UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Ron McConnell has joined the Department of Health Policy and Administration faculty as an assistant teaching professor in the Master of Health Administration program. McConnell is an undergraduate alumnus of Penn State. He earned his master of business administration from Gannon University. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
McConnell has more than 20 years of health care administration experience to help provide students with a modern-day practitioner’s view on managing in today’s complex health environment. He has held positions such as chief operating officer of UPMC Altoona, senior vice president of Altoona Regional Health System, dean of Mount Aloysius College and most recently served as an instructor for the Master of Health Administration program. His rigorous experience in both academia and health care administration will help provide innovative solutions and lead transformative change for the department.
Christopher Calkins, executive director of both the residential and online Master of Health Administration programs, said McConell brings both a depth of experience and professionalism that are so important in professional master’s programs.
“Ron connects with students and helps them to envision their own future as health leaders by his example. We are delighted to have him joining us,” Calkins said.
Christopher Hollenbeak, professor and department head of health policy and administration, added, “Our students have benefited from Ron’s energy and experience, and we are so pleased to have him join our faculty full time.”
A degree in health policy and administration prepares students to work in a variety of health care organizations, such as hospitals, physician practices, home health agencies, long-term care facilities, health insurance companies, medical device manufacturers, research and policy organizations or governmental agencies.
For more information about the Master of Health Administration program at Penn State, visit hhd.psu.edu/hpa.