Dr. Stephanie LaPuma serves as the academic program director and associate dean of health professions for the Michael O. Leavitt School of Health at Western Governors University, advocating for accessible education and championing diversity within healthcare. She is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience shaping the intersection of healthcare and education. Her journey has been a dynamic exploration, from hands-on practice as a respiratory therapist to strategic roles in healthcare business operations. Passionate about accreditation, Stephanie serves as a public consumer on the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) Board of Commissioners and is also a member of the Report Review Committee (RRC) where she provides insights into the challenges faced by the healthcare industry through an educational lens. She believes that diversity is the heartbeat of effective healthcare, and health education is not merely a conduit for technical skills; rather it’s a catalyst for empowerment that enables healthcare workers to make informed decisions and deliver quality care to the society they serve. Along with championing for diversity and education, Stephanie is also a motivational speaker and a career coach.

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Section 1: Education:

• Northcentral University: Ph.D.
• Bellevue University: MBA, MAM

Section 2: Expertise:

• Competency-based education, equity and access in higher education
• Accreditation of degree programs and higher education organizations
• Leadership, organizational change, program-curriculum development
• Strategic leader in the nonprofits, higher education, and business organizations

Section 3: Interests:

• Providing educational opportunities to the underserved, including first generation and minorities
• Devoted life coach and leadership trainer

Section 4: Affiliations:

• International Coaching Federation