Bastyr University President announces retirement

After serving a decade as president of Bastyr University, Daniel K. Church, PhD, has announced his retirement effective June 30, 2015.

“After careful consideration, I believe now is the right time for me to make this move,” said Dr. Church. “I feel strongly that the University is in good hands and will continue to flourish. I am committed to ensuring Bastyr University remains a world leader in the natural health arts and sciences, and will always remain a part of the Bastyr family as I take the first steps to spending more time with my own.”

Since 2005, the University has seen unprecedented growth and success under Dr. Church’s leadership. Among the highlights:

• Increased student enrollment and core faculty
• Increased consolidated revenues and cash reserves
• Creation of a new campus and teaching clinic in San Diego
• Relocation and expansion of Bastyr Center for Natural Health
• Construction of 11 LEED platinum-certified student housing buildings
• Addition of eight new degree programs

“The Board of Trustees is indebted to Dr. Church for his numerous contributions to Bastyr and feel fortunate to have had such a dynamic leader steering the University for such a sustained period of excellence,” said Samuel L. Anderson, JD, chair of the Bastyr University Board of Trustees. 

The search for a new president will begin immediately and will be conducted by the University’s Board of Trustees.

Bastyr University's campus in Kenmore offers more than 17 degree and certificate programs in fields such as naturopathic medicine, acupuncture and Oriental medicine, and whole-food nutrition. Founded in 1978, the University now includes a leading-edge research facility and outstanding clinical training at Bastyr Center for Natural Health in Wallingford. The University’s second campus, Bastyr University California, opened in San Diego in fall 2012, becoming California’s first and only accredited school of naturopathic medicine.