Charles “Mac” Powell, Ph.D., has been named the fourth president in Bastyr University’s history.
KENMORE, Wash. — After an extensive nationwide search, Bastyr University has selected Charles “Mac” Powell, Ph.D., as its new president. He will oversee the university’s campuses and clinics located in Washington and California.
“I’m thrilled and humbled to be named president of Bastyr University,” said Powell. “Bastyr is known both nationally and internationally for its academic excellence in natural medicine and commitment to social justice. I look forward to helping build upon its decades of success.”
Powell comes to Bastyr from John F. Kennedy University in Pleasant Hill, California, where he served as president. He takes over for Daniel K. Church, Ph.D., who steps down at the end of June after a decade in the position of Bastyr’s president.
“All who love Bastyr want to thank President Church for his tremendous contributions to the University and the field of natural medicine,” said Samuel L. Anderson, J.D., chair of the Bastyr University Board of Trustees. “Dr. Church’s leadership was a significant influence on Bastyr’s growth over the past 10 years. His legacy will never be forgotten. The Board of Trustees believes that if anyone can fill his big shoes, it is Dr. Powell. The entire Bastyr community is excited to see the positive contributions he will make.”
Powell received his bachelor of arts degree in sociology and philosophy, master of arts degree in clinical psychology, and Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Missouri. He holds additional degrees from National University in San Diego, California, and Antioch University in Marina Del Rey, California. He is also an author of books on golf, and on marriage and family therapy.
Powell’s first day at Bastyr University will be July 1, 2015.
About Bastyr University
Bastyr University is internationally recognized as a pioneer in natural medicine. As the largest accredited university for natural health arts and sciences in the U.S., Bastyr’s campus, located near Seattle, Washington, offers more than 20 degree and certificate programs in fields such as naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, midwifery and whole-food nutrition. Founded in 1978, Bastyr now includes a leading-edge research facility (the Bastyr University Research Institute) and outstanding clinical training at Bastyr Center for Natural Health, ranked as one of Puget Sound’s top medical facilities for patient experience in 2013. The University’s second campus, Bastyr University California, opened in San Diego in the fall of 2012, becoming California’s first and only accredited school of naturopathic medicine.