TEMPE, Ariz. – Sonoran University of Health Sciences announced today the appointment of Lise Alschuler, ND, FABNO, MBA, as its new president and CEO, effective July 2025. Dr. Alschuler, a leader in integrative medicine and distinguished naturopathic physician, is the institution’s fourth president and first female president, and succeeds Dr. Paul Mittman who is retiring after 25 years of dedicated service.
Dr. Alschuler currently serves as Associate Director of the Fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine and Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Arizona. She holds an undergraduate degree in Medical Anthropology from Brown University, a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University, and an Executive MBA from Quantic University.
The selection of Dr. Alschuler follows a comprehensive national search initiated by Sonoran University’s Board of Trustees in August 2024. The search was guided by a Presidential Search Committee comprised of trustees, faculty, staff, and student representatives.
“Dr. Alschuler has consistently demonstrated her qualities as a passionate, collaborative, and visionary leader throughout this process,” said Sonoran University Board of Trustees Chair Fran Towey. “She is committed to leading the institution through its next stages of growth and development while remaining true to the healing power of nature as a distinguishing feature of Sonoran University.”
Dr. Alschuler is a best-selling author on integrative cancer approaches, researcher in natural health, successful entrepreneur, highly sought after speaker and thought leader in the $300 billion natural products industry, and an accomplished academic administrator, practitioner, and educator. Her commitment to the healthcare community includes volunteer leadership roles with the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
“I am thrilled to lead Sonoran University into its next exciting chapter. Building on Dr. Mittman’s remarkable legacy, I am committed to elevating our institution as the premier destination for natural health sciences education,” said Dr. Alschuler. “My vision is to foster innovation and forge dynamic collaborations across healthcare disciplines, enhancing our educational programs, expanding our clinical services, and advancing cutting-edge research. Together, we will shape the future of health sciences education rooted in the healing power of nature.”
Dr. Alschuler will assume the presidency in July 2025. She will lead the day-to-day operations of the institution, build on efforts to further elevate the university’s academic programs, strengthen the success of students and alumni, advance research and patient care, and enhance the long-term financial health of the institution.
For additional information on Dr. Lise Alschuler and Sonoran University, please visit www.sonoran.edu/presidential-transition.
About Sonoran University of Health Sciences
Sonoran University of Health Sciences is a private non-profit and internationally recognized higher education institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The University’s College of Naturopathic Medicine, College of Nutrition, and School of Mental Health’s evidence-based program offerings shape a healthier future by supporting students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals.
Serving the University’s mission, the Sage Foundation for Health supports several Community Clinics focused on providing free naturopathic medical care to local under-resourced communities. The College of Nutrition’s Virtual Center for Personalized Nutrition provides personalized and evidence-based care delivered at no cost. The Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research is a state-of-the-art laboratory seeking to improve therapies for global health concerns. The University’s Clinical Care branch operates open-to-the-public clinics and Medicinary, Arizona’s largest natural pharmacy. The Medical Center provides naturopathic healthcare to patients seeking evidence-based complementary services. The Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine focuses on non-opioid solutions to pain and pain management.
