Passing of Dr. Daniel R. Wilson, MD, PhD, President Emeritus

Dear WesternU Community,

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dr. Daniel R. Wilson, MD, PhD, President Emeritus of Western University of Health Sciences. Dr. Wilson died on Thursday, April 24, after a brief illness.

Dr. Wilson served as WesternU’s second president from 2016 to 2021, building on the foundation laid by founding president Dr. Philip Pumerantz. Under his leadership, WesternU advanced its mission of humanistic education, scientific discovery, and service to the community. His vision and initiatives contributed meaningfully to the growth and evolution of our institution.

During his tenure, Dr. Wilson established several transformative initiatives, including the Innovation Center, the Center for Virtual Learning, and the Center for Clinical Research, all aimed at strengthening WesternU’s future in health sciences education and research. He championed the expansion of research endeavors, fostered community partnerships, and emphasized innovation in health care education. His leadership also deepened WesternU’s engagement with the local community, earning him the Pomona Unified School District Community Service Award in 2018 for his work supporting the “Pomona Partnership.”

Dr. Wilson’s career before WesternU was equally distinguished. He served as Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean of Medicine at the University of Florida Health Science Center—Jacksonville, and Chair of Psychiatry at Creighton University. He was a prolific scholar with over 350 publications in neuropsychiatry and related fields and served as a past president of the American Neuropsychiatric Association. In 2021, he was named to the Fulbright Specialist roster, further reflecting his global impact in health education and leadership.

Dr. Wilson earned his bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Yale University, his medical degree from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, and his PhD in biological anthropology from Cambridge University.

Beyond his many professional accomplishments, Dr. Wilson will be remembered for his stewardship, leadership, and dedication to the mission of WesternU. His contributions to our University and the broader academic and health care communities will leave a lasting legacy.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Wilson’s family, especially his wife, Sandy, and their daughter, Victoria and to all who had the privilege of working alongside him. We will share information regarding memorial services or opportunities to honor his memory as it becomes available.

Please join us in keeping Dr. Wilson’s family in your thoughts during this difficult time.

The Honorable Consuelo M. Callahan, LLM, JD, LHD (Hon.)
Chair, Board of Trustees

Robin Farias-Eisner, MD, PhD, MBA
President

Paula M. Crone, DO
Provost & Chief Academic Officer