Wichita State University: Department of Public Health Sciences

09/03/2026

101 Paths to Impact | Business Development Executive (Healthcare Supply & Services)

📝 What they do:
Business Development Executives help healthcare suppliers and service organizations grow by building relationships with hospitals, clinics, long-term care communities, and healthcare systems. They identify client needs, present products and solutions, negotiate contracts, and collaborate with clinical and operational leaders to improve patient care and organizational efficiency. By connecting healthcare providers with the resources they need, they play a key role in supporting quality care delivery across the healthcare industry.

🎓 Education:
BS in Healthcare Administration, Health Management, Business, Marketing, or a related field preferred. Strong communication, relationship-building, sales, negotiation, and strategic planning skills are essential. Knowledge of healthcare operations, supply chains, and reimbursement systems is highly beneficial.

📈 Outlook:
Strong demand as healthcare organizations seek innovative products, technologies, and services to improve outcomes, reduce costs, and address workforce and operational challenges. Growth in healthcare technology, medical supplies, and post-acute care services continues to expand opportunities in business development.

💰 Salary:
Typical starting salary ~$60–75K; median ~$90–120K; experienced Business Development Executives often earn $150K+ with performance incentives and commissions. (Ranges based on national healthcare sales and business development roles.)

Start your journey at Wichita State 👉 wichita.edu/healthadmin

09/02/2026

Congratulations to Adeline R. our PHS Student Spotlight, nominated by Aliya J.!

💬 "Adeline and I met a couple of weeks ago, and she has already shown how academically devoted she is in so many ways. She prioritizes her homework and strives to excel in her classes. She is one of the most hardworking, kind, and dedicated people I know!" – Aliya J.

Originally from Mound City, Kansas, Adeline is a freshman and a Health Science - Pre-Dental Hygiene major with a passion for helping others. Her goal is to make dental office visits a more positive and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Adeline enjoys connecting with others who share her commitment to improving people's overall health and well-being. She chose Wichita State University because of its central location, its dedication to helping students reach their full potential, and the valuable networking opportunities that help students develop the skills needed to become successful professionals in their future careers.

We're excited to see all that Adeline accomplishes during her time at WSU and beyond.

09/01/2026

🌟 Alumni On the Move🌟

Meet Jill Morgan-Leyden, BS Health Services Management & Community Development '12 and Master of Adult Learning & Leadership '18, Business Development Manager, West with ASSA ABLOY / Medeco.

Jill partners with sales teams, distributors, and end users across the region, delivering training on high-security solutions and helping organizations identify innovative security strategies.

💬 "My Wichita State degree provided me with stakeholder management, strategic planning, and compliance skills that continue to serve me in my career today."

What she enjoys most:
"Being a trusted advisor and educator. I enjoy building relationships, teaching others, and turning business connections into long-term partnerships."

Her advice to students:
"Don't limit your degree to a traditional path. Industries like security, technology, and logistics value the same leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills you develop in healthcare."

We're proud to see Jill applying her Shocker education in new and innovative ways while making an impact across industries.

👏 Start your journey at Wichita State
👉 wichita.edu/healthadmin

08/31/2026

Every day, healthcare and public health professionals work to prevent overdoses, expand access to care, reduce stigma, and support individuals on their recovery journeys.

Addressing substance use and overdose requires a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together clinicians, public health practitioners, health administrators, community organizations, and educators. Through prevention, intervention, advocacy, and evidence-based care, these professionals help save lives and strengthen communities.

At Wichita State, we're proud to prepare future healthcare leaders to address today's most pressing public health challenges. Learn more about our programs and how our students are making an impact: www.wichita.edu/phs

Students, faculty, and staff are also encouraged to watch for upcoming Naloxone (Narcan) training opportunities on campus and learn how this lifesaving medication can help prevent overdose deaths.

Learn more at https://www.wichita.edu/services/prevention/substance-misuse/naloxone_admin_registration.php

08/28/2026

101 Paths to Impact | Business Office Manager (Long-Term Care Community)

📝 What they do:
Business Office Managers keep the financial and administrative operations of long-term care communities running smoothly. They oversee resident billing, accounts receivable, payroll, admissions paperwork, insurance verification, and regulatory documentation. Working closely with residents, families, healthcare providers, and community leadership, they help ensure accurate financial processes while supporting a positive experience for those receiving long-term care services.

🎓 Education:
BS in Healthcare Administration, Health Management, Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field preferred. Strong skills in communication, organization, customer service, financial management, and problem-solving are essential. Knowledge of healthcare reimbursement and long-term care regulations is highly valued.

📈 Outlook:
Growing demand as the aging population increases the need for skilled professionals who can manage the business operations of senior living and long-term care communities while navigating complex healthcare financing and regulatory requirements.

💰 Salary:
Typical starting salary ~$50–60K; median ~$65–80K; experienced Business Office Managers can earn $90K+ depending on community size, location, and responsibilities. (Ranges based on national long-term care and senior living administration data.)

Start your journey at Wichita State 👉 wichita.edu/healthadmin

08/26/2026

Spotlight on Community Connection
A special shout out to the success of the recent Kansas Urban Native Health Summit!

​Our own faculty member, Dr. Suzanne Hawley (right), had the privilege of attending this impactful event, themed "Healing Through Connection: The Power of Community, Culture, and Health." She is pictured here with the summit organizer, Chantal Nez (left), Program Manager at the Center for Public Health Initiatives within the WSU Community Engagement Institute (CEI).

​The summit served as a vital gathering space for Urban Native relatives and partners to connect, reflect, and uplift the lived experiences and health strengths within our communities. We are honored to have our faculty engaged in these essential conversations that move us toward collective healing and well-being in Wichita and beyond.

08/24/2026

🌟 Alumni Spotlight 🌟

Meet Sheridan Ridley-O'Connell, BS Health Management '23, Business Office Manager!

As a Business Office Manager, Sheridan works closely with the Executive Director to oversee the daily operations of a senior living community. Her role focuses on managing accounting and payments while providing essential HR support to help ensure the organization runs smoothly and efficiently.

"The Health Management program at Wichita State equipped me with essential leadership and interpersonal relationship skills that I actively apply in my work environment. These skills have significantly enhanced my ability to collaborate effectively and lead teams successfully."

What she enjoys most:
"The interactions and relationships I have with the residents on a daily basis."

Her advice to students:
"Race at your own pace."

We are proud to see Sheridan making a difference through strong leadership, meaningful relationships, and compassionate service to older adults in her community.

👏 Start your journey at Wichita State
👉wichita.edu/healthadmin

08/21/2026

This National Senior Citizens Day, we're highlighting Connecting Generations, a Wichita State first-year seminar taught by Jacie Green, MA, where students partner with older adults to document and preserve their life stories. The course creates meaningful intergenerational relationships and helps bridge gaps between generations through listening, learning, and shared experiences.

Thank you to the older adults who inspire, mentor, and share their stories with our students.

See the stories: https://www.wichita.edu/academics/health_professions/phs/graduate/Connecting-Generations-Blog/index.php

08/19/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Suzanne Hawley, for being the recipient of the 2026 Wichita State University Excellence Award for Community Research

This is made annually to a WSU faculty member who has established an exemplary and demonstrable record of scholarship extended to external constituents resulting in a significant outcome for individuals, organizations, or communities.

Dr. Hawley is a professor of public health sciences in the College of Health Professions. For more than two decades, Dr. Hawley's work has exemplified what community-engaged research can achieve when scholarship is rooted in real-world needs. Her research spans mental health, workforce development, aging, and health equity, with a consistent focus on creating measurable benefits for communities across Kansas and beyond. Dr. Hawley has been a principal and co-principal investigator on more than 40 funded grants and contracts and has maintained continuous external funding since 2003, supporting applied research and training initiatives with lasting impact.

As one of her colleagues noted, her scholarship is never theoretical, but designed to improve practice, strengthen systems, and build capacity among public health professionals. Through deep partnerships, rigorous evaluation, and a commitment to translating research into action, her work has improved lives statewide.

08/18/2026

Congratulations to our Executive in Residence, Val Gleason, on being recognized as a CEO to Know by Becker's Healthcare! We are proud to celebrate this well-earned honor and grateful for the leadership, insight, and inspiration she brings to our community.

Congratulations to our CEO, Val Gleason, for being recognized on Becker's Hospital Review's 2026 list of "240 Community Hospital CEOs to Know"!

This distinction honors hospital executives across the nation who foster strong workplace culture, navigate industry challenges, and ensure patients receive high-quality care close to home. We’re so proud to see Val’s vision and dedication recognized on a national stage.

Want to grow your career supported by visionary leadership and a strong team culture? We’re always looking for passionate professionals to join us. Explore our open positions and apply today! https://tinyurl.com/lovemynewjob

Help us celebrate Val! Drop a congratulations below.