Pacific University Names New Dean of College of Optometry

[Gretchyn Bailey]

Dr. Bisant A. Labib has been named the new dean of the Pacific University College of Optometry.

“I am truly delighted to have Dr. Labib join us as our dean of our College of Optometry,” said Pacific Provost Dr. Barbara May. “She brings energy, hope and a collaborative spirit to Pacific that will be necessary as we continue to build and lift up our optometry program for another 80 years. I am truly impressed with her dedication to the field and am grateful to have her leadership into the coming years.”

Labib is a distinguished optometrist who most recently served as associate dean at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus at Drexel University, where she oversaw academic affairs and programs. A full professor, she also was director of the clinical internship program and co-chief of primary care service at the affiliate clinic, The Eye Institute.

She holds a Doctor of Optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and also completed a residency in primary care, with an emphasis in ocular disease, at The Eye Institute. She received her fellowship from the American Academy of Optometry in 2015 and later became the 12th diplomate of the Comprehensive Eye Care section of the AAO.

She lectures nationally, runs a regular column in Review of Optometry and has been published and cited extensively for her research.

“This is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with an exceptional community of educators, clinicians and students,” Labib said. “I look forward to building on the college’s longstanding legacy in advancing innovative, inclusive, and patient-centered optometric education.”

The College of Optometry was the first of what is now a broad spectrum of health professions programs at Pacific University. Offering degrees in optometry and vision science, as well as public optometry clinics throughout the greater Portland area, it is a central part of Pacific’s commitment to creating opportunity for students and communities by inspiring students to think, care, create, and pursue justice in the world.

 

[Paul Farkas]

he College of Optometry was the first of what is now a broad spectrum of health professions programs at Pacific University. Offering degrees in optometry and vision science, as well as public optometry clinics throughout the greater Portland area, it is a central part of Pacific’s commitment to creating opportunity for students and communities by inspiring students to think, care, create, and pursue justice in the world.

And there is more! The President of Pacific University is an OD.

Meet President Coyle

Dr. Jennifer Coyle became the 18th president of Pacific University in July 2022, though her ceremonial inauguration was later held in March 2023.
The first alumna to lead Pacific as president, Dr. Coyle has 30-plus years of firsthand experience as a member of the Pacific community. She earned three degrees at Pacific — a bachelor of visual science, doctor of optometry, and master of science in vision science. She also completed a residency in contact lenses at Pacific.

As a first-generation college student, she has a deep understanding of Pacific's core student demographic — and she also has experienced Pacific as a Boxer parent, with children completing both undergraduate and graduate degrees at Pacific.
Professionally, Dr. Coyle taught in the College of Optometry starting in 1994. She served as associate dean of the college from 2006 to 2008 and as dean from 2008 to 2019. During her leadership of the Pacific University College of Optometry, she was instrumental in creating the Interprofessional Diabetes Clinic — a partnership between the colleges of Optometry and Health Professions — as well as establishing the PhD program in vision science and international partnerships to expand the profession. She also was intimately involved in university-wide strategic planning, accreditation, new program development, fundraising and alumni relations.

She took a hiatus from Pacific to serve as dean of the Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University before returning as Pacific's president.

As an alumna, parent, employee and friend of the university for the past 30 years, Dr. Coyle brings a unique perspective to Pacific’s top office.