Dr. Michael Lawler

WHEREAS, Dr. Michael Lawler faithfully served as the longest-1
tenured President of Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences 2
(PNWU), providing exemplary leadership that transformed the 3
institution from a single-program entity into a thriving health 4
sciences university encompassing five mission-focused programs; and5
WHEREAS, Dr. Lawler dedicated his career to advancing health care 6
education, with a particular focus on addressing the needs of rural 7
and medically underserved communities, embodying the highest ideals 8
of service, compassion, and professional excellence; and9
WHEREAS, Dr. Lawler's professional career spanned over 35 years, 10
during which he held esteemed positions such as Dean and Professor at 11
the University of South Dakota's School of Health Sciences and as a 12
leader at the University of California, Davis, while authoring over 13
80 scholarly publications and contributing significantly to global 14
child well-being through the Children's Worlds survey; and15
WHEREAS, Dr. Lawler's tenure at PNWU was marked by the 16
cultivation of meaningful partnerships, including his work with the 17
14 confederated tribes and bands of the Yakama Nation and his efforts 18
to establish a formal land acknowledgment recognizing the shared 19
reverence for the land and its significance to the university; and20
WHEREAS, Dr. Lawler's leadership created an enduring legacy of 21
innovation, inclusivity, and excellence, profoundly shaping the 22
culture, mission, and future of PNWU; and 23
SENATE RESOLUTION
8613
By Senator Torres
p. 1 8613
WHEREAS, His tireless commitment to health and human 1
services extended beyond his professional responsibilities, 2
inspiring students, faculty, staff, and the broader community 3
with his passion, vision, and unwavering dedication to improving 4
lives; 5
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State 6
Senate formally recognize and honor the life and legacy of Dr. 7
Michael Lawler, whose leadership and contributions have left an 8
indelible mark on Pacific Northwest University of Health 9
Sciences, the Pacific Northwest region, and the field of health 10
sciences; and 11
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate 12
extend its deepest condolences to Dr. Lawler's wife, Kimberly 13
Lawler, his son, Sebastian, and the entire Lawler family during 14
this time of profound loss; and 15
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be 16
transmitted to the family of Dr. Michael Lawler and to the 17
leadership of Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences as 18
a symbol of the Washington State Senate respect and recognition 19
of his extraordinary life and work. 20
I, Sarah Bannister, Secretary of the Senate, 21
do hereby certify that this is a true and 22
correct copy of Senate Resolution 8613, 23
adopted by the Senate 24
February 12, 2025 25
SARAH BANNISTER 26
Secretary of the Senate 27
p. 2 8613