Effective April 1, 2025, Dr. Pamela Kohler, PhD, MPH, BSN, RN (she/her), was appointed chair of the Department of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing (CFPHN) at the University of Washington School of Nursing.
Dr. Kohler’s distinguished career exemplifies dedication to research excellence, global health advocacy and transformative health services interventions in nursing practice. Her leadership has been evident throughout her tenure at the University of Washington, including her role as interim department chair for CFPHN, senior technical adviser for the International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH) and her joint appointment in the Department of Global Health in the UW Schools of Public Health and Medicine. Dr. Kohler holds a PhD in Nursing and a Master of Public Health from the University of Washington as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Johns Hopkins University. Her cross-disciplinary expertise has fostered collaboration and innovation across our academic community.
As a globally recognized researcher, Dr. Kohler has established herself as a leading voice in adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Her research focuses on improving healthcare delivery systems and implementing evidence-based practices to enhance outcomes for vulnerable populations. Together with Dr. Sarah Gimbel, she established the UW Center for Global Health Nursing, serving as its inaugural director. In addition to research, her international capacity-building partnerships have strengthened healthcare infrastructure and education across resource-limited settings. Dr. Kohler has received numerous accolades for her contributions to nursing education and global health. Most recently, she was selected for the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care Research Impact Award, which recognizes an outstanding member who has made significant contributions through research and scholarship regarding individuals and communities affected by HIV and the quality of care provided to them.
Dr. Kohler’s leadership extends across research and education, where she has mentored countless students and early-career professionals who have gone on to make significant contributions to nursing and global health. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes critical thinking, cultural humility and evidence-based practice—values that intrinsically align with our school’s mission.
As chair of the Department of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, Dr. Kohler will guide the department and our school toward even greater excellence. Dr. Kohler’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as we continue to expand our impact in nursing education, research and practice. Her leadership will be instrumental in advancing our strategic priorities and fostering an inclusive environment where students, staff and faculty can succeed and innovation thrives.