Somi Nagaraj, DNP, MSN, RN, CSSGB, CONTL

Dr. Somi Nagaraj, DNP, MSN, RN, CONTL, CSSGB, SMQT, is an Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for the Nursing Executive and Innovative Leadership (NEIL) option at Governors State University. A leader, educator, scholar, and healthcare quality expert, Dr. Nagaraj brings over three decades of experience in healthcare leadership, education, patient safety, and quality improvement. Dr. Nagaraj specializes in innovative leadership, quality improvement, patient safety, healthcare regulation, and interprofessional education. 

Dr. Nagaraj is Known for her dynamic, result-driven leadership style, Dr. Nagaraj excels in designing high‑quality, cost‑effective solutions that strengthen academic programs and enhance student success. Her expertise spans performance improvement, curriculum development, and hands‑on mentorship of graduate nursing students, whom she guides toward academic excellence and professional growth.

In 2025, Dr. Nagaraj received multiple accolades for leading an Inter‑Professional Education (IPE) community‑based project titled Enhancing Stroke Awareness Through Inter‑Professional Education and Collaboration. Working with a multidisciplinary team, she delivered impactful health education at the Senior Wellness Center in Bremen Township, Oak Forest, IL, with outcomes reported to the college’s IPE committee.

Deeply committed to community service, Dr. Nagaraj provides quarterly health education sessions on topics such as brain health, stroke prevention, diabetes, heart failure, ADHD, and women’s health—an initiative that has grown significantly under her leadership.

Dr. Nagaraj also serves with the Illinois Department of Public Health as a Public Service Administrator. Her scholarship focuses on nursing leadership, community health, quality improvement, artificial intelligence in nursing education, and interprofessional collaborative practice.
 

Nagaraj, S. (2025). “Understanding Women’s Health Issues” presenter at the Community Health Education Workshop, held on August 25th, 2025, at the Bremen Township Senior Wellness Center, Oak Forest, Illinois.

Nagaraj, S. (2025). “Rise Above Heart Failure” presenter at the Community Health Education Workshop, held on February 24th, 2025, at the Bremen Township Senior Wellness Center, Oak Forest, Illinois.

Nagaraj, S., MacMullen, N. (2025). “Nursing Education and the Emerging Artificial Intelligence” Paper Presentation at the Spring 2025 Faculty Connection, Collaboration, and Celebration, Faculty Professional Development Day, Governors State University.

Nagaraj, S. (2025). “Nursing Retention Through Leadership Development,” poster presentation, at the University Research Days Event - April 16 – 17, 2025, Governors State University. 

Nagaraj, S. (2025). “Enhancing Stroke Awareness Through Interprofessional Education and Collaboration” poster presentation, at the University Research Days Event – April 16 -17, 2025, Governors State University.

Nagaraj, S., Carr, C., O’Quinn, C., Roberson, T., Chairse, T., MacMullen, N., Werosh, K., Ferraro, M. (2025). “Enhancing Stroke Awareness Through Interprofessional Education and Collaboration at a Community Wellness Center” Interprofessional Education and Collaboration (IPEC) poster presentation, at the Chicago Southland Educator – 3rd Annual Conference: Leadership Focus, June 12th, 2025, at the Hall of Governors, Governors State University. 

Nagaraj, S., Carr, C., O’Quinn, C., Roberson, T., Chairse, T., MacMullen, N., Werosh, K., Ferraro, M. (2025). “Enhancing Stroke Awareness Through Interprofessional Education and Collaboration at a Community Wellness Center” Interprofessional Education and Collaboration (IPEC) Project Implementation, March 15, 2025, at the Bremen Township Wellness Center, Oak Forest, Illinois.

Nagaraj, S. (2024). “ACEN Preparation for Standard 5: Outcomes and Measures” PowerPoint Presentation at the Department of Nursing, Assessment and Evaluation Committee, Fall 2024, Retreat, Governors State University. 

Nagaraj, S. (2023). “Diversity and Innovations in Healthcare Leadership” Workshop – Paper Presentation at the Nursing Leadership and Student Council in NEIL Program, Governors State University.

Nagaraj, S., Thomas, G. (2022). Future of Nursing Education and Challenges, Illinois Nursing Voice, Volume 10. 

Nagaraj, S. (2021). “Empowering Students in Nursing Leadership and Innovation” Workshop – Nursing Leadership and Student Council in NEIL Program, Governors State University.