YAKIMA, Wash. -- Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences on Tuesday named two acting administrators to the permanent jobs of vice president of academic affairs and dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine.

President Dr. Stan Flemming named Robert Sutton to the vice president post and Dr. Robyn Phillips-Madson as dean of the college, which begins its second academic year next month.

Sutton, 67, who joined the university in March 2007, has been establishing residency programs and setting up satellite campuses throughout the university's five-state region.

Phillips-Madson, 56, joined the college faculty in 2007 and was named acting dean in January when Dr. William Betz resigned without explanation.

Flemming said the board of trustees conducted a national search but ultimately chose from its own ranks.

"They have proven themselves to be dedicated leaders to the osteopathic profession, to our university and to our community," Flemming said.

Sutton said his professional goal is to integrate the training of physicians and allied-health professionals so that students learn to be part of a team as they deliver health care.

"This is all about being grounded in community and helping each other," said Sutton, who earned a doctorate in counseling psychology and education from the University of Idaho.

Raised in Cashmere, he received a bachelor's degree from Walla Walla College, now Walla Walla University. He has held various positions in medical education and health-care organizations.

Phillips-Madson has been a family practitioner in North Seattle and medical director of a clinic in Lake Forest Park, Wash.

"What an amazing opportunity to lead such a promising group of students and faculty," Phillips-Madson said.

She received her medical degree from Michigan State University's College of Osteopathic Medicine and recently completed a master's in public health from NOVA Southeastern University of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Phillips-Madson, past president of the Washington Osteopathic Medical Association, leads an annual medical and dental mission to Guatemala for a nonprofit she co-founded in Bothell.

* Leah Beth Ward can be reached at 509-577-7626 or lward@yakimaherald.com.