La Verne Signs Agreement with WesternU to Enhance Health Care Workforce Diversity

Select University of La Verne students pursuing health care careers can gain early admission into graduate programs at Western University of Health Sciences under a linkage agreement signed by presidents of both institutions April 2.

The agreement was signed by University of La Verne President Devorah Lieberman, WesternU President Dr. Philip Pumerantz and WesternU Provost/Chief Operating Officer Dr. Gary M. Gugelchuk at La Verne’s Hanawalt House. University of La Verne Provost Jonathan Reed said La Verne and WesternU  have worked together on numerous programs, starting in 1977 when the institutions signed their first agreement.

“We think this is a monumental step in our relationship and we are very excited,” Reed said.

Lieberman called the collaboration a sign of great things to come for both universities.

“This is the beginning of something much, much more,” she said.

The agreement allows for the creation of programs that facilitate early admission and articulation of courses to qualify for entrance to WesternU.

The goal is to enhance diversity of the health care workforce, with emphasis on providing care to the medically underserved and fostering opportunities for people underrepresented in the health care workforce. Students admitted to the linkage program who meet contract requirements can know as early as their sophomore year that they have a place at WesternU, saving them from having to do multiple applications and interviews.

“We look forward to working with Western University through this agreement, which serves as one of our latest steps to boost higher education access for all students,” Reed said. “Our status as a Hispanic Serving Institution and our students’ commitment to community engagement make La Verne a perfect fit for the long-term goals of this collaboration.”

The universities plan to select highly-motivated and capable students for programs at both La Verne and WesternU. Students selected must demonstrate a high likelihood of superior academic performance at both institutions, and will pursue curriculum approved by La Verne and WesternU.

“We place tremendous value on our longtime relationship with the University of La Verne, and are pleased and excited about the opportunities made possible by this agreement,” Pumerantz said. “As needs continue to grow across the health care spectrum, it is vital that committed and qualified future care providers be identified as early as possible, and provided with tools that will help make their education and training as efficient and effective as possible.”