South College hosts North Texas healthcare leaders for launch of mentorship program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 5, 2026

South College Dallas welcomed members of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) to its campus to kick off the ACHE of North Texas 2026 Mentorship Program, which connects junior healthcare executives with senior executive mentors to help develop future healthcare leaders.

Dr. Chris McCracken, dean of academic and student services at South College Dallas, spoke at the event. McCracken has more than 30 years of experience in healthcare, half of which was spent in leadership roles, and indicated that skilled leaders are critical for the success of institutions the public depends on to stay healthy.

“Clinicians don’t always learn much about leadership as we enter our professions, but we are all called upon to lead in various ways throughout our careers,” McCracken said. “There is great opportunity for partnership between higher education and healthcare to develop healthcare leaders, whether through college education or programs like this one offered by ACHE.”

McCracken, a Fellow of ACHE and board certified in healthcare management through the healthcare leadership organization, said that its work connecting mentors and mentees for professional development is essential.

“So much of leadership is taught outside of the classroom or formal training – by sharing experiences, asking and giving advice and transferring institutional knowledge,” McCracken said. “Mentorship programs are important to facilitate the success of healthcare leaders – both those who are learning from mentors and those who are growing through being mentors.”

McCracken earned a doctorate in occupational therapy (OTD) and a master’s degree in business (MBA). As the dean at the Dallas campus, McCracken is passionate about helping others realize their dreams and change their lives.

Also speaking at the event was Laura Parsons-Yanez, a healthcare operations leader who serves as senior manager of operational excellence at Walmart Health & Wellness and leads enterprise-wide initiatives focused on patient safety and quality care across all Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies and vision centers.

The mentorship program launch event offered remarks from speakers and rich networking experiences at the new South College campus, which held its grand opening in October 2025.

The Dallas campus, located at 1507 Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway, offers a range of healthcare-focused degree programs, including nursing, medical assisting, surgical technology, ultrasound and radiography.

Campus facilities include a dental clinic, simulation labs and assessment labs with exam rooms as well as modern equipment and amenities like a computer lab, Student Resource Center and study areas.

Students have convenient access to a walking trail, outdoor courtyard, on-site cafe, ample parking and nearby restaurants and stores.

The campus is minutes away from downtown Dallas, Las Colinas business district and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport with easy access to the LBJ Freeway, Interstate 35E and the President George Bush Turnpike (PGBT) on State Highway 161.

For more information about South College Dallas and its programs, visit south.edu/dallas.

Across its national footprint, South College offers more than 150 academic programs in business, education, healthcare and other fields. The institution was founded in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1882 and now includes 10 physical campuses, Online learning and Competency-Based Education (CBE). To learn more about South College, visit south.edu.

About South College

South College serves more than 20,000 students and is proud of its more than 20,000 graduates. The institution offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and CBE. South College focuses on ensuring high standards and quality educational offerings, maintaining multiple authorizations and accreditations.

South College’s programs span diverse fields such as business, criminal justice, dental hygiene/assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, occupational therapy, paralegal studies, physical therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacy and surgical technology. The institution is dedicated to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the professional opportunities ahead of them. For more information, visit south.edu.