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