PUC Thanks Dean of Nursing for Invaluable Contributions to the Department & Beyond

After four years of vigorous leadership, Dr. Kimberly Dunker is stepping down from her role as Dean of Nursing, Health Science, EMS & Global Health, effective July 1, 2025. She will continue her passion for empowering the next generation of nurses as the MSN/DSN program director for Loma Linda University’s School of Nursing.

During her tenure at Pacific Union College, Dr. Dunker led the department’s growth of more than 44%, the fundraising of over $2 million for upgrades and initiatives, the strengthening of accreditation efforts and recognition from the California Board of Registered Nursing, the introduction of multiple programs, and the development of two additional off-site nursing education centers.

Academic Dean Lindsay Hayasaka expressed that Dr. Dunker’s leadership on campus will be greatly missed. “Her active leadership has taken a historically strong program to even greater heights and at a quality level that places our program in the top nursing programs in California,” Hayasaka said.

PUC President Dr. Ralph Trecartin conveyed similar sentiments. “Kimberly has been a force on campus,” he said. “‘No’ is just not in her vocabulary. She is the definition of a strong leader who gets things done.”

VP of Enrollment, Marketing & Communication Gene Edelbach echoed praise for Dr. Dunker’s role in the nursing program’s development. “Building the new education centers with Adventist Health would have been nearly impossible without Kimberly’s leadership and partnership in the process,” he described.

Administration is currently searching for a new leader to fill the dean’s role. Several highly qualified names and interested parties have already surfaced for PUC’s consideration.

“While we look forward to supporting the continued growth of our nursing program under its future dean, Kimberly will be greatly missed,” Dr. Trecartin said. “One of her many contributions at PUC was to create an extremely strong program, with resources in place and growth as part of the program’s culture. The framework she has helped create will empower our program for years to come.”

Dr. Dunker has enjoyed her time at PUC and wants this transition to be seamless. “I have had so many rewarding professional experiences during my time here,” she said. “I have loved what our team has been able to do to enhance and maintain recognition of our program. My family and I are going to miss Pacific Union College greatly, and I will always be a supporter.”

PUC extends its gratitude to Dr. Dunker for the many program accomplishments she’s helmed, including those listed below:

• HCAI/Songbrown Funds $1,590,000

• Procurement of Alumni & Advancement Funds >$500,000

• NFLP Loan for the MSN Program >$600,000

• MSN Program Approval through WASC

• BSN ACEN Accreditation through 2033

• NCLEX Scores >95% (Improving from low 80s)

• 44% Growth and Expansion of Program

• 2 Additional Off-Campus Programs

• EMPT-RN Addition to Napa

• Complete Refurbishment of Davidian Hall

• 2+2 EMS Program

• Global Health MOU 3+1

• HS Bachelors

• BRN Full Accreditation

• Online BSN Program with Excellent Outcomes >80+ Students

• Simulation Program

• Faculty Development and Support for RATC and Additional Certifications