Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | December 1, 2025 | Worcester Business Journal 15 H E A LT H C A R E F O C U S Shanan Stratis Assistant dean of School of Healthcare at Quinsigamond Community College, in Worcester Education: Licensed practical nursing certificate, Worcester Technical Institute; bachelor's degree in nursing, Worcester State University; master's degree in nursing education, Western Governors University What are the best and worst aspects of working in health care? The best part is helping people feel better and being part of their journey to improved health. The hardest part is seeing individuals unable to access the care they need, which can prevent them from getting the help they deserve. Healthcare Educator of the Year BY CHARLOTTE POWERS WBJ Editorial Intern W hen Shanan Stratis talks about her career in nursing and educa- tion, the first word that comes to mind is care. For nearly three decades, Stratis has built her work around caring for pa- tients, students, and the Greater Worces- ter community. Today, as assistant dean of healthcare at Quinsigamond Com- munity College, she leads the college's programs in a way that reflects both compassion and innovation. "I've always wanted to care for people," she said. "Caring for others is incredibly meaningful and personal, and when someone trusts you with their health, it's a tremendous responsibility and an honor." Stratis began her career as a licensed practical nurse, later returning to school to become a registered nurse and earn- ing a master's degree in nursing educa- tion. Over her years at Quinsigamond Community College, she has served as an adjunct faculty member and director of a nearly $2-million four-year federal grant supporting underrepresented nursing students. She now oversees all of the college's healthcare programs. QCC's numbers reveal the scale and diversity of her work: as of 2023, the college enrolled 6,930 students, of whom only 28.2% were full-time. More than 42% of the student body identified as white, 24.1% as Hispanic or Latino, and 15.8% as Black or African American. e average net price paid by students aer financial aid was $7,392 in 2023. at backdrop of diversity and financial challenge helps explain why Stratis em- phasizes student-centered leadership. When she directed the federal Health Resources and Service Administration grant at QCC, the aim was clear: sup- port students with economic obstacles, first-generation college backgrounds, or lower GPAs so they could success- fully transition to a bachelor's degree in nursing program. "Many of those students went on to graduate, earn master's degrees, and even return to QCC as faculty," said Pat Schmohl, dean of School of Healthcare at Quinsigamond Community College. "Shanan turned compliance into a learning opportunity." at experience advanced the supportive, student-first approach that Stratis now brings to administration. "I always put students first and un- derstand the challenges community-col- lege students face balancing full-time jobs, families, and school," she said. "So I focus on being supportive and present for them in any way possible." Under her leadership, QCC has re- vamped its healthcare training facilities with advanced simulation labs. "Technology in healthcare changes constantly," Stratis said. "We now have high-fidelity manikins that breathe and talk. We even have a simulation ambu- lance that's the same size and setup as a real one." ese upgrades allow students to practice critical interventions in con- trolled, realistic settings before entering clinical care. Stratis's role was pivotal in obtaining funding and shaping the lab expansion, said Schmohl. "During COVID-19, our equipment was outdated, and we had only one working ventilator," he said. "Now, thanks to her efforts, our labs are mod- ern and fully equipped. Students are practicing on the same machines they will encounter in hospitals." Stratis places emphasis on inclusion. She led revisions of QCC's technical standards to make programs more welcoming to students with disabilities while maintaining rigorous expectations. Facing workforce demand, Stratis helped revive QCC's respiratory-care program, which had been facing low enrollment despite regional need. With outreach and program development aligned to industry, the program now has full enrollment and a waitlist. Under her guidance, students are being placed in partner hospitals and clinics, many of which hire them upon graduation. She is "intelligent, thoughtful, student-centered and deeply compas- sionate," Schmohl said. "You can feel the energy when you walk into the labs now. Students are engaged, faculty are excited, everything feels alive." For Stratis, the recognition she has re- ceived reflects more than her own work. "It doesn't just belong to me. It belongs to every patient, coworker, and mentor I've had," she said. "Every person and experience has shaped my career." And training the next generation of healthcare professionals is going to be vital for the industry to thrive. "We'll always need compassionate individuals to care for others," she says. "at's what it's all about." Stratis brings compassion and innovation to QCC PHOTO | COURTESY OF SHANAN STRATIS W

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