EUGENE, Ore. – Bushnell University is pleased to announce the appointment of Karla Larson, Ph.D., as the Dean of the newly established College of Health Professions and Associate Professor of Nursing, effective August 1st. Dr. Larson’s remarkable accomplishments and dedication to nursing education make her an invaluable addition to the university.
Dr. Reed Mueller, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Bushnell University, expressed his enthusiasm about Dr. Larson’s appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Karla Larson to our university as the new Dean of Health Professions. Her extensive experience and strong leadership will play a pivotal role in advancing our existing healthcare programs and in developing new programs to meet the healthcare needs in our region. We believe that her passion for nursing education will inspire our students to reach new heights and make a significant impact in the field of healthcare.”
Dr. Larson is a nationally recognized expert in fostering diversity sensitivity among healthcare professionals and in developing quality nursing education programs, nursing faculty, curricula, regulations, and policies — both locally and nationally.
In her previous role as the Assistant Dean for Nursing at Maryville University’s Catherine McAuley School of Nursing, Dr. Larson successfully managed the planning, coordination, and evaluation of over 3,200 nursing students across various programs, including pre-licensure undergraduate, MSN, and DNP. Her exceptional leadership skills, passion for nursing, and dedication to student success position her as an outstanding choice for the new College of Health Professions at Bushnell University.
Prior to joining Maryville University, Dr. Larson served as Director of Nursing Academic Services for Orbis Education, Dean of Academic Affairs for Chamberlain University, Associate Dean of Faculty for the School of Nursing at Kaplan Higher Education, and Director of Professional Services for HCR ManorCare. She has also served in several nursing faculty positions at the assistant professor, professor, and director levels.
Dr. Larson earned her Ph.D. in Adult and Postsecondary Education from Capella University. She also obtained her MSN from the University of Minnesota and BSN from Bethel University.
In addition to her 20 years in nursing education, Dr. Larson is a certified Parish Nurse and has participated in and led multi-disciplinary short-term mission trips to Israel, Gaza, and Honduras. She has served as a full-time medical missionary in the remote jungles of Honduras among the unreached Garifuna people with her family. She also provided relief and recovery work in East Biloxi immediately after Hurricane Katrina, supporting the poorest and hardest hit people, again alongside her family.
Dr. Larson attended Eugene Christian School and graduated from Cottage Grove High School. This connection to Eugene and Cottage Grove strengthens her commitment to the university’s focus on embedding student learning within the broader local community. Dr. Larson shared her excitement about joining Bushnell University, stating, “Returning to my hometown and being part of the Bushnell University Christian community is a dream come true. I am thrilled to contribute to the growth and success of the College of Health Professions and to mentor and guide future healthcare professionals.”
The appointment of Dr. Larson marks an exciting chapter in Bushnell University’s journey to excellence in health profession education. Her strong leadership, expertise, and unwavering dedication to nursing education will shape the development of innovative programs and foster an environment of academic excellence.
About Bushnell University
Founded in 1895, Bushnell University helps students discover and answer God’s call on their lives. Devoted to offering a Christ-centered environment, Bushnell encourages students to grow in wisdom, informed by faith, leading to lives of service. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the University was founded by pastor-educator Eugene C. Sanderson and pioneer businessman and church leader James A. Bushnell.
Bushnell is the largest private university in Eugene’s vibrant University District. The University offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees for undergraduate and graduate studies through course formats on campus, online, and hybrid. More information about the University is available at www.bushnell.edu.