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At a time when many institutions of higher learning are struggling to maintain their enrollments, Pacific Union College has continued to grow in recent years.This academic year, PUC’s headcount has increased from 884 to 930 students. It’s the third consecutive year of growth. While the trajectory may be modest, PUC is grateful, especially considering demographic challenges and a decade-long downward trend in student numbers. Furthermore, the college has made considerable strides in retaining its students. PUC maintains a nearly 90% retention rate for those who qualify to return for another year. President Ralph Trecartin said the continued growth is a testament to the hard work of the entire PUC campus community. “So many people at PUC have contributed to this effort,” Trecartin said. “We are thankful to God for His faithfulness and guidance as we continue to provide quality education for our students.”Gene Edelbach, vice president for enrollment and marketing, said several factors are responsible for this growth—PUC’s innovative vision, transfer student programs, and new graduate offerings. Among these, the introduction of associate to bachelor’s degree programs in nursing and the online MSN and MBA programs have collectively added nearly 200 students to the college.The associate to bachelor's degree program...

Pacific Union College reached a significant milestone with the completion of the Davidian Hall renovation project. It’s a fresh look for one of the college’s oldest buildings, which hasn’t undergone upgrades for decades.The building project was split into two phases. The first, completed in the fall of 2022, focused on creating adequate space to accommodate the increase in nursing and health science students. During this phase, an OB and Pediatric simulation room was designed and built.  Upgrades to the existing high-fidelity simulation space were also needed.  Phase two of the Davidian Hall refresh was an intensive undertaking over the summer. Additions included a skills lab testing area, two simulation debriefing areas, new desks in one classroom, tables and chairs in another, and new chairs for each lab space. All new flooring and carpeting were installed, and painting was completed—including in all faculty areas. Updated signage was also added throughout the department.  “The addition of these items will allow students to utilize the simulation and laboratory environments to meet programmatic outcomes and utilize experiential learning through quality hands-on experience to ensure the department is self-sufficient in training the next generation of nurses. This is critical if another event like the recent COVID-19 pandemic takes...

Pacific Union College recently received a generous grant from the Johnson Family Fund of the Napa Valley Community Foundation. The donation, awarded on Sept. 23, goes toward the Utt Endowment.Students of PUC’s late, beloved history professor, Dr. Walter Utt, established an endowment to honor their former teacher. Officially recognized by PUC’s Board in 1988, the Utt Endowment raised money to complete the professor’s unfinished book, support a series of visiting professors, and build the recently opened Walter C. Utt Center for Adventist History on the PUC campus.Part of the grant from NVCF will be used to publish the results from the first scholarly conference held early this week at the Utt Center. The conference, titled “Ellen White for Today,” was enormously successful and attended by 21 scholars and administrators, including four former university presidents.Eric Anderson, a professor emeritus and former PUC president, said the conference focused on the historical context of White—Adventism’s “founding mother.” White’s home is a state historical site in Napa County. Conference participants discussed the significance of the Adventist experience in American history.Anderson expressed deep gratitude for the grant. “It highlights the potential of the Utt Center to promote research of value to Pacific Union College and...

Pacific Union College hosted 80 students from 10 Seventh-day Adventist academies in September at the 33rd Annual Publication Workshop. It’s a yearly opportunity for student newspaper, yearbook, and video yearbook staff and sponsors to network, learn, and hone their skills.“PUC's legendary Publication Workshop represents a unique chance for high school and academy students to learn skills in photography, design, and journalism from world-class professionals,” communications professor Eric Graham said. “The ability to work hands-on with experts and develop skills that will make their school publications come alive is a special opportunity.”Professor of Visual Arts Tim de la Torre served as director of the workshop, held Sept. 10-12, for the third time, though he has taught at the event for many years. His goal this year was to find ways to fine-tune the workshop based on feedback from years past. “We feel like it’s getting to its final form,” he said.Along with de la Torre and Graham, other professors from PUC who presented included Chair of the Visual Arts Department Rajeev Sigamoney, Professor of Photography Brian Kyle, and Professor of Graphic Design Clifford Rusch—all people with extensive experience in their respective fields. On Monday morning, students attended lectures and training. Rusch...

Pacific Union College is again among the top three colleges with the best return on investment for graduates with an associate degree, according to Payscale’s 2023 College Salary Report.Payscale’s annual salary potential rankings, released Sept. 27, are based on the surveys of millions of graduates nationwide from over 2,500 colleges and universities.Most of the highest-ranking colleges have strong nursing and healthcare degree programs. PUC ranked third on the list, just behind Helene Fuld College of Nursing in New York and Labouré College in Massachusetts. The median salary for a PUC graduate with an associate degree is $97,000.“This result demonstrates how valuable associate degrees from PUC can be long term,” said Lindsay Hayasaka, vice president for academic administration and academic dean. “They also open opportunities: moving into a bachelor program or heading into the workforce--where students know they will get an excellent return—are both attractive options.”A two-year degree program is often a more affordable option for students making decisions about a college education and financial aid. Payscale notes that choosing a college with a high salary potential could reduce student loan payback by nearly half.“While the perceived value of a college degree may be up for debate, this year’s College Salary...

Pacific Union College was again lauded for its excellence in higher education, ranking high among the region’s top institutions in the U.S. News & World Report 2023-24 Best College list released today.U.S. News & World Report heralded PUC as the No. 2 Best Value School among colleges in the larger Western region, a jump from No. 6 last year. In California alone, PUC is first.A Best Value School, according to the publication, is an institution credited with excellent academic programs and affordability due to low tuition costs and financial aid assistance. “I believe the best value that comes with a PUC degree is that our students are connected to a community of faith and well-prepared for a lifetime of service,” said Lindsay Hayasaka, PUC’s vice president of academic administration and academic dean. “Being equipped to create positive change in the world and live out kingdom values is truly invaluable—and this is what we are most proud of at PUC.” PUC President Ralph Trecartin agrees.“These rankings have once again confirmed that Pacific Union College is a leader in higher education, not just for its quality academics but for its affordability,” Trecartin said. “We have consciously provided merit scholarships for students who...

Biology professor Aimee Wyrick always knew the PUC Forest was a special place.But until recently, she didn’t know just how special it was.Wyrick, a longtime Pacific Union College educator and dean of the school of sciences, was walking with her father through the forest this past spring, where she has spent countless hours studying plants and wildlife. They spotted something she’d never seen before—a black and yellow butterfly with a peach silhouette on both wings. It was a California dogface butterfly. Not only is it rare, but in 1972, it was officially named the California state insect. The butterfly wasn’t alone. Several other bright females and males quickly flitted about the wooded area, only pausing briefly to alight on dark purple blossoms with orange-tipped stamens. Wyrick had been surveying the PUC Forest, documenting rare native plants as part of a state-funded grant program. Last year, the state awarded a $5 million Cal Fire Forest Health Grant to the Napa Communities Firewise Foundation with PUC as a primary partner. Nearly $3 million was given to PUC Forest for wildfire mitigation — namely fuel reduction.In the process of forest thinning, it’s important to preserve certain trees and plants that may be threatened. One of these...

It’s no secret that hospitals, doctor’s offices, schools, and more in the United States are facing a nursing staff shortage. More nurses are needed to replace those retiring. The good news is that college nursing programs are seeing a rise in students. However, more qualified nurse faculty are in demand to teach these new nurses.To help fill this need, on July 3, 2023, Pacific Union College received a grant of more than $203,000 from the Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) for a Nursing Loan Faculty Program (NFLP). This grant will provide PUC with the resources to assist prospective MSN students financially. The loan program was created to help alleviate financial concerns for graduate nursing students interested in becoming educators.“As a former recipient of this grant during my doctoral program, I was determined to obtain this funding to support the nurse educator students enrolled in our new PUC MSN program,” said Kimberly Dunker, dean of the PUC School of Nursing and Health Sciences. “This is the perfect opportunity for nurses who want to teach in academia or the practice setting to obtain funding through this loan forgiveness program.”Funds from the loan program are available to accredited nursing schools to help...

For Milbert Mariano, starting a new role at Pacific Union College in July is like a homecoming.Mariano is set to become the dean of the new School of Arts, Humanities, and Professions at PUC. As part of those new duties, he is also taking over leadership of the Honors Program, which he was closely involved in early in his PUC career.Earlier this year, PUC announced a new three-school model. As leadership discussed the path ahead, Mariano became intrigued by the idea of transitioning from vice president of academic administration and academic dean to lead one of the new schools—especially because of the Honors Program. “I knew the Honors director was part of that,” he said. “It’s one of the things that really excited me since I had been a part of the Honors Program years ago.”PUC’s Honors Program is for high-achieving students who seek a more robust understanding of a complex world. Courses are based on primary text and discussion—an alternative to the traditional general education format. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills, aesthetic appreciation, and spiritual growth. As he looks forward to the new role, Mariano said he wants to build upon the successes of his predecessors—Allison...

Editor’s Note: We are reposting this story with an updated headline that more clearly reflects its content.This year’s theme at Pacific Union College is “Revival”; certainly, there’s no better metaphor for renewal than spring. It’s a time when we witness the glorious rebirth of nature all around us. The sun finally casts its warm light after a long cold winter. Spring brings a revitalized sense of optimism.Likewise, there’s optimism on the horizon for PUC. This spring has seen the highest number of new students enrolling in the last ten years. Additionally, Economic Full-Time Equivalent (EFTE) enrollment has increased each quarter this year—something which has never happened before in the modern history of the college. Many factors have contributed to these successes. Kharolynn Pascual Smith, director of orientation, transitions, and retention, said the return to pre-pandemic conditions has made it possible for many students to move forward with their college plans. Pascual Smith, who focuses primarily on re-enrollment, regularly checks in with her students and helps them through difficult obstacles. That kind of personal care is another reason students are more likely to stay. Pascual Smith also cited the enrollment team’s “intentional approach in seeking out and cultivating potential students for...