Dr. Cyrus Batheja’s first lessons in healthcare didn’t come from a classroom, they came from his mother, fighting to keep their family afloat in a new country. He had immigrated from London as a child, arriving in the United States with hopes as fragile as they were high. When the family business failed, their future suddenly felt uncertain. Seeking stability, his mother enrolled in Normandale Community College’s nursing program, a decision that would not only secure their family’s footing but also lay the foundation for Cyrus’ own journey into healthcare.

"Our only hope was her passing the NCLEX exam," Cyrus recalls. "I used to go with her to Normandale and sit in the biology lab and study with her. She passed, she got her green card, and so many new doors were opened." Those early memories of sitting beside his mother at Normandale left a lasting impression. Years later, Cyrus returned to Normandale, not as a visitor, but as a nursing student himself. In a full-circle moment, he even encountered some of the same instructors who had once taught his mother.

His time at Normandale shaped both his professional skills and his sense of purpose. The nursing program’s rigorous training prepared him to become a strong clinician, while the college’s supportive environment nurtured his growth as a community-driven leader. "My experience at Normandale helped me become a more supportive, more inclusive, and overall better leader” he says. "Normandale also helped me become a stronger clinician
and gave me the confidence to pursue bigger opportunities."

After graduating, Cyrus began his nursing career caring for older adults at Castle Ridge, where he discovered a passion for serving vulnerable populations. He later helped lead assisted living and memory care training programs at Brookdale, shaping care practices for individuals living with dementia. His career also evolved in unexpected ways. He and his wife, Becky, started a business and operated a group home, deepening their commitment to community-based care. Along the way, he also explored interests in real estate and entrepreneurship while continuing his education, earning his Bachelor of Science in Nursing, an MBA from Augsburg University, and a Doctorate from St. Thomas.

Cyrus eventually joined United Health Group, leading social strategy and community programs that support Medicaid populations across the country. His work focused on understanding and advocating for the needs of diverse communities, from Mandarin-speaking populations to individuals with visual impairments. His leadership today has earned national recognition. In 2022, Cyrus was inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. He has also received numerous honors, including the United Health Group Sage of Clinical Service Award, the March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Award, and the Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine Award for Administrative Nursing Leadership. He currently serves as a Regent at Augsburg University.

Despite these accomplishments, Batheja remains grounded in the mission that first drew him to nursing. "If I can do anything," he says, "it’s to provide equal rights for all people across the board.” Beginning March 23, 2026, Batheja will take on a new leadership role as President and CEO of Ecumen, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit senior housing and services providers. In this position, he will guide innovative housing, healthcare, and community-based programs that support older adults and strengthen communities.

Cyrus was recently selected to be the Alumni Speaker for the 2026 Normandale Community College Commencement Ceremony this spring.

Through every step of his journey, Batheja has remained committed to continue creating home we would be proud to live in and providing care we would be grateful to receive. For students just beginning their nursing journey at Normandale, he offers a simple but powerful message:

"You’ve chosen a path that’s challenging and deeply needed. Nursing isn’t always easy, but it is incredibly rewarding, and the impact you make will always outweigh the challenges, especially with the support you will be provided at Normandale."