For Karina Shanne, nursing has always been more than just a profession. It has been a lifelong journey of learning, teaching, and service. After earning her Associate degree from St. Elizabeth College of Nursing in 2012 and her BSN from Utica University in 2014, she went on to practice as a bedside nurse. But it was her love for mentorship, whether working with patients, students, or new graduates, that illuminated her path toward a future in education.
This passion for teaching eventually led Karina to SUNY Poly, where she pursued and earned her MS in Nursing Education in December 2021. “As a bedside nurse, I loved teaching,” she reflects. “After being recruited as a clinical instructor, I realized academia was where I belonged.” Her time at SUNY Poly provided her with the foundation she needed to fully step into that calling.
Karina chose SUNY Poly for its academic rigor, reputable faculty, and accessible online learning platform, which blended real-world experience with meaningful mentorship. “The MS in Nursing Education program was an incredibly positive experience. The faculty were knowledgeable, supportive, and deeply committed to student success,” she says. “Their guidance helped shape my own philosophy as an educator.”
Currently, Karina serves as the Director of Academic Operations for Utica University’s Accelerated BSN Program. In this role, she oversees the quality of nursing education, manages clinical partnerships, and supports faculty and students. Her work reflects the impact of her graduate training, as she now leads with empathy, clarity, and a strong commitment to excellence. “The curriculum deepened my understanding of instructional design, curriculum planning, and student engagement,” she explains. “It gave me the confidence to step into leadership roles with purpose.”
Although her path to graduate school followed a traditional route, progressing from CNA to RN to educator, it has not been without challenges. During her final semester, she gave birth to her first child while completing internship hours and coursework. Balancing motherhood, a full-time job, and academic responsibilities tested her resilience. “There were moments of doubt,” she admits. “But I pushed through with the support of mentors, my family, and a lot of coffee.”
One pivotal moment in her academic journey came during her final-semester internship, when she realized her passion extended beyond clinical education into broader academic leadership. This shift inspired her current work and fuels her long-term goal of mentoring future nursing educators. “I’ve mentored new instructors and supported students outside the classroom,” she shares. “And I’d love to serve as a preceptor for MS Nursing Education students in the future.”
Karina remains deeply committed to her local community. She helps coordinate clinical partnerships and ensures students have hands-on learning experiences that also serve community health needs. Ultimately, her mission is clear: “I want to prepare the next generation of nurses to provide safe, compassionate, evidence-based care. Through them, I hope to make a lasting impact on healthcare in our community.”
From bedside to boardroom, Karina Shanne embodies the powerful role that education can play in transforming not only individual careers but entire communities. Her story is one of perseverance, purpose, and a deep-rooted passion for nursing education.