Wichita State University: Department of Public Health Sciences

🌟 Alumni Spotlight 🌟

Meet Gabrielle O., Bachelor of Science in Health Management '18, and Master of Arts in Aging Studies with a Graduate Certificate in Public Health '19, Clinical Assessor with Maximus Health!

Gabrielle conducts clinical assessments to determine functional eligibility for Kansas Home and Community-Based Services, helping individuals access the support they need to live safely and independently in their communities.

“My graduate program in Aging Studies, complemented by a certificate in Public Health, provided a strong interdisciplinary foundation that directly supports my work today. Through my studies, I developed a deeper understanding of the physical, social, and psychological aspects of aging, which allows me to approach each client with empathy and a person-centered perspective.”

What she enjoys most:
“Getting to meet and help new people every day.”

Her advice to students:
“I’d encourage students to simply do and study exactly what they want to, not what they think they should be studying.”

Favorite WSU memory:
“Living in the dorms with all of my friends! It felt like a sleepover every single day.”

We are proud to see Gabrielle making a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults and individuals across Kansas through compassionate service and person-centered care.

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

101 Paths to Impact | Senior Research Analyst

📝 What they do:
Senior Research Analysts use data to evaluate programs, improve outcomes, identify trends, and support strategy. Their insights directly shape decision‑making in organizations.

🎓 Education: BS required; MS/MPH/MHA often preferred for advanced analytical roles.

📈 Outlook: Strong demand as data‑driven decision‑making continues to accelerate in healthcare.
💰 Salary: ~$56K–$77K starting; median ~$77K; experienced analysts often exceed $100K

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



📊 Data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Occupational Outlook Handbook), bls.gov

Wichita State is taking over The Academic Minute podcast on NPR, with one episode each day this week highlighting a WSU researcher.

In the episode published on Aug. 4, Dr. Heidi VanRavenhorst-Bell, a faculty member in the Exercise Science program within the Department of Public Health Sciences, discussed her research on measuring tongue strength and movement, which play important roles in speaking, chewing, swallowing and breathing. Her work includes innovations designed to improve the accuracy of clinical assessments and treatment.

Listen to the episode online, on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.

https://www.academicminute.org/p/heidi-bell-wichita-state-university

🌟 Alumni Spotlight 🌟

Meet Whitney C., Health Management ’12; MPH in Epidemiology ’16; currently pursuing an EdD in Educational Leadership at Wichita State, and now a Senior Research Analyst at Wichita State University!

Whitney’s work focuses on research, data analysis, survey methodology, and survey software management. She loves the investigative nature of data—solving puzzles, uncovering insights, and giving meaningful context to quantitative findings. Her role allows her to translate complex data into actionable understanding that supports university decision‑making and continuous improvement.

“My bachelor's in health management set me up for success by exposing me to different ideas. I learned so much—it changed who I was entirely. My practicum opened doors and helped with networking.”

Her journey has taken her from epidemiology into broader research and analytics, building on strengths developed in every step of her education and career. “I thought I would be an epidemiologist, and I was for a while. My degrees and my work as an epidemiologist helped me build my data skills, which led me to where I am now. Your degree can open doors you never thought about.”

She also treasures her time as part of the HEALTH student group and helping advocate for a smoke‑free WSU campus.

Whitney’s advice to students:
“Put yourself out there. Don’t be scared to try new things, and don’t have a rigid idea of what your future will look like.”

We are proud to see Whitney leading through research, inquiry, and innovation—shaping knowledge that drives meaningful change. 👏

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

Wichita State is taking over “The Academic Minute” podcast on NPR, with one episode each day this week highlighting a research from Wichita State University.

In today’s episode, Dr. Nikki Keene Woods, PHS Department Chair, discusses her research on wearable devices that enable healthcare providers to monitor fetal heart rates during pregnancy remotely. Her work examines how factors such as comfort, privacy and trust influence women’s willingness to adopt new health technologies.

Listen to the episode on the NPR website, on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.

https://www.academicminute.org/p/nikki-keene-woods-wichita-state-university

101 Paths to Impact | Veterans Service Representative

📝 What they do:
Veterans Service Representatives help veterans navigate benefits, healthcare access, and support programs. They guide claims, connect clients to resources, and advocate for veteran wellbeing.

🎓 Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred; some roles accept experience + specialized training.

📈 Outlook: Increasing demand as veteran service needs continue to grow nationally.

💰 Salary: ~$50K–$62K starting; median ~$78K; experienced representatives exceed $100K

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



📊 Data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Occupational Outlook Handbook), bls.gov

🎉 Happy National Intern Day! 🎉

Today, we're celebrating our incredible Health Management practicum students and Master of Health Administration (MHA) students who are gaining real-world experience, making meaningful contributions, and preparing to become the next generation of healthcare leaders. 🌟

Your dedication, professionalism, and passion for improving healthcare do not go unnoticed. Thank you for the impact you're making in clinics, hospitals, community organizations, and healthcare systems across our region. ❤️

We're proud of all you're accomplishing and can't wait to see where your careers take you! ✨

🌟 Alumni Spotlight 🌟
Meet Mariana P., Dual Major in Health Science & Health Management ’19, Quality Control Analyst at Veteran’s Evaluation Services!

Mariana plays a meaningful role in supporting veterans by assisting with the evaluation process that helps connect them to the benefits they deserve. Her work ensures accuracy, quality, and compassion throughout the review process, and she values the opportunity to make a real impact in the lives of those who have served.

“It helped me learn good work ethic as well as the necessary background to perform my job duties. I get to be a part of veterans’ lives and assist with getting them their well‑deserved benefits.”

Her advice to students: “Never give up on yourself, no matter how difficult things may feel. You can do it.”

We are proud to see Mariana making a difference through detailed work, dedication, and heartfelt service to veterans. 👏

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

101 Paths to Impact | Program Manager & Life Safety Surveyor

📝 What they do:
Program Managers and Life Safety Surveyors help ensure healthcare facilities provide safe environments for patients, residents, staff, and visitors. They conduct inspections and surveys to evaluate compliance with federal, state, and accreditation standards related to fire safety, emergency preparedness, building systems, and environmental health. They collaborate with healthcare leaders, facility managers, architects, and regulatory agencies to identify risks, develop corrective action plans, and maintain readiness for inspections. Their work plays a critical role in protecting vulnerable populations and supporting high-quality care delivery.

🎓 Education:
Bachelor's degree in Health Management, Public Health, Aging Studies, Healthcare Administration, Emergency Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field. Knowledge of healthcare regulations, compliance standards, risk management, and life safety codes is highly valued. Certifications related to healthcare quality, safety, emergency management, or life safety may strengthen career opportunities.

📈 Outlook:
Demand remains strong as healthcare organizations face increasing regulatory requirements, aging infrastructure, and greater emphasis on emergency preparedness, patient safety, and accreditation compliance. Professionals who can bridge operations, compliance, and safety management are increasingly valuable.

💰 Salary:
Typical starting salary: ~$60–75K
Median salary: ~$80–100K
Experienced program managers and surveyors: $110K+ depending on organization, certification, and leadership responsibilities.

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



📊 Data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Occupational OutlookHandbook), bls.gov