Building Connections: Pacific College and Westcliff University Gather in Irvine
Nearly 200 faculty members, staff and administrators from Pacific College and Westcliff University gathered at Westcliff’s Irvine campus on September 2 for an afternoon dedicated to building connections and celebrating their growing partnership.
While some colleagues had already connected during earlier meetings and transition activities, the mixer created a broader opportunity for members of both institutions to spend time together, exchange ideas and get to know the people with whom they will be working.
“Today is really all about introducing Pacific to Westcliff,” said Dr. Ramin Baschshi, president of Pacific College. “It is super important to know your new sisters and your brothers. We are one big family here.”
Throughout the afternoon, attendees connected over refreshments, participated in conversations with institutional leaders and toured the Irvine campus. The event offered Pacific College employees a closer look at Westcliff’s facilities and gave colleagues across both institutions the chance to develop relationships that will support their shared work.
Bringing Together Complementary Strengths
Westcliff University announced its acquisition of Pacific College in August 2026, bringing together two institutions with a shared commitment to career-focused education and student success.
Pacific College has prepared healthcare professionals for more than three decades, offering educational pathways that extend from certified nursing assistant and licensed vocational nursing programs through registered nursing and family nurse practitioner programs. Its 95.83% NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2024-25, among the highest in California, reflects the academic quality, student support and nursing expertise that have long distinguished the institution.
“Pacific College has a long history of serving healthcare students and nursing students in particular, and that’s part of our vision for Westcliff University overall as well,” said Dr. Anthony Lee, president and CEO of Westcliff University. “There’s a huge demand for students in healthcare and in nursing.”
The partnership builds upon Pacific College’s established strengths while creating new opportunities through Westcliff’s broader academic community, infrastructure and global reach. Together, the institutions are positioned to expand educational opportunities, encourage collaboration and help prepare more highly skilled professionals to serve a rapidly evolving healthcare field.
“The investment that Westcliff is making in the long-term future of Pacific College is significant and deliberate,” said Dr. Matthew Hubbs, Westcliff’s senior vice president of strategic initiatives.
For Pacific College, becoming part of a global university community of more than 10,000 students representing over 130 countries opens new possibilities for students, faculty and staff. For Westcliff, the partnership expands the university’s ability to serve students pursuing careers in nursing and healthcare.
Honoring a Legacy While Looking Ahead
Leading Pacific College during this period of growth is Dr. Baschshi, a physician who previously served on Westcliff University’s board of trustees. Her healthcare experience and long-term perspective will help guide the college as it continues advancing its programs and preparing students for the changing needs of the field.
“I always look ten years ahead,” Dr. Baschshi said. “If what I’m doing today is not relevant ten years from today, then I am doing something wrong. Especially in the healthcare world, it is evolving at the speed of light.”
Her vision for Pacific College begins with respect for the people, programs and history that have shaped the institution. Rather than changing what makes Pacific distinctive, the partnership provides an opportunity to build upon its legacy and create new possibilities for continued growth.
“I feel like this is the pivotal moment of Pacific College,” Dr. Baschshi said. “The opportunity to build upon the foundation of this legacy institution.”
That sense of optimism was shared by Jennifer Woo, who has been part of the Pacific College community since 2013.
“I look forward to where the road can take us together,” she said.
The partnership also recognizes the important role Pacific College’s faculty and staff have played in creating a supportive learning environment and preparing generations of healthcare professionals. Their knowledge and commitment will remain central as the institutions identify new ways to serve students and their communities.
Moving Forward Together
More than an opportunity to gather, the mixer helped strengthen the personal connections that will support the institutions’ work. Attendees left with new colleagues, a greater understanding of both communities and enthusiasm for what they can accomplish together.
“The foundation has been set. Thirty-three years of history, strong academic quality,” Dr. Lee said. “At the end of the day, Pacific College has been graduating nurses for a long time, and I’m just looking forward to the future.”
Founded in the same year and now united through a shared vision, Westcliff University and Pacific College bring complementary strengths to their partnership. The relationships strengthened in Irvine represent an important part of that work and a promising beginning for everything the two communities will build together.