Fox Cities News

Shane Carter, a University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UWO) nursing alumnus and president of Ascension Mercy Hospital in Oshkosh, will be honored with the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award during Homecoming weekend this fall. Carter, who holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from UWO, has made significant contributions to the healthcare sector.

Carter earned his Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in 2002 and a Master of Science in nursing in 2010. He began his career as an ICU nurse at what is now known as Ascension NE Wisconsin – Mercy Campus and was appointed president of the hospital in 2023.

Before assuming his current role, Carter served as chief nurse officer at Advocate Aurora Medical Center in Oshkosh for 12 years. His career also includes roles as a nurse manager and clinical nursing educator. Additionally, he has been a member of the Omro School Board since 2019 and volunteers with various athletic booster organizations. Since 2011, he has served on the board of visitors for the UWO College of Nursing.

Seon Yoon Chung, dean of the UWO College of Nursing, praised Carter's leadership and vision. "He has been safeguarding the health and well-being of clients in our communities during good and bad times," she said. "The fact that Shane Carter rose to the top was not surprising given his vast experience and contribution towards securing access to high-quality health care in our community."

Jane Dus, regional chief nursing officer and system vice president for Advocate Aurora Health, highlighted Carter's strategic contributions. "Shane has participated in many strategic activities and helped to shape many of our current processes," she said. Dus noted that Carter played a key role in redesigning nursing education by shifting to a hybrid model, which improved how nurses are trained.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Carter's leadership was particularly evident. "He worked tirelessly to assure his staff had the supplies and information they needed to safely care for our patients," Dus said. "His leadership was instrumental in guiding the entire team through an incredibly challenging time."

Carter initially considered a career related to sports but shifted to nursing after working at a local plasma center where many co-workers were nursing students. Encouraged by them, he applied for UWO’s nursing program.

"I’ve been blessed to be part of something special, and that’s health care delivery," said Carter. "UW Oshkosh has helped mold me into the person I am today."

The UW Oshkosh Alumni Association will celebrate 13 alumni during Homecoming weekend on Oct. 18-19. Alongside Carter, three others will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award; two will be recognized with Alumni Outstanding Service Awards; and seven will be honored with the Outstanding Young Alumni Award.