Core Values: The Compass for Change in Healthcare Management Education
In the dynamic landscape of healthcare, where challenges and opportunities evolve rapidly, the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) serves as a beacon for the future of healthcare management education. At the heart of AUPHA’s mission lies a commitment to fostering excellence and innovation in healthcare management and health policy education, grounded in a set of core values that shape the teachers and academic leaders of tomorrow.
These core values - Excellence, Innovation, Collaboration, Diversity, and Learning - are not mere ideals but actionable principles that inform every aspect of healthcare management education and all of AUPHA’s work. They serve as a compass, directing educators, students, and practitioners toward practices that enhance quality, efficiency, and accessibility in healthcare delivery.
Excellence in education leads to excellence in healthcare management practice. By setting high standards and striving for continuous improvement, AUPHA strives to ensure that our academic programs’ graduates are equipped to meet the complexities of modern healthcare systems and the health industry.
Innovation drives the adoption of new strategies and the dissemination of best practices in teaching and learning and academic leadership. AUPHA encourages the exploration of novel approaches to problem-solving, ensuring that healthcare management education remains relevant and responsive to emerging needs.
Collaboration is essential in the generation and translation of educational scholarship and the integration of theory and practice. AUPHA fosters partnerships across the academy, within the healthcare management and leadership profession, and across disciplines, promoting interprofessional work environments that enhance learning and practice.
Diversity in programs, home schools/colleges, people, and perspectives is vital for a robust academy and an effective workforce. AUPHA believes that embracing all types of diversity enriches the educational experience and prepares students to serve populations effectively as they strive for health equity for all.
Learning is pursued continually to advance and share knowledge, to foster the development of pedagogy, and to improve teaching and practice. AUPHA supports lifelong learning, ensuring that educators and academic leaders remain adaptable and informed in a constantly changing higher education environment, health industry, economy, and society.
The 2025 AUPHA Annual Meeting, themed “A Compass for Change: Core Values in Healthcare Management Education,” underscores the importance of these core values in shaping the future of healthcare management education. Through sessions and discussions, the meeting will explore how these values can be integrated into curricula, scholarship, service, and practice to drive meaningful change in healthcare delivery.
AUPHA’s core values are not just guiding principles but essential elements that shape the education and practice of healthcare management. By embracing these values, AUPHA ensures that its members are prepared to lead with integrity, innovation, and a commitment to improving the health and well-being of communities across North America and beyond.
See you in Columbus!
Dan