About SMU
With its strong academics, outstanding faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and deep commitment to the community, Samuel Merritt University has a rich tradition of educating skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals.
About SMU
Samuel Merritt University is renowned for its hands-on learning approach, advanced simulation centers, and strong clinical partnerships with top healthcare facilities. We emphasize a student-centered environment, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity.
SMU is an integral part of patient care in Northern California. We’re one of California’s largest educators of registered nurses, and many of the physical and occupational therapists, physician assistants, and podiatric physicians who provide care in the region are graduates of our programs.
Transform the Experience of Care
SMU is a health sciences institution offering high-quality instruction, outstanding faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities. We have a deep commitment and proven track record of preparing professionals to address today’s healthcare needs.
Our Philosophy of Teaching and Learning
We see faculty and students as partners in the teaching and learning process. Our programs, curricula, and courses are designed to encourage active, experiential learning as well as collegial, scholarly, and effective communications. We believe that clinical and practical applications, including interprofessional education, provide a critical foundation for learning in the health professions. SMU graduates use sound reasoning, evidence-based care, and clinical expertise to respond to the needs of the people they serve.
Our Mission
We educate students to become highly skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals who positively transform the experience of care in diverse communities.
Our Vision
Samuel Merritt University will become nationally recognized as a premier, multi-specialty health sciences institution. Expert faculty and staff will shape an inclusive learning environment where all students experience best teaching practices and state-of-the-art learning approaches. The University will select and support students who will flourish in the rigorous academic programs, learn to practice expertly, and pass licensure or certification examinations on their first attempt.
Our Values
SMU students learn to advance health equity and make a lasting impact on individuals’ health and community well-being. At the core of our educational values are hands-on, experiential learning; the promotion of diversity and inclusion; and community-service outreach, locally and globally.
With unwavering commitment to our values, SMU embraces:
- A learning environment where we challenge ourselves and our students to think critically, seek mastery, and act compassionately
- A collegial environment where we are fair, respectful, and behave with integrity
- A collaborative environment where we partner with one another and with others in the community
- An innovative environment where we take reasoned risks and move nimbly
- A results-oriented environment where we provide and expect exceptional performance and service
Leading SMU Forward
SMU’s leadership team, led by Dr. Ching-Hua Wang, is deeply committed to providing first-rate academic programs in health sciences that train students to become skilled and compassionate healthcare providers motivated to improve health equity in diverse communities. Together, the team is leading a community of scholars and healthcare professionals toward a future of service and excellence.
President Ching-Hua Wang
Dr. Ching-Hua Wang is the second president in the 115-year history of Samuel Merritt University. Since assuming her role on November 26, 2018, Dr. Wang has led SMU to be ranked No. 1 in preparing students for successful careers post-graduation. Under her leadership, SMU has expanded with new campuses in Fresno and Oakland (opening in 2026), adding to its existing locations in Sacramento and San Mateo.
Dr. Wang’s journey began in Beijing during the Cultural Revolution. As part of China’s “sent-down generation,” she was exiled to Mongolia as a teenager to perform hard labor. Despite significant challenges, she graduated first in her class from the Capital Medical University in Beijing. She became the first woman to earn a master’s degree in immunology at Peking University Health Science Center. She then attended Cornell University on a full scholarship, earning a PhD in immunology.
Dr. Wang’s career in the U.S. includes roles as a faculty member at California State University, San Bernardino, and progressive leadership positions at California State University, Channel Islands; Dominican University of California; California State University, Sacramento; and Samuel Merritt University. A prolific scholar, she has authored over 50 publications and secured over $26 million in grants and funds. She serves on several boards and has received numerous awards, including the Bay Area’s Most Influential Women in Business Award.
President’s Cabinet
The President’s Cabinet develops and implements strategies to advance the mission, vision, and values of the University by enhancing educational instruction, ensuring student success, and creating a diverse and inclusive culture.
Brian Clocksin, Provost Executive Vice President, Academic Affairs & Student Affairs
Brian Clocksin recently completed 11 years of service as the Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives and a Professor of Kinesiology at the University of La Verne (La Verne, CA).
He earned his PhD in Exercise & Sport Science (Sport Pedagogy) from the University of Utah. In his 11 years at La Verne, he served as the Department Chair for Kinesiology, Associate Dean for Effectiveness, Planning & Faculty Affairs in the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS), Interim Dean of CAS, and the founding Interim Dean for the College of Health and Community Well-Being.
As the Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives, Dr. Clocksin led the development and launching of the College of Health and Community Well-Being, and co-led the launch of the Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Social Impact. He has worked closely with University Advancement, Government Relations, and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs to secure over $11m in funding for capital projects and program support. Dr. Clocksin has led efforts to establish partnerships with local hospitals to provide clinical experiences and student scholarships. In his leadership roles he has developed new degree programs, used outcome assessment data to reorganize existing programs, and planned for future programming needs in five-year academic strategic plans. Dr. Clocksin brings a strong understanding of the process of developing and evaluating programs to meet accreditation requirements and currently serves as a WSCUC (WASC) site visitor.
Dave Lawlor, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Treasurer
Dave Lawlor brings a wealth of senior-level higher education experience to SMU, having held vice chancellor, COO, treasurer, and CFO roles at the University of California, Davis; Marquette University; and The George Washington University. He’s known for his leadership in the areas of strategy, operations, finance, business development, and administration. Dave’s accomplishments include strategic planning, ideation to new product development, generation of operating margins through deliberate financial turnaround strategies, management of a $4.3 billion budget with an endowment of more than $1 billion, and procurement of bonds in excess of $1 billion. He has experience supervising 1,800 people, constructing an average of $200 million of new facilities per year, overseeing over 5,000 acres of campus physical plant, and negotiating over $100 million with corporate partners.
Emily Prieto-Tseregounis, Vice President of External Affairs and Chief of Staff to the President
Dr. Emily Prieto-Tseregounis serves as the Vice President of External Affairs and Chief of Staff to the President. In her role as the Vice President of External Affairs, she leads efforts to expand the institution’s capacity to educate a robust healthcare workforce that is diverse, highly skilled, and prepared to address health equity and public health challenges. She has extensive experience in higher education, formerly serving as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of California, Davis, the Director of the Latino Resource Center at Northern Illinois University, and in adjunct faculty roles teaching courses on U.S. México Border Relations, Chicana/o Studies, and Multicultural Education. She has dedicated her professional career to creating a more inclusive environment for first-generation, immigrant, and underrepresented school youth; she also served as the executive director of the AB540 and Undocumented Student Center at UC Davis. During her time at Northern Illinois University, Dr. Prieto served on the Board of Directors for Instituto del Progreso Latino (IDPL). As a leader at IDPL, she helped pioneer education pathways tasked with providing a comprehensive set of services for low-wage and low-skilled workers. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for La Cliníca in Oakland, California. Dr. Prieto earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Community Rhetoric from the University of California, Davis, in 2002, and her master’s and doctoral degrees in Education from UC Davis. She is also a graduate of UC Berkeley’s Executive Leadership Academy. She has received two Fulbright Specialist grants administered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State to work with educators in Nigeria and Japan on teaching and research strategies.
Gina Squara, Vice President, Strategic Growth and Marketing
Gina Squara brings over 20 years of marketing experience to her role at SMU, including marketing across brand strategy, market research, customer segmentation, and technology and media strategy, as well as full 360 integrated marketing plans and management with an emphasis on marketing transformation and digital initiatives. From 2018 to 2022, Gina built and led a consumer marketing and digital department for Aimmune Therapeutics and oversaw the launch of the biotech’s first drug. She then went on to lead all physician and patient initiatives as Head of U.S. Marketing post-acquisition by Nestle Health Science. Gina’s accomplishments also include building a consumer experience department for nine household brands, where she developed and exceeded multiple marketing ROI goals. She helped lead integration efforts after a $5.8B acquisition, drove marketing transformation and new organization design and capabilities, and served as VP, Consumer Experience, for the newly created $8B consumer manufacturing company, where she led a robust team to successfully execute on all marketing plans.
Gina holds a Bachelor of Science in Business with a major in Finance from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut.
Lindsey McClenahan, Vice President, Advancement & Communications
Lindsey McClenahan brings her 15 years of experience in nonprofit and higher education fundraising to Samuel Merritt University as our Vice President of Advancement and Communications. Most recently, as the Vice President of Development at University of San Francisco, she oversaw the launch of a new $500M campaign and the overarching strategic direction and execution of fundraising initiatives that support the university's mission and vision.
Prior to USF, Lindsey fundraised for organizations around the Bay Area such as the American Red Cross and the San Francisco Symphony. She is passionate about building resilient relationships between donors and organizations, and engaging and empowering volunteer leaders, staff, and faculty. She has successfully led and revitalized major giving programs, crafted and closed comprehensive transformational asks, and increased donor retention, engagement, and satisfaction rates. In addition to her professional work, Lindsey’s academic studies in History and International Studies inform her strong interest in social justice, health, and human rights issues.
Office of the President
The Office of the President provides visionary, strategic, and organizational leadership to advance the university’s mission, vision, core values, and strategic priorities.
President’s Staff
| Emily Prieto-Tseregounis—Chief of Staff to the President and Vice President of External Affairs |
 | Marjorie Villanueva—Senior Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff, VP of External Affairs |
 | Veronica Suazo—Executive Assistant to the President and Vice President for University Advancement & Communications |
Meet the President
Dr. Ching-Hua Wang is the second president in the 115-year history of Samuel Merritt University. Leading a community of scholars and healthcare professionals, Dr. Wang hasdedicated her career to service and educational innovation, shaping the future of healthcare through first-rate academic programs and a steadfast commitment to health equity.
Dr. Wang assumed her role as president on November 26, 2018. Under her visionary leadership, SMU, which boasts a student body with a 74% diversity rate, has been ranked No. 1 in preparing students for successful careers post-graduation. She has overseen significant expansions, including the establishment of a new campus in Fresno and securing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to construct a new headquarter campus in the City Center of Oakland, reinforcing SMU’s mission to serve diverse communities throughout California.
Dr. Wang’s remarkable journey began in Beijing, where she overcame significant challenges during the Cultural Revolution. A native of Beijing, she became part of China’s “sent-down generation,” when schools were shuttered and more than 17 million “intellectual youths” were separated from their families and sent away to perform hard labor. Exiled to Mongolia as a teenager, Wang was “re-educated” along with others her age. For six years, she was separated from her family, working in the village’s farming fields and teaching illiterate children. An Oxford English Dictionary, given to Wang by her father while she was in exile, sits in her office as a poignant reminder of those times.
Because she had relatives who lived in Taiwan, Wang was twice barred by authorities from attending college to study foreign languages after spending years in exile. However, on her third attempt, Wang was admitted to Beijing Capital Medical University. Medical school opened a door for Wang to pursue her passion for foreign languages as she studied Western medicine. She graduated first in her class and became the first woman to earn a master's degree in immunology from Peking University Health Center. Desiring to continue her studies and scientific research, Wang became the first graduate in her class to leave the country on her own to pursue a doctoral degree in the U.S. She attended Cornell University on a full scholarship and became the first Chinese student to earn a doctorate in immunology from Cornell.
Dr. Wang was hired as an assistant professor of biology at California State University, San Bernardino, in 1990. In 2001, she was one of 13 faculty members recruited to establish California State University, Channel Islands. She served as program director for the Bridges Stem Cell Research Training program, chair of multiple science and health science programs, and director of the Master of Science in Biotech and Bioinformatics program. In 2012, Dr. Wang became dean of the School of Health and Natural Sciences at Dominican University of California, where she developed innovative programs such as the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and the Internationally Educated Nurses Program.
Beginning in 2017, she served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at California State University, Sacramento. In November 2018, Dr. Wang became Samuel Merritt University’s second president and the first female native Chinese university president in the U.S.
A prolific scholar, Dr. Wang has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and secured over $26 million in grants and funds. She is an influential figure in the higher education industry and the community, serving on the Oakland Workforce Development Board and the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Bay Area’s Most Influential Women in Business Award by the San Francisco Business Times.
She is a contributing author to “The Rise of Chinese American Leaders in U.S. Higher Education: Stories and Roadmaps,” reflecting her commitment to fostering leadership and representation in higher education. Her story is one of resilience, love for learning, and unwavering dedication to improving health outcomes, values that resonate deeply with the mission of Samuel Merritt University
Dr. Wang holds a medical degree from Beijing Capital Medical University, a Master of Science in Immunology from Peking University, and a PhD in Immunology from Cornell University. She has completed leadership programs at Harvard University, MIT, and the University of California, Berkeley. With her extensive experience in leadership, strategic planning, and academic program development, Dr. Wang continues to drive SMU toward becoming a nationally recognized leader in health sciences education.
Creating a Culture of Inclusion, Innovation, and Excellence
Samuel Merritt University’s mission is built on transforming the care experience in diverse communities. That commitment to inclusion and equity is found in everything we do.
At SMU, we prepare students to become compassionate health leaders committed to advancing health equity. Through our classroom and clinical education, we develop leaders that reflect regional and community demographics. Much of our focus and outreach is geared toward reducing healthcare disparities in underserved and vulnerable communities.
Our dedication to helping underserved populations begins at our regional campuses. We understand that diversity is integral to a thriving society, so we’re proud of our diverse and welcoming community.
At SMU, diversity includes group and social differences such as race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, first language spoken, nationality, physical and mental abilities, learning styles, life experiences, and religion. We aim to recruit and retain diverse faculty, staff, and students, which in turn contributes to creating a more diverse healthcare workforce. Our campus community members adhere to a code of ethics that emphasizes integrity and positive interactions with others.
Campus Programs and Initiatives
Our Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Disability Resource Center, and other campus groups and offices sponsor and spearhead several programs and initiatives.
- Nursing Workforce Development Grant — An initiative designed to recruit, retain, and develop underrepresented and first-generation students to SMU’s undergraduate nursing programs
- Community Reads — A campus-wide, shared reading initiative where students, staff, and faculty can explore the structural and social determinants of health through storytelling
- Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Trainings — Educational workshops geared toward helping faculty, staff, and students broaden their understanding of structural and social determinants of health causing health inequities
- Dr. Cornelius Hopper Diversity Excellence Award — Named for our former Board of Regents chair who has been addressing racial disparities in the U.S. healthcare system since 1971
Student Organizations
Among our student groups and clubs—which are open to all—are several that relate to diversity and inclusion.
- International Healthcare Club
- Pride Committee
- Students of Color Collective
- California Student Nurses Association
- Presidents Ambassadors
The Minds Behind the Mission
The Board of Regents guides the University’s efforts to sustain its excellence in clinical education and secure financial resources to meet its needs. Board members bring a variety of executive experiences in educational leadership, healthcare, and business development in their efforts to oversee improvements to SMU’s facilities and academic programs development that will meet the healthcare needs of all communities.
Alvin McLean Jr., PhD, is dean of the John F. Kennedy School of Psychology and Social Sciences at National University.
He is also co-owner of a medical specialty home health agency that manages chronic medical conditions in patients’ homes. Mr. McLean joined the University of Washington’s Department of Rehabilitation Medicine faculty after completing a post-doctoral fellowship in neuropsychology. His research, publications, and presentations focused on the neuropsychological and psychosocial sequelae of traumatic brain injury, neuropharmacology, and care management strategies to improve daily functioning after brain and spinal cord injuries. In addition to his academic work, Mr. McLean has an extensive business background, including developing residential, outpatient, and home-based rehabilitation programs for persons with brain and spinal cord injuries. He was senior vice president for Paradigm Health Corporation for over 20 years. Mr. McLean serves on the boards of the San Francisco Theological Seminary, the SF Bay Area Albert Schweitzer Fellows Program, Man 2 Man Urban Youth Advocates, and the Alameda County Care Alliance. Mr. McLean is also a musician and has directed the men’s chorus at Allen Temple Baptist Church for 25 years. Mr. McLean received two bachelor’s degrees from Kansas University. He earned his master’s and doctorate degrees in clinical psychology and psychophysiology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Amber Luther, BA, specializes in higher education planning in the San Francisco office of Populous, an international architecture and design firm.
Her background includes planning for high-end residential, education, workplace, healthcare, and mixed-use collegiate and professional sports projects in the U.S., Middle East, and Canada. As one of Populous’s thought leaders within the national design community, she speaks at conferences, conducts research on new technologies that support innovative design processes, and publishes papers on innovation in design. Since 2017, she has led Populous’s Campus 2050 initiative studying campus design trends and themes with a consortium of universities including CalTech, Carnegie Mellon, NYU, DePaul, Northwestern, Purdue, and Stonybrook. Her recent work includes the University Mary Hardin Baylor Master Plan, SUNY University at Buffalo UB 2020 Plan, Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences Campus Relocation, Bloomsburg Campus Master Plan, the Philadelphia VA Medical Center Master Plan, and a variety of projects with Thomas Jefferson University.
…
Brad Barber, JD, is a retired attorney and assistant vice president emeritus for Institutional Advancement at the University of California (UC) Office of the President.
Mr. Barber has extensive experience in managing nonprofits and in planning and implementing fundraising campaigns. In addition to his work with all UC campuses and their foundations, Mr. Barber previously served as senior vice president and chief development officer of Children’s Hospital & Research Center in Oakland (now part of UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital). He is currently involved with UC Berkeley as a member of four advisory boards, a visiting scholar at the Center for Studies in Higher Education (since 2013), and former chair of the Friends of the Bancroft Library. Mr. Barber serves on the Earth and Life Studies advisory committee for the National Academy of Sciences. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from UC Berkeley and a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the Boalt School of Law.
Caroline Cabias, BA, retired from the State of California with her last appointment as the State Board of Equalization chief financial officer, where she managed the board’s $500 million operating budget.
Ms. Cabias previously managed the board’s information technology strategic planning, human resources, and customer services programs. During this time, she also served as project manager for the State of California Information Technology (IT) Human Resources Classification and Selection Project intended to modernize the state’s IT classification plan. Ms. Cabias has also served in executive management capacities for the departments of Toxic Substances Control, Food and Agriculture, and Health with her first career executive appointment prior to her 30th birthday.
When not consulting on organization and management issues, Ms. Cabias serves on the boards of the UC Davis Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, UC Davis Foundation, UC Davis Global Affairs, UC Davis Chicanx Latinx Alumni Association, Annual UC Davis Cesar Chavez Youth Leadership Conference, Latino Economic Council of Sacramento, Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the La Familia Counseling Center STEM program and Opportunity Center Community Collaborative. Ms. Cabias received a bachelor’s degree in political science from UC Davis and a certificate in organization and management in the public sector from the UCLA Anderson School of Management.
Christine “Chris” Helwick, JD, is General Counsel Emeritus for the California State University system, the largest four-year institution of higher learning in the world, with 23 campuses and over 400,000 students.
She has over 18 years of senior leadership experience, providing advice to the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, and campus Presidents, and managing 23 in-house lawyers. Her department was named the Best Legal Department by Corporate Counsel magazine in 2013.
Ms. Helwick received the distinguished service award from the National Association of College and University Attorneys in 2007 for her exemplary leadership. She also served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of College and University Business Officers for six years.
In 2006, Ms. Helwick received a Fulbright award to study higher education exchange programs in Europe. She has participated in professional legal seminars at Oxford and the Aspen Institute. Formerly head of litigation at the University of California, she was the first attorney to secure a court-ordered injunction against violent animal rights protesters on the UCLA campus.
In retirement, Ms. Helwick has authored articles on higher education management and presented at various gatherings. She currently serves as Senior Counsel at Hirschfeld Kraemer, providing counsel to higher education clients, conducting investigations, and coaching senior leaders. She is on the board of the Center for the Collaborative Classroom, a nonprofit developing curriculum for K-5 schools that integrates social and emotional learning.
Ms. Helwick has taught at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and served on ABA Site Evaluation Teams. She has mentored students and participated in community programs such as Operation Jumpstart and Shortstop.
Conrad M. Vial, MD, is a Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer. As Sutter Health’s Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Vial’s accountabilities include development of clinical strategy, research and graduate medical education, efficiency and safety, clinical operations integration, mental health and addiction services, laboratory services, pharmacy, digital health, and design and innovation.
Dr. Vial is a practicing cardiothoracic surgeon who has held various leadership roles in multi-specialty medical group practice and integrated healthcare delivery. From the clinical practice perspective, Dr. Vial is particularly interested in structural heart disease, focusing on minimally invasive cardiothoracic surgery and catheter-based valve repair and replacement.
Dr. Vial received his bachelor’s degree and medical doctorate from Stanford University. He earned a master of philosophy at Cambridge University in England, while also completing a postdoctoral fellowship in transplant immunology. He conducted his general surgical and cardiothoracic surgical training at Stanford University Medical Center. He has been board certified in both general surgery and cardiothoracic surgery.
Dennis J. O’Connell, BA, spent more than 30 years in the construction, manufacturing, retail, and investment businesses, including 10 years with Bechtel Corporation.
He has extensive experience as a board member, including with Marin General Hospital Foundation, Marin Community Health, Marin Physician Hospital Organization, and Babcock Foundation. Mr. O’Connell chaired the boards of Marin General Hospital and Sutter Health and is a former member of the Sutter West Bay Hospitals, Sutter West Bay Medical Foundation, and Sutter Bay boards. He currently serves on the board of Bailard, a wealth management and institutional investment firm in Foster City, California. He earned his undergraduate degree in business administration from California State University, Chico.
Elizabeth “Liz” Chaney, BA, is a retired account executive and regional director for JLL, a global commercial real estate investment and services firm.
Her 30 years of experience includes overseeing Kaiser Permanente’s real estate portfolio transactions and Stanford University Medical Center’s growth. She assists institutional and private sector owners to advance complicated development programs with multiple stakeholders. She has also handled significant programs for the federal government, the State of California, Fortune 100 corporations, and leading academic and healthcare institutions. A recognized leader in healthcare development, she also participates in teaching at institutions such as Yale University and Stanford University. Ms. Chaney earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, and is a licensed architect in California.
Eric Roberts, MBA, is a retired CPA and Certified Fraud Examiner. At the time of his retirement, Mr. Roberts had spent over 20 years at the international law firm of Morrison Foerster, where he led the Forensic Accounting Services Group that specialized in cases involving securities laws and investigations.
In that role, Mr. Roberts assisted in the representation of hundreds of companies, officers, directors, and other institutions in all types of securities cases, including class actions, derivative actions, white collar defense, and Securities and Exchange Commission enforcement proceedings.
Prior to joining Morrison Foerster, Mr. Roberts spent 29 years, including 19 as a partner, at the accounting and consulting firm of Deloitte. Among other assignments, he headed the Northern California Litigation Support and Reorganization Group, where he consulted and testified as an expert witness in federal and state courts and in arbitration on issues involving accounting matters and economic damages. Earlier in his career at Deloitte, he was the lead partner on audits of public and private companies and numerous colleges and universities.
Mr. Roberts serves on the board of Stiles Hall. In the past he was on the boards of Mills College (chair of the finance committee and member of the executive and audit committees), the SF AIDS Foundation (chair of the finance committee and member of the audit committee), and Pangaea Global AIDS (chair of the board). Mr. Roberts received his BS and MBA from the University of California, Berkeley.
Katherine “Kate” Schapiro, BA, CFA, has over 40 years of experience as an investment professional.
She established her own investment consulting practice in 2019 and currently provides investment advice, research, and consulting services to a private family wealth management firm in San Francisco.
Over the course of her career, Ms. Schapiro has managed mutual funds, co-mingled and employee benefit trust funds, institutional accounts and private client portfolios for prominent companies including Wells Fargo, Strong Capital Management, and Sentinel Investments. In the 2015-16 fiscal year, she was Interim Executive Director for the CFA Society San Francisco, one of the world’s largest CFA societies serving over 3300 members throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
Ms. Schapiro earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Stanford University. She is a CFA Charterholder and remains an active member and volunteer in the local CFA San Francisco society and with the CFA Institute. Ms. Schapiro served as a non-Regent member of the Investment Committee for Samuel Merritt University’s Board of Regents from early 2020 to June 2023. Previously, she was a trustee of Mills College in Oakland, CA from 2010 to 2019. She served on the Board of Directors of the CFA Society San Francisco from 1992 to 2000, including a year as President.
Ms. Schapiro has appeared as a guest on Wall Street Week with Louis Rukeyser, Bloomberg TV, CNBC, and Fox Business News. She has been profiled in Barron’s and The New York Times. Ms. Schapiro is an avid skier, hiker, and bicyclist, having cycled on six continents.
Kevin Hart, BS, is a seasoned healthcare executive, change strategist, and collaborative leader.
In 17 years of progressive leadership with industry pioneer Kaiser Permanente, Kevin is at the forefront of industry transformation—bringing teams together to solve complex problems at scale. He has also leveraged technology to implement large-scale improvements for delivering more efficient, cost-effective, and patient-centered care.
Well regarded as a highly effective communicator with a “big picture” vision, Mr. Hart has an exceptional history of designing and implementing innovative strategies for organizational growth. He is also adept at building great teams, creating an open and honoring work culture, and empowering individuals to find joy at work and meaning in their collective mission.
Distinctive skills include managing organizational change, mitigating risk, infusing new ideas for business improvement, and delivering solid results in a high-performing, cross-functional team environment. Beyond healthcare, Mr. Hart’s experience also spans the high-technology, construction, manufacturing, engineering, and procurement industries, including Fortune 500 companies, professional services organizations, and start-ups.
With an abiding commitment to community well-being, Mr. Hart gives abundantly of his time and expertise. He serves on the board of a nonprofit organization focused on providing healthcare information technology solutions to federally qualified health centers and community clinics. He is also on the board of the Hidden Genius Project, an initiative that trains and mentors Black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills to transform their lives and communities.
Lisa Zuffi, BA, is a retired senior vice president and group director at Signature Bank’s San Francisco office.
She has worked in commercial banking for over 25 years. In addition to her extensive banking experience, Ms. Zuffi has a background in business and community development, and she served as a Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa. She has served on the boards of Oakland’s Lighthouse Community Charter School and the Oakland Business Development Corporation. Ms. Zuffi earned a bachelor’s degree in English from UC Berkeley.
Melanie Bell-Mayeda, MBA, is Director of Strategy and Operations at Google.
She is focused on the identification and development of future user experience and opportunities for the company to deliver. Prior to her time at Google, Ms. Bell-Mayeda was a partner and managing director in IDEO’s San Francisco office, helping lead the Design for Change studio. Her passion lies in helping organizations reinvent themselves to connect with customers in new and meaningful ways. She had led two major initiatives looking at the future of care. “The Powerful Now” was a global project that explored ways to bring creativity and design thinking to the topic of aging. The second was working with Pivotal Ventures to explore opportunities to reinvent the caregiving space with a focus on elevating and valuing the invisible labor or women. Prior to joining IDEO, she led LeapFrog’s global licensing business and worked at Virgin Entertainment Group, Booz-Allen & Hamilton, and Morgan Stanley, where she sharpened her skill in applying strategic thinking and financial analysis to the business decision-making process. Ms. Bell-Mayeda earned a bachelor’s degree, Magna Cum Laude in sociology from Harvard University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School.
Mercedes Chavira, RN, BSN, received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Samuel Merritt Saint Mary’s Intercollegiate program in 1987.
She holds professional designations and certifications as a Certified Perioperative Nurse from UCLA/Ronald Reagan Medical Center and the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses and Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Boards.
Since 2021, Ms. Chavira has been the Nurse Patient Advocate with Anthem Vivity Blue Cross of California in Woodland Hills, California. She began her career in perioperative nursing in 1987 and brings 37 years of experience working with top-ranked hospitals and Fortune 500 companies. She has an extensive clinical background and expertise in training, education, and leadership roles.
Ms. Chavira is a powerful force in the workplace, using her positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others and advocate for her patients. She believes patient care should be holistic and compassionate, with an emphasis on educating patients and building strong therapeutic relationships based on trust and evidence-based practice.
Inspired daily by her husband of 23 years and her immediate family, especially her brother and his family, Ms. Chavira enjoys traveling, gardening, mentoring others, and volunteering as a perioperative nurse in her free time.
Saul Rosenbaum, BS, is a retired financial services executive. Prior to retiring in 2021, he served as a managing director, member of the executive committee, and shareholder of San Francisco-based Prager & Co., LLC, a boutique investment banking and financial advisory firm.
He has 35 years of experience providing strategic financial advisory and investment banking services to governmental and nonprofit entities, during which time his focus was devoted primarily to college and university clients.
Prior to joining Prager & Co. LLC, Mr. Rosenbaum served as a vice president in the San Francisco Public Finance Group of Prudential Securities Inc., where he provided fixed income investment banking services to nonprofit and governmental entities. Prior to that, he served as a senior consultant in the Municipal Finance Consulting Division of Ernst & Young.
Mr. Rosenbaum serves on the Board of Directors of Alliant Educational Foundation (AEF) and is Trustee Emeritus of Alliant International University (AIU). He graduated with honors from the University of Arizona, where he received a bachelor of science degree with a major in finance.
Shefali Parikh, MOT, BA, is a Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. She oversees all aspects of manufacturing, quality control, customer service, billing, and shipping.
She began this role in 2004 and has driven growth in sales and profitability. She has a BA in psychology and minor in women’s studies from UC Riverside, and a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) from Samuel Merritt University.
Neptaly “Taty” Aguilera, BA, serves on the UC Davis Health Medical School Community Advisory Committee, the board of directors for the UC Davis Cal Aggie Alumni Association, and is co-chair of the University of California Statewide Chicanx Latinx Alumni Association.
He currently serves on the executive board of directors for the Coalition of Civil Rights Organizations in state government and has also served on the Sacramento County Grand Jury and is a member of the California Grand Jurors’ Association.
Mr. Aguilera is retired from the California Department of Health Care Services, after 40 years of public service in various leadership positions in health-related programs. He oversaw the statewide Medi-Cal field offices responsible for the review of Treatment Authorization Requests for medical services. In addition, he was chief of the Primary Health Care Program and responsible for overseeing funding for 350 community and primary care clinics serving populations including Asian, Black, Filipino, farmworkers, Latino, Native American, veterans, women, LGBTQ, disabled and seniors in designated medically underserved areas in California.
Mr. Aguilera earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from UC Davis and has certificates of achievement in human resources, labor relations, budgets, finance and contracts, and equal employment opportunity from the State of California.
Jeff M. Gerard, MM, AB is a forward-thinking health care executive with a strong background in strategic planning, corporate governance, and business development.
With leadership roles that include President and CEO of Sutter Health Bay Area, he has managed large-scale health care operations, overseen mergers and acquisitions, and driven clinical integration initiatives. He has also served as a board member for various health care organizations, including By The Bay Health and Mission Hospice. Jeff holds a Master’s degree from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and a Bachelor's degree in Human Biology from Stanford University.
Ching-Hua Wang, MD, PhD, is the second president in the history of Samuel Merritt University. She works with the President’s Cabinet to fulfill the University’s mission and values, with a commitment to improve health outcomes by educating future healthcare professionals who are highly skilled and reflect the communities they will serve.
Dr. Wang previously served as the provost and vice president for academic affairs at California State University, Sacramento. Before joining Sacramento State, she served as dean of the School of Health and Natural Sciences at Dominican University of California, where she was also a professor of immunology and microbiology. There, she initiated and developed several academic programs, including a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program and an internationally educated nurses’ program.
She was one of the original 13 faculty members recruited to start California State University, Channel Islands. She served as director of the Bridges to Stem Cell Research initiative, director of the school’s Master of Science in Biotech and Bioinformatics program, special assistant to the provost, and chair of several natural science and health science programs.
She received her medical degree from Beijing Medical College, a master of science degree in immunology from Beijing University, and a PhD in immunology from Cornell University. She has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and has obtained over $11.3 million in funds from private sources and corporations and $15 million in grants.
Dr. Wang and the President’s Cabinet provide stewardship of institutional resources in consultation with the Board of Regents.
About SMU
Samuel Merritt University is renowned for its hands-on learning approach, advanced simulation centers, and strong clinical partnerships with top healthcare facilities. We emphasize a student-centered environment, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity.
SMU is an integral part of patient care in Northern California. We’re one of California’s largest educators of registered nurses, and many of the physical and occupational therapists, physician assistants, and podiatric physicians who provide care in the region are graduates of our programs.
Transform the Experience of Care
SMU is a health sciences institution offering high-quality instruction, outstanding faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities. We have a deep commitment and proven track record of preparing professionals to address today’s healthcare needs.
Our Philosophy of Teaching and Learning
We see faculty and students as partners in the teaching and learning process. Our programs, curricula, and courses are designed to encourage active, experiential learning as well as collegial, scholarly, and effective communications. We believe that clinical and practical applications, including interprofessional education, provide a critical foundation for learning in the health professions. SMU graduates use sound reasoning, evidence-based care, and clinical expertise to respond to the needs of the people they serve.
Our Mission
We educate students to become highly skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals who positively transform the experience of care in diverse communities.
Our Vision
Samuel Merritt University will become nationally recognized as a premier, multi-specialty health sciences institution. Expert faculty and staff will shape an inclusive learning environment where all students experience best teaching practices and state-of-the-art learning approaches. The University will select and support students who will flourish in the rigorous academic programs, learn to practice expertly, and pass licensure or certification examinations on their first attempt.
Our Values
SMU students learn to advance health equity and make a lasting impact on individuals’ health and community well-being. At the core of our educational values are hands-on, experiential learning; the promotion of diversity and inclusion; and community-service outreach, locally and globally.
With unwavering commitment to our values, SMU embraces:
- A learning environment where we challenge ourselves and our students to think critically, seek mastery, and act compassionately
- A collegial environment where we are fair, respectful, and behave with integrity
- A collaborative environment where we partner with one another and with others in the community
- An innovative environment where we take reasoned risks and move nimbly
- A results-oriented environment where we provide and expect exceptional performance and service
Leading SMU Forward
SMU’s leadership team, led by Dr. Ching-Hua Wang, is deeply committed to providing first-rate academic programs in health sciences that train students to become skilled and compassionate healthcare providers motivated to improve health equity in diverse communities. Together, the team is leading a community of scholars and healthcare professionals toward a future of service and excellence.
President Ching-Hua Wang
Dr. Ching-Hua Wang is the second president in the 115-year history of Samuel Merritt University. Since assuming her role on November 26, 2018, Dr. Wang has led SMU to be ranked No. 1 in preparing students for successful careers post-graduation. Under her leadership, SMU has expanded with new campuses in Fresno and Oakland (opening in 2026), adding to its existing locations in Sacramento and San Mateo.
Dr. Wang’s journey began in Beijing during the Cultural Revolution. As part of China’s “sent-down generation,” she was exiled to Mongolia as a teenager to perform hard labor. Despite significant challenges, she graduated first in her class from the Capital Medical University in Beijing. She became the first woman to earn a master’s degree in immunology at Peking University Health Science Center. She then attended Cornell University on a full scholarship, earning a PhD in immunology.
Dr. Wang’s career in the U.S. includes roles as a faculty member at California State University, San Bernardino, and progressive leadership positions at California State University, Channel Islands; Dominican University of California; California State University, Sacramento; and Samuel Merritt University. A prolific scholar, she has authored over 50 publications and secured over $26 million in grants and funds. She serves on several boards and has received numerous awards, including the Bay Area’s Most Influential Women in Business Award.
President’s Cabinet
The President’s Cabinet develops and implements strategies to advance the mission, vision, and values of the University by enhancing educational instruction, ensuring student success, and creating a diverse and inclusive culture.
Brian Clocksin, Provost Executive Vice President, Academic Affairs & Student Affairs
Brian Clocksin recently completed 11 years of service as the Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives and a Professor of Kinesiology at the University of La Verne (La Verne, CA).
He earned his PhD in Exercise & Sport Science (Sport Pedagogy) from the University of Utah. In his 11 years at La Verne, he served as the Department Chair for Kinesiology, Associate Dean for Effectiveness, Planning & Faculty Affairs in the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS), Interim Dean of CAS, and the founding Interim Dean for the College of Health and Community Well-Being.
As the Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives, Dr. Clocksin led the development and launching of the College of Health and Community Well-Being, and co-led the launch of the Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Social Impact. He has worked closely with University Advancement, Government Relations, and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs to secure over $11m in funding for capital projects and program support. Dr. Clocksin has led efforts to establish partnerships with local hospitals to provide clinical experiences and student scholarships. In his leadership roles he has developed new degree programs, used outcome assessment data to reorganize existing programs, and planned for future programming needs in five-year academic strategic plans. Dr. Clocksin brings a strong understanding of the process of developing and evaluating programs to meet accreditation requirements and currently serves as a WSCUC (WASC) site visitor.
Dave Lawlor, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Treasurer
Dave Lawlor brings a wealth of senior-level higher education experience to SMU, having held vice chancellor, COO, treasurer, and CFO roles at the University of California, Davis; Marquette University; and The George Washington University. He’s known for his leadership in the areas of strategy, operations, finance, business development, and administration. Dave’s accomplishments include strategic planning, ideation to new product development, generation of operating margins through deliberate financial turnaround strategies, management of a $4.3 billion budget with an endowment of more than $1 billion, and procurement of bonds in excess of $1 billion. He has experience supervising 1,800 people, constructing an average of $200 million of new facilities per year, overseeing over 5,000 acres of campus physical plant, and negotiating over $100 million with corporate partners.
Emily Prieto-Tseregounis, Vice President of External Affairs and Chief of Staff to the President
Dr. Emily Prieto-Tseregounis serves as the Vice President of External Affairs and Chief of Staff to the President. In her role as the Vice President of External Affairs, she leads efforts to expand the institution’s capacity to educate a robust healthcare workforce that is diverse, highly skilled, and prepared to address health equity and public health challenges. She has extensive experience in higher education, formerly serving as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of California, Davis, the Director of the Latino Resource Center at Northern Illinois University, and in adjunct faculty roles teaching courses on U.S. México Border Relations, Chicana/o Studies, and Multicultural Education. She has dedicated her professional career to creating a more inclusive environment for first-generation, immigrant, and underrepresented school youth; she also served as the executive director of the AB540 and Undocumented Student Center at UC Davis. During her time at Northern Illinois University, Dr. Prieto served on the Board of Directors for Instituto del Progreso Latino (IDPL). As a leader at IDPL, she helped pioneer education pathways tasked with providing a comprehensive set of services for low-wage and low-skilled workers. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for La Cliníca in Oakland, California. Dr. Prieto earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Community Rhetoric from the University of California, Davis, in 2002, and her master’s and doctoral degrees in Education from UC Davis. She is also a graduate of UC Berkeley’s Executive Leadership Academy. She has received two Fulbright Specialist grants administered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State to work with educators in Nigeria and Japan on teaching and research strategies.
Gina Squara, Vice President, Strategic Growth and Marketing
Gina Squara brings over 20 years of marketing experience to her role at SMU, including marketing across brand strategy, market research, customer segmentation, and technology and media strategy, as well as full 360 integrated marketing plans and management with an emphasis on marketing transformation and digital initiatives. From 2018 to 2022, Gina built and led a consumer marketing and digital department for Aimmune Therapeutics and oversaw the launch of the biotech’s first drug. She then went on to lead all physician and patient initiatives as Head of U.S. Marketing post-acquisition by Nestle Health Science. Gina’s accomplishments also include building a consumer experience department for nine household brands, where she developed and exceeded multiple marketing ROI goals. She helped lead integration efforts after a $5.8B acquisition, drove marketing transformation and new organization design and capabilities, and served as VP, Consumer Experience, for the newly created $8B consumer manufacturing company, where she led a robust team to successfully execute on all marketing plans.
Gina holds a Bachelor of Science in Business with a major in Finance from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut.
Lindsey McClenahan, Vice President, Advancement & Communications
Lindsey McClenahan brings her 15 years of experience in nonprofit and higher education fundraising to Samuel Merritt University as our Vice President of Advancement and Communications. Most recently, as the Vice President of Development at University of San Francisco, she oversaw the launch of a new $500M campaign and the overarching strategic direction and execution of fundraising initiatives that support the university's mission and vision.
Prior to USF, Lindsey fundraised for organizations around the Bay Area such as the American Red Cross and the San Francisco Symphony. She is passionate about building resilient relationships between donors and organizations, and engaging and empowering volunteer leaders, staff, and faculty. She has successfully led and revitalized major giving programs, crafted and closed comprehensive transformational asks, and increased donor retention, engagement, and satisfaction rates. In addition to her professional work, Lindsey’s academic studies in History and International Studies inform her strong interest in social justice, health, and human rights issues.
Office of the President
The Office of the President provides visionary, strategic, and organizational leadership to advance the university’s mission, vision, core values, and strategic priorities.
President’s Staff
| Emily Prieto-Tseregounis—Chief of Staff to the President and Vice President of External Affairs |
| Marjorie Villanueva—Senior Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff, VP of External Affairs |
| Veronica Suazo—Executive Assistant to the President and Vice President for University Advancement & Communications |
Meet the President
Dr. Ching-Hua Wang is the second president in the 115-year history of Samuel Merritt University. Leading a community of scholars and healthcare professionals, Dr. Wang hasdedicated her career to service and educational innovation, shaping the future of healthcare through first-rate academic programs and a steadfast commitment to health equity.
Dr. Wang assumed her role as president on November 26, 2018. Under her visionary leadership, SMU, which boasts a student body with a 74% diversity rate, has been ranked No. 1 in preparing students for successful careers post-graduation. She has overseen significant expansions, including the establishment of a new campus in Fresno and securing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to construct a new headquarter campus in the City Center of Oakland, reinforcing SMU’s mission to serve diverse communities throughout California.
Dr. Wang’s remarkable journey began in Beijing, where she overcame significant challenges during the Cultural Revolution. A native of Beijing, she became part of China’s “sent-down generation,” when schools were shuttered and more than 17 million “intellectual youths” were separated from their families and sent away to perform hard labor. Exiled to Mongolia as a teenager, Wang was “re-educated” along with others her age. For six years, she was separated from her family, working in the village’s farming fields and teaching illiterate children. An Oxford English Dictionary, given to Wang by her father while she was in exile, sits in her office as a poignant reminder of those times.
Because she had relatives who lived in Taiwan, Wang was twice barred by authorities from attending college to study foreign languages after spending years in exile. However, on her third attempt, Wang was admitted to Beijing Capital Medical University. Medical school opened a door for Wang to pursue her passion for foreign languages as she studied Western medicine. She graduated first in her class and became the first woman to earn a master's degree in immunology from Peking University Health Center. Desiring to continue her studies and scientific research, Wang became the first graduate in her class to leave the country on her own to pursue a doctoral degree in the U.S. She attended Cornell University on a full scholarship and became the first Chinese student to earn a doctorate in immunology from Cornell.
Dr. Wang was hired as an assistant professor of biology at California State University, San Bernardino, in 1990. In 2001, she was one of 13 faculty members recruited to establish California State University, Channel Islands. She served as program director for the Bridges Stem Cell Research Training program, chair of multiple science and health science programs, and director of the Master of Science in Biotech and Bioinformatics program. In 2012, Dr. Wang became dean of the School of Health and Natural Sciences at Dominican University of California, where she developed innovative programs such as the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and the Internationally Educated Nurses Program.
Beginning in 2017, she served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at California State University, Sacramento. In November 2018, Dr. Wang became Samuel Merritt University’s second president and the first female native Chinese university president in the U.S.
A prolific scholar, Dr. Wang has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and secured over $26 million in grants and funds. She is an influential figure in the higher education industry and the community, serving on the Oakland Workforce Development Board and the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Bay Area’s Most Influential Women in Business Award by the San Francisco Business Times.
She is a contributing author to “The Rise of Chinese American Leaders in U.S. Higher Education: Stories and Roadmaps,” reflecting her commitment to fostering leadership and representation in higher education. Her story is one of resilience, love for learning, and unwavering dedication to improving health outcomes, values that resonate deeply with the mission of Samuel Merritt University
Dr. Wang holds a medical degree from Beijing Capital Medical University, a Master of Science in Immunology from Peking University, and a PhD in Immunology from Cornell University. She has completed leadership programs at Harvard University, MIT, and the University of California, Berkeley. With her extensive experience in leadership, strategic planning, and academic program development, Dr. Wang continues to drive SMU toward becoming a nationally recognized leader in health sciences education.
Creating a Culture of Inclusion, Innovation, and Excellence
Samuel Merritt University’s mission is built on transforming the care experience in diverse communities. That commitment to inclusion and equity is found in everything we do.
At SMU, we prepare students to become compassionate health leaders committed to advancing health equity. Through our classroom and clinical education, we develop leaders that reflect regional and community demographics. Much of our focus and outreach is geared toward reducing healthcare disparities in underserved and vulnerable communities.
Our dedication to helping underserved populations begins at our regional campuses. We understand that diversity is integral to a thriving society, so we’re proud of our diverse and welcoming community.
At SMU, diversity includes group and social differences such as race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, first language spoken, nationality, physical and mental abilities, learning styles, life experiences, and religion. We aim to recruit and retain diverse faculty, staff, and students, which in turn contributes to creating a more diverse healthcare workforce. Our campus community members adhere to a code of ethics that emphasizes integrity and positive interactions with others.
Campus Programs and Initiatives
Our Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Disability Resource Center, and other campus groups and offices sponsor and spearhead several programs and initiatives.
- Nursing Workforce Development Grant — An initiative designed to recruit, retain, and develop underrepresented and first-generation students to SMU’s undergraduate nursing programs
- Community Reads — A campus-wide, shared reading initiative where students, staff, and faculty can explore the structural and social determinants of health through storytelling
- Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Trainings — Educational workshops geared toward helping faculty, staff, and students broaden their understanding of structural and social determinants of health causing health inequities
- Dr. Cornelius Hopper Diversity Excellence Award — Named for our former Board of Regents chair who has been addressing racial disparities in the U.S. healthcare system since 1971
Student Organizations
Among our student groups and clubs—which are open to all—are several that relate to diversity and inclusion.
- International Healthcare Club
- Pride Committee
- Students of Color Collective
- California Student Nurses Association
- Presidents Ambassadors
The Minds Behind the Mission
The Board of Regents guides the University’s efforts to sustain its excellence in clinical education and secure financial resources to meet its needs. Board members bring a variety of executive experiences in educational leadership, healthcare, and business development in their efforts to oversee improvements to SMU’s facilities and academic programs development that will meet the healthcare needs of all communities.
Alvin McLean Jr., PhD, is dean of the John F. Kennedy School of Psychology and Social Sciences at National University.
He is also co-owner of a medical specialty home health agency that manages chronic medical conditions in patients’ homes. Mr. McLean joined the University of Washington’s Department of Rehabilitation Medicine faculty after completing a post-doctoral fellowship in neuropsychology. His research, publications, and presentations focused on the neuropsychological and psychosocial sequelae of traumatic brain injury, neuropharmacology, and care management strategies to improve daily functioning after brain and spinal cord injuries. In addition to his academic work, Mr. McLean has an extensive business background, including developing residential, outpatient, and home-based rehabilitation programs for persons with brain and spinal cord injuries. He was senior vice president for Paradigm Health Corporation for over 20 years. Mr. McLean serves on the boards of the San Francisco Theological Seminary, the SF Bay Area Albert Schweitzer Fellows Program, Man 2 Man Urban Youth Advocates, and the Alameda County Care Alliance. Mr. McLean is also a musician and has directed the men’s chorus at Allen Temple Baptist Church for 25 years. Mr. McLean received two bachelor’s degrees from Kansas University. He earned his master’s and doctorate degrees in clinical psychology and psychophysiology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Amber Luther, BA, specializes in higher education planning in the San Francisco office of Populous, an international architecture and design firm.
Her background includes planning for high-end residential, education, workplace, healthcare, and mixed-use collegiate and professional sports projects in the U.S., Middle East, and Canada. As one of Populous’s thought leaders within the national design community, she speaks at conferences, conducts research on new technologies that support innovative design processes, and publishes papers on innovation in design. Since 2017, she has led Populous’s Campus 2050 initiative studying campus design trends and themes with a consortium of universities including CalTech, Carnegie Mellon, NYU, DePaul, Northwestern, Purdue, and Stonybrook. Her recent work includes the University Mary Hardin Baylor Master Plan, SUNY University at Buffalo UB 2020 Plan, Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences Campus Relocation, Bloomsburg Campus Master Plan, the Philadelphia VA Medical Center Master Plan, and a variety of projects with Thomas Jefferson University.
…
Brad Barber, JD, is a retired attorney and assistant vice president emeritus for Institutional Advancement at the University of California (UC) Office of the President.
Mr. Barber has extensive experience in managing nonprofits and in planning and implementing fundraising campaigns. In addition to his work with all UC campuses and their foundations, Mr. Barber previously served as senior vice president and chief development officer of Children’s Hospital & Research Center in Oakland (now part of UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital). He is currently involved with UC Berkeley as a member of four advisory boards, a visiting scholar at the Center for Studies in Higher Education (since 2013), and former chair of the Friends of the Bancroft Library. Mr. Barber serves on the Earth and Life Studies advisory committee for the National Academy of Sciences. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from UC Berkeley and a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the Boalt School of Law.
Caroline Cabias, BA, retired from the State of California with her last appointment as the State Board of Equalization chief financial officer, where she managed the board’s $500 million operating budget.
Ms. Cabias previously managed the board’s information technology strategic planning, human resources, and customer services programs. During this time, she also served as project manager for the State of California Information Technology (IT) Human Resources Classification and Selection Project intended to modernize the state’s IT classification plan. Ms. Cabias has also served in executive management capacities for the departments of Toxic Substances Control, Food and Agriculture, and Health with her first career executive appointment prior to her 30th birthday.
When not consulting on organization and management issues, Ms. Cabias serves on the boards of the UC Davis Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, UC Davis Foundation, UC Davis Global Affairs, UC Davis Chicanx Latinx Alumni Association, Annual UC Davis Cesar Chavez Youth Leadership Conference, Latino Economic Council of Sacramento, Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the La Familia Counseling Center STEM program and Opportunity Center Community Collaborative. Ms. Cabias received a bachelor’s degree in political science from UC Davis and a certificate in organization and management in the public sector from the UCLA Anderson School of Management.
Christine “Chris” Helwick, JD, is General Counsel Emeritus for the California State University system, the largest four-year institution of higher learning in the world, with 23 campuses and over 400,000 students.
She has over 18 years of senior leadership experience, providing advice to the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, and campus Presidents, and managing 23 in-house lawyers. Her department was named the Best Legal Department by Corporate Counsel magazine in 2013.
Ms. Helwick received the distinguished service award from the National Association of College and University Attorneys in 2007 for her exemplary leadership. She also served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of College and University Business Officers for six years.
In 2006, Ms. Helwick received a Fulbright award to study higher education exchange programs in Europe. She has participated in professional legal seminars at Oxford and the Aspen Institute. Formerly head of litigation at the University of California, she was the first attorney to secure a court-ordered injunction against violent animal rights protesters on the UCLA campus.
In retirement, Ms. Helwick has authored articles on higher education management and presented at various gatherings. She currently serves as Senior Counsel at Hirschfeld Kraemer, providing counsel to higher education clients, conducting investigations, and coaching senior leaders. She is on the board of the Center for the Collaborative Classroom, a nonprofit developing curriculum for K-5 schools that integrates social and emotional learning.
Ms. Helwick has taught at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and served on ABA Site Evaluation Teams. She has mentored students and participated in community programs such as Operation Jumpstart and Shortstop.
Conrad M. Vial, MD, is a Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer. As Sutter Health’s Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Vial’s accountabilities include development of clinical strategy, research and graduate medical education, efficiency and safety, clinical operations integration, mental health and addiction services, laboratory services, pharmacy, digital health, and design and innovation.
Dr. Vial is a practicing cardiothoracic surgeon who has held various leadership roles in multi-specialty medical group practice and integrated healthcare delivery. From the clinical practice perspective, Dr. Vial is particularly interested in structural heart disease, focusing on minimally invasive cardiothoracic surgery and catheter-based valve repair and replacement.
Dr. Vial received his bachelor’s degree and medical doctorate from Stanford University. He earned a master of philosophy at Cambridge University in England, while also completing a postdoctoral fellowship in transplant immunology. He conducted his general surgical and cardiothoracic surgical training at Stanford University Medical Center. He has been board certified in both general surgery and cardiothoracic surgery.
Dennis J. O’Connell, BA, spent more than 30 years in the construction, manufacturing, retail, and investment businesses, including 10 years with Bechtel Corporation.
He has extensive experience as a board member, including with Marin General Hospital Foundation, Marin Community Health, Marin Physician Hospital Organization, and Babcock Foundation. Mr. O’Connell chaired the boards of Marin General Hospital and Sutter Health and is a former member of the Sutter West Bay Hospitals, Sutter West Bay Medical Foundation, and Sutter Bay boards. He currently serves on the board of Bailard, a wealth management and institutional investment firm in Foster City, California. He earned his undergraduate degree in business administration from California State University, Chico.
Elizabeth “Liz” Chaney, BA, is a retired account executive and regional director for JLL, a global commercial real estate investment and services firm.
Her 30 years of experience includes overseeing Kaiser Permanente’s real estate portfolio transactions and Stanford University Medical Center’s growth. She assists institutional and private sector owners to advance complicated development programs with multiple stakeholders. She has also handled significant programs for the federal government, the State of California, Fortune 100 corporations, and leading academic and healthcare institutions. A recognized leader in healthcare development, she also participates in teaching at institutions such as Yale University and Stanford University. Ms. Chaney earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, and is a licensed architect in California.
Eric Roberts, MBA, is a retired CPA and Certified Fraud Examiner. At the time of his retirement, Mr. Roberts had spent over 20 years at the international law firm of Morrison Foerster, where he led the Forensic Accounting Services Group that specialized in cases involving securities laws and investigations.
In that role, Mr. Roberts assisted in the representation of hundreds of companies, officers, directors, and other institutions in all types of securities cases, including class actions, derivative actions, white collar defense, and Securities and Exchange Commission enforcement proceedings.
Prior to joining Morrison Foerster, Mr. Roberts spent 29 years, including 19 as a partner, at the accounting and consulting firm of Deloitte. Among other assignments, he headed the Northern California Litigation Support and Reorganization Group, where he consulted and testified as an expert witness in federal and state courts and in arbitration on issues involving accounting matters and economic damages. Earlier in his career at Deloitte, he was the lead partner on audits of public and private companies and numerous colleges and universities.
Mr. Roberts serves on the board of Stiles Hall. In the past he was on the boards of Mills College (chair of the finance committee and member of the executive and audit committees), the SF AIDS Foundation (chair of the finance committee and member of the audit committee), and Pangaea Global AIDS (chair of the board). Mr. Roberts received his BS and MBA from the University of California, Berkeley.
Katherine “Kate” Schapiro, BA, CFA, has over 40 years of experience as an investment professional.
She established her own investment consulting practice in 2019 and currently provides investment advice, research, and consulting services to a private family wealth management firm in San Francisco.
Over the course of her career, Ms. Schapiro has managed mutual funds, co-mingled and employee benefit trust funds, institutional accounts and private client portfolios for prominent companies including Wells Fargo, Strong Capital Management, and Sentinel Investments. In the 2015-16 fiscal year, she was Interim Executive Director for the CFA Society San Francisco, one of the world’s largest CFA societies serving over 3300 members throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
Ms. Schapiro earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Stanford University. She is a CFA Charterholder and remains an active member and volunteer in the local CFA San Francisco society and with the CFA Institute. Ms. Schapiro served as a non-Regent member of the Investment Committee for Samuel Merritt University’s Board of Regents from early 2020 to June 2023. Previously, she was a trustee of Mills College in Oakland, CA from 2010 to 2019. She served on the Board of Directors of the CFA Society San Francisco from 1992 to 2000, including a year as President.
Ms. Schapiro has appeared as a guest on Wall Street Week with Louis Rukeyser, Bloomberg TV, CNBC, and Fox Business News. She has been profiled in Barron’s and The New York Times. Ms. Schapiro is an avid skier, hiker, and bicyclist, having cycled on six continents.
Kevin Hart, BS, is a seasoned healthcare executive, change strategist, and collaborative leader.
In 17 years of progressive leadership with industry pioneer Kaiser Permanente, Kevin is at the forefront of industry transformation—bringing teams together to solve complex problems at scale. He has also leveraged technology to implement large-scale improvements for delivering more efficient, cost-effective, and patient-centered care.
Well regarded as a highly effective communicator with a “big picture” vision, Mr. Hart has an exceptional history of designing and implementing innovative strategies for organizational growth. He is also adept at building great teams, creating an open and honoring work culture, and empowering individuals to find joy at work and meaning in their collective mission.
Distinctive skills include managing organizational change, mitigating risk, infusing new ideas for business improvement, and delivering solid results in a high-performing, cross-functional team environment. Beyond healthcare, Mr. Hart’s experience also spans the high-technology, construction, manufacturing, engineering, and procurement industries, including Fortune 500 companies, professional services organizations, and start-ups.
With an abiding commitment to community well-being, Mr. Hart gives abundantly of his time and expertise. He serves on the board of a nonprofit organization focused on providing healthcare information technology solutions to federally qualified health centers and community clinics. He is also on the board of the Hidden Genius Project, an initiative that trains and mentors Black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills to transform their lives and communities.
Lisa Zuffi, BA, is a retired senior vice president and group director at Signature Bank’s San Francisco office.
She has worked in commercial banking for over 25 years. In addition to her extensive banking experience, Ms. Zuffi has a background in business and community development, and she served as a Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa. She has served on the boards of Oakland’s Lighthouse Community Charter School and the Oakland Business Development Corporation. Ms. Zuffi earned a bachelor’s degree in English from UC Berkeley.
Melanie Bell-Mayeda, MBA, is Director of Strategy and Operations at Google.
She is focused on the identification and development of future user experience and opportunities for the company to deliver. Prior to her time at Google, Ms. Bell-Mayeda was a partner and managing director in IDEO’s San Francisco office, helping lead the Design for Change studio. Her passion lies in helping organizations reinvent themselves to connect with customers in new and meaningful ways. She had led two major initiatives looking at the future of care. “The Powerful Now” was a global project that explored ways to bring creativity and design thinking to the topic of aging. The second was working with Pivotal Ventures to explore opportunities to reinvent the caregiving space with a focus on elevating and valuing the invisible labor or women. Prior to joining IDEO, she led LeapFrog’s global licensing business and worked at Virgin Entertainment Group, Booz-Allen & Hamilton, and Morgan Stanley, where she sharpened her skill in applying strategic thinking and financial analysis to the business decision-making process. Ms. Bell-Mayeda earned a bachelor’s degree, Magna Cum Laude in sociology from Harvard University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School.
Mercedes Chavira, RN, BSN, received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Samuel Merritt Saint Mary’s Intercollegiate program in 1987.
She holds professional designations and certifications as a Certified Perioperative Nurse from UCLA/Ronald Reagan Medical Center and the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses and Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Boards.
Since 2021, Ms. Chavira has been the Nurse Patient Advocate with Anthem Vivity Blue Cross of California in Woodland Hills, California. She began her career in perioperative nursing in 1987 and brings 37 years of experience working with top-ranked hospitals and Fortune 500 companies. She has an extensive clinical background and expertise in training, education, and leadership roles.
Ms. Chavira is a powerful force in the workplace, using her positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others and advocate for her patients. She believes patient care should be holistic and compassionate, with an emphasis on educating patients and building strong therapeutic relationships based on trust and evidence-based practice.
Inspired daily by her husband of 23 years and her immediate family, especially her brother and his family, Ms. Chavira enjoys traveling, gardening, mentoring others, and volunteering as a perioperative nurse in her free time.
Saul Rosenbaum, BS, is a retired financial services executive. Prior to retiring in 2021, he served as a managing director, member of the executive committee, and shareholder of San Francisco-based Prager & Co., LLC, a boutique investment banking and financial advisory firm.
He has 35 years of experience providing strategic financial advisory and investment banking services to governmental and nonprofit entities, during which time his focus was devoted primarily to college and university clients.
Prior to joining Prager & Co. LLC, Mr. Rosenbaum served as a vice president in the San Francisco Public Finance Group of Prudential Securities Inc., where he provided fixed income investment banking services to nonprofit and governmental entities. Prior to that, he served as a senior consultant in the Municipal Finance Consulting Division of Ernst & Young.
Mr. Rosenbaum serves on the Board of Directors of Alliant Educational Foundation (AEF) and is Trustee Emeritus of Alliant International University (AIU). He graduated with honors from the University of Arizona, where he received a bachelor of science degree with a major in finance.
Shefali Parikh, MOT, BA, is a Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. She oversees all aspects of manufacturing, quality control, customer service, billing, and shipping.
She began this role in 2004 and has driven growth in sales and profitability. She has a BA in psychology and minor in women’s studies from UC Riverside, and a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) from Samuel Merritt University.
Neptaly “Taty” Aguilera, BA, serves on the UC Davis Health Medical School Community Advisory Committee, the board of directors for the UC Davis Cal Aggie Alumni Association, and is co-chair of the University of California Statewide Chicanx Latinx Alumni Association.
He currently serves on the executive board of directors for the Coalition of Civil Rights Organizations in state government and has also served on the Sacramento County Grand Jury and is a member of the California Grand Jurors’ Association.
Mr. Aguilera is retired from the California Department of Health Care Services, after 40 years of public service in various leadership positions in health-related programs. He oversaw the statewide Medi-Cal field offices responsible for the review of Treatment Authorization Requests for medical services. In addition, he was chief of the Primary Health Care Program and responsible for overseeing funding for 350 community and primary care clinics serving populations including Asian, Black, Filipino, farmworkers, Latino, Native American, veterans, women, LGBTQ, disabled and seniors in designated medically underserved areas in California.
Mr. Aguilera earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from UC Davis and has certificates of achievement in human resources, labor relations, budgets, finance and contracts, and equal employment opportunity from the State of California.
Jeff M. Gerard, MM, AB is a forward-thinking health care executive with a strong background in strategic planning, corporate governance, and business development.
With leadership roles that include President and CEO of Sutter Health Bay Area, he has managed large-scale health care operations, overseen mergers and acquisitions, and driven clinical integration initiatives. He has also served as a board member for various health care organizations, including By The Bay Health and Mission Hospice. Jeff holds a Master’s degree from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and a Bachelor's degree in Human Biology from Stanford University.
Ching-Hua Wang, MD, PhD, is the second president in the history of Samuel Merritt University. She works with the President’s Cabinet to fulfill the University’s mission and values, with a commitment to improve health outcomes by educating future healthcare professionals who are highly skilled and reflect the communities they will serve.
Dr. Wang previously served as the provost and vice president for academic affairs at California State University, Sacramento. Before joining Sacramento State, she served as dean of the School of Health and Natural Sciences at Dominican University of California, where she was also a professor of immunology and microbiology. There, she initiated and developed several academic programs, including a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program and an internationally educated nurses’ program.
She was one of the original 13 faculty members recruited to start California State University, Channel Islands. She served as director of the Bridges to Stem Cell Research initiative, director of the school’s Master of Science in Biotech and Bioinformatics program, special assistant to the provost, and chair of several natural science and health science programs.
She received her medical degree from Beijing Medical College, a master of science degree in immunology from Beijing University, and a PhD in immunology from Cornell University. She has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and has obtained over $11.3 million in funds from private sources and corporations and $15 million in grants.
Dr. Wang and the President’s Cabinet provide stewardship of institutional resources in consultation with the Board of Regents.
Featured Events
SMU Fast Facts
We’ve been preparing successful healthcare professionals for generations.
10:1
Student-to-Faculty Average Ratio
10:1 student-faculty average ratio ensures that each student receives personalized attention and mentorship, fostering a supportive learning environment where individual growth and academic success thrive.
Achieving Excellence
SMU is ranked #1 by Forbes for early-career salary prospects.
91%
Graduates Employed in Their Specialty
Our alumni are in high demand in our local communities and beyond.
History of SMU
SMU began as a credential nursing program with Oakland’s Samuel Merritt Hospital. Today, more than 110 years later, it offers nursing programs and advanced degrees for occupational and physical therapists, physician assistants, and podiatric physicians.
Explore More
Academic Affairs
Outstanding health sciences education programs as well as student-centered services and faculty support and resources.
Explore Academic AffairsThe classrooms and labs at SMU’s campuses are always bustling with energy and activity.
Keep Exploring
Locations
SMU is headquartered in Oakland, California, with additional campuses in Sacramento, Fresno, and the San Francisco Peninsula.
Explore Campuses
Accreditation and Institutional Research
Learn about accreditation and research and analysis related to the University’s strategic and operational planning, policy formation, and decision-making.
Learn More