Maddie is from Anchorage, Alaska. She graduated from Colorado State University with a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies. Throughout her undergraduate career, Maddie held leadership positions in her sorority Kappa Alpha Theta and studied abroad through Semester at Sea exploring 11 countries. At the beginning of the pandemic, Maddie became a volunteer for the American Red Cross of Southcentral Alaska as an administrative assistant. Since joining the program, Maddie has deeply valued her workforce placement, learning about patient experience and being active on the MSHA Recruitment Committee and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council. Outside work and the classroom, Maddie enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and spending time with friends and family. 

Azzam was born in Brooklyn, New York but raised in the United Arab Emirates. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and a concentration in Health Management. Prior to joining the MSHA program, Azzam completed internships both nationally and internationally at AdventHealth and Levantine Medical Center, respectively, reaffirming his interest in the operational side of Health Care. Azzam’s passion lies within the prevention of disease and disability as well as promoting health equity in a world infused with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. He currently serves as the Vice President of Finance for Class 57 and is the Student Associate for Managed Care and Venture Support at UAB Medicine.

Paige is a native of Memphis, TN who graduated from The University of Tennessee at Knoxville with a B.A in Psychology. During her time in Knoxville she held leadership roles in multiple healthcare student organizations along with studying abroad in London. Since her time at UTK, Paige has completed two years of service with AmeriCorps in addition to obtaining her M.S. in Pharmacology. Within the MSHA program, Paige serves as Class President and an intern for the Office of Patient Experience and Engagement. Her current areas of interest within Health Administration include patient experience, operations, and process improvement. More importantly, she is excited for the opportunity to shape excellent healthcare for all. Outside of school you can find her taking walks with her dog or filling up her shopping cart. 

Nia Close graduated Cum Laude from the University of Florida in 2021 with a B.S. in Health Science and Minors in both Health Disparities in Society and Leadership. Nia is a 2021 Inductee into the Centennial Class of the University of Florida Hall of Fame. During her undergraduate studies, Nia worked at the UF Student Health Care Center and the UF Counseling and Wellness Center. Nia held leadership positions in various organizations, including the President of the Lambda Psi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and was an active member of Florida Blue Key. Nia has a passion for research and was involved with the Center for Undergraduate Research Board of Students. She served on the UF Student Health Advisory Council and was a Lead Facilitator for the Reitz Scholars Program. With a growing passion to lead, Nia strives to make a difference in the health care industry.

Paul graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho in 2017 with a B.S. in Healthcare Administration. Prior to his admission to UAB, Paul held numerous roles at Beehive Homes of New Mexico, where he served as Financial Resource Manager as well as Quality Improvement Manager. Paul has a passion for working with people and his mission is to provide a quality healthcare experience through exceptional service. Paul is a devoted father to three children. He enjoys camping with the family, sports, reading, and traveling. 

Travis Crow was born and raised in Hartselle, Alabama. He attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham and graduated in 2020 with a degree in Health Care Management. While attending UAB, he was an active member in the Health Care Management Student Association and worked with senior executive leaders at Athens-Limestone Hospital as part of the student internship. After Graduation, he worked at Grandview Medical Center in supply chain operations for the operating room. His experiences in healthcare have given him a personal drive to serve those around him and make a difference in the lives of those who need healthcare. The skills and wisdom learned from the MSHA program have inspired Travis to become a future COO of a health system. Travis enjoys working out, college football, and spending time with friends and family.  

Camryn graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 2020 with a B.S. in Health Care Management and a minor in Spanish. Camryn participated actively in UAB student Housing leadership and was a Peer Wellness Ambassador (PWA) and A Resident Assistant (RA). She also served three years on the executive board of the Birmingham Chapter of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS). During her last semester of undergraduate learning, Camryn had the amazing opportunity to work virtually at Kolbe Clinic as a Policy and Procedures Intern, where she worked closely with the Chief Compliance Officer. After her graduation in December 2020, she spent several months working as the administrative supervisor for the UAB Vaccination Clinic located in Margaret Spain Auditorium. Currently, Camryn works in the UAB Division of Preventive Medicine where she is streamlining the transfer of resources and information to cancer patients regarding financial need services. Camryn is passionate about studying and resolving health disparities and bridging health equity and access gaps. 

Matthew Davis graduated Cum Laude from Auburn University in 2020 with a B.S in Health Services Administration and a Minor in Business. Matthew was the winner of the 2020 ACHE Richard J. Stull Essay competition and his essay “Utilizing Technology to Combat Clinician Burnout” is published in the Journal of Healthcare Management. Matthew has previously worked as an operations specialist for the practice management consulting firm Kassouf Healthcare Solutions and has completed an internship at WellStar West Georgia Medical Center where he focused on process improvement initiatives within the ED. Matthew is pursuing a dual MSHA/MBA degree at UAB to continue his career in inpatient and ambulatory healthcare management. 

Thomas graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2021 from the University of Montevallo with a Bachelor's in Business Administration Management and a Minor in Economics. Thomas was heavily involved in student life extracurriculars, including Alpha Tau Omega, Interfraternity Council, and the Student Government Association. His most prominent leadership role was his role as SGA President, which led him to the MSHA program at UAB. His term was throughout the 2020-2021 academic school at the peak of the COVID pandemic. Thomas served alongside the University of Montevallo administration members on the COVID-19 Task Force and shared his insight to provide the best college experience for students while ensuring their safety. Thomas is looking forward to the opportunities ahead and is excited to apply his experiences in his future health professional career. 

Jada graduated Cum Laude from Miami University in 2021 with a B.S in Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Health. While at Miami University, Jada served on leadership position in athletics and worked as a contact tracer during the height of the COVID pandemic. Jada aspires to be a servant leader in her future career as a healthcare administrator. Her dedication to improving the lives of others led her to health administration. She is looking forward to using the skills she has learned during the MSHA program at UAB in her career. Jada adores her family and enjoys sports, staying active, eating different foods, and relaxing with friends and family.

Zoe grew up in Hickory, NC and graduated from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill with a B.S. in Business Administration in 2017. Following her undergraduate studies, Zoe worked as a consultant in Atlanta for four years at Cloudmed (previously Triage Consulting Group), which specializes in comprehensive payment review and revenue recovery for hospitals. She is now working toward a MSHA/MBA dual degree at UAB. Zoe is interested in pursuing a career in hospital operations or strategy. In her free time, Zoe enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her dog Hank as well as engaging in physical activities like tennis and yoga. 

Ashton graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from Auburn University in 2020. Ashton planned to enter pharmacy school upon graduation from Auburn but instead decided leadership and implementing positive change were more aligned with his career goals. Ashton values his experiences of interacting with providers and insurance companies during his work experiences in pharmacies. He looks forward to making positive changes in healthcare and creating positive work environments to serve patients in the best ways possible. In his free time, Ashton enjoys spending time on the golf course and traveling the United States.

Austin Gardenhire graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He later completed basic medical science coursework at the University of Medicine and Health Sciences. Through all his studies, Austin excelled academically and remained an example of leadership and service. He served and led as president for the American Medical School Association, BYU Tutoring Services, and student government. He later gained valuable skills and experience with Morgan Stanley and Tesla. Most importantly, he serves his church and family. He has three children with his beautiful wife, with whom he enjoys playing racquetball, football, frisbee, and about anything else. Austin is privileged to continue his education in Healthcare Administration at UAB. It entwines his passion for serving individuals and his love for healthcare and medicine. He looks forward to help bridge the gap between providers and administrators to ultimately create better patient outcomes. 

Dazha Hawkins graduated from the University of Alabama in 2019 with a B.S. in Public Health with a concentration in Health Professions. While at the University of Alabama, Dazha held various leadership positions while also earning President’s list honors. After graduation, Dazha worked with multiple healthcare organizations as an Administrative intern. Her dedication to improve the lives of those around her is what drives her passion to pursue a career in Healthcare Administration expanding access to underserved communities. Dazha enjoys being outdoors, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. 

Aaron graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho in 2021 with his B.S. in Healthcare Administration. Aaron has worked in administrative roles for the last few years including positions in both for-profit and not-for-profit hospitals, specialty practices, primary care, and emergency rooms. These experiences in conjunction with his studies have born a particularly strong passion for hospital operations inside the for-profit space. Aaron also enjoys Duke basketball, disc golf, and above all spending time with his wife and kids. 

M’Kaila is from Stockbridge, Georgia. She attended The University of Alabama where she received her B.S. in Business Management with a concentration in Healthcare Analytics. M’Kaila is currently working towards the dual MSHA-MSHI degrees from UAB. Her future career goal is to work in healthcare related fields internationally. 

A.J. was born and raised in Hayden, Alabama. He graduated Cum Laude from The University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2021 where he majored in Healthcare Management. In his undergraduate career, A.J. was involved with and held leadership positions in various extracurricular activities including the Student Government Association, Greek Life, and within the Student Involvement and Leadership Office at UAB. As a current dual MSHA/MPH student, he hopes to one day use his education to influence not only the field of health administration, but also the public policy and reform that go hand in hand with it.

Colleen was born and raised in Ohio where she attended undergrad at the University of Dayton, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2021 with a major in Operations Management and a minor in Social Work. While at UD she held numerous leadership positions with student-run organizations including College Mentors for Kids, Women in Business and the Operations Management Student Association. Colleen spent two semesters interning with Emerson Electric Company, working full-time in their logistics and purchasing department. She also is a Certified Pharmacy Technician and spent her summers and holiday breaks working at a community pharmacy. The pharmacy was her first introduction to healthcare and since then she's been passionate about working in an industry that centers on helping people. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family, friends and her dog Knox.

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Kyle graduated from Texas Christian University in 2016 with Honors and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. While at TCU, Kyle was a Chancellor's Scholar, and led a number of on-campus student programs. Since graduation, Kyle has lived in San Francisco, California, working in operations and project management for the likes of Amazon and Gap, Inc, while also earning his EMT certification. These roles ignited Kyle's interest in people development and process improvement, and when paired with his passion to help his fellow man, led him to pursue an MSHA. Kyle's professional interest lie in EMS, disaster response, and pediatrics, and he hopes to use his knowledge and skills to drive positive patient outcomes and inspire more focus on population health. In his spare time, Kyle likes to travel with his fiance, and prefers a sack lunch on a chair lift to a bottomless mimosa brunch any day.

Christen graduated from Auburn University with a B.S. in Health Administration and a minor in Business with an overall 4.0 GPA in 2020. During her time at Auburn, Christen completed a summer internship with UAB in the Organ Transplant Department. She also gained experience from East Alabama Medical Center under the hospital attorney. During her first year of graduate school, Christen had the incredible opportunity to complete her workforce program with UAB’s Emergency Department Administration. Born and raised in Trussville, AL, she is excited to return to and establish her own roots in Birmingham. Outside of work and school, Christen and her husband Michael enjoy fellowship with community and any outdoor activities. Christen strongly believes in the impact of generosity and is passionate that Health Care Administration is one of the greatest opportunities to practice generous stewardship. 

Devin O’Neal is from Anna, TX. In 2020, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Alabama (UA) where she received a B.S. in Public Health with a concentration in Health Professions and a concentration in Health Education and Promotion. She was honored to be named UA’s Outstanding Undergraduate Health Education Major of the Year in 2020. During her time at UA, Devin was the president of Eta Sigma Gamma, a health education honor society, and president of Hands in Health, an inclusive health and wellness organization she founded. Devin is passionate about serving vulnerable populations and improving their health outcomes. She hopes to combine her public health background with the education and experience of the MSHA program to better serve these populations and eliminate health disparities. Outside of the program, Devin enjoys trying new restaurants, playing video games, and spending time with family and friends. 

Divyasha is pursuing Master of Science in Health Administration and Master of Science in Health Informatics at UAB and will be graduating in 2024 and 2023 respectively. Prior to starting school, she completed her Master’s in Business Administration majoring in Marketing and minoring in Finance from a university in India. Over the last two years, she worked for a business consulting organization Ernst & Young, India gaining experience across industries like manufacturing, automobile, consumer products, and pharmaceutical in the risk advisory domain. Exposure to the healthcare industry through pharmaceutical and experiencing healthcare when a family member was exposed to intense treatment inspired her interest in the industry. 

Thomas, a Nashville native, graduated Summa Cum Laude from Samford University in 2021 with a B.S. in Healthcare Administration and Minor in Health Information Informatics Management. While at Samford, Thomas competed on the Track and Field team as a decathlete. Thomas also served as the president of Samford’s student organization called This is Samford H.E.A.L.T.H. and completed an administrative internship at Brookwood Baptist Medical Center during his undergraduate studies. Thomas's experiences from Samford, his involvement within his internship, and inspiration from his wife’s career in nursing have heavily influenced his passion for health administration. Thomas believes that health administration perfectly satisfies his desire to positively affect people’s lives through leadership. Thomas enjoys spending time with family and friends and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs in his free time! 

Jon was raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Florida State University in 2021 with a B.S. in Athletic Training and minors in Chemistry, Biology, and Psychology. During his undergraduate studies, Jon was involved with Dance Marathon at Florida State University, serving on the executive board his final year as Morale Chair. Jon also coordinated university-wide recruitment efforts through FSU's Office of Admissions as a University Ambassador. Jon completed multiple clinical internships with Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic and FSU's Athletic Department before starting the MSHA program. Jon intends to use his clinical background and administrative knowledge in a pediatric facility to turn the hospital from a place of illness and uncertainty to innovation and hope.

Jackson graduated from The University of Alabama in May of 2021 with a degree in finance. He worked for University Recreation at UA as a program assistant and for DCH Health System as a certified pharmacy technician. Jackson has a passion for education and served as a teaching assistant at the University of Alabama and now serves as a teaching assistant for UAB. Jackson aspires to make an impact as an administrator by creating financial and operational efficiencies that enable others to provide impactful health care in their communities.

Misha began undergrad as a business major but after a health crisis, switched to pre-med. He graduated with a Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences with Summa Cum Laude honors in 2016. He then attended the University of Florida School of Medicine and got a graduate certificate in Medical Physiology. He then enrolled at Georgetown to get a Master’s in Physiology and Biophysics. While pursuing this degree, he worked as a clinician and as the clinical operations manager at the cardiology clinic. There, he fell in love with administration. He moved to Scranton, PA to work in a substance use disorder clinic with pregnant women and new mothers and fell in love with pediatrics. He hopes to gain a formal administrative education at UAB so he may continue to work in pediatrics. He will be interning at Connecticut Children's Hospital during the summer of 2022.

Alaina Riordan was born and raised in Greenville, SC, and is currently pursuing a dual degree in MBA/MSHA. She recently graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelors in Biopsychology and Human Health. While in Knoxville, she was a Track and Cross Country student athlete who represented the Vol Athletes as the Unity Chair for the Student Athletic Advisory Community, while also participating in Student Alumni Associates and Leadership Knoxville Scholars. She is very outgoing, active, and spends her free time reading and walking her dog. She has a passion for people and preventative care, with a personal mission of striving daily to be her best self and empowering others to be their happiest and healthiest selves.

Elizabeth Salgado is from Athens, Alabama. She attended the University of North Alabama for her undergraduate studies. She graduated Cum Laude from UNA in 2020 with a Bachelor’s in Applied Health Science. During her time at the University of North Alabama, Elizabeth earned Dean’s List Honors, held many leadership roles, and was involved in the community. Elizabeth has always had a passion for healthcare and decided to expand her educational knowledge and attend graduate school. She is a 1st generation student pursing her Master of Science in Health Administration. Elizabeth is interested in combining her educational and professional experiences to help impact a healthcare organization and community in a positive way. In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with family and friends, outdoor activities with her dog Duke, traveling, and trying new foods. 

Lavern Smith graduated from Howard University with her BBA in Management in 2017. During her matriculation at Howard, Lavern interned with Kaiser Permanente, Cardinal Health, and Freedman Consulting. After graduating she joined Deloitte as a federal strategy consultant, supporting federal public health and defense clients. Her most rewarding and impactful experience at Deloitte was working on anti-human trafficking efforts in Cambodia. After 2.5 years in federal strategy at Deloitte, Lavern shifted her career and joined Capgemini as a technology consultant, specializing in ServiceNow implementations, where she worked until beginning her dual-degree MSHA/MSHI program at UAB. In addition to studying at UAB, Lavern currently serves as the president of her 110-member alumnae chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. in Atlanta, GA. Upon graduation, Lavern hopes to either continue her consulting career in healthcare strategy and operations or transition into hospital administration. Her ultimate career goal is to become the COO of Kaiser Permanente.

Molly Sullivan graduated Summa Cum Laude from Auburn University in 2021 with a B.S. in Health Services Administration and a Minor in Business Administration. While at Auburn, Molly held leadership positions in various organizations, including the Student Government Association's Senate and Emerge at Auburn. She was also a member of the honor societies Upsilon Phi Delta, Mortar Board, and Omicron Delta Kappa. She worked as a summer intern for Cardiology Associates of Mobile and volunteered as an administrative assistant at Mercy Medical Ministries in Auburn. Her passion for improving the lives of others is what drives her attraction to the healthcare administration field. She is currently pursuing her dual MSHA/MBA degree and is eager to enhance her current knowledge and discover new avenues to making a difference. 

Korey graduated from Georgia Southern University in 2020 with a B.H.S degree in Health Administration. Throughout his undergraduate studies he has received many recognitions and awards even making the Dean's list. Korey is currently part of the MSHA program at UAB and plans on working in pediatrics upon graduation. He is excited about the new journey he is on and has a thirst for knowledge. Korey currently sits as Class 57 V.P of Social Affairs, a role that he takes seriously. 

Khuyen was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama. She attended The University of Alabama and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2021. She received her Bachelor of Science in Commerce & Business Administration. She majored in Management with a concentration in Health Care Analytics. During her time at UA, Khuyen participated in various leadership and service activities. She mentored elementary school children through the Al’s Pals Program. She also served as the Diversity Chair for her sorority, Pi Beta Phi. Additionally, she served as Treasurer for the Health Care Analytics Society. Throughout her undergraduate career, she was able to gain healthcare exposure as a student intern at the Business Office of University Medical Center. Given her undergraduate background and passion for healthcare, she is excited to continue her growth as a leader. She enjoys spending time with her dog, Maui. 

Vera graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2019 with a B.S. in Health Care Management, in 2021 with an MBA with a concentration in health sciences, and is currently pursuing a Leadership and Professional Development Graduate Certificate in addition to an MSHA. Vera has completed health administration internships at the Birmingham Fire House Clinic, Red Cross of Alabama, and Jefferson County Department of Health. She also volunteers with Hire Heroes USA assisting veterans with interviewing skills and online professional profiles. Vera is excited to use the skills she has learned through her academic career and extracurricular activities to empower healthcare providers through improved systems and mindsets to drive patient-centered, evidence-based, and high quality care.

Cora graduated from University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2019 with a B.S. in Healthcare Management and a minor in Psychology. While at UAB, Cora earned Dean's List Honors and volunteered in several community service functions like Habitat for Humanity. These experiences paired with being selected to carry her school's banner at the commencement ceremony encouraged Cora to pursue a career in healthcare leadership. After Graduation, Cora began work with Cardinal Health, third party logistics branch in Tennessee. Cora worked with a wide variety of responsibilities like medical supply distribution management, client relationship management, and COVID-19 initiatives. She worked there until she starting the MSHA program at UAB. Cora hopes to use her professional experience and knowledge to make a positive impact within the healthcare field and the patients she will serve.

Amelia graduated summa cum laude from the University of South Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Professional Health Sciences concentrating in Health Management with a double minor in Communication and Sociology. She was awarded the Dean’s Award from the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions for being the top academically performing student in her major. While at South Alabama, she founded and was president of the Society of Healthcare Management Students. She also served as the Vice President of Operations for her sorority, Kappa Delta. She has completed administrative internships with Urology Associates of Mobile and Mobile Ob/Gyn. Amelia is from Huntsville, AL, and is now a Master of Science in Health Administration (MSHA) candite at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Amelia’s goal is to lead positive change as we enter the next generation of healthcare.

Ashley is from Auburn, AL and graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a B.S. in Healthcare Management in 2022. While at UAB, Ashley was involved with and held leadership positions in various extracurricular activities including the Student Government Association, University Ambassador Program, and SHP Honors Program. Ashley worked as an administrative assistant for the UAB Memory Clinic and completed an internship with UAB Strategic Lines. In her free time, she enjoys going to the gym and exploring new restaurants with friends. Ashley hopes to use her professional and academic experiences to promote patient understanding and high quality care, address health disparities, and challenge inefficiencies in healthcare.

Ashton was exposed to healthcare as a fragile six-month-old when he received a living-donor liver transplant from his mother. As a child, he would ask his specialists questions such as, “How much is that stethoscope?” or “Why don’t you have a digital scale?” This curiosity has driven him to pursue a career in healthcare administration to help solve operational and strategic problems. Ashton Arndt is from Sandy, Utah. He graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a B.S. in Healthcare Administration in 2021. During his senior year he worked as both an Administrative Intern and ER Registrar at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. His experience in the ER increased his unique perspective of hospital operations and administrator-clinician relationships. Ashton enjoys photography, watching and playing any sport, and is currently training for his first marathon.

Austyn Barnes grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, before attending the University of Georgia (UGA) to earn a degree in Management and Health Policy. During her time at UGA, Austyn expanded her passion for healthcare administration through various internships and volunteer opportunities. Austyn served as Undergraduate Liaison for the UGA Student Chapter of American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and volunteered as Clinic Manager at Mercy Health Center. As the AtHome Intern at Array Behavioral Care, Austyn performed essential data analytics functions. Finally, she was the Healthcare Administration Intern for Baptist Health in Montgomery, AL, which solidified her desire to pursue an MSHA/MBA degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). She hopes to use this foundation in health and business administration to make a positive impact on the communities she will ultimately serve. 

Bailey is from Birmingham, AL. He graduated Cum Laude from Auburn University in 2022, where he earned his Bachelors degree in Communication. Bailey was a Dean's List student and involved in different leadership roles during his undergraduate years. He was a member of the Hospital and Health Administration Organization, student recruiter for the College of Liberal Arts, and a leadership team member for the Auburn Jungle. Outside of extra curricular activities, Bailey served in different professional roles. He was an administrative intern for the Spencer Cancer Center of East Alabama Health and an administrative assistant at the EAMC Foundation. Bailey's passion for healthcare stems from his desire to help and lead others positively. He hopes to make an impact involving patient-centered access and care. In his free time he loves to workout, watch sports, and be with his family. 

Brennan was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  He attended Louisiana State University where he majored in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resources and a minor in Information Technology Management. After graduating in 2021, Brennan took a gap year to gain experience in the Health Care Industry where he worked for a Consulting Firm focusing on Health Care Policy in the State of Louisiana, then with a Technology Company focused on Telemedicine as Project Manager, and finally as an Intern for the Franciscan Missionary of Our Lady Health System. Brennan is also a member of the American College of Health Care Executives. Brennan's current interests are strategy, operations, and governmental relations. In his free time, Brennan likes to play golf, read, run, and spend time with his family and friends. 

Carson is pursuing his MSHA at UAB as a member of Class 58. He is originally from Mandeville, Louisiana and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Samford University in 2022 with a degree in Public Relations and a minor in Healthcare Administration. While at Samford, Carson served on the Samford Student Government Association and was the Sports Editor of The Samford Crimson student newspaper. He was also a member of Samford H.E.A.L.T.H. and the Alpha Eta chapter of Pi Kappa Phi. While studying at Samford, Carson spent his summers working at the Internal Medicine Clinic of Tangipahoa in Hammond, LA as a Patient Care Assistant. In 2021, he was an intern for the Marketing and Communications Department at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham, AL. Carson is passionate about healthcare quality and patient safety, and he hopes to make an impact in both of these areas for an organization through his knowledge of healthcare administration and strategic communications. In his free time, he enjoys sports blog writing, hiking, golfing and cooking. 

Catherine is originally from Pawleys Island, SC. She graduated from Winthrop University with B.S. in Business Administration and a minor in Healthcare Management in 2021. After graduation, she worked as an Administrative Assistant at Levine's Children's Hospital in the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Clinic. During Catherine's college career she served on multiple executive boards including Alpha Delta Pi, The Healthcare Management club, LIFT, and many other programs. She is now the Vice President of Fundraising Development for Class 58 and is excited to pursue her degree. In her free time, she loves being with her dog and on the boat. 

Deja was born and raised in Alabama. She attended the University of North Alabama where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science. Throughout her undergraduate years, she was a member of Phi Mu, Theta Alpha, where she held positions on the philanthropy, service, and recruitment committees. She currently works as a Unit Secretary in the University Emergency Department at UAB, and is looking forward to working hands-on to improve patient experience and process improvement through the student workforce program. Her current areas of interest within health administration are operations, patient experience, and process improvement, but she is keeping an open mind to other areas as she progresses through the program. In her free time, she enjoys reading, outdoor activities, online shopping, and working out. 

Diana is from Covington, LA, a city right outside of New Orleans. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Alabama Honors College with a B.S. in Healthcare Analytics and a Minor in Finance. While at UA, Diana was involved in several organizations, most notably, the Healthcare Analytics Society as Secretary and Project Health as a Health Advocate intern and volunteer. Before joining the MSHA program, Diana spent summers at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, AVALA Surgical Hospital, and Covington Orthopedic Clinic in either administrative or clinical capacities. Throughout her career, Diana has explored many facets of healthcare including hospital and outpatient clinic operations, research, marketing, physician relations, and mission-based care. Diana hopes to improve the healthcare system by advocating for equality and patient-centered care. In her free time, Diana can be found going on long walks, trying a new recipe, or binging reality tv.

Dylan graduated with a Juris Doctor from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law. Dylan also holds a degree in History and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. While in law school, Dylan developed a passion for healthcare when he met his future spouse Dr. Meghan Hofto. Dylan also served as an Intelligence Specialist and as an Officer in the United States Air Force while attached to the Air Force Special Operations Command. Outside of school, Dylan provides legal advice on compliance and business development as a member of the Board of Directors for Alabama Veteran, a 501(c)(3) non-profit specializing in mental health outreach to Alabama’s veteran community. Dylan and Meghan are also proud parents to their young daughter and son.  In their free time, Dylan and Meghan love to cook, travel, and play with their dachshund Rosie.

Erica is a native of Pine Hill, AL. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Professional Health Sciences from the University of South Alabama. During her time at South Alabama, she was actively involved with several student organizations. She served on the E-board of Abeneefoo Kuo Honor Society and was a Co-Founder of the Society of Healthcare Management Students. She was recognized for her service efforts by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Erica participated in the Area Health Education Center Scholars Program, which is designed to prepare a diverse and culturally competent workforce to deliver high-quality care in a transforming health care system. After the program, Erica was named as one of her cohort’s Top Scholars. She also served as a South Strong Ambassador with the Covid-19 Response Office where she promoted healthy behaviors in high-traffic areas on campus. She is dedicated to improving access to primary care, reducing health inequities, and meeting the linguistic, cultural, and social needs of the patients. Her hobbies include watching football and baking!

Hailing from the Cotswolds in England, Greg graduated in 2020 with a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Music from UAB. During this time, Greg served as three-time Drum Major for the UAB Marching Blazers and co-founded March for Success- a pilot community outreach program focused on reading development in inner city schools. Furthermore, Greg continued his time at Children’s of Alabama as a Nursing Ambassador. Before admittance into the MSHA program, Greg spent a year with Clinical Network Development and eMedicine in the UAB Health System where he was exposed to and spearheaded projects surrounding hospital network management and telehealth operations. During this year, Greg also had the opportunity to be a part of the UAB Health System World Games Command Center whilst pursuing a Master’s in Public Health. Outside of school, Greg sits on the Junior Board for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama and enjoys running a food blog. Greg hopes to continue his passion for expanding health access as he progresses through the MSHA program into fellowships. 

Hannah was born and raised in Greenville, SC. She graduated from Clemson University in 2022 with a B.S. in Health Science and a Minor in Business Administration. During her time at Clemson, she held leadership positions in several organizations including Phi Sigma Pi and Gamma Phi Beta, and was a member of the honor society, Eta Sigma Gamma. During the last year of her undergraduate studies, she spent a semester working as an Audit Services Intern for Prisma Health at their corporate headquarters. Hannah's professional interests lie in operations and process improvement, and she hopes to make a difference in improving patient outcomes. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, and golfing.  

Harrison was born and raised in Highland, Utah. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brigham Young University – Idaho in 2021 with his Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration and a minor in Data Science. While at BYU-Idaho, Harrison held leadership positions within the school’s Health Care Administration Society and served as the Student Board Member for the ACHE of Idaho. Harrison completed year-long internships at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (HCA Healthcare) as well as Eastern Idaho Care Partners ACO. After graduation, Harrison worked as a Business Intelligence Analyst for Mountain West Anesthesia where he refined their staffing model using platforms such as Power BI, Power Query, and Posit (RStudio). Harrison is passionate about data-driven decision making and aspires to use data to improve operational and clinical outcomes in the healthcare industry. To realize these goals, Harrison is enrolled as a dual-degree MSHA/MSHI student at UAB. In his spare time, Harrison enjoys skiing, camping, rappelling, and hiking outdoors with his wife. He has a passion for documenting his experiences through photography. 

Isabel was born and raised in Mount Vernon, IL. She is a recent graduate from Butler University in Indianapolis where she obtained her B.S. in Healthcare and Business and minor in Criminology.  While at Butler, she was a member of the swim team and held various leadership positions including treasurer of the campus Blue Key Honor Society.  Prior to graduation, she completed internships in a variety of different settings including an employee benefit brokerage firm, a healthcare digital marketing agency and a non-profit legal clinic.  She is interested in hospital operations and process improvement. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys traveling, spending time at the beach or on the boat, and reading. 

Jamie was born and raised in Vietnam, moved to Birmingham, and started learning English at thirteen. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in August 2022 from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management. She was involved in several leadership positions and received multiple scholarships including the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation, UAB Emerging Leaders, and Foster G. McGaw Scholarship. During her undergraduate, she also took courses for pre-pharmacy and was planning to apply to pharmacy school afterward. She then volunteered at one of the COVID-19 vaccine sites and got a full-time position offered at The Kirklin Clinic, which shifted her complete focus to Healthcare Administration. She was offered a leadership role only three months after and was able to gain more experience in healthcare. During her time working at The Kirklin clinic, she was motivated to further her education. She is pursuing her dual MSHA/MBA degree at UAB and bringing her passion and knowledge to better shape the future of healthcare. Jamie enjoys spending her free time with family, and going on food adventures with them.

Jenna was born and raised in Hammond, Louisiana.  She graduated from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  Jenna is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Health Administration as well as a Master of Business Administration at UAB. She has worked in the emergency department since graduating nursing school, and she also spent time working in the endoscopy suite.  Jenna was a full-time charge nurse and an assistant nurse manager during her time in the emergency department, and she also spent time as a travel nurse at various facilities.  These experiences allowed her to develop a passion for patient experience, process improvement, as well as disaster preparedness.  Jenna hopes to one day work in hospital operations using her clinical background to help minimize gaps in communication between administration and clinical personnel.  During her free time, Jenna enjoys spending time with her husband and their dogs.  Together they enjoy fishing, traveling, and spending time with their families.  

John is originally from Plymouth, Michigan. He graduated from The University of Illinois with a degree in Community Health with a concentration in Health Planning and Administration. He also completed a minor in business. During his time at Illinois, John played collegiate wheelchair basketball while also participating in multiple clubs and holding leadership positions such as Vice President of Future Health Care Executives. John also had the opportunity to gain many experiences by way of interning at a continued care facility and The Court of Appeals of Michigan. In his free time, John enjoys sports and is very passionate about fitness. John also enjoys reading and playing chess. He hopes that the MSHA program will provide him with the skills necessary to improve the operations of a large health system. John strives to make it to the C-Suite level of an organization one day.  

Jonathan is an Athens, AL native and graduated summa cum laude from Athens State University with a B.S. in Healthcare Administration and a minor in Business Administration. While at Athens State, Jonathan was presented the academic award for most Outstanding Student of Health Science. During his time in Athens, Jonathan completed a two-year administrative internship with Athens-Limestone Hospital and Decatur Morgan Hospital. Exposure to financial projects within his internship opportunities inspired Jonathan to make an impact as an administrator by creating operational efficiencies to ensure the financial success of a healthcare organization. Jonathan has an animated passion for academia and serves as a teaching assistant for UAB’s Collat School of Business Accounting and Finance Department. Within the MSHA program, he currently serves as the Vice President of Finance for Class 58. Jonathan is pursuing a dual MSHA/MBA degree at UAB to continue enhancing his career and becoming a well-respected executive. In his free time, Jonathan enjoys sports, reading, and traveling. 

Joshua Perez is from Lansing, Michigan, and graduated from Southwestern Adventist University in Texas with a bachelor of business administration. Currently, he is pursuing a Master of Science in Health Administration at the University of Alabama at Birmingham to become a healthcare leader in a hospital setting that always will put his patients and employees first. In undergrad, Joshua was a residential advisor for incoming freshmen and the business club Vice President for a year. Prior experiences he had in health care have been patient experience and direct care work with Assisted living patients and homes. During his spare time, he enjoys going on walks and playing piano.

Fatima was born in Karachi, Pakistan and grew up in the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia. She graduated from Georgia State university with her B.S. in Nursing in 2019. During her undergraduate years, Fatima became captain of her dance teams and held officer positions for multiple extracurriculars, including her sorority Alpha Xi Delta. She continued her leadership experience while working as an emergency room Registered Nurse, where she became the youngest unit council chair for her department. Fatima is currently pursuing a dual MSHA/MBA degree. With her clinical experience and eagerness to learn, Fatima hopes to reduce the communication gaps in healthcare and make quality care accessible for those less fortunate. In her free time, Fatima enjoys partaking in Bollywood dancing classes, binging tv shows like The Office, and exploring scenic hiking trails!

Kenneth “Matthew” Haynes is from Charlotte, North Carolina. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Alabama in the Spring of 2022 with a double major including a BS in Business Management with Healthcare Analytics and a BS in Accounting. While at the Capstone, Matthew clerked for the law firm of Cross & Smith and was a leader in the professional business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi. Matthew also served at the Allen ministry, providing furniture to those who are overcoming homelessness. He consulted for Guidehouse on the healthcare strategy team during the pandemic maximizing large health system clients with their Cares Act funding and FEMA reimbursement. He interned in the corporate offices of HCA with the internal audit department. Most recently, he audited health systems with the international audit firm Deloitte. These experiences have continued to refine his inspired pursuit of health care and his desire to affect the industry as an innovative operational leader of the future. When he is not pursuing his education and learning experiences, Matthew enjoys playing golf, outdoor activities, and spending time with his family. 

Kenny was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and was raised in Mobile, Alabama. He attended Brigham Young University and graduated with a degree in accounting. In his undergrad, Kenny was a member of the BYU Health Industry Association and Accounting Club. While in his undergraduate, Kenny was an Administrative Intern at St. Mark’s Hospital in Salt Lake City and a Billing Specialist at a local optometry clinic. His goal is to work in hospital operations—a sector of health administration where one can develop and enact initiatives that benefit the community at large. Kenny enjoys spending time with his wife and black lab puppy, cooking and eating Thai cuisine, and reviewing Pew Science test results.

Lauren was born in El Paso, Texas but raised in multiple states as her mother was in the army. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with Distinguished Honors from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management. During her undergraduate studies, she worked as a caregiver at Elmcroft Assisted Living and completed an administrative internship at Complete Health’s corporate office. Lauren also competed on the UAB Track and Cross-Country teams, as well as volunteering with Bundles of Hope Diaper Bank. Lauren strives to enact change with her education and truly reform the health care system. She hopes to be a reliable and compassionate leader, along with empowering women and minorities to pursue leadership roles. She currently serves as the President for Class 58. In her free time, Lauren loves to go on picnics with friends, paint, and take quizzes on BuzzFeed. 

Lee Wright is from Hueytown, Alabama. He graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a degree in Health Care Management. While attending UAB, he served as the Assistant General Manager at MyEyeDr. After graduating, he worked at Blue Vision Center as the Practice Director. Lee is passionate about working with people; his goal is to provide quality healthcare for low-income communities. He currently serves as the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Class 58. Lee enjoys working out, sports, and spending time with friends and family.

Lihem Dawit was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. As a high school student, she participated in a dual-enrollment program which enabled her to graduate from high school with her diploma and three Associate degrees. This led her to attend the University of California, Irvine where she graduated with a B.A. in Public Health Policy at twenty-years-old. From the start of her undergraduate studies up until the start of her MSHA program at UAB, Lihem has taken on various types of roles both domestically and internationally. She has gained experiences in working with different individuals in their respective settings and has observed the health system in Eritrea compared to the United States. Much of Lihem’s experiences have given her the skill-set to pursue further goals and she plans to gain a wider skill-set as she matriculates through the MSHA program at UAB. Outside of the professional and academic world, Lihem loves traveling and finding breathtaking views. 

Mahee is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin -Madison with her BBA in Management and Human Resources along with the Health and Humanities certificate. During her undergraduate career she was the Development Director of the Wisconsin Alumni Student Board. She also interned abroad with the Foundation for Women's Health Research and Development in London. Afterwards she was a policy intern for the Wisconsin Alliance for Women's Health and was a Health Administration Scholar for the Baltimore branch of the National Association for Health Services Executives (NAHSE). Mahee's interest in health care peaked when she learned about the social determinants of health and she is passionate about improving health equity and access to care throughout her career. Outside of the office you can find Mahee hanging out with friends and trying new foods. 

Mya was born in Chicago, and raised in Huntsville, AL. She attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) for her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences. During her time at UAB, she was heavily involved on campus and in the community. She served as an Orientation Leader, Resident Assistant for first year students, and Executive Director of the Blazer Spirit Council among many other things. She also spent time volunteering with the UAB Blazer Kitchen and the Salvation Army. After her graduation in May 2021, she took a gap year in which she worked as a Research Specialist with the All of Us Research Program with UAB Medicine. Currently, Mya is a member of Class 58 in the MSHA program. Mya serves as the VP of Social Affairs, and she is excited to plan fun and meaningful events for her class. Mya is also excited to explore all of the opportunities to gain valuable experience and skills within healthcare during her time in the MSHA program. She has an interest in health equity and community outreach, specifically bridging the gap between affordable and equitable care and low income communities and minorities. Outside of class, Mya enjoys catching up on Netflix shows, online shopping, baking, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Rahman is a Birmingham native who graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) with a B.S in Health Care Management and a Minor in Health Information Management in 2022. While at UAB, he was a student representative for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and a member of The School of Health Professions Honors Program. During his time in the honors program, he was a member of a two-year research project highlighting social determinants and disparities in the Black Belt of Alabama during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Additionally, Rahman worked full-time to provide for his family outside of healthcare while also being a full-time student. Within healthcare, he has held positions in hospital, insurance, and clinical settings across numerous organizations to diversify his portfolio of experience in healthcare. After the program, he aspires to become a hospital administrator with a focus on enhancing operating efficiencies to improve patient outcomes. Outside the program, Rahman enjoys spending time with family, attending sporting events, and trying new foods. 

Rani calls Columbia, South Carolina home and recently graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health and minors in Business Administration and Dance. During her time at UofSC, she captained the Bollywood fusion dance team called USC Moksha and was an executive board member of Aag ki Raat, the school's nationally acclaimed dance competition. Her other commitments to clubs included Globemed, Public Health Society, and volunteering at Harvest Hope. She also worked as an assistant general manager at Comfort Suites and gained health administration experience from the Department of Health and Environmental Control as an administrative assistant. Rani is pursuing a Master of Health Administration and Master of Business Administration with expected graduation years of 2025 and 2024, respectively. In the MSHA program, she serves as the VP of Philanthropy for class 58 and hopes to gain skills and experiences to excel as a hospital operationalist and later as a C-suite executive.

Sam was born in Sayreville, AL.  For most of his life, he’s had to work harder than most people his age. His dedication is more than proving general perceptions of him wrong. He is also passionate about helping others and prioritizing his academic studies. Sam managed to make the Dean’s list consecutively while working many jobs to put himself through school. He worked at Aspen Dental for over a year as an Assistant Office Manager. Seeing how certain policies adversely affected minorities and people of low income motivated him to go back to school to receive his master's. He wanted to make a difference, and receiving the right credentials was the first step. He now spends the majority of his time working and preparing for upcoming goals that he has set for himself. One of his major hobbies is working out. If you ask him why, he will confidently answer, "I work out so I can look good." So far, being a part of the MSHA program has invoked different levels of his self-dedication. From the guidance of faculty to classmates driving each other to excellence, he’s found more reasons to not only move forward but to do what it takes to make sure he gains a leadership role in healthcare to address the health disparities that motivated him to join the MSHA program.

Trent was raised in Panama City Beach, FL. He graduated from the University of Florida in 2020 with a B.S. in Animal Sciences with a specialization in Equine Sciences. During his undergraduate studies, Trent worked as the Lake Wauburg Operations Program Assistant at RecSports. Trent also held leadership positions in several organizations including P4H Global, Young Life, Kappa Phi Epsilon, and was a founding member of The Mount Retreat. Upon graduating, Trent worked as a Patient Care Assistant at UF Health Shands for two years to gain healthcare experience. This experience led him toward healthcare administration to catalyze change in providing better healthcare access and quality care for patients and healthcare employees. Trent currently sits on the Board of Directors of The Mount Retreat to oversee student executives and non-profit operations. Trent is pursuing a dual MSHA/MBA degree and serves the MSHA program as the Class 58 Vice President of Recruitment. You can find Trent hiking trails, working out, catching up on shows, or spending time with his friends in his free time.

Zachary was born in Grove Hill, Alabama, and was raised in Demopolis Alabama. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of West Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Prior to joining the MSHA program, Zachary completed an internship with Legacy Hospice and jobs with Whitfield Regional and Physicians Family Healthcare. Zachary’s passion lies in supporting equitable healthcare and promoting healthy relationships between physicians and administration.

Aditi is originally from the Bay Area in California. She graduated from Georgia Tech with a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering in 2020. After graduation, she worked as a Customer Success Consultant at QGenda and as a private caregiver. During Aditi's college career, she researched at Clark Atlanta University and the Coskun Lab. She has served on various executive boards including Georgia Tech Bhangra, Relay for Life, and A-Town Showdown. She now serves as the VP of Social Affairs for Class 59 and is on the DEIB committee. In her free time, she loves trying new restaurants and spending quality time with friends and family.

Alexandra Voisey, originally from Atlanta, Georgia, graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and a minor in Spanish. During her undergraduate tenure, Alexandra gained diverse clinical experience working as a Medical Scribe and Patient Care Technician at two different Emergency Departments, and as an assistant at an IV Infusion Center. Additionally, Alexandra graduated from the U.S Career Institute as an NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant. She utilized her broad clinical knowledge while living and volunteering in San Jose, Costa Rica at Sacred Heart of Jesus Hospital for the Homeless, an experience that improved her translating skills and better enabled her to care for future patients. Her heart for increasing access to quality care is reflected in her feature in the on-going publication of a major professional translation project for the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Journal. Throughout her professional journey, Alexandra developed a passion for optimizing quality of care and workplace environments, maximizing operational efficiency, and increasing accessibility to health services for all. This prompted her to pursue her dual MSHA/BMA studies at UAB, where she currently serves as the Vice President of Recruitment for her cohort and enjoys engaging in her program's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee. Since joining the program, Alexandra has also placed 2nd in the 2023 Penn State Case Competition alongside colleagues, become an active ACHE member, and joined the Facilities, Maintenance, & Emergency Management Department at UAB Hospital as an Administrative Intern. She looks forward to using this robust foundation to improve health outcomes via multi-faceted innovations in our healthcare systems.

Alyssa grew up in Birmingham, AL. She was a psychology/pre med major and part of the University Fellows Experience at the University of Alabama, and she graduated from there in 2019. During her time at UA she was president of numerous organizations and honor societies, worked with her faculty mentors on government-funded research projects, and volunteered with many organizations across the state of Alabama. Many of these experiences and seeing her parents working in the healthcare field lead to her passion for the healthcare system and health equity initiatives. The following year she obtained a Masters in Biomedical and Health Sciences from UAB. After a gap year she then started medical school and during her second year realized that she wanted to pivot from clinical medicine to administrative medicine. She is very grateful for the opportunity to be obtaining her MSHA and MBA at the institution that has been so integral in her healthcare journey thus far. In her free time she loves to be outdoors (like a cute hiking/trail walking moment NOT camping), read, try out a new restaurant, and to watch reality TV.

Alexandria is from Pleasant Grove,Al. She graduated from The University of South Alabama in 2022 with a Bachelor's of Science in Professional Health Science with a concentration in Healthcare management. During her undergraduate career, she served as the Black Student Union President and the chair of Black Girls Rock Scholarship program. She is devoted to giving back to the community and advocating for the underserved population. Alexandria has began her MSHA journey as a dual degree Master of Public Health student. She is excited about her journey and her future career in the healthcare world.

Alyssa grew up in Birmingham, AL. She was a psychology/pre med major and part of the University Fellows Experience at the University of Alabama, and she graduated from there in 2019. During her time at UA she was president of numerous organizations and honor societies, worked with her faculty mentors on government-funded research projects, and volunteered with many organizations across the state of Alabama. Many of these experiences and seeing her parents working in the healthcare field lead to her passion for the healthcare system and health equity initiatives. The following year she obtained a Masters in Biomedical and Health Sciences from UAB. After a gap year she then started medical school and during her second year realized that she wanted to pivot from clinical medicine to administrative medicine. She is very grateful for the opportunity to be obtaining her MSHA and MBA at the institution that has been so integral in her healthcare journey thus far. In her free time she loves to be outdoors (like a cute hiking/trail walking moment NOT camping), read, try out a new restaurant, and to watch reality TV.

Andrea Rodriguez is a native of Birmingham, Alabama, and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Samford University with a B.S. in Business Management in May 2023. Throughout her academic journey at Samford, she held various leadership roles, notably serving as the Vice President of Annual Events for the Student Activities Council. Her educational pursuits extended beyond the campus with a study abroad experience in London, where she undertook an internship at the Royal Free Hospital, sparking a profound interest in healthcare. She further enriched her experiences through an internship at the UAB Highlands Geriatric Inpatient Unit. Andrea€™s commitment to global health became evident during a medical mission trip to the Amazon Jungle, where she developed a passion for delivering equitable and efficient care. These experiences solidified her aspiration to forge a career in hospital operations. In her free time, Andrea enjoys traveling, dancing, trying new restaurants, and hiking with her dogs.

Areesa was born in Houston, Texas and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. She graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) with a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management while working part-time. After graduating, she worked at Parker Cornea, an ophthalmology clinic, as a full-time assistant administrator. She then decided to further pursue her career by applying to UAB€™s MSHA program. After the program, Areesa aspires to become a hospital administrator with goals of providing better access to healthcare and quality of care. Aside from school and work, Areesa loves spending time with family and friends, while pursuing her passion in photography.

Avery was raised in a rural community in Alabama. She graduated Cum Laude as a first generation student from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a degree in Healthcare Management. During her undergraduate time she served as President in the Healthcare Management Student Association and was involved in other leadership positions with organizations such as the Alabama Chapter of ACHE. She worked clinically as a pharmacy technician in a retail pharmacy. Avery completed an internship with a primary care group practice that served rural patients in Northeast AL. Her goal is to be a caring administrator to populations who struggle with access to care. During her spare time she enjoys going to gospel concerts, cross stitching and exploring historical sites.

Ben grew up in Spanish Fort, Alabama. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of South Alabama with a B.S. in Professional Health Sciences along with a concentration in Healthcare Management. During his time at South Alabama, Ben worked at various organizations which included significant roles at Infirmary Health such as Admissions Assistant and Human Resources Representative. Additionally, he completed an internship at Mobile Ob/Gyn. After graduation, he hopes to work in hospital operations and collaborate with healthcare professionals. Ben enjoys spending time outside as well as hanging out with friends and family.

Benjamin grew up in Vestavia Hills, AL. He graduated Cum Laude from Auburn University in Spring 2023, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and minor in Finance. Benjamin was a Dean's List student and involved in different leadership roles during his undergraduate years. He served as a member of the Harbert College of Business Executive Society, Harbert College of Business Executive Council, and Project Uplift child mentorship program. Before starting the MSHA program, Benjamin spent summers at Encompass Health and Pack Health in administrative intern roles. Benjamin is currently pursuing a dual MSHA/MBA degree. He is interested in pediatric hospital operations and ambulatory services. In his free time, Benjamin loves spending time with friends and family, volunteering at church, playing basketball, and traveling.

Beth was born in Selma, Alabama but grew up in Snoqualmie, Washington. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with Distinguished Honors from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management in December of 2022. During her time at UAB she was a member of Kappa Delta sorority where she held multiple leadership positions. She also was the administrative and clinical operations intern for the UAB Department of Neurosurgery. After graduation she worked in the UAB Department of Graduate Medical Education working with residents and fellows. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Health Administration at UAB. Beth hopes to learn more and use her knowledge to provide excellent care to patients while still benefiting the organization. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, at local coffee shops and trying new restaurants.

Cameron is from South Jordan, Utah. He graduated summa cum laude from Weber State University with a B.S in Health Administration and a minor in Finance. During his time at Weber State, Cameron completed an administrative internship at Intermountain Healthcare and was a patient service representative for Intermountain Medical Center. His goal is to work in hospital operations so that he can be close to the front line of care delivery and accomplish initiatives that will benefit the community. Cameron enjoys golfing, fishing, and spending time with family.

Originally from Jacksonville, FL, Caroline attended Clemson University. After graduating with a degree in Mathematical Sciences and Biology, she interned at Mayo Clinic Florida, working on various operational projects for the departments of Transplant and Cardiothoracic Surgery.  That experience inspired her interest in and passion for the Healthcare Administration field.  Prior to enrolling in the MSHA program this fall, Caroline also worked at UAB Medicine as a clinical operations intern for Patient Throughput; she has really enjoyed pivoting to work in that more strategy-oriented position. With her graduate endeavors now her primary focus, Caroline is honored to serve her MSHA classmates as class president. If not at school or work, Caroline is most likely found on a run, catching up with a friend, or volunteering at her church.

Cody was born and raised in South Louisiana and attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. He graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management and was named a 2022 LSU Rucks Fellow for his academic accomplishments. His interest in business and healthcare led him to a year-long internship with Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge, where he supported the Business Operations Department of the system€™s physician group. Cody is currently a MSHA Candidate in Class 59 at UAB. He is passionate about improving operational efficiency and increasing access to healthcare. In his free time, you can find Cody exercising or cheering on his LSU Tigers.

Dillon is a first-generation college student from Canton Mississippi. He earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from Mississippi State University with concentrations in marketing and insurance. While at Mississippi State, he earned Dean's List honors. Dillon leisurely enjoys gaming, watching sports, and listening to various podcasts.

Ezra grew up in McKinney, Texas. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Trinity University with a degree in Business Analytics and Technology. He played both football and baseball at Trinity earning all-conference honors in both sports. Prior to entering UAB MSHA Program, he interned at Baylor Scott and White in Dallas, Texas where he assisted leadership in several projects centered around data analytics. His passion for healthcare analytics in improving patient care lead him to do a dual degree in Health Informatics at UAB. Ezra has held several leadership positions at Trinity University, serving as the President of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Male Intercollegiate Athletic Committee representative for the athletic department, and captain of the baseball team.  In his free time he enjoys watching sports, spending time with family and friends, and working out. He is passionate about leading the next generation of healthcare professionals that will continue to make healthcare more equitable and accessible.

Forrest grew up in The Woodlands, TX, and graduated magna cum laude from The University of South Alabama with a degree in Healthcare Management. While at South Alabama, Forrest was a part of the 2020 South Alabama Jaguars Football Team as well as a founding officer of the Society of Healthcare Management Students. Prior to graduation, Forrest completed internships with Houston Methodist, USA Health, and Mobile Ob-Gyn, P.C. Forrest is passionate about increasing operational and financial efficiency within inpatient acute care settings. Forrest enjoys spending time fishing for speckled trout, playing golf, and watching college football.

George Fereg, a Houston, TX native, is a distinguished graduate of Baylor University, holding a BBA in Entrepreneurship & Corporate Innovation and a minor in Biology with cum laude honors. During his undergraduate tenure, George exhibited leadership as the Social Chair for the largest Pre-Health organization, Baylor Medical Student Association (BMSA), and served as President of Orthodox Christian Campus Ministries (OCCM). His commitment to academic excellence and research is underscored by his role as a Clinical Research Assistant for the Waco COVID Survey, leading to his acknowledgment in the research book, "Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and its Psychobehavioral Consequences." Post-graduation, he enriched his healthcare administration acumen as a Patient Services Coordinator at MD Anderson Cancer Center in the Texas Medical Center before embarking on his dual MSHA/MBA studies at UAB. Actively contributing to UAB, George engages in the Recruitment and Onboarding Committee, the Diversity Dialogue Committee, and the Philanthropy Committee, serves as an Administrative Intern in Emergency Services at UAB Hospital directly collaborating with the Vice President of Emergency Services, placed 2nd at the 2023 Penn State Health Administration Case Competition alongside colleagues, and became an active ACHE member.

Isaiah is an Orlando native who recently graduated with Magna Laude honors from Samford University, where he earned a B.S. in Healthcare Administration and a Minor in Health Informatics and Analytics. He was an active member of the Upsilon Phi Delta Honor Society, serving as its President, and he is currently an alumni advisory board member for Samford's Healthcare Administration program. During his undergraduate studies, he completed two internships at Orlando Health and Brookwood Baptist Medical Center, which helped him realize that healthcare administration was his true calling. Isaiah is passionate about utilizing his leadership skills to positively impact the lives of countless people in need. He enjoys spending time with friends and family and hitting playing pickleball courts in his free time! 

Josef is from Birmingham, Alabama and attended UAB where he received his bachelors in Neuroscience and Masters in Business Administration. Currently, Josef is a Dual Degree student with the Health Administration and Health Informatics Graduate program. His career goals involve leading in all spaces of healthcare, including the informatics department, while also bridging the gap between technological understanding and Physician needs. He has a very strong passion for supporting the workforce and looks to optimize healthcare systems by aiming for an operational role and be a resource at all levels. Currently, Josef works as an Intern for the Alabama College of Healthcare Executives of Alabama (ACHE) as well as Interns for UAB Hospital Supply Chain department in Resource Utilization. Outside his aspiring work goals, Josef is an endurance athlete in running, biking and swimming and enjoys nutritional cooking and music.

Julia is from Benton, Arkansas. She graduated with Odyssey distinction from Hendrix College with a B.A. in computer science and a minor in mathematics. She was the captain of the Hendrix women's soccer team and volunteered in the college's international office. Most of her healthcare experience before UAB came from internships and job shadowing where she discovered healthcare administration. Her current areas of interest in healthcare are operations and informatics, exploring how data and artificial intelligence can improve patient outcomes and employee well-being. In her free time, Julia loves to cook, play pickup soccer, and take road trips.

Justin is from Ocean Springs, Mississippi.  He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelors of Business Administration in Healthcare Management with minors in Chemistry and Management Information Systems.  During his time at UM, Justin participated in various leadership and service activities.  This included his time volunteering at Health Clinics in both Oxford and Jackson, Mississippi.  This also includes his time serving as a Teaching Assistant and Supplemental Instruction leader in the University of Mississippi Chemistry Department.  Through his various experiences, Justin became passionate about patient safety and healthcare quality and hopes that through his knowledge of process improvement and strategic communication, he can make a difference in both of these areas.

Kalee is originally from Dallas, TX. She graduated from Samford University in Birmingham, AL, with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. While in school, she completed and published a research project studying anaerobic exercise. She was also a member of Alpha Omicron Pi. Having various experiences at the bedside and face-to-face care with patients, Kalee developed a passion for healthcare administration. Prior to admittance to the MSHA program, Kalee worked for a year in medical device sales with Boston Scientific. In her free time, Kalee enjoys spending time with family and hiking or backpacking outdoors.

Sunny Hadish, originally from Santa Rosa, CA, recently graduated summa cum laude from the University of California, Irvine with a degree in Public Health Policy. Fueled by her Eritrean-American background, Sunny is passionate about health equity and aspires to structurally improve healthcare to enhance patient care and better consider the needs of those most burdened by health disparities. Throughout her time as an undergraduate, she sought internship experiences that focused on making healthcare services more affordable and accessible. Her time as a Legal Researcher, Tigrinya Translator, Public Health Practicum Intern, and Patient Educator helped her gain valuable insight into the deficiencies of our current healthcare system and areas where health administration could address these shortcomings. Outside of academics, Sunny enjoys jazz dance and participated in a touring dance company throughout her time in college. Additionally, she values spending time with family and friends, traveling, and trying new restaurants. Sunny appreciates being in this program and her current position as a Corporate Administration intern at UAB Hospital.

Libby grew up on Lookout Mountain outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Wake Forest University with a degree in Engineering. After college, she stayed in North Carolina and worked as a Wake Forest Fellow, where she had the opportunity to help the university with various projects including the development of a strategic plan. Libby realized her love for healthcare at a young age, and it was during an internship at a pediatric clinic that she developed a passion for the administrative side of healthcare. Currently, she is pursuing a dual MSHA/MBA degree. Outside of the classroom, Libby enjoys running and perfecting her chocolate chip cookie recipe.

Luke grew up in Geneva, Illinois. He graduated Cum Laude from Samford University in 2023 with a B.S. in Healthcare Administration and minors in Biology and Health Informatics and Analytics. During his time at Samford, Luke held multiple leadership and service positions, including Treasurer for Upsilon Phi Delta, Ambassador for Samford€™s School of Public Health, and council member of the American Enterprise Institute Executive Council. He remains involved with Samford as an advisory board member for the Department of Healthcare Administration and Analytics. His diverse experience in healthcare includes internships with Kassouf Healthcare Solutions, Christ Health Center, Encompass Health, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, and UAB Hospital. Born with a critical congenital heart defect (CCHD), Luke€™s passion for healthcare stems from his open heart surgery at one week of life and the perspective it has given him, and it is what drove him to co-author a published research article analyzing the effect of U.S. state-level pulse-oximetry screening mandates on regional infant mortality rates due to CCHDs. As an MSHA/MBA dual candidate, Luke aspires to help patients lead healthy and meaningful lives through innovation in the healthcare delivery system and responsible policymaking. In his free time, Luke loves to travel, read, and spend time with friends.

Originally from Colorado, Mark studied Industrial/Organizational Psychology at BYU-Idaho. After taking a class on Health Administration towards the end of his undergraduate degree, he determined that he was "hooked" and decided to attend graduate school studying health administration. Most of his work experience is in Human Resources, an area that he has enjoyed developing his skillset in. Mark enjoys spending time with his wife, reading, writing, hiking, and being outside. He and his wife are expecting their first child in January.

Preston is from Fredericksburg, Virginia. He attended Brigham Young University - Idaho graduating with a Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration in 2023. While pursuing his undergraduate degree, Preston worked at Madison Memorial Hospital as an Emergency Room Admitting Clerk and as an administrative intern with their Risk Management and Compliance Department. Following graduation, he worked with Mountain View Hospital in their Population Health Department. These experiences demonstrated to Preston that a strong administrative team is essential in the provision of exceptional care for those the hospital serves and in supporting those providing care, which has continued to be his motivation to pursue a career in hospital operations. In his spare time, Preston enjoys fishing, camping, skiing, and spending time with his family.

Sarah was born in Mobile, AL. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with High Distinguished Honors from UAB in 2019. Sarah participated in UAB's Accelerated Bachelor's to Master€™s Program for Public Health, which allowed her to earn both degrees simultaneously. During her time at UAB, Sarah held multiple leadership positions and coordinated the Biology Learning Assistant program. She was also involved with various research projects aimed at reducing racial disparities in healthcare, which contributed to her desire to pursue healthcare administration. Sarah has also managed clinical trial enrollment and recruitment as a research associate with the UAB Department of Emergency Medicine and served as a COVID-19 case investigator with the ADPH. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Health Administration at UAB. She hopes to gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a compassionate and effective leader in healthcare. In her free time, Sarah loves spending time with family and friends, running, reading, and shopping.

Taj was born in Schweinfurt, Germany but grew up in Columbus, Georgia. She graduated from UAB with a B.S. in medical sociology and a minor in public health in 2022. Her own healthcare experiences sparked her passion for creating an improved U.S. healthcare system. By pursuing a master's in health administration, she plans to use and apply her knowledge globally by learning from systems outside of the U.S. to create positive change within the U.S. for everyone who uses healthcare systems. In her free time, she enjoys playing rugby, bowling, gardening, and Muay Thai.

Terrell is a native of Dothan AL. He graduated from Troy University and obtained a degree in Exercise Science with a pre-health concentration.  During his time at Troy, Terrell was involved in numerous organizations on campus and within the community. After he graduated, he worked as a rehab technician in the healthcare field. Through this experience, he learned administrative and clinical values, which led him to develop a passion for healthcare administration. Terrell wants to improve the modern healthcare system and facilitate therapeutic alliances to ensure the best care for patients.  He is thankful for the opportunity to pursue a master€™s degree in healthcare administration at such a prestigious and well-known institution. Terrell is a former athlete who loves to spend time watching sports, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Tina was born in New York and moved to Clanton, AL at the age of 10. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a minor in Finance. While at Auburn, Tina took on various leadership roles and was actively involved in multiple honors societies. Her passion for healthcare grew from her experience as a CNA and PCT during high school, where she gained experience by volunteering at nursing homes and hospitals, while obtaining her certifications. Tina hopes to leverage her academic and professional experiences to enhance patient experience, elevate the quality of care, and optimize hospital operations and outcomes. Currently, she serves as the Vice President of Finance for Class 59. During her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, shopping, and trying new restaurants.

Will grew up in Montgomery, Al and attended Auburn University graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences. Following graduation, he worked as the Clinic Manager for UAB Medical West Neurology while completing his Master of Business Administration at UAB Collat School of Business. Will is currently a member of UAB MSHA Class 59 and also pursuing a Master of Science in Healthcare Informatics with the purpose of being a future oriented leader in an ever-changing technological landscape.

Zachary grew up in Saratoga, California, and graduated Summa Cum Laude from St. Olaf College in Minnesota, with a Bachelor's degree in Biology.  Before entering the UAB MSHA program, Zachary held a leadership position at a food bank and worked as an EMT.  Now, he is pursuing a dual MSHA/MBA degree here at UAB, where he is known for being a high-achieving, likable person.  He is well on his way to becoming a great leader.  Outside of school, Zachary enjoys spending time in nature, playing chess, and participating in sports like basketball, golf, and badminton.