On November 6, the Master of Healthcare Administration program and alumni at the David Eccles School of Business hosted an evening to recognize the amazing contribution and work of Dr. Debra Scammon. As the creator and champion of the MHA program, she has made a huge impact through her dedication to the mission of improving the human condition. Her leadership, passion, and commitment to create a top healthcare administration program here in Utah is unrivaled and appreciated.

At the event, program alumni were invited to speak about their experiences working with Dr. Scammon. Janelle Robinson, MHA/MBA 2009, senior director of clinical ops at UNI, and Teresa Hall, MHA/MBA 2011, director of health services at SelectHealth, recounted some of their memories during their time in the program and spoke to the vast influence Dr. Scammon had and continues to have on them. Cory McCann, MHA/MPH 2017, executive clinical director of the neurosciences clinical program at Intermountain Healthcare, read a few letters submitted by our alumni reflecting on how the program and Debbie have provided guidance, mentorship, and lessons to educate them on improving the human condition. All of the submitted letters have been compiled into a hardcover book with memorable photos of Debbie, her students, and her colleagues. This book was presented to her at the event.

Jim Sheets, vice president of Outreach Services at Intermountain Healthcare, adjunct professor and chairman of the MHA program community advisory board, also spoke and shared the history of Dr. Scammon’s journey and her vision to bring the MHA program into fruition. Touching words from professors Scott Parker and Joe Horton, both longtime instructors for the program and close friends of Dr. Scammon, were also shared.

During the event Taylor Randall, dean of the Eccles School, announced a new scholarship  in Dr. Scammon’s name,  to provide educational opportunities to generations of MHA students to come. If you are interested in contributing to this new scholarship, please do so here.

Before wrapping up the event, awards for some of the MHA program’s distinguished alumni were presented. Vincent Brown, MHA 2018, was recognized with our Distinguished Service award for his service in leading the student association and now the alumni association. The Distinguished Alumnus award was given to Cory McCann in recognition of her contributions to the program and as a valued mentor to current students, and for her success in leading a clinical program at Intermountain Healthcare. Lastly, we awarded Dr. Scammon the MHA Educator award in honor of her exceptional achievements as an educator, mentor, and visionary.

We are grateful to everyone in attendance that helped us reflect on Dr. Scammon’s amazing career and the legacy she leaves to our charge.