First, tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Kathleen, and I bring with me more than two decades of expertise in the
medical field. I have worked as a registered nurse and social worker/analyst, and
I am an accomplished student, having obtained six degrees. These include a Doctor
of Health Administration, a Master of Social Work, a Master of Aging Services Management,
an MBA in Administration and Healthcare Management, a Bachelor of Science in Public
Administration with a focus on Health Services Administration, and an Associate degree
in Nursing.
Why did you choose to study health services administration/management?
I decided to pursue a degree in healthcare administration due to my continuing enthusiasm
for improving the standard of care within healthcare environments. Having gained extensive
experience working with medical professionals, particularly doctors and nurses, I
have developed an intense interest in the administrative aspects of healthcare. I
am eager to make valuable contributions toward enhancing both the effectiveness and
accessibility of healthcare systems.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
The component of teaching that I find most satisfying is the chance to motivate and
mentor ambitious healthcare practitioners. Observing students' learning and confidence
development while being aware of my contribution to shaping their professional paths
is extremely rewarding.
What do you hope your students gain from your courses?
My goal for my students is to instill in them a deep understanding of the challenges
in hospital administration and the significance of ethical decision-making. I hope
that they will leave my courses with the skills to take on leadership roles and drive
innovation in their future endeavors.
What did you do before pursuing a career in academia, and why did you decide to pursue
higher ed instead?
Prior to beginning an academic career, I had significant experience as a registered
nurse and social worker/analyst in the healthcare industry. I chose to pursue advanced
study to make a more substantial contribution to the healthcare system by instructing
and shaping future leaders in this industry.
When you’re not teaching, what do you enjoy doing?
In my free time, I find happiness in engaging in quality moments with my family, discovering
new destinations, and maintaining an active lifestyle by participating in several
physical activities and Pilates, in addition to my teaching responsibilities. I have
a deep passion for gerontology and frequently invest in reading the most recent studies
in this field.
Do you have any fun facts that others may not know about you?
An exciting feature about myself is that I enjoy playing the piano, participating
in sporting activities, watching football and basketball, shopping, and going on trip
adventures with my son. I enjoy great pleasure from the companionship of my Siberian
Husky, Star.