On December 5, 2025, Pepperdine University officially launched its College of Health Sciences. This event marked a significant step in expanding healthcare education at the university, thanks in part to a partnership with HCA Healthcare, which provided a substantial investment in the School of Nursing.
During the ceremony, leaders from both organizations shared their excitement about how this new college will benefit Southern California and beyond. Jay Brewster, the university’s provost, emphasized their commitment to serving the community through healthcare, seeing it as a noble mission inspired by their values.
HCA Healthcare’s support aims to create a top-notch nursing program, addressing the growing healthcare needs in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Graduates will be well-prepared to work in local hospitals, urgent care facilities, and clinics. This collaboration is anticipated to help tackle the national nursing shortage by training future leaders in the field.
Dee Anna Smith, chair of the Pepperdine Board of Regents, highlighted the significance of this partnership. She believes it offers students not just education but a chance to make a difference in patients’ lives, reinforcing the idea that healthcare is about compassion.
The College of Health Sciences opened in August 2025, welcoming its first cohort of 93 students across its programs, including the School of Nursing and the School of Speech-Language Pathology. Nursing students will gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations at HCA Healthcare’s Los Robles Regional Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, California.
Phil Buttell, CEO of Los Robles Health System, expressed pride in the nearly $5 million donation that supports this initiative, calling it a culmination of his passions for both healthcare and nurturing future professionals.
The ceremony took place at Pepperdine’s newly renovated campus in Calabasas, featuring high-tech simulation labs, a library, and comfortable study areas for students.
Michael Feltner, the founding dean of the College of Health Sciences, spoke about the synergies between Pepperdine’s educational focus and HCA’s clinical expertise. Together, they aim to develop skilled healthcare professionals who meet the needs of their communities.
The College of Health Sciences is currently accepting applications for various programs, including Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP). This emphasis on teamwork and real-world training is expected to ensure graduates are ready to make impactful contributions to the healthcare sector.
As healthcare demands rise nationwide, initiatives like this one are crucial. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for registered nurses is expected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030, underscoring the importance of nurturing new talent in the field.
For those interested, more details can be found on the Pepperdine College of Health Sciences website.
