The 2012-2013 academic year marks the 10th anniversary of the Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) program at Central Michigan University. The program has graduated more than sixty students since starting as only one of two DHA programs at the time, the other at the Medical University of South Carolina, and the first to be online for the didactic portions of the degree. The program aimed at mid-level to senior executives in healthcare careers has graduates teaching at thirty colleges and professionals serving in many leadership capacities in the military, government healthcare service, health systems, clinical areas, and consulting capacities.
Health Administration Faculty Receive Faculty Excellence Awards
Two Health Administration Faculty at Central Michigan University were honored at the spring 2012 Commencement Ceremonies by receiving the University’s Faculty Excellence Award. Dr. Lana Ivanitskaya and Dr. Mark Cwiek were selected by the Provost’s Office for their dedication to teaching and the betterment of student learning. Both were nominated by fellow faculty and students. Shown in the photo is Dr. Ivanitskaya with University President George Ross (left) and Provost and Executive Vice President Gary Shapiro (right) at the Doctoral Degree Ceremony.
Asa Wilson, DHA, PhD appointed to Health Administration Faculty
Dr. Asa Wilson joins the Health Administration faculty in August 2012 primarily working with the Undergraduate Health Administration students and as the coordinator for the Undergraduate Internship Program. The Undergraduate Health Administration program is certified by the AUPHA. Asa holds the Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) from Central Michigan and his appointment marks the first Central Michigan DHA graduate to be hired in a full time faculty position at the University. Dr. Wilson graduated in 2010. Since then he has taught at Bryant and Stratton College in New York where he was responsible for developing the school’s health administration program and most recently at Mt. Olive College in North Carolina. Dr. Wilson has a distinguished career as a healthcare executive prior to becoming an academic. He also holds the PhD degree in Psychology from Bowling Green University.
Bryan Schneider Keynoted the LeTourneau University’s May 2012 Commencement
Bryan Schneider, Doctor of Health Administration student at Central Michigan University, was chosen by LeToruneau University (LETU) of Houston, Texas as the keynote speaker for the May 2012 Commencement ceremony. Mr. Schneider serves as the Associate Vice President and COO for the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Hospital in Galveston. Schneider’s career in health care administration began in the United States Air Force where he served as an enlisted member of the hospital administration team and subsequently as a commissioned officer in the Medical Service Corps. He experienced progressive success and advancement throughout his career, holding senior leadership positions within several hospital and health system structures, owing his success to a strong work ethic, professional development and servant leadership principles. Schneider has recently been appointed as the director of LETU’s new Health Care Administration programs, which are offered in Houston, Dallas, and online.
Healthcare Administration Programs at Central Michigan University Rated High by Provost
During the past 2011-2012 academic year all academic programs at Central Michigan University went through a rigorous self-assessment process as part of the University Prioritization Process. The process included a force ranking that limited the number of academic programs that could be ranked at each level. The process included five levels with the top two levels being considered for additional resources and the bottom level being considered for merging, restructuring or elimination. The Undergraduate Health Administration Program was ranked in the top category as the Doctor of Health Administration was in the second category. As a result both programs have been slated for additional financial support and resources from the University. The first installment in the enhanced resources is approval for the hiring of three new faculty over the next few years and support for moving forward with additional academic program planning for a MHA degree, a graduate certificate in Health Systems Leadership, Health Informatics, and a restructuring of the Long Term Care offerings. While the academic unit will continue planning for these new ventures, actual approval will come from the University Academic Approval process which will over the next few years based on the planning proposals to be developed. Both programs were honored to be ranked so highly by the Provost.
DHA Student win’s Poster Award at 2012 ACHE Congress
Doug Anderson, Doctor of Health Administration student at Central Michigan University won the Blue Ribbon at the 2012 ACHE Congress Management Innovations Poster Session. The title of his research was Using Social Media to Improve Services and Health in the Air Force Medical Service (AFMS). Doug is serving in the US Air Force in the Medical Services while he completes the requirements for his doctoral degree.