Bastyr University President Dr. Joe Pizzorno’s Winter Update & Vision

By Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.

As a naturopathic physician, I view Bastyr University like a patient who needs care. When I returned to the post of university president around mid-July 2025, the university presented with acute, near-term, and long-term needs.

Dr. Randy Frisch came on board at Bastyr at the same time. Together, we moved into financial triage to address the university’s most pressing needs. Quickly we administered the following modalities:

• Reached out to the university’s support system to gather resources and build momentum for the healing process.
• Secured a new loan for student housing with favorable terms and a lower interest rate to relieve financial strain.
• Raised and deposited $2M to infuse the university with necessary funds.

That happened in our first few weeks. Next, we got going on near term needs to establish a new baseline for financial health.

• We talked with members of the university’s support community. With their input, we created criteria for what a successful partial or full land sale of the Kenmore campus should entail. We agreed it entails land stewardship and environmental protections. We also decided the university must remain in its flagship location on the Kenmore campus.
• We reviewed budgets, audits, and operations information. It became clear that at its current size, the university was staff heavy and spending beyond its means. Over several months we implemented a series of cost-cutting measures.
• We communicated with the university’s accrediting agencies to learn how to ensure Bastyr University remains in good standing going forward.

A Thriving Future at Bastyr University

Bastyr University is in a unique situation because demand for integrated health care is growing and on the rise. Costs for higher education, especially doctorates and graduate degrees, are out of reach for far too many students. There is a shortage of primary care physicians, mental health counselors, and nutritionists.  Our university can help solve this issue and help humankind.

As someone returning to the role of university president, I’m consistently encouraged by the can-do attitudes of my colleagues. The dedication of the Bastyr University Board of Trustees assures me that we have advisors at the highest level on our side. And the generosity of our donors lets me know we’re surrounded by support.

What I notice most is the commitment to the natural health arts and sciences by our faculty and students. They are the heart of this institution, and this university’s heart is full of passion.

Standing the present and looking into the future, I hold great optimism for lasting wellness for Bastyr University. Yet there is more work to do.

• We must continue to attract the brightest minds in naturopathic medicine, psychology and mental health, nutrition, and midwifery. It’s time to welcome more people into our community of aligned healing arts.
• We must cultivate philanthropic and public investment in the university. These partnerships secure our future.
• We must grow the Bastyr University Research Institute through partnerships with public and academic organizations, and access to technology to continue to produce serious scientific breakthroughs.

About Bastyr University

Bastyr University is a nonprofit, private university offering doctoral, graduate, and undergraduate degrees with a multidisciplinary curriculum in science-based, evidence established, natural health and medicine. Recognized globally for its rigorous curriculum and strong research, Bastyr University has campuses in Kenmore, Washington, and San Diego, California, with online and hybrid degree programs. Bastyr University faculty educate future leaders in the natural health arts and sciences, with an emphasis on integrating mind, body, spirit, and nature.