Blazer Selected to Represent All Mississippi Student Chapters on Healthcare Board
March 11, 2021 (Jackson, Miss.) - Mississippi's American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) selected health administration major Cole Gaddy to serve on its board of directors. He is the first Belhaven University representative to take this prestigious role and will represent all student chapters from Mississippi's colleges and universities.
“Being selected is truly a blessing,” said Gaddy, “When I was offered the position, I had no words; all I could do was call my dad and thank God.” Gaddy will be the student voice on the board as they plan professional and educational activities for members and student associate members in Mississippi. “I want to be a great advocate for all of the student members in the state,” added Gaddy. “I hope that in this role I will be able to grow my leadership skills and meet some amazing leaders that I can learn from.”
“Cole is an outstanding student and athlete,” said Dr. Susan Duett, Belhaven's Director of Health Administration, Supply Chain Management, and Associate Professor. “This opportunity will strengthen Cole's leadership skills and challenge him with new professional contacts, mentors, and friends in healthcare administration. As a member of the board, he will develop relationships with executives who can guide him to achieve his professional goals.”
To be considered for this role, students must be enrolled in a healthcare administration program, have a vested interest in health care administration, and demonstrate the potential to be a leader in this industry.A student representative is a non-voting board position representing the interests and views of local college and university students enrolled in one of the accredited programs that make up the ACHE Higher Education Network.
Gaddy will work face-to-face with CEOs all over the state and his professional goal is to eventually become a CEO of a children's hospital. Duett adds, “He recently met with the CEO of the Children's Hospital of Mississippi and is already making significant connections that will benefit all of our student chapters. I'm sure that Cole will be a valuable asset in his role on the ACHE board.”