TYRA DEAN-OUSLEY joined Seattle Pacific University as its dean of the School of Health Sciences in July.
Dean-Ousley brings a rich background in acute and ambulatory care, with a focus on maternal-child and medical surgical nursing. She is a member of the American Nurses Association and serves on the board of directors of the Education and Sustainability Committee with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Most recently, she served as interim dean in the College of Health Science at Chicago State University.
“Dr. Dean-Ousley is a dynamic, experienced leader who will bolster our high-quality program offerings in the health sciences and help expand our institutional vision for additional areas of impact in this critical sector of our economy and society,” said Provost Laura Hartley.
Initially, Dean-Ousley did not anticipate accepting a job in Seattle.
“I never thought I would make a move out of the state of Illinois,” she said. But conversations with a dying aunt caused her to rethink her assumptions about the future. “During our private talks she would encourage me to be the best me,” she said. “It’s amazing how circumstances can change your perspective. I look forward to working in an environment that is in alignment with my faith, education, and experience.”
Dean-Ousley is a popular speaker and Bible teacher, and the founder of Leap4Joy Ministries, an outreach of encouragement in the Chicago area.
She is a graduate of Northcentral University, where she earned her doctorate in education. Before that, she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from Olivet Nazarene University.
