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Meet Our People

FacultY

Photo of Vanessa wearing navy suitjacket over a white v neck shirt. She is outside and smiling at the cameraDr. Vanessa Bester, EdD, PA-C, Director of the School of Health, Faculty

Dr. Vanessa Bester is the Director of the School of Health at Augsburg University, overseeing the PA, nursing, Doctor of Clinical Psychology, and social work programs. In addition to her administrative role, Dr. Bester serves as faculty for both the Master of Science in PA Studies (MSPAS) and Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) programs, helping shape the next generation of healthcare leaders.

A former National Health Service Corps Scholar, Dr. Bester has practiced in diverse healthcare settings including community health, HIV primary care, pulmonary and critical care, cardiology, and military medicine as a civilian overseas. She currently provides care for marginalized communities in St. Paul and Minneapolis neighborhoods through the Augsburg Health Commons.

Dr. Bester’s journey in PA education began in 2003 as a preceptor and PA student coordinator with the Graduate Medical Education Office at Shands Jacksonville-University of Florida. In 2012, she transitioned to full-time academia as a founding faculty member at the University of Washington MEDEX-NW Tacoma Site, eventually becoming their site director. In 2017, she joined Augsburg University as an Associate Director with a charge to align the PA program with the values and mission of the University and the needs of its students and surrounding communities. She became PA Program Director in 2021 and is the first tenured PA faculty at Augsburg University, a distinction earned by few PAs in academia. (read full bio)

 

Diana Soran smiling at the camera and wearing a beige sweater

 

Diana Soran, DMSc, PA-C

Diana Soran, DMSc, PA-C, serves as an Adjunct Faculty member for the Physician Assistant Program. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania, master’s degree at Emory University, and doctoral degree at the University of Lynchburg. Her doctoral work focused on integrating trauma-informed care into clinical medicine. Dr. Soran continues to apply her expertise to create environments for students, colleagues, and patients that promote well-being, growth, and empowerment.

Dr. Soran has practiced as a Physician Assistant since 2014. She began her clinical career in gastroenterology, where she practiced in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She transitioned to primary care in the university health setting, addressing the unique health needs of students and staff.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Soran loves to teach. She enjoys precepting students, lecturing at conferences, and facilitating staff development workshops.

 

Program Manager

Sherrie LuetgersSherrie Luetgers

Sherrie is a graduate of Augsburg University with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. She has 18 years of experience in healthcare working as a HUC, EKG tech, and Emergency Room Tech most recently in the Emergency Department at Hennepin County Medical Center.

Sherrie spends most of her free time volunteering for and singing with One Voice Mixed Chorus, Minnesota’s LGBTA chorus.