Our Leadership

We are privileged to be entrusted with an incredible legacy, and the mission that called our Sisters so many years ago is now in our hands.

Professional woman leading a group of other professionals Professional woman leading a group of other professionals

Leadership Team

Traci M. Krause

Traci M. Krause, DNP, MPH, RN

Chancellor, Professor

Chancellor's Message 

I am honored to serve as Chancellor of St. John's College, an institution with a rich legacy shaped by the courage and vision of the Hospital Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis. Their remarkable journey in 1875—arriving in a new land, speaking only German, yet dedicated to serving others—continues to inspire our mission today. When they established this nurse training school on October 4, 1886, they created what would become the oldest Catholic nursing school in the United States, a distinction we carry with tremendous pride. 

That same spirit of compassion, excellence, and dedication to nursing education remains our foundation. At St. John's College, we prepare nurses who not only master clinical skills but also embody the values of holistic, patient-centered care that transforms lives and strengthens communities. 

Our unique integration with St. John's Hospital and the Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) provides our students with exceptional clinical experiences. From caring for vulnerable populations to training in a Level I trauma center, our students develop the adaptability and expertise needed for today's complex healthcare landscape. 

I believe nursing is both a science and a calling, requiring head and heart in equal measure. As the leader of an institution solely dedicated to nursing education, I'm committed to developing practitioners at the baccalaureate master’s, and doctoral levels who graduate ready to provide evidence-based, compassionate care while finding purpose and joy in their service to others. 

About Dr. Traci Krause

Dr. Traci Krause brings a wealth of leadership experience in nursing education and healthcare administration to St. John's College. Prior to assuming the role of Chancellor, she served as Dean of the School of Nursing, Health Sciences, and Wellness at Minneapolis College within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. Her leadership experience also includes her role as Assistant Director of Nursing for the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs. 

Dr. Krause's nursing journey began in the 1990s at North Iowa Mercy Health Center before taking her to international service with the United States Peace Corps in Estonia, where she served as a nursing instructor, medical training assistant, and English language teacher. Throughout her career, she has excelled in roles spanning clinical practice, education, and administration. 

Her academic credentials include a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Augsburg University (2019), Master's degrees in Nursing and Public Health from Johns Hopkins University (1999)—both earned with honors—an Associate Degree in Nursing from North Iowa Area Community College (1993), and a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Northern Iowa (1988). 

 Elaine Hardy, PhD, RN

Elaine Hardy, PhD, RN

Dean of Academic Affairs, Professor

I am honored to serve as the Dean of Academic Affairs at St. John’s College of Nursing, where we are committed to academic excellence, innovation, and fostering a welcoming learning environment. As educators and mentors, our role extends beyond the classroom—we shape the next generation of nurses, preparing them to provide compassionate, evidence-based care to diverse communities. 

At St. John's College, we prepare nurses who combine clinical expertise with compassionate care—professionals ready to meet today's healthcare challenges. Our program builds both technical proficiency and the critical thinking skills essential for contemporary nursing practice, all enhanced by our valuable partnership with HSHS St. John's Hospital. 

As we continue to evolve our academic programs, I am excited to work alongside our dedicated faculty and staff to support each student's development into a skilled, compassionate healthcare professional ready to make meaningful contributions to patient care and community health. 

I am deeply invested in advancing the mission of St. John’s College, ensuring that our programs uphold the highest standards of nursing education while also embracing all community members. By fostering an environment where all students feel valued and supported, we empower them to reach their full potential as healthcare leaders. 

I look forward to working alongside our dedicated faculty, staff, and students to enhance academic programs, strengthen research opportunities, and continue our tradition of excellence in nursing education. 

About Dr. Elaine Hardy 

Dr. Elaine Hardy brings extensive experience in nursing education, academic leadership, and clinical practice. Before joining St. John’s College, she served as an assistant professor of nursing at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois. Prior to that, she held leadership roles at the University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Nursing in Peoria, where she was Director of the Peoria Campus from 2015 to 2019 and later a clinical assistant professor of nursing until 2021. 

Throughout her career, Dr. Hardy has served as an assistant professor, instructor, and faculty member at multiple nursing colleges and universities across the country. She is also a seasoned academic presenter and a published researcher, with expertise in women's health and healthcare disparities. 

Dr. Hardy earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from the University of Illinois at Chicago (2011), with a research focus on racial identity as a predictor of physical activity in midlife African American women. She also holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Purdue University Calumet Campus and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana University Northwest. 

Hannah Jugan, MS, BA

Hannah Jugan, MS, BA

Dean of Students, Title IX Coordinator

As the Dean of Students at St. John's College, I am dedicated to fostering a supportive, welcoming, and enriching environment where every student can thrive both academically and personally. Student success is at the heart of our mission, and I am committed to ensuring that each student has access to the resources, guidance, and support needed to achieve their educational and professional goals. 

At St. John's College, we understand that nursing education extends beyond the classroom. We strive to cultivate a community where students feel valued, empowered, and prepared to navigate the challenges of both their academic journey and future careers in healthcare. Whether through academic advising, student services, or leadership development opportunities, my goal is to help students grow into confident, compassionate professionals ready to make a difference in the world. 

In addition to my role as Dean of Students, I also serve as the Title IX Coordinator, ensuring that our campus remains a safe environment for all. I am committed to fostering a campus focused on student success, where every student can learn and accomplish their goals.   

About Hannah Jugan 

Hannah Jugan brings over a decade of experience in higher and secondary education, specializing in student admissions, academic advising, curriculum development, and teaching. Her expertise spans working with both traditional and non-traditional students, as well as individuals from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that all students receive the support and guidance they need to succeed. 

Hannah holds a Master of Science in Management and Organizational Behavior from Benedictine University and a Bachelor of Sociology with a minor in Psychology from Benedictine University at Springfield. 

Board of Directors


Traci Krause, DNP, MPH, RN
Chairperson
Chancellor, St. John's College

Linda Blakley, DNP, RN
St. John's College Alumna, Alumni Association President

Lesa Branham, DMin, MPA
St. John's Hospital Board, Community

Brian Brennan, MHA
President & CEO, St. John's Hospital and Central Illinois Market, St. John's Hospital Board

Sara Delano Pavlik, JD
St. John's Hospital Board, Community

Adam Feriozzi, BS
Director, Finance, Central Illinois Market


Elaine Hardy, PhD, RN
St. John's College Academic Dean

Hannah Jugan, MS, BA
St. John's College Dean of Students

Kelley Kostich, PhD, RN, NE-BC
CNO, Hospital Sisters Health System

Kris Mauer, RN
St. John's College Alumna, Community

Michelle McCarthy, DNP
St. John's College Alumna, Higher Education, Community

Paige Toth, JD
HSHS VP Associate General Counsel