Northern Arizona University’s College of Health and Human Services recently welcomed Arizona Board of Regents member, Regent Gregg Brewster, to the Phoenix Bioscience Core (PBC) campus for an immersive, firsthand look at the programs shaping Arizona’s future healthcare workforce. Hosted by Provost Karen Pugliesi, Dean Janelle Chiasera, and a group of program directors, faculty, and students, the visit was designed to move beyond presentations, and instead offer a lived experience of student learning, innovation, and impact.
Upon arrival, Regent Brewster was introduced to the heartbeat of the PBC campus. After a welcome in the Health Sciences Education Building lobby, he was guided through popular student spaces, including the café, student lounge, and collaborative areas overlooking downtown Phoenix. There, he was able to learn directly from conversations with students about their day-to-day learning experiences. The visit quickly transitioned into the academic core, where he observed a Physician Assistant clinical lecture in action. Sitting in on small-group case discussions, he witnessed students actively working through differential diagnoses, highlighting the program’s emphasis on critical thinking and real-world application.
As the tour continued, Regent Brewster explored newly renovated and evolving learning environments that reflect the college’s commitment to growth and modernization. In the athletic training and physical therapy lab spaces, faculty shared plans for expansion to accommodate increasing enrollment and innovative teaching models. The occupational therapy suites further showcased hands-on, immersive learning, with students demonstrating clinical readiness through activities of daily living simulations and gross motor skill development. A walk through the campus library and clinical suites rounded out the PBC experience, including a live demonstration of neurological exam techniques by physician assistant students, an example of the high level of competency expected across programs.
The visit concluded with a roundtable discussion that brought together college leadership to share strategic priorities and program successes. Conversations centered on workforce development, clinical placement needs, and the college’s role in serving rural and Tribal communities across Arizona. Each program, Physician Assistant Studies, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Training highlighted their program growth, innovation, and strong outcomes, including top state rankings and expanded pathways to meet evolving healthcare demands.
“As a college, we are deeply committed to preparing practice-ready healthcare professionals who can meet the evolving needs of the communities they serve,” said Dean Janelle Chiasera. “Opportunities like this allow us to showcase not only the strength of our programs, but the real impact our students and faculty are making.”
Regent Brewster’s visit underscored the importance of visibility and connection between university leadership and governing bodies. By experiencing the campus firsthand, meeting students, observing instruction, and engaging with faculty, Regent Brewster gained a deeper understanding of the college’s impact and potential. These visits are much more than a campus tour. They help to inform decision-making, strengthen advocacy, and ensure continued support for programs that are not only educating students, but directly addressing critical healthcare workforce needs across Arizona.
By: Katie Fahy | May 5, 2026 | Original Post