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May 12, 2008

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Tim Callahan Excerpt from Admissions Update Newsletter - Fall 2002
The Inside Story: People at Bastyr

Tim Callahan, New Dean, Focuses on Undergraduate Programs

As Bastyr University grows, undergraduate programs have become an increasing focus of the university. This was recently underscored by the hiring of a new dean of undergraduate education.

Tim Callahan, PhD, who is also the director of the office of research integrity at Bastyr, brings enthusiasm and a sense of purpose to this new position. "In my position as undergraduate dean, I am both a voice for the undergraduates within the university and a resource for undergraduates," Dr. Callahan explains. "My office is a central location where undergraduates can come to ask questions and express concerns."

But he also has other goals for his new post. "I want to offer undergraduates a diverse and well-rounded university experience, no matter what program they choose," says Callahan. "I want graduates to be as prepared as possible for graduate school."

Toward this end, Callahan is overseeing the curriculum, assuring that there is consistency across programs, and that the basic sciences in every program are rigorous and at the 'science-major' level. "We're also in the process of creating more undergraduate programs," he discloses. "We're actively looking, and we have some ideas."

What is the benefit of adding more programs to Bastyr's offerings? "It will double the number of undergraduates at Bastyr, further diversify the curriculum, create more electives, a broad student base and contribute to a vibrant intellectual community," Callahan says.

Callahan has a BA in philosophy from the University of Massachusetts, an MA in medical history and ethics from the University of Washington School of Medicine, and a PhD in education from the University of Washington. He is also the former academic dean of the Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine in Seattle, Washington.

In the past, Callahan also served as director of institutional assessment at Bastyr. Having directed the university's self-study process, required for accreditation purposes, Callahan has in-depth knowledge of the university's programs and processes. This knowledge will help him to be particularly effective in his new role.