University Executive Operations Team

Dr. Farias Eisner was appointed WesternU’s third president on March 1, 2022. Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, Dr. Farias-Eisner leads the Office of the President, Administrative Leadership, and offers a leadership style that balances shared governance, business acumen, with academic excellence and commitment to service. This allows WesternU to continue to respond to shifting market demands, opportunities, and healthcare needs of the region and beyond. Dr. Farias-Eisner has a decorated academic pedigree that includes a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from UCLA, a medical doctorate degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland, a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from UCLA, and an MBA from Pepperdine University. He is a Professor Emeritus at the University of California.

Dr. Crone was appointed Provost and Chief Academic Offer on February 6, 2023, and provides oversight for student experience, faculty affairs and academic excellence. She is a proud alum of the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) and has served in multiple executive leadership roles at WesternU, including the founding site dean for the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest (COMP-Northwest), Dean of both COMP and COMP-Northwest and Vice President of the WesternU Oregon campus. Since beginning her executive academic career in 2010, Dr. Crone’s advocacy for students and commitment to academic excellence have positioned her leadership at multiple national and regional forums for patients, providers, and healthcare workforce pipelines. Dr. Crone earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from COMP and holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Portland.

Dr. Appavoo joined WesternU in November 2021 as the University’s first Vice President for Humanism. He brings more than 30 years’ experience in higher education leading Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) and Anti-Racist initiatives, plans and programs. He previously served as Senior Executive for Equity and Diversity/Title-IX Coordinator for Southern Oregon University in Ashland where he oversaw and led comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion planning, operations, implementation, evaluation, and monitoring for the institution. Dr. Appavoo earned his Doctor of International and Multicultural Education (EdD) degree from the University of San Francisco, a Master of International Management from the American Graduate School of International Management, Glendale, Arizona, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of the Pacific, Stockton, California. His research and practice focus on intersectionality, transformative DEI leadership, and systemic change-agency in higher education.

Dr. Bowlin has achieved many first in her career such as the first Physician Assistant (PA) to obtain a Doctorate in the state of CA, the first PA to be appointed position of Dean, and the first PA to serve as Special Advisor to the President and Provost. Dr. Bowlin has served at WesternU since 1990, where she started her career as an instructor in the PA Program and would be promoted to Associate Professor of PA Education, with tenure, specialty in Pediatrics. For 20 years, Dr. Bowlin served as the Dean for the College of Health Sciences, which housed the PA, Doctor of Physical Therapy and, Master of Science in Health Science programs. Dr. Bowlin has educational research interest in leadership and accreditation. She was appointed to the Office of Institutional Engagement, Planning, and Effectiveness (IEPE) which oversaw Academic Community Engagement, Institutional Research and Effectiveness, the Office of Assessment, Leadership & Organizational Effectiveness, Skill Share, the Office of Operational Excellence, and the Office of Title IX. She graduated from the University of La Verne with a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, a master’s degree from WesternU in Health Professions Education, and from the Charles R. Drew University Physician Assistant Program in 1981.

Dr. Cameron was appointed as the Executive Liaison Officer in the Office of the President in March 2023, where he manages and strengthens the relationship between executive leaders, offices across WesternU campus, and with external partners. Dr. Cameron is an AGB certified Board Professional and is charged with planning, coordination, and facilitation of the WesternU Board of Trustees Meetings. As a visual neuroscience faculty member at WesternU since 2010, Dr. Cameron is an Associate Professor with tenure and served as the Academic Senate Chair from 2017-2019. Dr. Cameron completed his postdoctoral research at Harvard University’s Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, earned a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Utah, and holds a bachelor’s of science degree in Molecular Biology from Brigham Young University.

Dr. Cornish joined WesternU in 2001. During her tenure at WesternU, she has held various positions, showcasing her versatility and commitment to professional growth. Her roles have included Database Programmer, Project Manager, Director of Information Systems, Senior Director of Enterprise Applications and Databases, Associate Vice President of Information Technology & Deputy COO, Vice President & Deputy COO, and currently, Interim Senior Vice President of the Division of Institutional Shared Services. Dr. Cornish holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems, a master’s degree in Business Administration, and a Doctorate in Business Administration with an emphasis in management from Grand Canyon University.

Originally a biochemist and molecular biologist, Mirabelle joined WesternU in 2014. Since then she has served students and employees in a wide variety of roles. Previously Associate Dean of Student Affairs at COMP-Northwest and Chief Diversity Officer of COMP and COMP-Northwest, Mirabelle currently serves as chair of the WesternU Oregon Commencement Committee and Vice President of University Student Affairs for the Oregon campus. She also serves as a Deputy Title IX coordinator for the University since 2014. In addition to advocating for student success and wellness through WesternU Oregon student government and clubs, Mirabelle serves as the Student Appeals Specialist for the Office of the Provost.

Mirabelle has led and consulted on many teams at the college, state, university and national level, including accreditation teams, AACOM Councils, and the National Research Mentoring Network. Along with student leaders, Mirabelle co-founded the WesternU Oregon Dream program in 2017, committed to creating a pathway for students lacking mentors and role models to pursue careers in healthcare. Mirabelle is published in a range of topics, including molecular biology, medical anthropology, and humanism.

Mirabelle is dedicated to building and nurturing relations with surrounding communities through her membership on the Lebanon Hospital Board, the Board of Directors for Old Mill Center for Children and Families and as a proud Lebanon Strawberrian.

Dr. Giuffrida served as Vice President, Strategic Ventures, Technology & Innovation at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA) where he led their Office of Technology Commercialization and focused on growing their academic research enterprise through entrepreneurship and innovation. Dr. Giuffrida received his PhD from the University of Catania in Italy in 1992 and earned his Executive MBA at the University of Texas in San Antonio, Texas in 2022. Dr. Giuffrida has held numerous research leadership positions in both academia and industry. After joining the University of Texas, Health Science Center San Antonio and being promoted to Full Professor with tenure, he provided strategic leadership for their Research Mission. While progressing through leadership roles as Director of Biomedical Research Development, Vice President for Research and Vice President for Strategic Industry Ventures, Dr. Giuffrida built Pipeline and Educational Programs focusing on biosciences, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Dr. Gugelchuk began his long career at Western University of Health Science (then the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific) on August 1, 1986. He ended his full-time employment with the University in 2019, having served as the Provost and Chief Operating Officer of WesternU for nearly 7 years. During the 2015-2016, Dr. Gugelchuk served as the Interim President of the University. Since his retirement from the Provost/Chief Operating Officer of the University, Dr. Gugelchuk has proudly continued to remain engaged with the institution in his role as Provost and Professor Emeritus. This included providing leadership of the University’s Coronavirus Response Team since 2020. In recognition of his many years of service, the University granted Dr. Gugelchuk the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters in 2019.

Dr. Bradley Henson received his DDS and PhD degrees from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. As a dentist-scientist, his approach to teaching, research and practice has always focused on bridging the biomedical sciences with the clinical sciences. His primary research interests are in the areas of head and neck cancer cell signaling and cancer drug discovery. Dr. Henson is also passionate about promoting oral and overall health in indigenous communities, with special interests in reducing the burden of cancer and diabetes, promoting food sovereignty and pre-colonization diets, and reclaiming traditional healing practices.

Rick has been with WesternU since 2009 when he joined the Office of Recruitment in University Student Affairs serving as a Recruiter and later Assistant Director. In 2010, he joined the founding team for the build out and launch of the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest (COMP-Northwest) where he served as the Senior Director of Operations for over a decade. Rick was named Associate Vice President for the WesternU Oregon campus where he provides leadership and service to the Lebanon-based programs. In 2022, he joined the Office of the Provost and provides oversight on financial and resource management as well as various operational functions. In addition, Rick also serves as a Deputy Title IX Coordinator for the University. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Business Management from Oregon State University. Prior to joining WesternU, Rick worked as an administrator in college athletics and recreation at Oregon State University and the University of California, Davis.

Josh joined WesternU in July 2018 as Vice President for Finance and was selected as CFO and Treasurer in December 2022. He leads the Financial Services & Treasury Unit and is responsible for operations in the offices of University Financial Services & Treasury, Student Financial Aid, Auxiliary Enterprises (Bookstores), Procurement Services and Risk Management. The CFO’s Office supports the efforts of WesternU by ensuring the financial growth, stability, and long-term sustainability of its mission. Josh earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from the University of Regina and a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Saskatchewan. He is an active, licensed Certified Public Accountant in California and Canada. He began his career in the audit practice of Big 4 public accounting firm KPMG, then served as a Financial Administrative Officer as well as in the Controller’s Office at the University of Saskatchewan. He also spent time in a CFO role in private financial services prior to joining WesternU.

Martha Rivera serves as Assistant Vice President for Community Benefit and Governmental Affairs at Western University of Health Sciences. In this role, she leads strategic initiatives aligning the university’s mission with community engagement and public policy efforts across California and Oregon.

With a career spanning over two decades, Rivera has held leadership positions in nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and governmental agencies. Her expertise includes program development, stakeholder collaboration, and policy advocacy aimed at addressing health disparities and promoting educational equity. She has a longstanding commitment to supporting children and families, with a particular focus on youth development and creating opportunities that foster academic achievement and lifelong success.

Prior to joining WesternU, Martha directed community relations and scholarship programs at various organizations, where she successfully established partnerships enhancing access to higher education and healthcare for underserved populations.

Martha Rivera holds a Master of Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Spanish from Chapman University. She is actively involved in civic and professional organizations dedicated to community development and public service.

Elizabeth was the Chief Executive Officer of Bright Prospect, a college access and completion program working with high school students and college students nationwide. Dr. Zamora previously worked in healthcare and higher education advancement, as Executive Director of Women’s and Children’s Health Development at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and as Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations at the UCLA School of Nursing. An active community leader, she presently serves as an appointed Commissioner on the City Planning Commission for the City of Los Angeles. She was previously a member of the West Adams Terrace Historic Preservation Overlay Zone within the Los Angeles City Planning Office of Historic Resources and previously served as the Chair of the Planning and Land Use Committee for Council District 11. Dr. Zamora is a graduate of Middlebury College, and went on to earn her Masters of Business Administration from Pepperdine University. She earned her Honorary Doctoral degree from Western University of Health Sciences in 2022.

Cheng Yu will provide leadership to the University Human Resources department. Previously, he served in two California Community College Districts as the Vice Chancellor and the CHRO. He was also elected by his peers to be the President-Elect for the California Community Colleges Association of Chief Human Resources Officers.

In prior roles, Cheng Yu served as the Chief Diversity Officer for Los Angeles County Child Support Services and a Chief Negotiator on behalf of the Los Angeles County Chief Executive Office. He has extensive legal, HR, and policy experience in the non-profit sector and the federal government. In particular, he has worked in various capacities for the AARP Foundation, Human Rights Watch, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, U.S. Departments of Justice, Transportation, and the Interior (National Park Service), U.S. Commissions on Civil Rights and International Religious Freedom, and the U.S. Federal Courts.

Cheng Yu earned a BA with a quintuple major from the University of California, San Diego, and a JD from the University of Cincinnati. He has extensive teaching experience in the fields of human resources, law, diversity and inclusion, as well as the biological/chemical sciences and computer science engineering. Cheng Yu’s recent publications have appeared in various law journals and reviews and have been translated internationally with the United Arab Emirates (Dubai) government.