her advice and guidance.”Lind’s distinguished career at PUC began in 1991 when she joined the college as the public relations director. Within just two years, then-President Malcolm Maxwell, recognizing her exceptional talent, appointed her as the director of alumni and development. “I owe Malcolm Maxwell a huge debt of gratitude,” said Lind, who, in her time at PUC, also served as the associate director of student enrollment. “Without him, I would not have embarked on a wonderful career helping serve our...

Pacific Union College is proud to announce the accreditation of its Bachelor of Science in Health Science program by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WASCUC).Vice President for Academic Administration Lindsay Hayasaka said, “This new degree fills an identified need for students who complete their A.S. at PUC and want to continue with us. We received excellent feedback from WSCUC, our accreditation body, who are pleased to see us extend what is already a strong A.S. program."The college has long been recognized for its pre-professional and allied health programs. This new program is yet another milestone in meeting the demand for qualified allied health professionals.Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences Kimberly Dunker expressed enthusiasm about the program and its accreditation.“This new program continues to show our dedication here at PUC to helping fulfill important needs for health care in our communities,” she said. “We are thrilled to support our Health Science majors in their career endeavors.”The accreditation affirms the program’s quality and aligns with PUC's commitment to meeting students’ needs in aspiring to pursue allied health professions without the lengthier requirements of medical and dental programs. The recently accredited B.S. program emphasizes an interactive and immersive experience and extends...

Many graduates from Pacific Union College’s social work program are eligible for advanced standing options in master’s degree programs. These options involve exemptions from specific coursework, accelerating the overall completion of their master’s degrees. A considerable number of PUC graduates opt to pursue their advanced degrees at Loma Linda University. In November, PUC and LLU formally agreed to establish a 4+1 Master in Social Work program, streamlining the transition from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree for students. This innovative program simplifies the application process for students, requiring only one application and acceptance step. Successful completion of this accelerated social work program results in attaining both a bachelor’s degree from PUC and a master’s degree from LLU. Damaris Perez, chair of PUC’s psychology and social work department, emphasized this program’s importance for the college, saying that successfully navigating graduate school is important for students and receiving support from both institutions is crucial during their academic journey. “This collaborative effort aims to fortify our relationship with sister institutions, fostering a supportive environment for students pursuing advanced education,” Perez said. “We have confidence in the excellence of the MSW program at LLU, and this agreement serves as a testament to the...

The Shed is an outdoor gear rental facilitated and funded by SA and the SA Senate. They rent athletic and outdoor equipment to the student body, such as mountain bikes, paddleboards, and backpacking gear. The initial equipment, like several REI mountain bikes and paddle boards, was funded through an SA Senate bill several years ago and was the utilization of the equipment.Daniel Randall, student manager of the Shed, has been involved since the end of last year. He loves all things outdoors and sharing that with others. “PUC is located in such a great spot for outdoor activities, with many recreational options and places within such a short distance away!” says Randall. “I want everyone at PUC to have the opportunity to take advantage of this if they want to!”The goal of the Shed is to make more outdoor recreational activities available to PUC students by offering a wide range of outdoor gear for rent at affordable prices to students and faculty. They have mountain bikes for exploring the trails of the Back 40 and inflatable kayaks and paddle boards for convenient transportation to places like Lake Berryessa. Safety equipment like bike helmets and lifejackets are required. They also offer...

Pacific Union College’s social work program recently received approval from the Council of Social Work Education Board of Accreditation, recognizing the program’s commitment to high standards and continuous improvement. Every eight years, the social work program undergoes a thorough accreditation process involving a comprehensive self-study, strategic planning, and collaboration with various stakeholders.“The accreditation decision underscores the program's commitment to excellence,” said Damaris Perez, psychology and social work department chair. “It serves as a testament to the program's commitment to maintaining and enhancing quality standards in education, ensuring that it aligns with the best practices in the field of social work.”The process to prepare for the assessment is a significant undertaking, Perez said. The rigorous self-study must be prepared two years in advance, forming the foundation for an onsite evaluation by an accreditation site visitor. In response, CSWE’s Board of Accreditation formulates clarifying questions that guide the visitor during their evaluation. The preparatory work, including strategic planning and meetings with stakeholders, is a collaborative effort that highlights the dedication of the PUC administration, faculty, and involved consultants. Perez said delivering a high-quality educational experience for students is a priority for the social work program. “Our dedication is evident in the relationships...