Western University of Health Sciences has appointed Dr. Michael Marinello as the founding Site Dean of the College of Graduate Nursing-Northwest, a new leadership post that takes effect on Aug. 3, 2026. The announcement places Marinello at the center of the university’s graduate nursing presence in the Northwest.
According to the announcement, Marinello holds DNP, MSN and RN credentials. His selection signals an early leadership move for CGN-Northwest as WesternU continues to build out its academic structure for graduate nursing education in the region.
The founding Site Dean role is typically significant because it helps shape operations, academic direction and the student experience at a new or expanding campus site. In this case, Marinello is expected to help guide the Northwest nursing college during its formative stage as the program establishes its identity under the WesternU banner.
The appointment was announced from Lebanon, Oregon, and reflects WesternU’s ongoing investment in advanced nursing education. With Marinello set to begin in early August 2026, the university is putting leadership in place ahead of the next phase for the College of Graduate Nursing-Northwest.
