May 07, 2025 -- In the hallways of Columbus City Schools (CCS), Deborah Strouse, MEd, MSN, RN, NCSN, and CCS Emergency Preparedness Nurse Training Coordinator name carries quiet weight. She’s not the loudest voice in the room, but when it comes to protecting the health and safety of students and staff, Strouse is the one people turn to.
“[Strouse] is instrumental to the success of CCS Health Services,” said Director of Health, Family, and Community Services Dr. Caroline Sullivan. “She, without hesitation, jumps in and takes the reins to make anything happen. [Strouse] genuinely cares about people, she cares about these students and she cares about our department.”
This year, Strouse’s decades of service were honored nationally as she was inducted as a Fellow into the National Academy of School Nursing (NASN), which is one of the field’s highest honors. For those who know her, the recognition is no surprise. Strouse’s achievement reflects the District’s 2024-25 theme: dream big, achieve more, and she is proud of where her big dreams have taken her.
“Being a fellow is a symbol of superior achievement in the school nursing profession,” said Dr. Kate King, School Nurse at World Language Middle School and President of the National Association of School Nurses. “The contributions of a fellow have a significant and enduring impact, and their exemplary leadership qualities and achievements are recognized by many; it is a pinnacle.”
A U.S. Air Force veteran, Strouse brought her commitment to public service to CCS more than 25 years ago. Over the years, she has become a cornerstone of the District’s health services, quietly building systems that have kept students safe through medical emergencies, flu seasons, and even the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, her greatest impact may be on the students she helps and the nurses she leads. Strouse has supported hundreds of students and school nurses, both in Columbus and nationwide.
“I really enjoy what I do,” Strouse said. “On a daily basis, I'm a support to my students, parents, staff, and everything. I enjoy being with people and doing the work to help individuals. That's what gives me a charge. Whether it’s helping school nurses across the country learn how to be more comfortable and confident or that's taking care of children and parents and staff. I just enjoy being with people and helping.”
Whether Strouse is smiling when helping a student or conducting hands-on training where she uses creative models like escape rooms to help nurses build the confidence and skills they need to face crises. Her colleagues say it’s her ability to teach under pressure that sets her apart.
“I've known Strouse since 1999,” said Gabrielle Karpowicz, Health Services Administrator. “She is a leader in disaster response for the pandemic, and she was ahead of her time. Strouse took our District to a level that it was above all other districts. She has been a leader, not only for her District, but the state, city, and nationally. I'm proud of her.”
Strouse’s influence extends far beyond the District. As a past president of the Ohio Association of School Nurses, a National Board Certified School Nurse, and a speaker at national conferences, she has helped shape school nursing at the state and national levels. Her work has improved immunization compliance, strengthened emergency response systems, and expanded school-based health services nationwide.
Despite many awards, including the CCS Health Hero Award and the National Association of School Nurses Distinguished Service Award, Strouse remains a humble thought leader at CCS. Strouse is not motivated by recognition but by the belief that every child deserves to be safe and every nurse deserves to be prepared.
“I really enjoy teaching people,” Strouse said. “Seeing that spark and teaching people about something that I'm passionate about. On the other hand, I enjoy my daily life when I go into my elementary school and little children come up and hug me just because I'm the nurse.”
As Columbus City Schools celebrates Strouse’s national honor, the community also honors a life of service. In the spirit of dreaming big and achieving more, Strouse’s story reminds us that the most powerful leaders often lift others up, quietly, steadily, and without asking for the spotlight.
