Health Administration Clipboard Notes
Miller Named New Director
Special Interest Articles !
ACHE Scholarship Opportunity
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CMS 2012 Administrative Fellowship
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Upcoming International Trips
Vernease Miller, MHA. JD was named Director for Healthcare Programs effective July 1st. She succeeds Dr. Joel E. Vickers who returned to full time teaching after serving as Program Director for seventeen years. Dr. Miller began her career at Pfeiffer University in 1996 as an advisor in the School of Adult Studies where she was responsible for the undergraduate health administration program. She served as an adjunct instructor in the MHA program for several years before joining the graduate faculty full-time in 2006. Later, she was promoted to Coordinator for Health Programs in 2010 to assist Dr. Vickers with SACS
Indivdual Highlights Trip Schedule - 2 Graduation - 4
accreditation documentation and compliance.
Mentor-Net - 5 Banquet - 6 Testimonials - 8 Presidential Management Fellows -11 Last Story
August/September 2011 Volume 1, Issue 1
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Miller is famous among faculty and students for her “do the right thing just because it is the right thing to do” mantra. Her law &
ethics lectures inspire students to correspond with her years after graduation whenever a new ethics issue makes national headlines. This past summer some close friends honored her with an award that declares her to be “Pfeiffer’s best mentor to faculty and students.” Heading Pfeiffer’s largest department with its roster of nine fulltime faculty, graduate and undergraduate programs and over 480 students will be a challenging undertaking. Miller stated, “I am grateful for the opportunity and look forward to future.” Valerie Johnston, MBA, Ph.D., FACHE and Gwyndolan Swain, RN, BSN, MHA, MBA, Ph.D. (C) joined the department faculty as well. Dr. Johnston comes to Pfeiffer from the University of North Florida. She is the new Assistant Director responsible for curriculum development and continuous program review
and improvement. She will teach health services marketing and policy classes during fall. Gwyndolan Swain is not a newcomer to Pfeiffer. She is a graduate of the MHA and MBA programs. A former CMC administrator she taught in the School of Adult Studies as an adjunct for the past five years. She will continue to teach undergraduate classes in addition to graduate classes. “We are excited to begin this academic year fully staffed with exceptional faculty”, Dr. Miller said. “I am confident that we have the resources needed to provide a rigorous quality learning experience for our students. I have every reason to believe that they will leave our program prepared to help shape the future of healthcare locally, nationally and globally.”
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New and Exciting International Trips MHA students are preparing to take full advantage of the new comparative international health course trips scheduled for 2011-12. The lineup is impressive starting with a new trip to France during fall break in October. Uli Froehlich will be the trip leader. He will be joined by over 40 students and their guests. The France trip evolved from the London trip which will happen again in January. London is the most popular MHA 776 trip class with over 60 registered to travel with
Dr. Jim Leist in January. Students will again visit St. Thomas Hospital, Florence Nightingale Museum and receive lectures from prominent national healthcare leaders. Director Miller is wrapping up plans for a new trip to Liberia that will also take place in January. The Chinese have invested heavily in African countries through the building of new medical facilities. Liberia has a new state-of-the-art hospital in Tappita. Details for the Jan. 2-11 trip will be announced soon. Interested students should contact Dr. Miller right
away. Registrations for the initial exploratory class will be limited to 12 students. Dr. Vickers will lead the trip to Canada in May. Toronto, Ottawa and numerous points in between make a great end-of-school year excursion and a terrific final class of graduate study. Germany and Austria are also on summer schedule. Pfeiffer MHA students are being prepared to shape the future of healthcare locally, nationally and globally. This is your global connection.
Don’t miss the plane!
Travel to Canada in May with Dr. Joel Vickers - Ottawa - Toronto - Parliament - Niagara Falls And much more!
Preliminary Proposed Itinerary Tuesday January 3, 2012 Leave Charlotte and travel to Atlanta and on to Monrovia. Wednesday January 4, 2012 Arrive and transfer to Corina Hotel on Tubman Boulevard. http://www.corinahotel.com/ Enjoy evening welcome dinner at hotel. Thursday January 5, 2012 1. Visit the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare 2. Hospital Visits John F. Doe Monrovia Regional Referral Hospital
Redemption Hospital
Dr. Francis N. Kateh, MD, MHA, MPS/HSL
John F. Kennedy Memorial Medical Center http:// www.directrelief.org/WhereWeWork/Liberia/ JFKMedicalCenter.aspx Visit the Medical School at Catholic Hospital http://perso.wanadoo.es/acvelasco/
Medical Director
NEW INTERNATIONAL TRIP
Friday January 6
Join our Director, Dr. Vernease Miller and Dr. Francis Kateh on the first international trip to Africa. Travel over the holiday break to Monrovia, Liberia. Visit health care facilities, see historical sites of interest and meet with high ranking government officials.
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healthadmin@fsmail.pfeiffer.edu
Return to Monrovia
Saturday, January 7
Tour and Zwedru, the Southeastern Region of Liberia Return to Monrovia
Sunday January 8
Registration for this trip will be limited so reserve your space now. To receive complete travel information contact:
Morning departure from Monrovia to Tappita. We will make a series of stops along the way to visit historical and cultural sites. Visit to Jackson F. Doe Memorial Regional Referral Hospital http://www.jfdmrrh.org/
Free time to visit cultural sites around Monrovia
Monday January 9
Meetings with local and national officials about international healthcare related issues Free afternoon to explore tourist attractions
Tuesday January 10 Tour Cape Mount and Bomi Counties Evening preparation for flight home the next day. Wednesday January 11 – Return flight home Monrovia to Atlanta and then Charlotte arriving on the 12th
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Healthcare Students Dominate August Graduation The August graduation ceremonies saw 158
Pfeiffer’s Master of Health Administration degree program has been ranked a Top 25 “Best Buy” among
Healthcare Management, MHA, MHA/MBA, and MHA/MSL students cross the stage to shake President Mike Miller’s hand. It was an awesome testament to the success of Pfeiffer’s healthcare programs. Graduates were present from the numerous cohort groups including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Presbyterian, High Point Regional,
Carolinas Medical Center – North-East, Rex Healthcare, WakeMed, Moses Cone, Durham Regional, and Forsyth Medical Center. Many students completed their studies at the Research Triangle Park (RTP) campus or online. Pfeiffer healthcare students have several options for study including seated, online, or hybrid classes. The flexibility of study
options and the convenience of cohort groups located at major employer worksites make obtaining a graduate education an obtainable goal for working adults. This is the principle reason why Pfeiffer has the fastest growing health administration programs in the Carolinas. Word of mouth is our marketing strategy. Our grads gladly share information about the convenient quality education they received at Pfeiffer University.
distance graduate healthcare programs by GetEducated.com.
The national review team from GetEducated.com said the Pfeiffer affordability ranking is based on a comprehensive review of 58 comparable regional healthcare master’s
Pfeiffer Students Invited to Apply An administrative fellowship after graduation can be a great way to jumpstart a healthcare management career. Fellowships provide exposure to key executive management and hands-on project management experience that can lead to a permanent high level position or other career building networking opportunities. Graduates of Pfeiffer‘s MHA/MBA program have
had excellent success securing administrative fellowships in major health systems in North and South Carolinas. As a result, the Director periodically receives announcements that invite Pfeiffer students to apply for upcoming opportunities. A major health system in NC has announced the availability of an Administrative Fellowship for 2012. Applications are
available through Dr. Miller’s office. If you will graduate before August 2012, have a GPA of 3.5 or better, and are interested in applying please contact Ankshika Punj, Graduate Assistant, at healthadmin@fsmail.pfeiffe r.edu. Applications are due October 5th so don’t delay.
programs. The “Best Buy” ranking award indicates Pfeiffer offers a high quality graduate degree at a cost well below the national average. Pfeiffer ranks 19 of 25. .
Check your financial aid! Call Christie Rowe at 704-945-7309. Awards must be confirmed before September 5th.
Roster verification begins 9/5/11. Go to: my.pfeiffer.edu "Student Resources " Financial Aid " Document Tracking
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Mentor-Net Are you ready for the next career level? If you are reluctant to answer “yes” you may need a mentor to help you think through your options and maximize your strengths. Current students have the opportunity to participate
in Mentor-Net through our student health administration organization, PHESO. This program connects senior level students with designated alumni who provide insight about making the transition to the role of health services administrator.
For more information on the PHESO and the Mentor Net program, visit www.pheso.org or contact Dr. Carol Vogt at 704-9457318.
Associate Professor, Carol Vogt ACHE Faculty Liaison
Join ACHE and get connected. Scholarships Available – Please Apply The Department of Health Administration has two faculty funded scholarships available that recognize students for dedication to their discipline. The Student Associate Membership Award recognizes students for their academic achievement and servant leadership. This scholarship provides membership to the premier healthcare executive organization, the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). The second award, The Memorial Scholarship, was created in honor of health administration students who have passed away while enrolled at the University. The scholarship is awarded to a student who is recognized for their high academic excellence and who has made substantial contributions to the field. Last year in honor of Pfeiffer University’s 125th Anniversary, alumni donated f $1, 045 that must be applied to tuition. The MHA Alumni Scholarship Fund
will be awarded to a current student for use in spring 2012 semester. If you are interested in either of the scholarship opportunities please contact Dr. Carol Vogt at carol.vogt@fsmail.pfeiffer.edu.
“Receiving a scholarship means that my hard work and dedication to the program have been acknowledged. By supporting scholarships, you are investing in a student’s future, and perhaps your own as well. I am grateful to those who support scholarships for the health administration program at Pfeiffer University.” Margaret McAlister, MBA/MHA student and PHESO President
1st Annual Department Banquet
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Save the Date!
Well actually, we don’t have a date yet….just a month, April 2012. Mark your calendars and plan to attend the first annual department fundraising banquet to be held in April. HA Alumni, students and friends will be invited to reconnect with faculty and classmates in what will become a “must attend” annual event. The first banquet will honor Dr. Vickers’s 17 years of
service as Program Director. The department would like to endow a faculty chair. A committee is being formed now to help plan this event. Definitive information and a date certain will be announced in the October/November Clipboard Notes. Stay tuned and be prepared to RSVP before the winter holidays.
Have you talked to your advisor lately? Bet you are wondering why course numbers have changed in the catalog and on the master schedule aren’t you? It’s because we haven’t done a very good job of indicating proper course sequencing. To eliminate confusion classes are now numbered in the order they should be taken. Substitutions should not be made without first obtaining the advice and counsel.
The best way to insure that you are matriculating through your program of study correctly is to talk with your advisor before registering. Beginning in fall 2012, courses will be offered online and in the classroom on a strict rotation schedule so that you can plan your study agenda accordingly. Be smart. Call for an appointment today.
SERVICE AFTER GRADUATION Alumni are the strength of a university. Reputation and program marketability rest on the willingness of alumni to share their value added experiences so that other working adults will have the confidence to pursue college and graduate education.
There are several opportunities to share your Pfeiffer experience. Open House events are held every month on the Charlotte and RTP campuses. Volunteers are needed to meet with prospective students.
Preceptors - Serving as a preceptor for a senior practicum can result in a mutually beneficial experience. Please consider serving in this role. It will broaden your leadership perspective and
7 contribute to the development of future leaders. Employer – Please mentor and hire graduates from Pfeiffer HA programs.
Graduation Applications Due December 2011 graduates:
Your application will be reviewed and a degree
The deadline to apply for graduation is Friday, Sept. 9th. The application form is located at: www.pfeiffer.edu/registrar .
audit will be sent to your Pfeiffer email address confirming your graduation status.
The completed form should be delivered to the Registrar’s Office, emailed to rick.kivior@fsmail.pfeiffer.edu or faxed to (704) 945-7330. All students except MHA cohorts & BCBS employees are required to submit a $95 graduation fee to the Business Office. Applications received after the Sept 9th deadline will be subject to a $75 late fee.
Please contact Rick Kivior if you have any questions about applying for graduation.
Rick Kivior Associate Registrar 704-521-7316
Employers often call with interest in hiring graduate and undergraduate health administration students and graduates. Likewise, students often call seeking employment opportunities. We want to help the employers connect with prospects. Feel free to send job listings for posting in Clipboard Notes.
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Testimonials “I feel that the MHA program prepared me well for my career in health administration both in the public and private sectors. I feel strongly that the MHA I earned from Pfeiffer was as comprehensive and rigorous as any other accredited program.” Denise Holland, MHA Alumna
See what employers and students are saying about the “value added” benefit of a Pfeiffer education…
“As a healthcare leader, I understand and appreciate the value of effective leadership. Drs. Luck and Miller exemplify excellence in classroom leadership. Effective leaders create an environment that enables those they lead to learn, grow, and succeed. Without question, these two exceptional professors achieved that goal.” Richard Blackburn, MBA/MHA student
“I am so proud of the work that Sandy and Lisa are doing for [our department]. Their work will be a beacon as we move forwards. Thank you for your support and guidance, past and present.” Department
head comments on Pfeiffer students’ contributions to their program.
“I really enjoyed your course that I took under you this past spring and do wish that I could take another class under you. You are an awesome [person] that I greatly admire and respect. You make me proud. Thank you so much”. Brenda Chandler MHA / Moses Cone Campus
“Our professors are so willing to share their expertise with us. I so appreciate that. Coming to Pfeiffer has changed my life!” Suzanne Cromlish MHA Graduate
“Dr. Parker based on the work done in you MHA 672 Strategic Planning class our VP was impressed with our project and subsequently on of teammates was promoted. Thanks!” Sandy and Lisa, Moses Cone
“Congratulations Dr. Vickers on your return to full time teaching & I am happy to know that you are back! Additionally, I am pleased to know that Dr. Miller will be serving as the Director of Healthcare Programs. I had Dr. Miller for two classes & I think that she is absolutely wonderful! I have learned so much from her teachings! I feel that Dr. Miller is a great asset to the Pfeiffer Administration. I am certain that Dr. Miller will do well in her new positions & wish her nothing but great success!” Tawanda Lawson MBA/MHA Candidate
Dr. Barnett Parker
Do you have a favorite professor or class? Let us know so that we can share the good news.
9 Pfeiffer University at Charlotte 4701 Park Road Charlotte, NC 28209 Phone (704) 521-9116 Fax (704)521-8617 Email Graduate Assistant Ankshika Punj, healthadmin@fsmail.pfeiff er.edu Pfeiffer University at the Triangle 2880 Slater Road, Suite 100 Morrisville, NC 27560 919-941-2920 DEPARTMENT FACULTY Vernease H. Miller Chair & Director Professor Valerie Johnston Assistant Director Assistant Professor Katrina Graham Assistant Professor James C. Leist Professor Jamal Nahavandi Associate Professor Barnett R. Parker Professor Gwyndolan Swain Assistant Professor Joel E. Vickers Professor Carol A. Vogt Associate Professor The Department of Health Administration prepares servant leaders to shape the future of healthcare locally, nationally, and globally.
From the Director’s Desk I just want to take this opportunity to welcome everyone to what is sure to be an exciting year of transition and inspection for our Department and the University. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) will conduct an accreditation visit in
February. Universities are visited every 10 years so this is a planned visit. You may be asked to meet with. If an invitation is extended, I hope you will respond. As your new Director, you have my commitment to keep you fully informed of administrative changes in advance of their
implementation. I would like for our communications to be open and transparent. Please work with you advisors first, but if I can help you in any way, feel free to contact me. I am grateful to be the Director of Pfeiffer’s largest and best Department. Thanks for your support. Have a great semester.
Clipboard Notes Clipboard Notes is our attempt to keep you informed. We want to increase the level of student and alumni engagement with our department. Clipboard Notes is a first step in that
direction. Please let us know if there are specific topics you would like to see covered. Your feedback is welcome and appreciated.
Feel free to drop Ankshika a note and let her know how we can be helpful to you.
#You’re informed
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Your Department Faculty - Center: Vernease Miller; Back Row: Valerie Johnston, Joel Vickers, Barnett Parker, Jamal Nahavandi Left to Right: Katrina Graham, Carol Vogt and Gwyndolan Swain
ANNOUNCEMENT Subject: Announcing Class of 2012 Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Application Cycle -‐ Sep. 15-‐ 25, 2011
Seeking Graduate Students The U.S. Office of Personnel Management seeks candidates for the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program for 2012! This highly selective, rigorous leadership program recruits outstanding graduate students for a two-‐year developmental fellowship at various Federal Agencies. Students working on their graduate degrees in the following fields are strongly encouraged to apply: §
Accounting/Finance/MBA
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Information Technology/Cyber Security
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Engineering
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Federal Acquisitions
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International Affairs/Policy
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Health/Medical Science
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Business Administration
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Public Policy
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Human Resources
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Public Administration
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Environmental Sciences
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Statistics
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Law
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Other
Fellows Receive §
Two-‐year paid fellowships
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80 hours of training each year
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Competitive pay and benefits
Mark Your Calendar to Apply September 15-‐25, 2011! Eligibility and application information can be found under the Become A PMF section on the PMF Website, www.pmf.gov. Information and marketing materials for academic officials can be found under the Academia section on the PMF Website. Academic officials can join the PMF Campus email Listserv.
Please forward this email to other interested parties!