A stator assembly includes a segmented stator having stator portions. Each stator portion includes stator laminations having stator windings, spacer plates having a portion embedded within the stator laminations, and structural plates having a portion embedded within the stator laminations. The portion of each of the spacer plates and each of the structural plates has notch-like structures that create openings to allow a cooling medium to flow between the notch-like structures to provide radial cooling of the stator windings. Connectors are provided to connect the stator portions of the segmented stator together.