Graduates from the BS in Health Management (BSHM) are making an impact in healthcare administration, public health, quality improvement, analytics, compliance, and long-term care.
Browse by Career Area
Healthcare Services Public Health Quality Improvement Compliance Long-Term Care
Explore alumni leading healthcare organizations, managing operations, supporting workforce development, and driving strategic initiatives across the healthcare industry.
Terance Brooks | Director of Business Development
Select Specialty Hospital
Bachelor of Science in Health Service Management, 2015 | MBA, Healthcare Leadership
Concentration, 2018
As Director of Business Development at Select Specialty Hospital, Terance leads a team of clinical liaisons and admissions coordinators while building relationships with physicians, discharge planners, payers, and healthcare providers throughout the region. He works collaboratively with acute care hospitals to increase awareness of long-term acute care services and ensure critically ill patients have access to the specialized care they need.
How WSU Prepared Me:
The Health Management program provided both technical knowledge and practical skills
that have supported my professional growth throughout my career. Through coursework,
collaboration, and mentorship, I developed a strong understanding of healthcare operations,
regulatory compliance, healthcare policy, leadership, and communication. The relationships
built with classmates and faculty created a valuable professional network that continues
to benefit me today.
What I Enjoy Most:
I enjoy building partnerships across the healthcare community and helping healthcare
providers connect patients with the specialized care and resources they need. Every
day presents new opportunities to collaborate, educate, and make a meaningful impact
on patient outcomes.
Advice for Students:
Take advantage of opportunities to build relationships with your classmates, professors,
and healthcare professionals. Healthcare is a highly connected field, and the network
you develop during your time at Wichita State can become one of your most valuable
career resources.
Favorite WSU Memory:
The relationships and mentorship developed through the Public Health Sciences program
continue to be some of the most meaningful and lasting parts of my Wichita State experience.
Lya Nguyen | Director of Operations
Sleeptopia
Health Management, 2022 | Master of Health Administration (MHA), 2024
As Director of Operations, Lya oversees multi-site operations, streamlines workflows, implements technology solutions, and drives organizational growth while maintaining exceptional patient care standards.
How WSU Prepared Me:
The program provided hands-on learning experiences and helped develop communication,
leadership, and critical thinking skills that continue to support her career growth.
What I Enjoy Most:
Every day presents new opportunities to learn, solve challenges, and support business
success.
Advice for Students:
Pursue internships, networking opportunities, and leadership experiences. Your willingness
to learn and adapt will open unexpected doors.
Favorite WSU Memory:
The supportive community and relationships developed with classmates and faculty.
Taygen Radcliffe, MHA | Associate Manager, Integration
The Resource Group
Health Management, 2023 | Master of Health Administration, 2024
As an Associate Manager, Integration with The Resource Group, Taygen serves as a liaison between national teams and local clinical staff, helping ensure supply chain operations align with hospital needs and organizational goals. Working closely with physicians, nurses, and healthcare leaders, Taygen focuses on optimizing workflows, improving resource utilization, and supporting high-quality patient care.
How WSU Prepared Me:
The Health Management program provided a strong foundation in healthcare systems,
leadership, and operational strategy. The program also developed the communication,
analytical, and problem-solving skills needed to collaborate across multidisciplinary
teams and navigate the complexities of healthcare operations.
What I Enjoy Most:
The most rewarding aspect of the role is knowing that strategic efforts directly impact
patient care by helping hospitals save resources while ensuring clinical teams have
the products and supplies needed to provide excellent care.
Advice for Students:
Build strong relationships, remain open to learning, and take advantage of opportunities
to develop leadership and communication skills. Success in healthcare often comes
from being able to work effectively across teams and disciplines.
Stefanie Harper, MBA | Practice Administrator
Kansas Joint and Spine Specialists
BS Healthcare Management & Community Development, 2013 | MBA Healthcare Emphasis,
2018
Stefanie oversees daily operations for a busy orthopedic practice, managing budgeting, revenue cycle functions, EMR systems, and strategic growth initiatives. Her role combines healthcare leadership, financial management, and operational excellence.
How WSU Prepared Me:
Both degree programs provided real-world business and healthcare management skills
that prepared her for executive leadership roles.
What I Enjoy Most:
The opportunity to solve problems, lead projects, and take on new challenges every
day.
Advice for Students:
Explore multiple areas of healthcare and never stop learning. Networking and continuing
education are valuable throughout your career.
Favorite WSU Memory:
Celebrating graduation and sharing the accomplishment with classmates after years
of hard work.
Candace Brown | Patient Access Director
Texas Health Resources Arlington Memorial
BS Healthcare Administration, 2001 | MSM, 2007 | MBA, 2013 | Doctoral Candidate
Candace leads patient access operations, including registration, scheduling, insurance verification, financial counseling, and patient support services.
How WSU Prepared Me:
The program provided a strong management foundation, fostering curiosity, critical
thinking, and leadership skills that supported her advancement throughout the healthcare
industry.
What I Enjoy Most:
The daily challenges that require creative thinking and problem-solving.
Advice for Students:
Gain frontline healthcare experience early to better understand patient care and healthcare
operations.
Favorite WSU Memory:
Summer classes that reinforced the value of hard work and long-term goals.
Kathya Hernandez | Residency Administrator
KU School of Medicine-Wichita
Health Management, 2024
Kathya coordinates residency program operations, supports residents and faculty, manages accreditation requirements, and serves as a liaison between program leadership and trainees.
How WSU Prepared Me:
The Health Management program provided a strong foundation in healthcare operations,
communication, leadership, and organizational management.
What I Enjoy Most:
Supporting physicians-in-training and helping create environments where people can
learn and grow.
Advice for Students:
Build strong relationships with mentors and remain flexible as healthcare continues
to evolve.
Alicia Bingham | Unit Program Coordinator
18 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron
Bachelor of Science in Health Management, 2018 | Master of Health Administration,
2024
Alicia coordinates programs that support operational readiness, leadership development, communication, and team performance. Her work focuses on creating a mission-ready environment where people and programs can thrive.
How WSU Prepared Me:
Coursework strengthened her leadership abilities and provided healthcare knowledge
that helps her effectively support medical teams.
What I Enjoy Most:
Collaboration and teamwork to ensure successful patient transport and mission readiness.
Advice for Students:
Embrace challenges because the rewards and growth opportunities are worth it.
Favorite WSU Memory:
Traveling from Japan to attend graduation in person after completing coursework online.
Meghan Thompson | Nursing Staffing Coordinator
Encompass Health
Health Management, 2023
Meghan coordinates nursing schedules and staffing needs to help ensure patient care operations run smoothly and efficiently.
How WSU Prepared Me:
The program strengthened teamwork, organization, time management, and the ability
to manage deadlines effectively.
What I Enjoy Most:
Interacting with people and building relationships throughout the organization.
Advice for Students:
It's okay not to have every detail of your future planned immediately after graduation.
Alicia Torgerson | Talent Advisor
Ascension
Health Management, 2018
Alicia supports strategic talent acquisition efforts, helping recruit, assess, and place candidates in healthcare positions across Ascension.
How WSU Prepared Me:
The program provided foundational knowledge of healthcare operations, regulations,
communication, and networking.
What I Enjoy Most:
Helping people find careers they are passionate about.
Advice for Students:
Be patient after graduation and focus on gaining valuable experience that supports
your long-term goals.
Favorite WSU Memory:
Participating in Dr. Amy Ham's Capstone course.
Josh Butler | Sales Specialist
Medline Industries
Health Management, 2017
Josh works with post-acute care facilities across several states, consulting on healthcare products and operational processes to improve outcomes and efficiency.
How WSU Prepared Me:
Coursework provided practical tools and concepts that Josh continues to use today
while also helping him build a strong professional network.
Favorite Part of My Role:
Helping people every day while traveling and working with a wide variety of healthcare
organizations.
Advice for Students:
Stay open-minded and get involved in internships, student organizations, and experiences
outside the classroom.
Favorite Memory:
A connection made through then Professor Debi Lehner directly led to Josh's first
healthcare leadership role after graduation.
Matthew Brand | Senior Underwriter
Way Specialty Insurance
Health Services Management & Community Development, 2017
Matthew evaluates and approves medical stop-loss insurance coverage that helps protect self-funded employers from high healthcare claim costs.
How WSU Prepared Me:
The program strengthened analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills
that continue to support his career.
What I Enjoy Most:
Analyzing and solving complex challenges within the healthcare system.
Advice for Students:
Take advantage of internships, networking opportunities, and real-world experiences
to explore potential career paths.
Lyndsey Vittitow | Surgical Applications Specialist
Exsurco Medical
Health Management, 2024
Lyndsey supports healthcare providers through surgical case support, product education, operating room training, and customer engagement efforts.
How WSU Prepared Me:
The program strengthened critical-thinking skills that she uses every day in both
professional and personal settings.
What I Enjoy Most:
Being in the operating room and supporting surgeons and clinical teams.
Advice for Students:
Keep pursuing opportunities and remain open to unexpected career paths.
Jill Morgan-Leyden | Business Development Manager, West
ASSA ABLOY / Medeco
Health Services Management & Community Development, 2012 | Master of Adult Learning
& Leadership, 2018
Jill drives regional business growth by building partnerships, delivering product education, and supporting security solutions for organizations and facilities across her territory.
How WSU Prepared Me:
The program strengthened stakeholder management, strategic planning, communication,
and community engagement skills that continue to support her career.
What I Enjoy Most:
Serving as a trusted advisor, educator, and relationship-builder.
Advice for Students:
Never limit yourself to traditional healthcare careers. Transferable skills can open
doors in a wide variety of industries.
Favorite WSU Memory:
Cheering on the Shockers at Charles Koch Arena alongside fellow students.
Thy Thy Dang | Patient Access Associate I
R1 RCM
Health Management, 2024
Thy Thy supports emergency department registration, ensuring patients are registered accurately and efficiently while maintaining confidentiality in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
How WSU Prepared Me:
The Health Management program provided a strong understanding of healthcare systems,
workflows, communication, and patient-centered operations.
What I Enjoy Most:
Interacting directly with patients and gaining insight into their experiences within
the healthcare system.
Advice for Students:
Seek hands-on experiences and remain open to learning opportunities outside the classroom.
Favorite WSU Memory:
Performing with KVersity and building lifelong friendships through student involvement.
Rachel Sproul | Chief Financial Officer
Caldwell Regional Medical Center
Health Management, Spring 2015
As Chief Financial Officer for Sumner County Hospital District No. 1, Rachel oversees the organization's financial operations and long-term fiscal strategy, helping ensure the hospital remains financially strong while continuing to serve the healthcare needs of the community. Her role includes budgeting, financial planning, regulatory oversight, and supporting organizational decision-making that advances quality patient care.
How WSU Prepared Me:
The Health Management program provided a strong foundation in healthcare operations,
finance, leadership, and strategic thinking. The knowledge and skills gained through
the program helped prepare Rachel for increasing leadership responsibilities and a
successful career in healthcare finance.
What I Enjoy Most:
Rachel enjoys the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the long-term success
of a community healthcare organization while supporting access to quality care for
patients and families.
Advice for Students:
Explore a variety of career paths, remain open to new opportunities, and build strong
professional relationships. The healthcare industry offers diverse leadership opportunities,
and every experience contributes to your professional growth.
Favorite WSU Memory:
The relationships developed with classmates, faculty, and healthcare professionals
helped create a strong professional network and lifelong connections.
Corterra Healthcare
Health Management 2018, Current MHA Student
KC has built a career focused on healthcare leadership and operations, helping organizations improve services, support teams, and meet the needs of patients and communities. Through a combination of strategic planning, relationship building, and healthcare management expertise, KC contributes to creating efficient and effective healthcare environments.
How WSU Prepared Me:
The Health Management program provided a strong foundation in healthcare operations,
leadership, and problem-solving. Coursework, practical experiences, and faculty mentorship
helped prepare KC to navigate the challenges of today's healthcare environment and
build a successful career in healthcare administration.
What I Enjoy Most:
The opportunity to make a positive impact on patients, staff, and healthcare organizations
while continuously learning and growing as a leader.
Advice for Students:
Take advantage of networking opportunities, internships, and hands-on experiences.
Building relationships and gaining practical experience will help prepare you for
a wide range of healthcare careers.
Favorite WSU Memory:
The connections built with classmates, faculty, and healthcare professionals helped
create a strong support system and lasting professional network.
Dani Augustin | Supply Chain Director
Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Kansas City Area
Health Management, 2013
As Supply Chain Director, Dani works closely with clinicians, hospital departments, and organizational leaders to ensure the supplies and equipment needed for patient care are available when and where they are needed. In addition to leading a supply chain team that manages point-of-use inventory throughout the hospital, Dani collaborates with hospital leadership to analyze supply expenses, identify savings opportunities, and improve operational efficiency.
How WSU Prepared Me:
The Health Management program provided a broad understanding of the healthcare industry
and exposed me to multiple aspects of healthcare operations. The variety of coursework
helped me develop leadership, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills that continue
to support me when navigating challenges and leading teams.
What I Enjoy Most:
I enjoy collaborating with clinical and operational teams to solve problems and support
patient care. Knowing that supply chain decisions directly impact both patient outcomes
and organizational performance makes the work rewarding.
Advice for Students:
Embrace the wide range of experiences and learning opportunities available through
the program. The diverse knowledge and leadership skills you develop can open doors
to many different healthcare career paths.
Career Impact:
Dani's career demonstrates how Health Management graduates can build successful leadership
careers in healthcare operations and supply chain management while supporting both
organizational goals and quality patient care.
Public Health & Community Engagement
Meet graduates who are improving community health, building partnerships, conducting research, and advancing health equity across diverse populations.
Joshua Villa, PhD, M.A., GCPH | Community Engagement Coordinator
Wichita State University Community Engagement Institute
Health Management, 2018 | Aging Studies, 2019 | Public Health Certificate, 2019 |
PhD, 2026
Joshua works with organizations and communities across Kansas to strengthen partnerships, support collaborative initiatives, and advance community wellbeing through engagement and outreach.
How WSU Prepared Me:
His academic programs built expertise in health systems, community partnerships, leadership,
and population health that continue to guide his work today.
What I Enjoy Most:
Building relationships and creating meaningful collaborations that lead to positive
community change.
Advice for Students:
Engage in research, internships, volunteer opportunities, and community projects.
Some of your greatest learning experiences happen outside the classroom.
Favorite WSU Memory:
Winning Clash of the Colleges in 2018.
Whitney Crager, MPH | Senior Research Analyst
Wichita State University
Health Management, 2012 | MPH Epidemiology, 2016 | EdD Student
Whitney specializes in research, survey methodology, and data analysis to support decision-making and community impact initiatives.
How WSU Prepared Me:
The Health Management program broadened her perspective, created networking opportunities,
and developed foundational skills that contributed to her success in epidemiology
and research.
What I Enjoy Most:
Using data to solve problems and uncover meaningful insights that improve decision-making.
Advice for Students:
Stay open to new opportunities and don't be afraid to take unexpected career paths.
Riley Hazard, MPH | Health Coach
Ascension Via Christi
HSMCD, 2017 | MPH, University of Kansas
Riley leads wellness programs and group classes focused on helping individuals improve their health through lifestyle changes and education.
How WSU Prepared Me:
Faculty support, hands-on learning experiences, and involvement in student organizations
created a strong foundation for success.
What I Enjoy Most:
Working directly with community members and supporting healthy lifestyle changes.
Advice for Students:
Take advantage of every opportunity because the connections you build now can benefit
you throughout your career.
Courtney Berry, MPH | Health Educator
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Door Neighborhood Center
Health Services Management & Community Development | MPH, Benedictine University
Courtney develops and delivers community health programs designed to improve access to preventive services, increase screenings, and advance health equity.
How WSU Prepared Me:
The program provided a strong foundation in population health, community engagement,
and healthcare systems that continue to guide her work.
What I Enjoy Most:
Helping communities improve health outcomes through education and prevention efforts.
Advice for Students:
Seek opportunities to get involved in community work and remain committed to lifelong
learning.
Erma Ratliff | Community Engagement & Events Coordinator
Kanokla
Health Management & Community Development, 2017 | Public Health, 2017
Erma serves as a Rural Broadband Advocate, leading initiatives that promote digital equity and expand opportunities for rural families, businesses, and communities.
How WSU Prepared Me:
Her experiences at Wichita State helped her discover a passion for community engagement
and rural development.
What I Enjoy Most:
Seeing the difference that connectivity and community programs make in people's lives.
Advice for Students:
Get involved and explore new experiences because you never know what will inspire
your passion.
Sara Magnasco | Community Disaster Program Manager
American Red Cross of Kansas
Health Management & Health Science, 2019
Sara serves as a Program Manager with the American Red Cross, supporting disaster preparedness, community resilience, and emergency response efforts across South Central and Southeast Kansas. In her role, she collaborates with community partners, supports volunteer engagement, provides public education, and helps coordinate disaster response efforts for communities impacted by emergencies and natural disasters.
How WSU Prepared Me:
The Health Management and Health Science programs provided a broad understanding of
health from multiple perspectives, extending beyond clinical care to encompass public
health, emergency preparedness, and community wellbeing. The program gave Sara the
confidence and foundation needed to advocate for public health and serve as a leader
during times of crisis.
What I Enjoy Most:
Sara enjoys helping communities prepare for and recover from disasters while building
relationships that strengthen resilience across the region. She finds purpose in supporting
individuals and families during challenging times and helping communities navigate
recovery efforts.
Advice for Students:
Take advantage of opportunities to explore public health and community engagement
experiences. Some of the most rewarding careers in healthcare involve serving communities,
building partnerships, and creating systems that support people before, during, and
after critical events.
Career Journey:
Following graduation, Sara joined the Sedgwick County Health Department, where she
supported emergency preparedness initiatives and played an active role in COVID-19
testing and vaccination efforts. Her experience in public health preparedness led
to her work with the American Red Cross, where she continues to support disaster response,
preparedness, and community resilience throughout Kansas.
Favorite WSU Experience:
The Health Management and Health Science programs helped Sara see healthcare from
a broader perspective and introduced her to the many ways health professionals can
positively impact communities beyond traditional clinical settings.
Quality Improvement & Patient Safety
Discover how alumni are improving healthcare quality, managing risk, supporting compliance initiatives, and enhancing patient outcomes.
Mariana Parsons | Quality Control Analyst
Veteran's Evaluation Services
Health Science, 2019 | Health Services Management & Community Development, 2019
Mariana reviews disability benefits questionnaires to ensure they meet Veterans Affairs standards, working with providers to resolve issues and maintain quality documentation. Her role helps support veterans throughout the benefits process.
How WSU Prepared Me:
The program strengthened her work ethic and provided the healthcare knowledge necessary
to perform her role effectively.
What I Enjoy Most:
Knowing her work helps veterans receive the benefits they have earned through their
service.
Advice for Students:
Never give up on yourself, no matter how challenging things may seem. Persistence
and determination can take you further than you imagine.
Matthew Stillwell | Veterans Service Representative
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration
Health Management, 2019 | MHA, 2021 | Doctorate in Healthcare Administration, Oklahoma
State University (In Progress)
Matthew serves veterans by helping them navigate the claims and benefits process. His work focuses on ensuring veterans receive the support and resources available through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
How WSU Prepared Me:
Graduate education provided a strong healthcare administration foundation and prepared
him for continued doctoral study.
What I Enjoy Most:
Supporting veterans and helping them access services and benefits.
Advice for Students:
Stay committed to lifelong learning and seek opportunities to continue developing
your professional expertise.
Dana Hopkins | MHA Student
University of Minnesota
Health Management, 2025
Before beginning graduate school, Dana worked as a Cardiac Surgery Provider Coordinator at Allina Health, managing patient care coordination, scheduling, process improvement projects, and operational procedures.
How WSU Prepared Me:
The Health Management program provided foundational knowledge that helped ease the
transition into graduate coursework and advanced healthcare leadership concepts.
What I Enjoy Most:
Engaging in thoughtful discussions about healthcare challenges and exploring innovative
solutions in graduate school.
Advice for Students:
Focus your energy on areas that genuinely interest you and commit to learning as much
as possible about them.
Rachel Sproul | Assistant HIM Director
Parallon
Health Services Management & Community Development, 2016
Rachel has built a diverse healthcare career spanning patient care coordination, clinical operations, compliance, and health information management. As Assistant HIM Director at Parallon, she oversees health information management operations, monitors productivity and quality standards, supports regulatory compliance, and works closely with medical staff to ensure accurate documentation and records management.
How WSU Prepared Me:
The Health Services Management and Community Development program provided the flexibility
and broad healthcare knowledge needed to pursue a variety of career opportunities.
The program helped Rachel develop a versatile skillset that supported her growth across
multiple healthcare leadership and operational roles.
What I Enjoy Most:
I enjoy the variety of opportunities available within healthcare and the ability to
continually learn new skills while taking on different challenges and responsibilities.
Advice for Students:
Keep an open mind as you explore healthcare careers. There are far more opportunities
available than many students realize, and your degree can lead you down many different
paths.
Career Journey:
Since graduating in 2016, Rachel has served in patient care coordination, clinical
support management, corporate compliance, EMR administration, practice management,
and health information management leadership. Her experience demonstrates the wide
range of career opportunities available to Health Management graduates.
Learn how graduates are helping healthcare organizations navigate regulations, maintain accreditation standards, and support ethical operations.
Marissa Bristol, MHA | Director of Compliance and Risk
Hunter Health
Health Management, 2017 | MHA, Colorado State University Global, 2020
Marissa leads compliance and risk management initiatives that help ensure Hunter Health operates effectively while meeting federal, state, and organizational requirements. She works closely with leadership to strengthen compliance programs, support quality initiatives, and manage organizational risk.
How WSU Prepared Me:
The practicum experience provided valuable hands-on learning and helped establish
professional connections that supported her career growth.
What I Enjoy Most:
Working for an organization that serves and supports the entire community.
Advice for Students:
Volunteer and shadow professionals whenever possible to better understand different
career paths and identify opportunities that align with your interests.
Stephanie Kreutzer | Grant Compliance Analyst
University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita Medical Practice Association (Ryan
White Program)
Health Management, 2018 | Minors in Public Health Science and Psychology
Stephanie serves as the Grant Compliance Analyst for the Ryan White Program, supporting individuals across Kansas living with HIV/AIDS. In her role, she helps ensure program compliance, supports access to affordable medications through the 340B program, and works to improve healthcare access for patients throughout both rural and urban communities.
How WSU Prepared Me:
The Health Management program helped me understand how healthcare systems, culture,
and community needs intersect. Through coursework, collaboration, and mentorship,
I developed the critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills needed to
navigate complex healthcare challenges and advocate for diverse patient populations.
What I Enjoy Most:
I love combining my passion for healthcare and community education to help improve
the lives of patients across Kansas. Supporting programs that increase access to care
and empower individuals to take control of their health is incredibly rewarding.
Advice for Students:
Take advantage of the opportunities this program provides. The connections you make,
the experiences you gain, and the perspectives you develop can open doors you never
expected and create lifelong friendships along the way.
Favorite WSU Memory:
One of my favorite experiences was Dr. Amy Ham's Role of Culture in Healthcare course,
which helped me better understand how culture influences healthcare experiences and
decision-making. The lessons from that class continue to shape how I approach my work
today.
Justin Cerre, MBA | Program Manager & Life Safety Surveyor
Medxcel / Ascension & AAAHC
Health Services Management & Community Development, 2014 | MBA, University of Kansas
Justin supports strategic initiatives, compliance programs, and implementation efforts across Ascension healthcare facilities while conducting life safety code surveys on behalf of AAAHC. His work focuses on helping healthcare organizations maintain compliance, improve operational effectiveness, and navigate complex regulatory requirements.
How WSU Prepared Me:
The Health Management program provided a strong foundation in healthcare operations
and the unique challenges facing healthcare organizations.
What I Enjoy Most:
Helping organizations solve complex problems and educating healthcare teams on life
safety compliance and best practices.
Advice for Students:
Continue your education and seek opportunities to diversify your healthcare experience
and skill set.
Emily Calvillo | Associate Director of Compliance and Privacy
Evolent Health
Health Management 2009
As Associate Director of Compliance and Privacy at Evolent Health, Emily helps protect patient and member information while ensuring the organization adheres to healthcare regulations, privacy laws, and compliance requirements. Her work supports value-based care initiatives that improve outcomes for patients with complex health conditions while maintaining the highest standards for privacy and regulatory compliance.
How WSU Prepared Me:
The Health Services Management and Community Development program provided a strong
foundation for a career in healthcare compliance and privacy. The program introduced
Emily to the many pathways available within the healthcare industry while emphasizing
the importance of collaboration across departments and disciplines. Those lessons
continue to guide her work today, as she believes success comes when everyone works
together toward a common goal.
What I Enjoy Most:
Emily enjoys helping healthcare organizations navigate complex compliance and privacy
requirements while supporting initiatives that improve patient care and outcomes.
Advice for Students:
Remain open to exploring the many career opportunities available within healthcare.
Some of the most rewarding careers exist beyond traditional clinical and administrative
roles, and collaboration is key to success in any position.
Favorite Lesson from WSU:
One of the most valuable lessons Emily learned at Wichita State was the importance
of breaking down silos and working collaboratively. She often incorporates that concept
into her education and training materials, comparing successful organizations to the
interconnected gears of a watch, where every role contributes to a common purpose.
Long-Term Care & Aging Services
Read stories from alumni serving older adults through leadership roles in senior living, aging services, memory care, and long-term care communities.
Sheridan Ridley-O'Connell | Business Office Manager
Lincoln Meadows Senior Living
Health Management, 2023
Sheridan oversees accounting, payment processing, and human resource functions for a senior living community while supporting daily operations and resident services.
How WSU Prepared Me:
The Health Management program helped develop leadership, collaboration, and interpersonal
skills that she applies daily in her role.
What I Enjoy Most:
Building relationships with residents and making a positive impact on their daily
lives.
Advice for Students:
Race at your own pace and focus on your individual journey.
Jess Easterwood | Executive Director & Licensed Nursing Home Administrator
Cedarhurst Senior Living
Health Management, 2023 | MBA & Master of Leadership Science
Jess provides leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for assisted living and memory care communities, ensuring high-quality resident care, regulatory compliance, and organizational success.
How WSU Prepared Me:
The program strengthened her understanding of healthcare systems, business management,
leadership, and gerontology while providing practical experiences that prepared her
for senior living leadership.
What I Enjoy Most:
Building meaningful relationships with residents, families, and staff while creating
a positive culture and exceptional living environment.
Advice for Students:
Embrace challenges, build strong professional relationships, and never lose sight
of the purpose that inspired you to enter healthcare.
Gabrielle Owens | Clinical Assessor
Maximus Health
Health Management, 2018 | Master of Arts in Aging Studies & Graduate Certificate in
Public Health, 2019
Gabrielle conducts clinical assessments that help determine eligibility for Kansas Home and Community-Based Services programs. Her role supports individuals in receiving appropriate long-term care services and resources.
How WSU Prepared Me:
Her interdisciplinary graduate studies provided a strong understanding of aging, public
health, and person-centered care.
What I Enjoy Most:
Meeting new people and helping individuals access valuable services and support.
Advice for Students:
Study what genuinely interests you rather than what you think others expect you to
pursue.
Favorite WSU Memory:
Living in the residence halls and building lasting friendships.
Chris Rea | Senior Living Executive & Licensed Adult Care Home Administrator
Long-Term Care & Senior Living Leader
BS Health Care Management
Chris began his healthcare career as a paramedic with Sedgwick County EMS before serving as a faculty member in Wichita State University's Allied Health Program, where he taught and coordinated clinical internships for EMT and paramedic students. He later expanded his healthcare expertise into air medical transport as a Flight Paramedic with EagleMed before transitioning into long-term care leadership.
How WSU Prepared Me:
Chris's Health Care Management education provided the foundation for a career that
spans emergency medicine, healthcare education, and senior living administration.
The knowledge and leadership skills gained through the program helped prepare him
to lead healthcare organizations, improve quality outcomes, and navigate the complexities
of healthcare operations.
Career Highlights:
Since entering long-term care administration in 2002, Chris has led skilled nursing
facilities, assisted living communities, and continuing care retirement communities.
He successfully implemented quality improvement initiatives that enhanced resident
care, improved operational efficiency, and strengthened community engagement. Throughout
his career, he has managed multiple senior living communities and skilled nursing
facilities while serving as a licensed adult care home administrator.
What I Enjoy Most:
Chris is passionate about improving the quality of life for older adults and creating
environments where residents receive exceptional care while maintaining dignity and
independence.
Advice for Students:
Explore a variety of healthcare experiences early in your career. The skills developed
in one area of healthcare often create opportunities and leadership pathways in others.
Professional Involvement:
Chris is an active member of Kansas Adult Care Executives and has served in leadership
roles within the organization while maintaining numerous professional certifications
throughout his career.