In Loving Memory of Trustee Dianne L. Philibosian, Ph.D.

With profound sadness and deep appreciation, Western University of Health Sciences mourns the passing of Trustee Dianne L. Philibosian, Ph.D., a beloved educator, mentor, and trustee whose life was devoted to learning, leadership, and the betterment of her community. Dr. Philibosian passed away on the morning of October 13, 2025, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of scholarship, service, and compassion.

As Chair of the Board’s Governance Committee and a trusted member of our Board of Trustees since 2021, Dr. Philibosian embodied the very best of what it means to be an academic medical sciences university trustee. She understood and embraced her fiduciary responsibility with extraordinary eloquence and effectiveness.

In every setting, committee deliberations, campus visits, and moments of quiet counsel, her judgment was steady, principled, and humane. She confronted the multitude of higher-education challenges with unparalleled depth of understanding and aptitude. On full display, always, were her grace, dignity, maturity, professionalism, humanism, and extraordinary effectiveness in the face of seemingly insurmountable adversity.

Dianne was exceptionally humble, kind, and a true friend. We shared many happy occasions together, and we feel deeply privileged to have known her for as long as we have. We will miss her friendship and positivity. The WesternU family will miss her deeply.

Dr. Philibosian dedicated more than four decades to education and community engagement, including 42 years of distinguished service at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). She held numerous leadership roles, most notably as Director of the Institute for Community Health and Wellbeing and Associate Dean of the College of Health and Human Development. A nationally recognized expert in early childhood education, she taught across four departments in two colleges, mentoring countless students and colleagues with wisdom and grace.

Her leadership extended well beyond CSUN. Dr. Philibosian served as Chair of the Board of Regents at the University of the Pacific, her undergraduate alma mater, where she inspired others to serve with purpose and integrity. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Theatre and French Literature from the University of the Pacific and both her master’s and Ph.D. in Early Childhood Development and Curriculum and Instruction from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.

At WesternU, Dr. Philibosian brought her signature thoughtfulness, collaborative spirit, and steadfast commitment to excellence in governance. Her insight and guidance played a vital role in advancing WesternU’s mission of humanistic education, research, and service. Through her deep understanding of organizational leadership and her passion for nurturing academic communities, she helped strengthen WesternU’s foundation for future growth and innovation. Her memory and legacy will live into perpetuity.

Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Philibosian was a tireless advocate for children and families, a respected consultant, and a trusted voice in early childhood policy and program development. Her influence reached from communities across California to international initiatives in Mexico, Japan, Hong Kong, and beyond. Her remarkable contributions earned numerous honors, including the University of the Pacific Medallion of Excellence and the Excellence in Education Award from the Child Care Resource Center of Los Angeles. Yet it was her humility, generosity, thoughtfulness, rational mind, and unwavering belief in the transformative power of education that most defined her.

Dianne brought immense acumen and insight to every university she served. We will miss her expertise and perspectives on all things academic—as well as the warmth that made her counsel so reassuring and her presence so deeply felt.

On behalf of Western University of Health Sciences, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Philibosian’s family, friends, colleagues, and the many students and communities uplifted by her life’s work. May we honor her by emulating her example: to lead with integrity, to serve with compassion, and to invest in the limitless potential of others.

Her life’s work reminds us that true leadership is measured not in titles, but in the lives we lift and the institutions we strengthen. May her memory be a blessing and a guiding light for WesternU and for all who had the privilege to know her.

With gratitude and resolve,
Robin Farias-Eisner, MD, PhD, MBA
WesternU President

The Honorable Consuelo M. Callahan, LLM, JD, LHD (Hon.)
Chair, Board of Trustees