250 ATSU-CGHS students earn degrees, set to become healthcare leaders
Posted: May 26, 2021
A.T. Still University’s College of Graduate Health Studies (ATSU-CGHS) celebrated the graduation of 250 students from nine different degree programs during a virtual commencement ceremony Friday, May 21, 2021.
Of that total, 16 students earned master of health administration degrees, 44 earned master of public health degrees, 33 earned master of public health degrees with a dental emphasis, two earned master of public health degrees with a dental emphasis and dental public health residency certificate, 58 earned master of science in kinesiology degrees, 37 earned doctor of education in health professions degrees, seven earned doctor of health administration degrees, 14 earned doctor of education in health professions degrees, and 39 earned doctor of health sciences degrees.
Graduates represented 45 states.
Don Altman, DDS, DHSc, EdD, MPH, MBA, MA, ‘12, ATSU-CGHS dean and professor, told graduates the world was in need of their various skills and expertise.
“The world is in an interesting place right now,” Dr. Altman said. “Times like these need leaders like you. Take your new knowledge, use it to lead the way, and make this world a better place. You can and will make a difference.”
Rebecca Kuhn, MSN, RN, FACHE, chief operating officer of Banner Health, served as commencement speaker and received an honorary doctor of science degree from ATSU-CGHS.
Kuhn told graduates they were entering high-demand fields with the tools to become healthcare leaders, and encouraged them to take risks and seize those roles.
“How important is courage in leadership? Certainly persistence requires courage. Taking risks requires courage. Public speaking requires courage. Dealing with complex, difficult, emotional issues requires courage,” Kuhn said. “Leadership always involves making decisions when the path is not clear, when the answer is not obvious, when many variables must be taken into account, when time pressures exist, and when the stakes are high. Courageous leaders make decisions others cannot or will not make. So, be a courageous leader.”