Michelle Coben

Public health is at the forefront of our minds more than ever, and so I found it to be an extremely motivating time to be learning about how to implement change in healthcare.

What are some unique or interesting experiences you’ve had during your time as a student at WVU?  

Well I had never done online schooling before, so that was unique to begin with! Navigating virtual group work was fascinating, and I’m grateful to have created such great relationships with my classmates even though we haven’t had the chance to meet in person.

One interesting project we did was our capstone report and presentation, where we analyzed and discussed the Community Health Needs Assessments from various years for a nearby healthcare organization, and created thoughtful recommendations aimed at improving population health and quality of life in that area. It was a highly unique learning experience and a great way to close out the program.    

You’re ending your academic journey during a unique time in our history. What has been both good and bad about studying public health and completing your graduate program during a pandemic? 

Public health is at the forefront of our minds more than ever, and so I found it to be an extremely motivating time to be learning about how to implement change in healthcare.  It made it easier to stay well-informed throughout the pandemic. However, the pandemic also brought a sense of urgency to the material which can be slightly overwhelming.  Ultimately though, it’s a powerful and honestly essential time to be doing a deep dive into public health, which kept me inspired.   

Tell us about your internship experience.  

I had an extremely informative and beneficial internship experience where I was given the opportunity to work with and learn from Associate Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer for WVU Health Sciences, Leslie Miele.  It was an all-virtual experience, and it provided me with a ton of guidance and perspective on career goals and direction.  It was one of my favorite experiences during my time at WVU, and it was highly beneficial in my development as an effective leader in health administration.  

What advice would you give to an incoming first-year student in the MHA Online program?   

Get a planner and use it every day!! Keeping track of your assignments and managing your time appropriately is key in succeeding in an online educational environment.  It’s harder to manage class work in a virtual setting so it’s important to stay on top of it.  

What do you want to do after graduation? What is your ultimate career goal?  

After graduation I plan to go on vacation and take a minute to be proud of this accomplishment! Then I will begin the job search. I plan to seek out employment opportunities where I can best utilize my strengths in thinking critically to develop plans for change.  Both strategic planning and program development are outlets in which I think I can use the skills I’ve mastered in the MHA program.  I really aim to implement positive change and growth in the way our healthcare systems are currently operating, that is really the overarching goal. 

What would you tell prospective students about WVU and the School of Public Health?  

I would tell prospective students to really take advantage of all the resources and opportunities available to you! WVU and the School of Public Health have so much to offer, so keep reading your emails. Also, get to know your classmates. They will be essential to your success in the program. They are a collection of highly intelligent individuals who can help elevate your educational experience, and they also can provide you a solid support system, so don’t be shy in developing those relationships.  

Why should someone choose WVU to study public health?  

The MHA program at WVU is one of the first of its kind in the area and it is being developed by Dr. Erik Carlton, who is widely recognized for directing nationally ranked MHA programs.  His expertise was a large draw to the program for me, and I strongly encourage anyone considering an MHA to apply at WVU.  Public Health at WVU provides access to leading experts in the healthcare industry and gives students the tools to succeed as a leader in the health sector.   

What are you looking forward to most after graduation?  

I’m not sure what I will do with all my time!  I am excited to be a better dog mom with the extra hours back in my day.. I see miles and miles of Central Park walks in my future! I’m also very excited to see what comes next in terms of my career development and job-related opportunities.  I’m looking forward to stepping into this industry at a time where passionate leaders are essential, and I’m hopeful to succeed in making impactful change while doing so. 

Is there something people would be surprised to learn about you?  

I guess the most surprising thing about me as a future healthcare leader is that my background is in musical theater and acting, and I’ve been lucky enough to perform professionally all over the world!

Healthcare leadership and acting have a lot of parallels, surprisingly. My undergraduate professor defined acting as “the study of the human condition.” Having the ability to empathize with others' stories is key in successful leadership, and that is largely how to begin tackling various characters in musicals/plays as well.