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May 9, 2019

Student Spotlight: Jesse Valeria, Health Administration, M.S.

Jesse Valeria

Why did you choose Roberts Wesleyan College for your graduate program?

I have always had the goal to complete my graduate degree. I chose Roberts for my graduate program, because my sisters and father all graduated from the College. I also have always had good experiences there, dating back to my undergraduate work, and I chose the Master’s of Health Administration program with a vision to advance my career.

What is your advice for future graduate students who are balancing family, work and school?

My advice to future graduate students is to pace your work throughout the week in “chunks” as opposed to trying to get it all done in one day.

What opportunities have you had to apply what you are learning in the Master’s of Health Administration (MHA) program?

Being in the MHA program has helped me to learn academically and increase my confidence and leadership skills. I have been able to apply what I have learned to my industry, especially in the current political climate.

What course (so far) has been most influential in your program?

The leadership course led by Professor Willock has really influenced me. He has taught me to learn and grow in a non-linear fashion. I used to think of learning as a step-by-step process with an orderly flow of information. Now I think about multiple directions to apply logic to a problem that allows me to be less constrictive and be more creative. Through being in his course, I have increased my confidence, and I know I will be able to implement these lessons in my career.

How is the MHA program helping you to achieve your professional goals?

The MHA program has led me to achieve my goal of advancing into a leadership position in my field. I was recently (4/1/19) hired as the Project Manager for the Health Engagement Program through Coordinated Care Services (CCSI).

When will you graduate?

I will graduate on May 18, 2019. I just finished my last class in mid-April. It is such a sense of accomplishment to have finished my graduate coursework!


Faculty Feedback:

Glen Willock

Glen Willock MS, MHIA, Assistant Professor of Health Administration & Public Health Programs

“Jesse Valeria has been an exemplary and engaging student from my first of many encounters with him during his undergrad years, and also in his Master’s of Health Administration graduate program. My recent interactions with Jesse and his group were as his program Faculty Advisor, in Parts 1 and 2 of Strategic Planning for Health Care & Health Organization Transformation of his final Capstone project courses.

Jesse is a committed and studious individual and was highly regarded by his teammates for his project contributions while remaining jovial during the invariably high-stress stages of the project, to the group's final project deliverables. Jesse remains a person committed to constant learning, and I have seen him grow from being reticent to becoming an articulate and capable professional leader. He recently received recognition for his talents and academic growth by his employer at a major health system in Rochester with a promotion.

The only thing that Jesse seems to enjoy equally with learning is his keen enjoyment of riding his new motorcycle. Jesse is an affable soul who exhibits compassion and empathy for others, and I expect that he will continue to experience greater achievements, both in his personal and professional life, as evidenced by his recent promotion before graduating from his Health Administration program at Roberts.

I know that Jesse will continue to make Roberts proud, not only for his professional achievements, but also because of his humanity and compassion. Jesse is highly competent in crafting, selecting, and implementing appropriate alternatives in our complex and ever-changing world of healthcare. As a consummate scholar-practitioner, Jesse is equipped with the technical and administrative capabilities that make him a standout from among his peers.”


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