Campus Master Planning at WesternU: A Shared Investment in Our Future

Dear Members of the WesternU Community,

As Western University of Health Sciences advances its strategic priorities, it is essential that our campuses evolve in ways that are intentional, mission-aligned, and informed by our community.

I am pleased to share that WesternU is actively engaged in campus master planning efforts for both our California and Oregon campuses. These efforts are directly tied to our institutional strategic planning and reflect our commitment to shared governance, transparency, and responsible stewardship.

Campus master planning is how we shape WesternU’s future with intention and purpose. It brings together thoughtful analysis, broad engagement, and long‑range vision so that our campuses continue to support excellence in education, research, clinical care, and community engagement, now and for generations to come.

WesternU California (Pomona)

The California Campus Master Planning effort began with a shared‑governance‑based consultant selection process, with representation from all five branches of University governance participating in the RFP review and selection.

With the planning partner selected, the University is now developing a comprehensive campus framework to guide long‑term decisions about space, infrastructure, and growth. Dedicated working, liaison, and advisory teams have been established to support this effort while ensuring ongoing communication and engagement.

The campus community will have multiple opportunities to participate through surveys, focus groups, and other engagement mechanisms. WesternU will also engage external community partners to ensure our planning reflects our broader civic context.

As part of this effort, WesternU acquired 300 Park, enabling the relocation of select non‑student‑facing functions—beginning with Human Resources, OTIXEO, and Compliance, so that central campus space can remain focused on academic and student‑centered uses.

WesternU Oregon (Lebanon)

At WesternU Oregon, campus master planning also followed shared governance principles, with meaningful campus input shaping the long‑term framework.

Expansion is occurring on land donated by the Heatherington Foundation, reflecting strong community partnership and long‑term commitment. The University is currently submitting a land‑use application and will begin preparing a comprehensive framework execution plan to guide phased development.

In addition, WesternU acquired the Samaritan Health Services building, currently known as the COMP‑Northwest building. Moving from a leased facility to ownership strengthens WesternU’s long‑term presence in Oregon, enhances flexibility, and supports future growth.

Leadership and Next Steps

I have charged the Division of Institutional Shared Services, under the leadership of Dr. Denise (NeeCee) Cornish, with execution of the campus master planning effort, with oversight from the President’s Office to ensure alignment with institutional priorities.

In the coming months, we will launch an updated Campus Master Plan website to engage the WesternU community in an interactive and transparent planning process.

The University is also completing a space inventory, to be followed by a space utilization analysis. These efforts will inform updated space policies and may result in phased space relocations necessary to support WesternU’s long‑term goals.

Thank you for your continued engagement and partnership as we shape the future of Western University of Health Sciences together.

Robin Farias-Eisner, MD, PhD, MBA
President

Denise “NeeCee” Cornish, DBA, MBA
Senior Vice President, Institutional Shared Services & Chief Operating Officer