College of Health Sciences

From Classmates to Friends: MS-HI Students Bond Throughout Online Program

After Melissa Warren, Nancy Kirkland and Delphine Nchako began Logan University’s online Master of Science in Health Informatics (MS-HI) program in January 2020, it didn’t take long for them to realize they needed to lean on one another for support. They started a group text message to ask questions about assignments, coordinated Zoom meetings so they could talk through challenges, and bounced ideas off one another through a discussion board. They included Nafisat Bale in their collaborations when she joined their cohort several months later.

“The texts, Zooms and discussion board posts not only motivated us to stay on track in the program, but they also brought us closer together,” said Nancy, a data technician at Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation in Memphis, Tennessee. “Over time, we went from being just classmates to becoming friends.”

Eager to meet in person after more than a year of communicating online, they decided to connect during the fall 2021 commencement ceremony December 17-18.

“I saved a table so all of us could sit together before the graduation awards ceremony,” said Melissa, Logan’s associate director of strategic performance. “Even though Nafisat wasn’t able to come, it was amazing for Nancy, Delphine and I to finally get together face-to-face.”

During the ceremony, Melissa earned Logan’s Service, Leaders Made and RESPECT awards. Nancy obtained a Leaders Made Award, and Delphine received a RESPECT Award. “We had a lot to celebrate, so we went back to my office where MS-HI Program Director Dr. Deshae Redden and Logan’s entire strategic performance department ended up throwing a surprise graduation party for us,” Melissa said. “It was wonderful to be together, laughing and talking.”

Melissa, Nancy and Delphine attended the commencement ceremony at the William D. Purser, DC Center the following morning while Nafisat livestreamed it from her home in Virginia. “My MS-HI classmates sent me a picture of my seat at the ceremony, which was very sweet,” Nafisat said. “I also appreciated having my name displayed on the screen and my name called even though I wasn’t there in person.”

After months of supporting one another from afar, Melissa, Nancy and Delphine enjoyed walking across the stage together. “Finishing the program with the women I started it with was rewarding and sentimental,” Nancy said.

The graduates wrapped up commencement weekend with a Sunday breakfast at Cracker Barrel, and all four continue to keep in touch. They texted photos of their diplomas after receiving them in the mail in early January. They send job openings to one another. Melissa is planning a trip to Memphis this spring to visit Nancy.

“Although the MS-HI is an online program, the friendships you’re able to make can last a lifetime,” Melissa said. “I advise new students to connect with their cohorts. You’re all going through the same thing and can support one another every step of the way. You are never alone.”

On the Road with Scott Bird

For more than 30 years, Scott Bird, CSCS, RSCC*E has been helping people develop physically and mentally to reach their goals and find success through strength and conditioning.

“Initially, I thought I wanted to coach, but I struggled to decide on a specific sport,” Scott said. “Once I started learning about strength and conditioning, I realized it was a great fit because it would allow me to help athletes from a variety of backgrounds.”

Scott has worked in strength and conditioning for many schools and universities through the years, and he recently decided to shift his focus.

“When I was approached with the opportunity to be part of Logan’s Master of Science in Strength & Conditioning (MS-SC) program, I was immediately interested and really liked the direction the program was taking,” said Scott. “As the program’s field experience coordinator, I’m still working in the field I love, and I’m able to help people reach their goals. Now, I’m just assisting coaches instead of athletes.”

The MS-SC program was built to provide actionable skills and knowledge to strength and conditioning industry professionals. Graduates of the program will have the necessary tools to enhance their current role, advance their career through a promotion or salary increase, move into an administrative position after coaching and more.

“One of the biggest complaints I hear from people who earned a master’s degree elsewhere is that the material taught in the

program might not be applicable to their everyday job,” Scott said. “We designed the classes in Logan’s MS-SC program with this in mind.”

Scott has put rubber on the road for the last eight months, traveling across the United States to spread the word about the MS-SC program and develop partnerships with a variety of organizations.

“Since I’ve spent more than three decades in the strength and conditioning industry, I’m fortunate to have created some great connections, which I’m now utilizing for our students,” said Scott. “My goal is to have a wide range of partner organizations so we can place each student in the perfect internship location to allow them to learn and grow exponentially.”

From high school, university and professional sports teams to educational institutions, private gyms and training facilities, and tactical settings for the military and first responders, Scott is ensuring new partnerships span all industries and areas of interest.

“As new students are being accepted into the MS-SC program, I’m finding even more organizations to partner with based on student interest, goals and geographic location,” Scott said. “And if we don’t have an existing partnership in place that fits a student’s goals, I will go out and create one.”

Once students have secured internships, Scott will continuously perform evaluations to ensure the student and the organization are benefiting from the partnership.

“It’s been exciting to help build a program from the ground up, especially since I’m surrounded by so many brilliant minds,” Scott said. “Each faculty member is currently working in the strength and conditioning field, which means the curriculum will remain relevant and cutting edge.”

Logan’s MS-SC launches this summer. To learn more and apply, visit Logan.edu/Strength.

Oklahoma State University’s head strength and conditioning coach Rob Glass (left) with Scott Bird Michael Winkler, director of strength and conditioning at Archbishop Hoban High School (left) in Akron, Ohio, with Scott Bird