Meet the Dean

Dr. Angel Coaston

Founding Dean, School of Nursing | College of Health Science

Angel Coaston began service as the founding dean of Pepperdine’s School of Nursing in the College of Health Science on July 1, 2024. Coaston is a seasoned nurse leader with over 30 years of experience in healthcare leadership, including more than a decade in academic leadership and faculty roles. She has a proven track record in advancing health system operations, strategic initiatives, and nursing education.

Coaston has more than 10 years of experience as a full-time faculty member and leader. She came to Pepperdine from California Baptist University, where she served as associate dean of clinical academic practice partnerships and associate professor of nursing. Previously at Azusa Pacific University, Coaston served as the director of the master of science in nursing program and as the site director of the School of Nursing Inland Empire regional campus.

Before and throughout her years in academia, Coaston co-founded and served as CEO of the Well of Healing Mobile Medical Clinic. Under her leadership, clinic volunteers provided free primary care services to homeless, uninsured, and underinsured community members in San Bernardino County. During her leadership, the clinic partnered with universities and health systems and raised over $1 million to support its operations. Coaston also serves on the board of trustees at two local hospitals, the board of directors for two nonprofit community-based organizations, and as a consultant for a mission-driven organization seeking to transform health systems.

Coaston earned a bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Phoenix and master of science in nursing and family nurse practitioner degrees from Western University of Health Sciences. She holds a PhD in nursing from the University of California, San Francisco, and a School Nurse Services Credential from Azusa Pacific University.

Email: Angel.Coaston@pepperdine.edu