Bellevue College has named Leslie Heizer Newquist as Dean of the Health Sciences, Education, and Wellness Institute (HSEWI). Newquist had been serving as Interim Dean of HSEWI since fall 2013; between fall 2011 and 2013, she worked tirelessly to develop and establish several of the applied baccalaureate degrees on the Eastside campus.
“With her outstanding skills, notable and relevant professional experience and educational background, and demonstrated ability to collaborate successfully both internally and externally, we are certain that Leslie will continue to be a tremendous asset in her role as Dean,” said Vice President of Instruction Tom Nielsen.
Newquist came to Bellevue College after ten years at Green River Community College, where she served as Executive Dean for Professional/Technical and Workforce Education, Director for the Washington State Center of Excellence for Careers in Education, and Director of Project TEACH. Her teaching experience includes eight years as a member of the adjunct faculty in Psychology at Central Washington University, as well as teaching at Seattle Central Community College. Outside academia, Newquist has worked as a therapist and counselor, both in private practice and with community-based agencies.
As HSEWI Dean, Newquist oversees and manages a diverse suite of 14 program areas, which range from early learning to nursing to physical education. In addition to certificates, two-year degrees, and bachelor’s degrees, HSEWI includes grant initiatives such as Hospital Employee Education and Training (HEET), which offers onsite training to hospital employees to help them move up the career ladder.
Newquist will continue to play a key role in the preparations and eventual move in 2016 to a new, LEED Gold-certified 70,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art health sciences building which will house: Nursing, Radiation Therapy, Radiologic Technology, Diagnostic Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Neurodiagnostic Technology, Radiation and Imaging Sciences, Healthcare Technology and Management, and other health-related professions.
“Community colleges provide opportunities for lifelong learning, whether a student comes for basic skills, to take transfer courses, earn a professional/technical certificate, or upgrade skills through continuing education,” Newquist said. “As the HSEWI Dean, I am excited to work with our community partners to ensure our programs provide the skilled professionals they need.”
Newquist earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Western Washington University and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Union Graduate School in Cincinnati, Ohio.