Meet the Dean: Dr. Tyra L. Dean-Ousley

SHS Dean Tyra Dean-Ousley

Dr. Tyra L. Dean-Ousley is a native Chicagoan. She has worked in a variety of acute and ambulatory care settings with a primary focus in maternal-child nursing and medical surgical nursing. 

She has held many academic positions, including tenured professor, chairperson, director, and dean of nursing. She was the acting dean of the College of Health sciences at Chicago-area university before she was named the dean of the School of Health Sciences at Seattle Pacific University in the summer of 2021.

Dr. Dean-Ousley is a member of professional organizations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA), and she is a member of the Board of Directors of the Education and Sustainability Committee with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). 

Aside from her medical and academic careers, Dr. Dean-Ousley is a servant-leader who is the founder of Leap 4 Joy Ministries. This community-outreach ministry was birthed to reach those who are building and/or rebuilding their place in the Kingdom of God. Dr. Dean-Ousley stands on the word as it is written in 1 Corinthians 15:57–58 (ESV): “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

In short, Dr. Dean-Ousley is an accomplished educator, clinician, and health care administrator who enjoys spreading the Living Word of God.

Who’s Who in SHS

A list of the School of Health Sciences faculty and staff, along with their photos, contact information, and more.