In our Alumni Career Spotlight series, you will meet some of our alumni and learn about the important work they are doing to create a healthier nation and world.
Steven Berkshire
Employer: Central Michigan University
Current position: Professor and Director of the Doctor of Health Administration Program
Location: Mount Pleasant, MI
Degree(s): University of Colorado, BA degree in Political Science 1970; Indiana University School of Medicine MHA 1973; Boston University EdD in Organization Behavior/Human Resource Education
Why did you choose your major/program?
I had an interest in government and politics since early years hence the reason to get a political science degree, which has been a great base of knowledge for my career in healthcare and higher education. During my first employment out of college I met several healthcare executives in my work in Indianapolis, which created my interest in healthcare.
I changed careers and earned my MHA degree at IUSM. Had a great career in healthcare primarily representing the field as a hospital association executive and government affairs (coupled political science and MHA). Later switched to being a hospital CEO building on degree and experience in both nonprofit and investor owned institutions. While a healthcare executive I taught part-time, which got me interested in teaching full time.
The EdD degree program at Boston University allowed me to develop knowledge and skills in leadership, group facilitation, and other skills used as a consultant and then used in higher education. Progressed from faculty to administration coupled with teaching and research at undergraduate and graduate level. Last 14 years has been leading the Doctor of Health Administration program at Central Michigan University, which provides advanced learning to mid/senior level professionals in the field.
Do you have any research interests?
Healthcare policy, HR issues, healthcare organizational issues. Chair several dissertation committees for the DHA program, which gets me involved in a variety of research areas that impact the field.
Briefly describe your career path.
Boy Scouts of America professional where I discovered healthcare. My MHA degree led to a career in leading hospital associations in Idaho and Oregon. Involved in government relations and lobbying for field. Returned to hospital administration as CEO of hospitals in Alaska and Colorado where opened a new hospital. During my time in hospital administration I began teaching part-time in health administration and management programs.
I decided to earn my doctoral degree and change to full-time academia. I was the Associate Dean for Adult Programs at Alaska Pacific University, which led to a position as Dean of Graduate Programs at Regis University in Denver, and then as director of the Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) program at Central Michigan. Also I was in the Health Administrative Division for several years. I also started doing consulting in management and leadership areas, group decision-making processes, and strategic initiatives.
Describe what an average day for you might be like.
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- Teaching doctoral level health administration courses
- Working with dissertation students on their applied research areas
- Administrative duties as program director for doctoral program
- Committee meetings
- Work with clients in mostly nonprofit areas and community organizations
What advice would you give your college self about pursuing your current career path or industry?
Be open to continually learning broadly since a broad education and discovery may lead you to fulfilling opportunities. Also be open to different perspectives. Become a critical thinker and systems learner since these allow you to be innovative and creative.
What is a lesson learned at FSPH that you have been able to apply to your career?
Sam Hopper encouraged discovery and the linkages between hospital administration and community health/public health. This has encouraged me over the years to look for how what we do as professionals influences community health.
What is the most significant thing that’s happened to you since graduating?
Working with Alaska Native groups on community health initiatives and development of a specific program at Alaska Pacific University that encouraged Native adults to return to school through a distance program. Many of these students went on to become leaders in their organizations and in the state – making a difference.
What’s next for you?
I continue to look for innovative and creative ways to impact learning and discovery.
What is your favorite IUPUI/FSPH memory?
Being mentored by Steven Beering, MD, who was the Associate Dean of IUSM when I was in the MHA program. I was fortunate to work for him in the Dean’s Office during my time there, opening many areas that would otherwise not have been there for me.
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