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Sonoran University's

Presidential Transition

Sonoran University's Fourth President

The Sonoran University Board of Trustees is honored and delighted to announce the selection of Lise Alschuler, ND, FABNO, MBA, as Sonoran University’s fourth president and first woman to lead the institution. Our current president of 25 years, Paul Mittman, ND, EdD, announced his retirement, effective June 30, 2025. Dr. Alschuler will assume the role of President & CEO on July 1.  

Dr. Alschuler’s selection follows a national search with leadership and participation from trustees, alumni, students, staff, and faculty. Nearly 50 applicants sought the opportunity to advance Sonoran’s mission to shape a healthier future through education, healthcare, and research. Dr. Alschuler consistently demonstrated her qualities as a passionate, collaborative, and visionary leader throughout the search process. She is committed to advancing the healing power of nature as a distinguishing feature of Sonoran University while guiding the institution through its next stages of growth and development.

About Dr. Alschuler
Official Press Release
Search Process

“I am thrilled and deeply honored to take the helm of Sonoran University of Health Sciences as we embark on an exciting new chapter. Building upon the remarkable foundation laid by Dr. Mittman, I am committed to propelling Sonoran University to new heights as the premier institution for health sciences education that is rooted in the healing power of nature.”

– President-Elect, Lise Alschuler, ND, FABNO, MBA

About the President-Elect

 

Dr. Alschuler currently serves as Associate Director of the Fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine and Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Arizona. She holds an undergraduate degree in Medical Anthropology from Brown University, a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University, and an Executive MBA from Quantic University.

Dr. Alschuler is also a best-selling author on integrative cancer approaches, researcher in natural health, successful entrepreneur, highly sought after speaker and thought leader in the $300 billion natural products industry, and an accomplished academic administrator, practitioner, and educator. Her commitment to the healthcare community includes volunteer leadership roles with the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

Dr. Alschuler’s extensive background in higher education, naturopathic medicine, the natural products industry, and entrepreneurship uniquely positions her for leadership of Sonoran University. Her professional career and leadership in a variety of areas ties directly to Sonoran’s functional areas including academics, research, clinical care, and retail.

“My vision is to foster a dynamic environment where innovation thrives. I am particularly eager to forge robust collaborations across various healthcare disciplines, enhancing our educational offerings, expanding our clinical services, and advancing cutting-edge research. Together, we will shape the future of health sciences education and make a lasting impact on the field of natural and integrative healthcare.”

– President-Elect, Lise Alschuler, ND, FABNO, MBA

"Dr. Alschuler’s appointment as President of Sonoran University brings fresh energy to healthcare education. Her experience and vision are especially well-suited to encourage collaboration between integrative and natural healthcare professionals. Under her leadership, Sonoran University is set to contribute meaningfully to the continued transformation of healthcare".

Andrew Weil, MD; Lovell-Jones Professor of Integrative Medicine Professor of Public Health Clinical Professor of Medicine Founder, University of Arizona Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine

Search Process

The Board of Trustees engaged with Academic Search to support the national search for Sonoran University’s next president, and selected a committee of trustees, faculty (including alumni), staff, and student representatives to support the search process.

The Presidential Profile was created by the Board with support from our external search firm, Academic Search, using feedback from the entire campus. In the profile, the Board of Trustees stated the following required qualifications: demonstrated commitment to the healing power of nature, a terminal degree, and a successful track record of leadership. All qualifications can be viewed in the Position Profile. 

  • Duane Roen, PhD, Search Committee Chair, Trustee 
  • Amanda Alexander, ND, MEd , Academic Diversity Officer, Alumni Board President, Associate Professor – College of Naturopathic Medicine 
  • Todd Filek, MAEd, Assistant Registrar 
  • David James, ND (Preceptee), Student Trustee 
  • Shaun Kennedy, ND, Faculty Senate President, Assistant Professor – College of Naturopathic Medicine 
  • Jessica Kovalchik, DC, MS, CNS, Adjunct Faculty – College of Nutrition 
  • Jeffrey Langland, PhD, Research Director – Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research, Research Chair and Professor – College of Naturopathic Medicine 
  • Zandra O’Keefe, CPA, Trustee, Board Vice Chair 
  • Edward Podol, MBA, Chief Financial Officer 
  • Garrett Thompson, DC, PhD, Vice President of Academic Affairs 
  • Fran Towey, MBA, Board Chair 
  • Melissa Winquist, MA, Vice President of Student Affairs

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