Rhoberta Haley appointed as dean of PLU School of Nursing

Following a competitive national search, Pacific Lutheran University officials have announced that Rhoberta Haley, Ph.D., R.N., will serve as the dean of the university’s School of Nursing.

“We are extremely excited to be joined by Dr. Rhoberta Haley given her leadership and more than three decades of nursing education experience,” said Dean of the College of Health Professions David Ward.

Haley comes to PLU from Chaminade University of Honolulu, where she served as the dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions since 2019. She is an experienced nurse, family nurse practitioner, nursing educator, and academic administrator who has taught at all levels of nursing education and has also served as a director, dean, chief academic officer, and campus president. 

Haley’s extensive background as a faculty member, scholar, and administrator reflects a commitment to inclusive excellence.

“Dr. Haley’s profound understanding of the social determinants of economic inequality and health disparities, coupled with her advocacy for broader educational access, underscores her dedication to fostering equitable healthcare practices,” said Ward. “Additionally, her expertise extends to successful involvement in grant-funded projects.”

“My passion is to support students to become nurses and to pursue advanced nursing practice roles,” said Haley. “I am grateful to join PLU’s mission to educate students for lives of thoughtful inquiry, service, leadership, and care. What a perfect description of the work nurses strive to do daily with patients, families, and communities. PLU nursing faculty, staff, students, and alumni make a difference in the world, and I am honored to join them in this work.”

Haley is a leader in the nursing education field. She currently sits on the board of directors of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Haley holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University, Sacramento, a Master of Nursing (family nurse practitioner) from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Ph.D. in Nursing from the University of San Diego.

Haley will succeed Interim Dean of Nursing Carol Seavor, whose service began on August 30, 2023, after former Dean of Nursing Barbara Habermann left the role. 

Haley will begin her service at PLU on Feb. 1.