May 14, 2014

Students receive health care management honor

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The MidAmerica Health Executives Forum recently presented awards to two Southern Illinois University Carbondale students. 

Michelle Lyn Cooper, a senior management major specializing in management of health care enterprises, and Elizabeth A. Moore, a May health care management graduate, are recipients of the 2014 Healthcare Organization Management Award. Cooper and Moore earned the award for excelling academically and being involved in activities and organizations pertinent to health care management. 

The organization represents more than 200 health care professionals who lead organizations including hospitals, health care systems and other health-care related businesses throughout central and Southern Illinois.  The organization is the local branch of the American College of Healthcare Executives. 

Cooper, the daughter of Philip and Deborah Cooper of St. Louis, will graduate in December from the College of Business and hopes to work with an organization that focuses on providing health care to women and children. 

“I am honored and surprised by this recognition.  Receiving this award inspires me to continue to work hard,” Cooper said. 

Moore, the daughter of Kevin and Susan Moore of Xenia, will continue her education at SIU in the fall as she has been accepted into the master of public administration program. 

“It is an honor to receive this award and I am excited to continue my education in the health care field,” Moore said. 

Bart Millstead, president of the area chapter and vice president/administrator of Memorial Hospital of Carbondale presented the award, along with college administrators from applied science and arts, business and education and human services. 

“It is important that we continue to support the education of the future leaders in health care.  The MidAmerica Healthcare Executives Forum is proud to sponsor this award and to offer ongoing networking and educational opportunities,” Millstead said.