Seasoned healthcare leader and Jefferson State Community College Alumna Stephanie Woods will be the featured speaker at the college’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony on May 2 at the historic Alabama Theatre in Birmingham.
Woods has more than 25 years of experience advancing clinical practice, innovation, organizational strategy, and operational excellence.
When Woods graduated from high school, she knew she wanted to be a nurse and recognized Jefferson State was the best option for her and her family.
“In my family there were six kids,” said Woods. “My father was a disabled truck driver and my mother was a nursing assistant, so I knew college would be financially challenging.”
She enrolled at Jefferson State and completed her associate’s degree in nursing in 1996. Her time at Jefferson State helped spark her pursuit of lifelong learning.
Stephanie furthered her education by earning her bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville State University. Her commitment to excellence in nursing administration led her to complete a master’s degree from the University of Alabama in 2009. Demonstrating her dedication to quality and safety in healthcare, she also obtained a graduate certificate in healthcare quality and safety from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Continuing her academic journey, Stephanie is currently completing her doctorate of science degree in healthcare administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Her extensive education and experience are complemented by her certification as a board-certified advanced nurse executive and her green belt in Lean Six Sigma, underscoring her skill in implementing process improvements and enhancing operational efficiency.
Currently, Stephanie serves as the Regional Executive Director of Patient Care Services at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. In this capacity, she holds region-wide responsibility for inpatient nursing services for adults, maternal-child health, clinical informatics, and clinical education, simulation, and training across 21 hospitals in Northern California.
“The skills I learned at Jefferson State richly prepared me to be a leader,” said Woods. “I also learned that when you are at Jefferson State, you are truly a part of a family. And, when you are part of a family, they want to see you succeed.”
Stephanie’s dedication to patient care is matched by her passion for learning and development. She is a staunch advocate for making every day count and continually pays it forward through mentoring, sponsoring, and developing the next generation of healthcare leaders. Her commitment to nurturing talent ensures the healthcare sector is well-equipped with capable and compassionate professionals.
“At Jefferson State, you’re not just a number,” said Woods. “The connections you make, with faculty that are invested in you, will last you a lifetime.”
For more information about Commencement, click here.
