ASSOCIATE DEAN’S MESSAGE

As we close our fall semester and head into our holiday break, I want to reflect for a moment, share with you why I consider it a privilege to serve SPEA in this role, and thank our alumni, students, staff, and faculty for their many contributions in 2006.

Last week the IUPUI Deans had the opportunity to have lunch with IU President Adam Herbert and the IU Board of Trustees. Steve Ferguson, President of the Board of Trustees and Chairman of the Board of the Cook Group, acknowledged the deans and commented on our roles in achieving the mission of IU, stating that our positions are where the “rubber meets the road.” As I’ve thought about his metaphor, I’ve concluded it is incomplete: the rubber tires wouldn’t roll if the vehicle weren’t fueled by a powerful source of energy. Deans would be stuck in place if it were not for the tremendous energy of alumni, students, staff, and faculty. Your energy, enthusiasm, and hard work keep SPEA IUPUI rolling forward. 
 
Our vision at SPEA IUPUI is to be recognized throughout Indiana and the United States for excellence in teaching, research, and professional service in public affairs and nonprofit management, criminal justice and public safety, and health administration and policy. Thanks to the energy of our alumni, students, staff, and faculty, we’ve reached new milestones on the route towards this vision. I want to share with you a few of these milestones– snapshots if you will – that I hope capture the progress we’re making on our journey:

• SPEA IUPUI Alumni Board members continued to help build the school. With support from staff, members developed a new mentoring class for undergraduates. SPEA IUPUI Alumnus Tonja Eagan, who recently was hired as CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, will teach this class and will match students with alumni to help students achieve their career goals and aspirations.
  
  
• SPEA IUPUI students continued to shine. This fall, as we report below, Kristina Patterson and Tasheitha Butler, two MHA students, received honorable mention in national case competition for minority students sponsored by the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE), a professional association of Black health care executives. 
  
  
• SPEA IUPUI staff continued to provide strong support for our students and to play key roles in achieving our research and service missions. The efforts of our Student Services staff – Nancy Lemons, Luke Bickel, Denise Scroggins, Kristin Lively-Smith, Betsy Parker, Patt Carlton, Stacy Barnett, and Sara Robinson – were affirmed in our fall student satisfaction surveys. Staff at our Centers for Urban Policy and the Environment and for Health Policy, were instrumental in achieving record levels of research funding from state and local government. And our HELPnet staff kept us moving forward by strengthening our computer infrastructure that is second to none on campus. 
  
  
• SPEA IUPUI faculty reached new highs in external support for their research and public service. In each of the past two years and in three of the past five, the SPEA IUPUI faculty has led all schools at IUPUI in external funding per academic full-time employee. In this past fiscal year (2005-2006), we generated $6.1 million in external research support, including a $4.7 million from state and local government. Our average external revenues per faculty member were 2.7 times the campus average. Though SPEA IUPUI academic appointees account for only 1% of all academic appointees on campus, we accounted for 25% of all research support from state and local government! 

I’m proud of our alumni, students, staff, and faculty, and I'm very thankful for the energy they devote to achieving our mission. I hope you are too.

Thanks to each of you for the strong support you provide to SPEA IUPUI. You keep us rolling forward.  I look forward to reaching new destinations in the coming year.

Happy Holidays,

Greg Lindsey, Associate Dean

MHA Students Compete in National Case Study Competition
 
In October, second year MHA students TaSheitha Butler (pictured left) and Kristina Patterson , BSPH ’05 (pictured right), participated in a case study competition for the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE). TaSheitha and Kristina were one of 15 teams to compete in the annual Everett V. Fox Student Case Analysis and Presentation Competition – the first time the IU MHA program has ever been represented.

Starting a hospital was the topic for the case study and the team was judged on their analysis, written summary, and presentation skills. The IU MHA team made it to the final round of evaluations and were judged by 21 different executives – from mid-career professionals to seasoned administrators. After a tough competition, the University of Michigan team was awarded first place.

“The greatest learning that I gained from participating in the case competition was how our MHA at IUPUI has really prepared us for the real world of health administration,” reflected Patterson. “We were able to present a well articulated and innovative solution that no one else thought of and we were highly praised for our presentation.”

Founded in 1968, NAHSE is a nonprofit association of Black health care executives promotes the advancement and development of Black health care leaders and focuses on elevating the quality of health care services for minority and underserved communities.

Kristina Patterson is an Administrative Intern for Seton Specialty Hospital within the St. Vincent Health system. She will graduate in May 2007 and wants to develop a career within an academic medical center. She’s applied to a few fellowships including Mayo Clinic, St. Vincent Health, and Boston Medical Center.

TaSheitha Butler has a graduate assistantship with SPEA’s Executive Education Program. She will graduate in May 2007 and is applying to medical school.

New Graduate Certificate in Health Policy

SPEA is proud to partner with the IU Schools of Medicine, Law, Nursing, and Liberal Arts to offer a new graduate certificate in health policy. This 17-18 credit hour certificate provides a cooperative, well rounded, and necessary look at the multi-disciplinary facets of health policy including the rapid changes occurring in health care, the escalating costs, complex ethical issues, and complicated financing systems. Health policy students will complete courses in ethics, epidemiology, health economics, health policy, law, and other electives based on health policy areas of interest. Applications for summer 2007 will be accepted through March 15, 2007 and fall 2007 applications will be accepted through May 15, 2007. For more information, contact Luke Bickel at lbickel@iupui.edu or 317-278-0308.

Tobacco Forum

The possible public policy impact from an increase in the state’s cigarette tax was the focus of discussion at the Health Policy Forum sponsored by the new Center for Health Policy and the Center for Urban Policy and the Environment on Nov. 15, 2006 at the Indiana Government Center South.  Noted health policy experts Corinne Husten, M.D., M.P.H., and Frank Chaloupka, Ph.D., were the featured presenters.

Husten, director of the Office of Smoking and Health at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Chaloupka, director of the Health Policy Center at the School of Public Health at the University of Illinois, demonstrated how an increase in the state cigarette tax could not only cut the smoking rate in Indiana but also help reduce the state’s health care costs.

Indiana has the second highest smoking rate in the country and ranks 34th in its taxation rate of cigarettes.  Of Indiana’s four neighboring states, only Kentucky has cigarette taxes lower than Indiana.  The following is a breakdown of the cost per pack in cents by state: 
  Indiana - 55.5 cents
  Illinois - 98 cents
  Kentucky - 30 cents
  Michigan - 200 cents ($2.00)
  Ohio -  125 cents ($1.25)

According to Chaloupka, “There is a direct inverse relationship between smoking prevalence and cigarette prices in the United States.” He explained that there is growing statistical evidence that demonstrates the impact higher cigarette prices have on smoking cessation.  Based on national data, a 50 cents per pack increase in the state cigarette tax would:
• Generate more than $280 million in new revenues
• Lead almost 34,000 adult smokers to quit.
• Prevent almost 48,000 youth from starting to smoke
• Prevent more than 23,000 premature deaths caused by smoking
• Generate significant reductions in spending on health care to treat smoking-related illnesses.
• Reduce cigarette sales by about 32 million packs per year

And, if the revenues generated by the additional tax were used to fully fund smoking interventions the net impact on Indiana smoking would be larger and faster.  Said Husten, “Investment equals impact.”

Click here to see a copy of the Center for Health Policy’s report, “State Cigarette Tax Increase Would Cut Smoking Rate and Ease Costs”
http://www.urbancenter.iupui.edu/PubResources/pubResources_pubdetail.asp?PublicationID=210&subcategoryID=0&categoryID=0

Handel Receives Regent Award

David Handel, SPEA’s director of health programs, was honored with a Regent Award by the American College of Healthcare Executives on Sept. 20 during the Indiana Hospital and Health Association Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony. The Regent Awards recognize health care professionals for contributions to the advancement of health care management and ACHE goals. Handel was one of two professionals to receive this award.

Shown in the photo are Bryant Hanson (left), president/CEO, Floyd Memorial Hospital, & Health Services, New Albany; Fred England (center), director of risk management at Deaconess Hospital, Evansville; and David Handel.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
This month, we are pleased to highlight Elizabeth Walker. Elizabeth is a member of the MHA Alumni Board.

Elizabeth Galvin Walker, MHA/JD ‘99
Consultant, Health Evolutions
 
What have you been doing since you graduated from the MHA program?
I graduated with my joint MHA/JD degrees in 1999 and joined Health Evolutions as a consultant. In 2004, I was hired by Henry County Hospital in New Castle, Indiana as Vice President of Physician Operations and Strategic Planning.  I recently re-joined Health Evolutions as a part-time consultant in order to be home more with my two children.
 
I married Jeff Walker, a family medicine physician with American Health Network, in 2003. We have two children, Alex who is 2 1/2 and Elena who is 5 months.
 
How does your MHA education help you in your current role?
The way I utilize the knowledge gained from my MHA and law degree changes since my role as a consultant changes changes depending on the particular issue the client presents.  The most important thing the education taught me was how to think critically about issues. 

Who was your favorite MHA professor? Why?
Dr. Karen Harlow supervised my thesis paper and pushed me harder than any other professor in the program.

What would we typically find you doing on a Sunday afternoon?
Going to pilates class, spending time with my family, and getting a nap!

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
This month’s faculty spotlight features Natalia Rekhter . Dr. Rekhter, a native of Ivanovo, Russia, joined SPEA IUPUI in spring 2003. As a Trustee Lecturer, she teaches a variety of classes including the introductory health administration course, health systems administration, applied health administration, legal aspects of health care, the health administration practicum, and a graduate course in international health care.

Favorite restaurant: Outback Steakhouse

Last book read:  “The Summer in Baden” by Leonid Tcypkin and “Broker” by John Grisham

Interesting hobbies, little-known facts, etc.: Ice skating and rollerblading.  I am also active in the Russian community and spent a lot of time volunteering for the Russia cultural events and in the Russian School.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a book chapter for the book “Health Capital and Sustainable Socioeconomic Development” and on the article “Knowledge and Attitude of High School and Middle School student about AIDS:  Study from the Ivanovo region of Russia.”

What would we typically find you doing on a Sunday afternoon?
Playing with my son, probably outside despite the weather.

GRADUATE STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
This month we profile David Hyatt , a second year MHA student and president of the MHA Student Association.

Dave Hyatt 
Program: Master of Health Administration    
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2007   
Undergraduate Major: Health Administration, Indiana University-Bloomington
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN (originally from Columbus, IN)    

What you’ve enjoyed most about SPEA, IUPUI, and your graduate program:
I have really enjoyed the personal attention that I get from everyone at IUPUI. All of the professors and advisors have really helped me figure out where I want to go with my career. I am also grateful for how involved the Indianapolis health care market is with the IU MHA program. All of the MHA students are assigned mentors in the health care arena and are given 20 hour per week jobs that allow us to gain insight and experience into our future profession. I feel that upon graduation from the MHA program, students are well prepared to contribute to organizations that will face many challenges in an increasingly competitive health care market.

Favorite SPEA Class:
I have truly enjoyed many of my classes in the MHA program thus far. However, if I had to pick one class I would have to say it would be V-566, Executive Leadership. We were able to study many different types of leaders and how they succeeded/failed. It really combined looking at leadership theories and what happens when those theories are put into practice. The class had a lot of self-reflection that allowed us to learn more about ourselves and the types of leadership traits we are likely to display. I learned that leadership is indistinct in that there is no one way to approach every situation. You have to constantly learn and adapt to your surroundings in order to provide the best leadership possible; also you must learn from your mistakes because everyone makes a mistake somewhere along the line.

Career Plans: 
I would like to find a career in the hospital setting. I believe the hospital is the “front-line” of health care and there are going to be some very interesting challenges coming in the future. With a rapidly aging population and decreasing reimbursement, hospitals are going to have to find new and efficient ways to provide high quality care with the lowest possible costs. In particularly, I am very interested in studying how Lean/Six Sigma techniques, which have previously been used to make manufacturing more efficient, can help health care. I think Lean/Six Sigma tools and techniques have a very good chance to help hospitals cut out some of the “waste” that is created when providing care. Whether it is serving food or scheduling patients in the surgery department, more efficiency will lead to a better bottom line for hospitals; which in-turn will allow hospitals to better pursue their mission. 

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
This month’s undergraduate spotlight features Melvin Freels, a third year health administration major. Melvin currently works at Carmel Care Center, a long term nursing facility. According to Melvin “I have IUPUI to thank for this great opportunity. The administrator of Carmel Care came and spoke to my health systems administration class. After class I met with him and continued contact until the summer, when he offered me an internship position. After completing my internship they offered me a job which challenges me to use the skills learned while in school.”

Melivin Freels
B.S. in Public Health – Health Administration major
Anticipated Graduation Date: December 2007
Hometown: Warsaw, Indiana

What you've enjoyed most about SPEA and IUPUI:
What I have enjoyed most about SPEA is their [the faculty’s] dedication to helping students learn and grow through their different degree opportunities. Programs challenge students think outside the box to make the best possible decision. Professors create an environment where students can find answers to questions on efficiency and effectiveness of public programs and how they may affect public policy.
 
I transferred to IUPUI from Bloomington in 2004. At first I was apprehensive because I had never heard of IUPUI – that quickly changed. I found that IUPUI had great opportunities within both the campus and the community. Being in downtown Indianapolis offers students the opportunity to meet and network with businesses and professionals throughout Marian County. Professors have business professionals speak to their classes in order to show students how what they have learned is used in the real world setting, and not just hypothetical situations.

Favorite SPEA Class:
H320 Health Systems Administration

Career Plans:
My career plans are to enroll in the Administrator in Training (AIT) program to become a licensed long term care administrator. I plan to work in the long term care industry; I want the opportunity to change people’s views of long term care. The population is getting older and many individuals will need some type of service but because of the stigma of nursing homes, they may not seek care.
 
I plan to continue my education, either in a masters program in health administration or an MBA. I am leaning more toward the MBA degree because it will provide me with a broader range of knowledge, allowing me to best serve patients.

CLASS NOTES

What have you been doing since graduation? Do you have a new job? Did you get married or have children? Let us know what you are doing! Please send your updates to Andrea Eickhoff Anderson at infospea@iupui.edu.   

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Have You Joined Your IU Alumni Association?

Membership matters. For every SPEA alumna/us who joins the IU Alumni Association, SPEA receives valuable dues that fund social and educational events sponsored by the IUPUI SPEA Alumni Board. As an Alumni Association member, you are kept up-to-date on IUPUI and IU events, and receive many benefits including a subscription to Indiana Alumni Magazine, access to the IU alumni career services center, alumni online directory, IU e-mail, and more. Annual and lifetime membership options are available. Visit http://alumni.indiana.edu/ or call 1-800-824-3044 for details and to join.

Save the Date! SPEA Graduate Open House on February 6, 2007!

Thinking about graduate school? Whether you want to take a class or two or begin a full master’s degree program, SPEA has a variety of programs to meet your needs. Plan to attend the next SPEA Graduate Open House on Tuesday, February 6, 2007 in the lower level of University Library. Registration begins at 5:00 p.m. and the program will start at 5:45 p.m. – come when you can and stay as long as you want. Faculty, staff, and current students will be on hand to answer questions about program requirements, financial aid, and the application process. To RSVP for the open house, please contact Andrea Eickhoff Anderson at infospea@iupui.edu or 317-278-3651.

SPEA Shirts Available for Purchase

Support the SPEA Student Council by ordering a SPEA t-shirt or sweatshirt. Sizes range from small to XXXL. Short sleeve t-shirts are $7.00, long sleeve t-shirts are $10.00, and sweatshirts are $20.00. If you are interested in purchasing a shirt, please contact Jeff Johnson, the SPEA Student Council President, at jjj2@iupui.edu.