Stephanie LaPuma, Ph.D, MBA, MAM, ACC, CLC
Dr. Stephanie LaPuma is an accomplished executive leader in health professions education, recognized for driving program growth, strengthening accreditation outcomes, and aligning academic offerings with evolving workforce needs. As Director and Associate Dean of Health Professions Programs at Western Governors University, she has led large-scale academic portfolios with measurable success in enrollment growth, program expansion, and student achievement. Her leadership approach is grounded in data-driven strategy, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to improving access and outcomes for diverse and first-generation student populations.
Dr. LaPuma’s professional journey is rooted in a passion for helping others. She began her career as a respiratory therapist, providing direct patient care in clinical settings before transitioning into the business side of healthcare as an operations manager. There, she ensured healthcare organizations had the resources needed to deliver quality care. Her path then led her into higher education, where she discovered a profound passion for teaching and leadership. She advanced through roles as a program director, professor, and academic leader, creating innovative degree programs and pathways that expand opportunity and access. A first-generation college graduate herself, she remains deeply committed to ensuring education is accessible and transformative for all who pursue it.
In addition to her academic leadership, Dr. LaPuma is the President and CEO of Lead & Learn Solutions Unlimited, a coaching and leadership development firm she founded in 2017. A certified executive coach through the International Coaching Federation, she specializes in empowering mid-career professionals and executives—particularly women—to overcome burnout, imposter syndrome, and self-imposed limitations. She also trains and mentors aspiring coaches through formal certification programs and integrates principles from the Maxwell Leadership into her work. Known for her belief in helping individuals “reach their level of excellence,” Dr. LaPuma finds deep fulfillment in watching her clients and trained coaches achieve meaningful personal and professional transformation.
• ICF Certified Coach
• Certified Life Coach
• Associate Certified Coach (ACC)
• Prosci® Certified Change Practitioner
• Northcentral University - PhD
• Bellevue University - MBA
• Nebraska Methodist College - BS, Allied Health
• Nebraska Methodist College - AS, Respiratory Care
• Member of the National Society of Leadership and Success
• Member of the Golden Key International Honour Society
• Member of Lambda Eta Chapter
• ICF (International Coach Federation)
• Golden Key International Honor Society
• Delta Mu Delta
• NSLS (National Society of Leadership and Success)
• Maxwell Leadership Team
• CCNE Board Member (Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education) - 5 years
• CCNE Board Subcommittee Member - 4 years
• Commission on Collegiate Nurse Education
• Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I think the one thing that we need to do early on is the belief in ourself, and ensuring our confidence bucket is full. We need to take even situations that might not be so positive and find some positives out of it. I mean, I think every situation has a positive, even though at the moment we're in it, it might not feel that way, there's always something there. Resiliency is the thing that needs to be something that's nurtured constantly. And don't let others stop you. It's important to utilize yourself to be that person. We tend to wait until we are the expert in something before we actually go for it, to give ourselves permission to go for it. But don't be afraid to just go for it.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The opportunities in my field are vast and endless. I don't see many boxes that you can put it all in. I'm part of the Maxwell Leadership Team, so I work to incorporate that content, and there's just so much. I have so many ideas and so many things I want to do, and so many ways that I feel I can really impart upon others their ability to be the best they can be. In fact, I need mentorship from John Maxwell's team just to kind of level things out because I have so many ideas. The challenges are mainly time. I wish I had lots more time to do all this. Another challenge is getting my name out there and making sure it's relevant and real. I present myself as who I am all the time, being genuine and holding a line of integrity.