About Yasith Weerasuriya

Yasith Weerasuriya, based in Irvine, CA, is a member of the Celiac Disease Foundation’s board of directors. With over three decades of experience as a higher-education Executive Administrator, he has been instrumental in leading Stanbridge University of Southern California to national recognition. The university is celebrated for its focus on innovation, technology, academic rigor, and community involvement. Its curriculum prepares nurses and allied healthcare providers through advanced practices and the integration of digital technologies in life sciences.

A graduate of Wichita University, known for its applied learning and research focus, Yasith began his journey in education with a vision of leveraging the internet’s potential for enhanced learning. He was pivotal in establishing key partnerships with emerging Silicon Valley tech companies to integrate digital technology into classrooms, positioning him as a leader in educational innovation.

Yasith co-founded Executive 2000 Inc., which later evolved into Stanbridge University. His leadership propelled the institution to prominence in fields such as Information Technology, Security, and Optical Fiber training. A landmark achievement during this time was forging a collaboration with Microsoft Corp., enabling the introduction of advanced computer technology to numerous California community colleges during the initial rollout of Internet services.

Transformational Leadership in Higher Education

Under Yasith’s leadership, Stanbridge University achieved institutional accreditation, laying the groundwork for an expanded curriculum and increased enrollment. He spearheaded initiatives to meet accreditation standards across mission, curriculum, admissions, finances, and administration. He prioritized recruiting highly qualified staff and establishing comprehensive student services to ensure academic success.

Yasith’s commitment to healthcare education excellence led to significant technological advancements at Stanbridge. The university became home to the West Coast’s first SynDaver synthetic cadaver lab and introduced the zSpace Virtual Reality Lab, offering students immersive, multisensory learning experiences. Additionally, he initiated the Robotics and Intelligent Sciences Lab, which features cutting-edge robotic rehabilitation technologies that are groundbreaking in the U.S.

Driving Innovation in Educational Technology

Yasith is a pioneer in the adoption of educational technology in higher education. His early efforts focused on integrating hardware, software, and distance learning tools like video conferencing. These innovations laid the foundation for today’s advancements, such as virtual environments that immerse students in new contexts to enhance learning.

The impact of Yasith’s vision extends to practical healthcare education. The Robotics and Intelligent Sciences Lab, launched under his leadership, introduced the first Italian Gloreha Sinfonia hand rehabilitation device on the West Coast and the first Israeli MediTouch ArmTutor in California. The lab also included AI-enabled social robots like QTrobot, Moxie, and Milo, which were used to train students in robotic therapies for children on the autism spectrum. Yasith envisions expanding these technologies to support individuals across the lifespan, from developmental therapies for children to cognitive care for older adults.

Commitment to Governance and Civic Engagement

Yasith has consistently demonstrated a dedication to governance and community service. In addition to his role with the Celiac Disease Foundation, he serves on the Board of Directors for Discovery Cube Orange County. He is a Trustee and former Chair of the World Affairs Council of Orange County.

At Stanbridge University, Yasith championed civic engagement through the outREACH Program, which provided students with service opportunities to foster compassionate leadership. He also initiated the Root for Change project to plant 10,000 trees in Southern California by 2025 to aid wildfire recovery efforts. His advocacy for integrating community service with higher education has been a hallmark of his career.

Yasith’s influence extends beyond education. He holds positions on the Board of Directors for Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. He serves as President of the Board of Directors for the California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools. These roles reflect his unwavering commitment to supporting California communities and advancing education systems.

Through decades of leadership, Yasith Weerasuriya has transformed Stanbridge University and left a lasting mark on higher education. His dedication to academic excellence, technological innovation, and community service underscores his role as a visionary leader.