Bellevue College has named Leslie Heizer Newquist as dean of the Health Sciences, Education, and Wellness Institute (HSEWI). Newquist had been serving as interim dean of HSEWI since fall 2013; between fall 2011 and 2013, she worked to develop and establish several of the applied baccalaureate degrees on the Eastside campus.

Newquist came to Bellevue College after 10 years at Green River Community College, where she served as executive dean for Professional/Technical and Workforce Education, Director for the Washington State Center of Excellence for Careers in Education, and Director of Project TEACH. Her teaching experience includes eight years as a member of the adjunct faculty in Psychology at Central Washington University, as well as teaching at Seattle Central Community College.

Outside academia, Newquist has worked as a therapist and counselor, both in private practice and with community-based agencies.

At BC, Newquist will oversee and manage a suite of 14 program areas, which range from early learning to nursing to physical education.

Newquist earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Western Washington University and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Union Graduate School in Cincinnati, Ohio.