Yasith Weerasuriya

 
Yasith Weerasuriya, based in Irvine, CA, is a respected member of the Board of Directors for the Celiac Disease Foundation, an organization focused on improving the diagnosis and treatment of celiac disease. With over three decades of experience in higher education administration, he has been a pioneering force behind Stanbridge University’s rise as an innovative academic institution. Under his leadership, the university gained national recognition for its emphasis on technology integration and its commitment to healthcare education, particularly in nursing and allied health programs.

Visionary Leadership and Early Technological Integration

Yasith’s journey in education was shaped early on by his awareness of the transformative potential of emerging technologies. As a graduate of Wichita University, a school known for its focus on applied learning, he understood the power of technology to revolutionize the educational landscape. In the early days of the internet, when digital tools were still developing, he took proactive steps to integrate these technologies into education. His efforts led to key partnerships with tech giants in Silicon Valley, allowing students at Stanbridge University to access cutting-edge digital resources that would shape the future of education.

His entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Executive 2000 Inc., which would later evolve into Stanbridge University. Yasith’s early work focused on building a strong foundation in information technology, security, and optical fiber training. His most notable achievement during this time was coordinating a groundbreaking partnership with Microsoft, which introduced advanced computer technology to hundreds of community colleges throughout California, helping them adapt to the early days of Internet services.

Driving Innovation in Healthcare Education

Under Yasith’s leadership, Stanbridge University expanded its focus to include healthcare education, a sector that would become central to its identity. He played a vital role in guiding the university through the accreditation process, ensuring it met rigorous mission, curriculum, and student services standards. His efforts led to the development of a broader academic curriculum that included specialized healthcare programs, significantly increasing enrollment and the university’s prestige.

Beyond accreditation, Yasith’s leadership was instrumental in creating several pioneering programs and labs at Stanbridge University. He spearheaded the establishment of the West Coast’s first SynDaver synthetic cadaver lab, which provides students with a realistic and immersive learning experience in human anatomy. He also played a key role in launching the zSpace Virtual Reality Lab, allowing students to engage with interactive, 3D learning experiences that enhanced their understanding of complex medical concepts.

Enhancing Healthcare Learning Through Technology

Yasith’s leadership hallmark is his commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies into healthcare education. He recognized early on that digital tools, such as robotics and artificial intelligence, could revolutionize how students were trained in healthcare. Under his guidance, the Robotics and Intelligent Sciences Lab was created, which became a pioneering resource for students learning about rehabilitation and therapy technologies.

The lab featured state-of-the-art equipment such as the Gloreha Sinfonia hand rehabilitation device, the MediTouch ArmTutor, and social robots designed to assist in therapies for children with autism. These technologies enhanced the learning experience and helped students gain hands-on experience with some of today's most advanced rehabilitation tools. Yasith’s foresight in incorporating these technologies has positioned Stanbridge University as a leader in using digital tools for healthcare education.

Civic Engagement and Community Leadership

In addition to his work in education and healthcare, Yasith has been deeply committed to civic engagement. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Celiac Disease Foundation, where he helps guide efforts to advance research and treatment for celiac disease. He is also involved with the Discovery Cube Orange County. He has held leadership roles with the World Affairs Council of Orange County, where he has advocated for global education and cultural exchange.

During his tenure at Stanbridge University, Yasith championed the Outreach Program, which connected students with community service opportunities and encouraged them to become leaders and advocates for social change. One of the initiatives he spearheaded was the Root for Change program, a campaign to plant 10,000 trees in Southern California by 2025 to restore areas affected by wildfires. His commitment to community service has had a lasting impact on the students at Stanbridge University and the broader Southern California community.

Legacy of Leadership in Education

Yasith’s impact on education and healthcare cannot be overstated. His leadership at Stanbridge University has resulted in integrating cutting-edge technologies that have transformed healthcare education. His vision of using digital tools to enhance learning and his dedication to ensuring students receive high-quality instruction and support have made a lasting difference in the academic community.

Beyond his work at Stanbridge, Yasith’s contributions to civic organizations, such as the Celiac Disease Foundation and the Discovery Cube, reflect his broader commitment to improving public health and education. He continues to inspire others through his dedication to making education more accessible, innovative, and relevant to future needs.

Yasith Weerasuriya’s career is defined by his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to improving education and healthcare. Through his work at Stanbridge University, he has advanced the use of technology in higher education and fostered an environment that encourages community involvement and service. His legacy as an educator and leader will continue to influence the future of healthcare education for years to come.