Tracy Leanne Fletcher Smith

The flexibility of the online Master of Health Administration program has allowed me to pursue my academic goals without compromising my commitment to my career.

What inspired you to study health administration?

I have worked in healthcare for more than 30 years, during which time I advanced from frontline clinical roles into leadership positions. As I assumed greater leadership responsibilities, I recognized the need to strengthen my knowledge of healthcare systems, operations, and administration. This realization motivated me to pursue formal education in health administration, with the goal of expanding my expertise and continuing to grow as an effective and informed healthcare leader.

Why did you choose to study health administration at WVU School of Public Health?

As my family often says, we “bleed the Gold and Blue.” I am a proud first-generation college graduate, having earned my bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University. My connection to WVU is deeply rooted; both my sisters and my two children are also graduates of the University. Given this strong personal and family legacy, choosing WVU School of Public Health for my graduate studies felt like a natural and meaningful decision. If I was going to pursue a master’s degree, I wanted it to be from my alma mater, an institution that has long been an integral part of my personal and professional journey.

What made you choose the online MHA program--as opposed to the in-person residential MHA program?

As a full-time employee at WVU Medicine Camden Clark, an online program was the most practical and feasible way for me to continue my education while balancing professional responsibilities. When I previously attended college, online education was not an available option, so I greatly appreciate how advancements in distance learning have expanded access to graduate-level education. The flexibility of the online MHA program has allowed me to pursue my academic goals without compromising my commitment to my career.

Briefly tell me about your current position at Camden Clark.

As the director of imaging services at WVU Medicine Camden Clark, I provide administrative, operational, and financial leadership for the Radiology Department, overseeing a team of more than 100 employees. My responsibilities include strategic planning and program development, as well as recruitment, retention, and effective resource allocation. I also focus on fostering a cohesive and positive departmental culture while ensuring high-quality patient care and operational efficiency.

How will having an MHA degree be beneficial to you in your current or future career?

I began my career in frontline clinical roles as a diagnostic medical sonographer and radiologic technologist, where my education and training were primarily focused on direct patient care. As I transitioned into leadership positions, I developed many administrative and leadership skills through real-world experience and on-the-job learning. While this practical experience has been invaluable, pursuing an MHA has allowed me to strengthen my skillset through formal education. The program has provided a solid foundation in healthcare administration, supporting both my professional growth and my ability to lead more effectively in my current and future roles.

How have your experiences in the School of Public Health helped prepare you for your future?

Transitioning from frontline clinical roles into leadership positions taught me how to meet the immediate demands of those roles through hands-on experience. However, my education in the School of Public Health has provided a broader and more strategic perspective on healthcare administration, moving beyond what is simply required to what is possible for continued professional growth. The program has challenged me to think differently as a leader, expanded my understanding of complex healthcare systems, and strengthened my ability to approach challenges with a more informed and thoughtful lens. As a result, I have gained greater confidence in my skills and am better prepared to advance my career and take on future leadership opportunities.

What do you plan to do after graduation?

Following graduation, I plan to continue growing as a healthcare leader and remain open to opportunities that allow me to be challenged and further develop my skills. As an employee of WVU Medicine, I am fortunate to work within an organization that offers numerous pathways for professional advancement. While I still have meaningful goals to accomplish in my current role, the education I have received has prepared me to confidently step into new opportunities as they arise and to take on greater leadership responsibilities in the future.

As a soon-to-be graduate, what is your best advice for future students?

I spent several years contemplating a return to higher education, but I was initially hesitant, having earned my bachelor’s degree in 1998. The landscape of higher education has changed significantly since that time and returning to school felt daunting at first. My advice to future students is not to let fear of the unknown stand in the way of personal growth and professional advancement. Embracing new opportunities, even when they feel intimidating, can lead to meaningful and rewarding outcomes.