Meet Dr. Coyle
Dr. Jenny Coyle will become the 18th president in Pacific University’s 173-year history this July. She is the first alumna to lead Pacific as president.
Most recently dean of the Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University, Dr. Coyle earned her bachelor of vision science in 1990, doctor of optometry in 1993, and master of science in vision science in 2000, all from Pacific. She also completed a residency in contact lenses in 1993-1994 at Pacific and taught in the College of Optometry starting in 1994. She served as associate dean from 2006 to 2008 and as dean from 2008 to 2019.
During her leadership of the Pacific University College of Optometry, she was instrumental in creating the Interprofessional Diabetes Clinic — a partnership between the colleges of Optometry and Health Professions — as well as establishing the PhD program in vision science and partnerships in China to expand the profession. She also was intimately involved in university-wide strategic planning, accreditation, new program development, fundraising and alumni relations.
At Southern California College of Optometry, she hired the first director for diversity, equity and inclusion, and also supported training programs and holistic admissions review practices to promote diversity.
As a first-generation college student, she has a deep understanding of Pacific’s core student demographic — and she also has experienced Pacific as a Boxer parent, with children completing both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
As an alumna, parent, employee and friend of the university for the past 30 years, Dr. Coyle brings a unique perspective to Pacific’s top office. But she also is keenly interested in learning more as she takes the helm July 1.
Coyle has already begun a series of community conversations at Pacific to hear from faculty, staff and students — and her tour continues with welcome events to meet and hear from alumni, parents and friends of the university.
This story appears in the Summer 2022 issue of Pacific magazine. For more stories, visit pacificu.edu/magazine.
