Administration
Our administration is a dedicated team of experienced leaders committed to advancing the institution’s mission. They support students, faculty, and staff through thoughtful leadership and strategic planning. Their efforts ensure that students have the guidance, support, and resources they need to succeed.
Dr. Jay Shahed, MD, MBA
Acting President & Provost, jshahed@nwsc.edu
Dr. Jay Shahed, MD, MBA, serves as the Acting President and Provost of Northwest Suburban College, where he provides strategic leadership focused on advancing healthcare education, strengthening institutional effectiveness, and supporting student success. With more than 35 years of experience in higher education administration and instruction, Dr. Shahed has extensive expertise in accreditation, institutional development, compliance, and academic program expansion. He has played a major role in securing and maintaining accreditation for NWSC programs while helping transform the institution into a more dynamic, resilient, and forward-looking college.
During a critical period of institutional transition and growth, Dr. Shahed has led major improvements in academic operations, student services, and regulatory compliance with IBHE, ABHES, and federal agencies. He has overseen the development of new academic programs, expanded community and clinical partnerships, strengthened enrollment outreach and digital marketing efforts, and increased institutional visibility through stakeholder engagement and strategic initiatives. Under his leadership, NWSC continues to position itself for sustainable growth and long-term success.
Mr. Edgar Montalvo, MBA, MCE
Vice President of Finance & Budgeting, emontalvo@nwsc.edu
Edgar Montalvo not only serves as NWSC’s Vice President of Finance & Budgeting, but he is also faculty in the Department of Mathematics & Finance. He 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, in addition to his roles at NWSC.
Dr. Debra Gurney, EdD
Dean of Academic & Student Affairs and Director of Nursing, dgurney@nwsc.edu
Dr. Debra Gurney serves as Dean of Academic & Student Affairs at Northwest Suburban College, where she provides leadership for academic quality, curriculum development, faculty oversight, and student outcomes. She brings more than a decade of senior leadership experience in nursing and health sciences education across Illinois, including service as Associate Dean and Professor in the School of Nursing at Aurora University, Founding Director of the MSN Program and Associate Professor of Nursing at North Central College, Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences and Director of Nursing at the College of DuPage, Assistant Dean of the College of Health Sciences and Founding Executive Director of the BSN Program at Dominican University, and Executive Director of Nursing Programs at City Colleges of Chicago. Dr. Gurney holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education from Northern Illinois University and also teaches in the Health Sciences department, reinforcing her commitment to academically engaged leadership and student success.
Ms. Shazia Ilyas, MLA
Associate Dean of Academic & Student Affairs/Director of Accreditation & Compliance, silyas@nwsc.edu
Shazia Ilyas serves as the Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs at Northwest Suburban College, where she oversees academic operations, student services, institutional compliance, and accreditation initiatives. She works collaboratively with faculty, staff, and leadership to support student success and institutional effectiveness.
Ms. Ilyas holds a Master of Liberal Arts degree from Harvard University and brings more than 15 years of experience in higher education administration, program development, academic coordination, student support services, and regulatory compliance. Her professional background includes serving as Academic Dean, along with continued work as an Academic Consultant, where she provides educational consulting services in institutional planning, program development and oversight, accreditation preparation, policy implementation, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
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.
Mr. Andy Berger, MS
Associate Director of Admissions & Principal Designated School Offical, aberger@nwsc.edu
Andy Berger is a higher education and enrollment management professional with senior leadership experience in admissions, recruitment, and institutional strategy. He holds a master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. During his tenure at Robert Morris University, Andy served in progressive leadership roles including Vice President of Admissions & Recruitment, Dean of Admissions, and Director of Admissions, where he led multi-campus enrollment operations, managed large marketing and scholarship budgets, increased undergraduate and graduate enrollment, and built strong partnerships with school districts and community organizations. His leadership is marked by data-driven decision-making, collaborative partnership development, and a strong commitment to student success.