Welcome from the Interim Director
Thank you for your interest in the Department of Health Administration (DHA) - a place where your dream starts as a health care leader!
The healthcare leaders of the 21st century will manage the most complex health care organizations in history. They will operate in a highly competitive and constantly changing environment that demands critical thinking and problem solving, strong communication skills, sophisticated business and political strategies, as well as adherence to rigorous ethical principles. These are the leaders that we are developing and training.
Our competency-based curriculum includes the theoretical foundations that have guided business leaders for decades as well as the new skills and expertise needed to meet the expectations of the health care industry. Our outstanding faculty including both the full-time faculty and part-time faculty who are practitioners in all types of health care organizations teach these skills within the rich context of contemporary health care challenges. We expose our students to health care professionals in the classroom, in off-campus capstone projects, in internship and residency/fellowship programs, and through strong mentoring relationships. Our curriculum is enriched by the strong support of the local health care community such as Mayo Clinic, Baptist Health System, Saint Vincent Health System, Brooks Rehabilitation, Florida Blue, etc. in Jacksonville, Florida.
Our faculty engage in cutting edge research that informs the most demanding issues in health care delivery, insurance, and policy. Faculty often include students into their scholarly activities to improve students' competencies in communication, critical thinking, and problem solving. Faculty members also participate in service activities that benefit the department, university, and community. Our faculty continually improve their teaching skills through continuing education in pedagogical techniques and technology. Finally, Department staff and facilities support the learning environment with excellent administrative, fiscal, and student advising skills. Together, the faculty and staff are committed to providing a supportive learning environment that fosters integrity and inclusivity, encourages collaboration and professionalism, and promotes the success and excellence of all students.
Our Health Administration also has two very active student organizations: the Health Administration Student Association (HASA) and Upsilon Phi Delta Honor Society (UPDelta). These organizations hold monthly activities where they invite local healthcare leaders to campus to give presentations, or facilitate student visits to local healthcare organizations to participate in inter-professional activities. Additionally, students routinely participate with the local ACHE, HFMA and MGMA chapters in their member activities. Through these interaction experiences with other professionals and a variety of healthcare organizations, our students can improve their competencies in leading and managing health care organizations in the future.
We are ready to welcome you to join us. Are you?
Dr. Rob Haley, PhD, MBA, MHS
Professor and Interim Chair
Department of Health Administration
Brooks College of Health
University of North Florida
Email: rhaley@unf.edu