Administration
Dr. Jay Shahed, MD, MBA
Acting President & Provost, jshahed@nwsc.edu
Dr. Jay Shahed currently serves as the Acting President and Provost of Northwest Suburban College. He provides visionary leadership, advancing NWSC’s mission to expand access to healthcare education and empower students for professional success. He collaborates with trustees and community partners to strengthen institutional growth and sustainability.
With over 35 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Shahed has held leadership roles in both academic administration and instruction, specializing in institutional development, accreditation, and strategic program expansion. He has played a key role in securing and maintaining accreditation for all NWSC programs and has played a significant role in reviving and transforming the college—making it more vibrant, resilient, and forward-looking than ever before.
As Provost and Acting President, Dr. Jay Shahed has led significant institutional progress during a critical period of transition and growth. Since assuming leadership, he has strengthened academic operations, restructured student services, and advanced compliance efforts with IBHE, ABHES, and federal agencies. Dr. Shahed has overseen the development of multiple new academic programs. He has expanded community partnerships, improved enrollment outreach, modernized digital marketing functions, and increased institutional visibility through strategic events and stakeholder engagement. Under his leadership, NWSC is on a path toward regaining degree-granting authority, securing financial aid approval, and positioning itself for sustainable growth.
Mr. Edgar Montalvo, MBA
Vice President of Finance & Budgeting, emontalvo@nwsc.edu
Edgar Montalvo not only serves as NWSC’s Vice President of Finance & Budgeting, he is also faculty in the Department of Mathematics & Finance. Having received his MBA from the University of Chicago and a master’s degree in civil engineering from Norwich University, Mr. Montalvo has served in various capacities including Economic Officer/Military Liaison for the U.S. Army, Department of State and Program Manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Having years of experience as a financial officer, Mr. Montalvo now serves as President and Chief Executive Officer at Kirkuk Global, along with his roles at NWSC.
Ms. Cynthia Stong, MS
Director of Admissions & Marketing, cstong@nwsc.edu
Cynthia Stong joined NWSC as the Director of Admissions & Marketing with more than 23 years of experience in enrollment management, teaching, and higher education leadership. Cynthia has recently served as Executive Director of ADP Programs for Concordia University Chicago. She was also the Online Enrollment Manager for Indiana State University, where she developed and managed the enrollment processes, resulting in a 200% increase in the online student population over a span of 5 years. Cynthia has taught management, marketing, merchandising, and seminar/capstone classes for Indiana State University in both residential and online sections in the B.S. in Textiles & Apparel Management program. Additionally, she has worked closely with the Indiana Commission for Higher Education in regards to their “You Can Go Back” initiative, as well as the Indiana Council for Continuing Education. Education is important to Cynthia as she is a non-traditional student herself, and completed her B.S. in Business from Capella University and received an M.S. in Human Resources Development from Indiana State University. Cynthia is currently completing an M.B.A. and pursing a D.B.A in the future.
Dr. Gayathree Raman, PhD
Director of Student Services & Programs, graman@nwsc.edu
Dr. Gayathree Raman has a master’s degree in medical laboratory technology and a PhD in Molecular Biology. She has more than five years of experience at NWSC serving under various administrative roles and assisting Program Directors, Faculty, and Externship Coordinators with regard to externships, advising, student affairs, accreditation, career placement services, and institutional and financial aid.