DHA 2025 Orientation Program

WELCOME Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) Entering Class of 2025

DHA New Student Orientation | September 16 – 19, 2025

Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG President and CEO

Welcome to Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM)—your new home for discovery, purpose, and transformation.

As the sixth President and CEO of this remarkable institution, I proudly welcome you to a community where we not only educate the next generation of physicians, scientists, and public health leaders—we also develop champions for health equity and health justice. You are now part of a mission-driven institution dedicated to responding to the urgent call to eliminate health disparities and uplift underserved communities.

You are entering a campus built by visionaries—those who paved the way for your journey and whose legacies continue to guide us. From Dr. Hugh Gloster’s bold vision in founding MSM, to Dr. Louis Sullivan’s unwavering commitment as our first President and former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, to the honorable leadership of Dr. David Satcher, former U.S. Surgeon General—these pioneers laid the foundation on which you now stand. You walk the same halls as Dr. James Densler, the first African American pediatric surgeon in the nation, and Dr. Roland Pattillo, whose advocacy for Henrietta Lacks’s family will forever echo in the ethics of modern medicine.

At MSM, our legacy serves as your launchpad. You are joining a community of educators, researchers, healthcare providers, and policy influencers dedicated to a shared vision—to lead the creation and advancement of health equity.

This moment in history demands leaders like you. We’ve emerged from a global pandemic not just resilient, but resolute.

Our focus is clear: • To translate discovery and innovation into actionable health equity • To bridge the gap between healthcare and holistic health • To prepare and inspire future health learners and leaders • To serve as a catalyst for community-empowered solutions Here, your talents will be nurtured, your voice will be heard, and your purpose will be magnified. You’ll grow not only as a professional, but also as a changemaker. And throughout your journey, you’ll have the unwavering support of our faculty, alumni, staff, and partners who are deeply invested in your success.

You chose MSM—and we chose you. There is no second-guessing. Your presence here is not only welcome but also essential. Together, we will make history.

Welcome to Morehouse School of Medicine. Welcome home.

With great pride and anticipation,

Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG President and CEO

DHA New Student Orientation | September 16 – 19, 2025

Joseph A. Tyndall, MD, MPH

Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean

Dear Doctor of Health Administration Scholars, It is with great pride and anticipation that I welcome you to Morehouse School of Medicine and to the Doctor of Health Administration program. You are joining an institution with a clear and powerful mission: to advance health equity and achieve health justice for the communities we serve. By choosing this path, you are becoming part of that mission and stepping into a tradition of leadership, service, and purpose.

Your decision to pursue the DHA represents both personal commitment and professional courage. Healthcare today faces unprecedented challenges, but also extraordinary opportunities for innovation and transformation.

As future leaders, you will be called not only to navigate complexity but also to envision and shape new solutions. This program is designed to prepare you for that charge, equipping you with the knowledge, skills, and perspective needed to lead with integrity, vision, and compassion.

At MSM, our values of Excellence, Service, Justice, Wisdom, Integrity, and Innovation are more than guiding words; they are the foundation of how we teach, learn, and lead. I encourage you to embody these principles as you move through your studies and beyond. Let them serve as your compass, reminding you that leadership is not just about achievement but about the impact you create for others.

As Dean and Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, I am confident that your time here will be transformative.

You will find yourself challenged, supported, and inspired by faculty, mentors, and peers who share your passion for advancing health and equity. Together, you will form a community of scholars committed to excellence and change.

Welcome to MSM. We look forward to witnessing your growth, celebrating your milestones, and partnering with you as you step into your role as leaders in health administration.

With best wishes for your journey ahead,

Joseph A. Tyndall, MD, MPH, FACEP

DHA New Student Orientation | September 16 – 19, 2025

David Hefner, EdD

Vice President, Online and Continuing Global Education

Dear Doctor of Health Administration Learners, Welcome to the start of an exciting academic journey! It is my privilege to greet you as you join our vibrant academic community of future health leaders. Your dedication to advancing the field of health administration is commendable, and we are honored to support you in achieving your highest goals.

Through the Doctor of Health Administration program, you will gain not only deep professional expertise but also the skills, perspective, and confidence needed to drive innovation and lead change in healthcare systems.

Our faculty and staff are committed to providing a rigorous, supportive environment that fosters growth, collaboration, and meaningful impact.

We look forward to seeing the unique contributions each of you will make—within our institution, the wider community, and the global health landscape. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Lean on each other, and do not hesitate to seek guidance and support along the way.

Again, welcome to the program. We are excited to see what you will accomplish!

In service, David Hefner, EdD

DHA New Student Orientation | September 16 – 19, 2025

Dr. Alicia Chatman

Program Director, Doctor of Health Administration

Welcome to the MSM Family—Your New Tribe in Health Leadership On behalf of the faculty, staff, scholars, and leadership of Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) and its Online Education and Expanded Programs (OEEP), it is with great enthusiasm that I welcome you to the Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) program! At MSM, our mission is clear: to lead the creation and advancement of health equity to achieve health justice. By joining this program, you are not only pursuing an advanced degree, you are stepping into a powerful legacy grounded in purpose, leadership, and service.

As you begin this journey, remember the words of healthcare leader Merida Johns: “Leaders see opportunities and possibilities by challenging existing assumptions.”

This wisdom speaks directly to your role as a DHA scholar. Over the next three years, you will be called to think critically, question deeply, and approach challenges with fresh perspective. Leadership in healthcare requires courage, creativity, and resilience—all qualities you will sharpen throughout this program.

Your development will be guided by MSM’s core pillars of Excellence, Service, Justice, Wisdom, Integrity, and Innovation.

These values are not abstract—they are the foundation of how we learn, lead, and serve. They challenge you to hold yourself to the highest standards, to lead with compassion and respect, to champion equity and fairness, to share knowledge generously, to act with transparency and accountability, and to pursue bold, inclusive solutions that advance healthcare for all. Together, these principles form the compass that will orient your journey.

With this foundation, you will be supported by dedicated faculty, advisors, mentors, and peers who share your passion for making a difference. The DHA curriculum will provide you with the tools of policy, management, analytics, leadership, ethics, and inclusion—equipping you to lead organizations that deliver quality, equitable, and culturally competent care. As you grow intellectually, professionally, and personally, you will see how each lesson connects back to the greater mission of advancing health equity and justice.

The road ahead will not always be easy, but it will be transformative. Success will come through resilience, accountability, and the effort you invest. Whether your ultimate goal is to advance in corporate leadership, shape future research, or contribute to academia, this program will prepare you to step forward with vision, confidence, and purpose.

We are proud to welcome you into the MSM family and DHA tribe. Together, we look forward to witnessing your growth, celebrating your milestones, and supporting your journey to leadership.

With best wishes for a transformative and rewarding experience ahead, Dr. Chatman

DHA New Student Orientation | September 16 – 19, 2025

Divad Miles, DHA, MSHI, PSM I

Academic Program Manager, Doctor of Health Administration

Welcome to Morehouse School of Medicine and to the proud legacy of excellence, leadership, and service that you are now a part of.

You have chosen to begin this important journey at an institution deeply committed to advancing health equity and shaping leaders who will make a meaningful impact in communities across the world.

As your Program Manager, it is my privilege to walk alongside you throughout your time in the Doctor of Health Administration program. My role is to ensure that you have the support, resources, and guidance you need to thrive as a scholar. Whether you have questions, need direction, or simply want to talk through challenges or opportunities, I am here to assist you every step of the way.

Your presence here reflects both your hard work and your commitment to becoming a change agent in healthcare administration. Orientation is just the beginning of what we trust will be a transformative experience for you. Together, we will continue the Morehouse School of Medicine tradition of cultivating leaders who embody excellence, compassion, and service.

On behalf of MSM’s staff members, I warmly welcome you to this program and to our community. I look forward to supporting you and witnessing all that you will accomplish.

Divad Miles, DHA, MSHI, PSM I dmiles@msm.edu | (404) 752-1072

DHA New Student Orientation | September 16 – 19, 2025

Dorothy Bouldrick

Assistant Professor, Doctor of Health Administration

Welcome to the Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) program at Morehouse School of Medicine. It is with great enthusiasm that I congratulate you on joining this transformative journey toward leadership in healthcare administration. You are now part of a distinguished community dedicated to advancing health equity, innovation, and excellence in healthcare leadership.

As your Assistant Professor, I look forward to supporting your growth as a scholar, leader, and change agent.

This program is designed to challenge you, inspire you, and equip you with the tools necessary to address today’s most pressing healthcare challenges with creativity, resilience, and vision.

Throughout your time here, you will engage with thought-provoking coursework, collaborate with peers and faculty, and develop solutions-focused research that will contribute to the future of healthcare. Most importantly, you will be encouraged to bring your unique experiences and perspectives to the classroom as we learn and grow together.

At Morehouse School of Medicine, our mission emphasizes service, leadership, and a deep commitment to improving health outcomes and creating health equity in the communities we serve. As a DHA scholar, you embody this mission and will carry it forward into your professional practice.

I am honored to accompany you on this journey and look forward to witnessing your growth and the impact you will make. Welcome to the program—you belong here, and we are excited to see all that you will accomplish.

Warm regards, Dorothy Bouldrick

DHA New Student Orientation | September 16 – 19, 2025

Orientation Program

Tuesday, September 16 3 p.m.

Hotel Check-In SpringHill Suites by Marriott Atlanta Airport Gateway

6:30 p.m.

Meet & Greet Welcome, Introductions, Orientation Overview Dinner on your own

Wednesday, September 17 Attire: Business Casual 7:45 a.m.

SpringHill Suites

Depart Hotel for MSM

8:30 a.m.

HG Pavilion Rm 171

Welcome and Greetings David Hefner, EdD, Vice President, Online and Continuing Global Education Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, President and CEO | Adrian Tyndall, MD, MPH, FACEP, Executive Vice President of Health Affairs, Professor & Dean Alicia Chatman, DHA, MHA, MBA, DHA Program Director

8:45 – 10:45 a.m.

HG Pavilion Rm 171

Introduction: DHA Faculty, Program Overview, Mission and Vision Alicia Chatman, DHA, MHA, MBA, DHA Program Director Curriculum/Course Sequence Review Divad Miles, DHA, MSHI, DHA Program Manager Metrics for Program and student Success, Learning Communities, The importance and value of Course Evaluations Lanisha Howze, DrPH, Curriculum Manager

10:45 a.m.

Break

11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

HG Pavilion Rm 171

Office of Student Success Robert Wilson, Student Success Coordinator | Blair Fortson, Manager Diana Dove, Sr. Manager, Digital Transformation, IT Office of Digital Learning

12 – 1 p.m.

Lunch Get your MSM ID badge, if needed, at the MSM Security Office

1 – 1:45 p.m.

MSM History Presentation Cassandra Lawrence, MBA

1:45 – 2:15 p.m.

Campus Tour David Hefner, EdD, Vice President, Online and Continuing Global Education

2:15 – 2:30 p.m.

Westview Entrance

Cohort Group Photos

DHA New Student Orientation | September 16 – 19, 2025

Wednesday, September 17 2:30 – 3:15 p.m.

HG Pavilion Rm 171

Office of Inclusive Learning, Career Connections, and Accessibility Services (OILAS) Dequan Smith-Murry, EdD, Assistant Dean | Aise Cannon, MA, Access Manager | David Jones, EdD, Director Career Services and Industry Partnerships

3:15 – 3:30 p.m.

Break

3:30 – 4 p.m.

HG Pavilion Rm 171

MSM Counseling Services: Introduction and Q&A Dhakiyya Lewis, Program Manager, Counseling Services

4 – 4:45 p.m.

HG Pavilion Rm 171

Introduction to Solution-Focused Capstone Project and Q&A Dorothy Bouldrick, DHA, MBA, Assistant Professor, OEEP DHA Program

4:45 – 5:15 p.m.

Break and Blazer Distribution

5:15 p.m.

HG Pavilion Rm 171

Networking and Reception

6 – 7:15 p.m.

“Leadership in Today’s Healthcare Ethos: Why DEI Matters More than Ever.”

Guest Speaker: Walter Conwell

7:30 p.m.

Depart MSM for SpringHill Suites

Thursday, September 18 Attire: Casual Jeans allowed, MSM T-shirt, Comfortable Shoes 9 a.m.

SpringHill Suites

Depart Hotel for MSM

9:30 a.m.

Smyre Education Center: Rm H102

Day 2: Welcome and Overview DHA Program Director Cohort Photos Pavilion Patio

10 – 10:45 a.m.

Smyre Education Center: Rm H102

Student Accounts Demonstration: Payment Suites Application Trina Shelton | Tena Williams | Kai Morson

10:45 – 11 a.m.

Break

11 – 11:45 a.m.

Smyre Education Center: Rm H102

MSM Library Resources Overview, Overview of virtual access to MSM Library resources and materials to support course work and research and Q&A Dr. Lynne Simpson, Manager, Information Services | M. Delmar Edwards, MD, Library, MSM

DHA New Student Orientation | September 16 – 19, 2025

Thursday, September 18 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Smyre Education Center: Rm H102

Research Writing Fundamentals, APA Citations and References, and APA Writing Requirements with Q&A Angela D. Wimes, EdD, MA, Director | Carla Durham-Walker, The Writing Resource Center, Office of Educational Affairs

1 – 2 p.m.

Lunch

2 – 2:30 p.m.

Smyre Education Center: Rm H102

MSM Registrar Overview and Q&A LaShander S. McQueen, EdD, Registrar

2:30 – 2:45 p.m.

Housekeeping Items and Break

3 – 5 p.m.

MLK Chapel

Convocation Rehearsal

5:10 p.m.

Depart MLK Chapel for Mary Mac’s Tea Room

5:30 – 7 p.m.

Dinner

7:10 p.m.

Depart Mary Mac’s Restaurant for SpringHill Suites

Friday, September 19 Attire: Convocation Attire as Specified 6:30 a.m.

SpringHill Suites

Breakfast and Hotel Check-Out

7:45 a.m.

SpringHill Suites

Depart Hotel for MSM

8:15 a.m.

MLK Chapel

Cohort Convocation Group Photos

10 a.m.

MLK Chapel

Convocation

1 p.m.

NCPC Atrium

Lunch

2 p.m.

Depart MSM for SpringHill Suites and Depart SpringHill Suites for Home

Safe travels everyone!

DHA New Student Orientation | September 16 – 19, 2025

Entering Class of 2025 Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) | Cohort VI Name

Undergraduate Institution

Major

State of Residence

Year

Tommy Ballard

Hampton University

Public Safety Administration

DC

2023

Gwendolynn Basden

Howard University

Psychology

FL

2022

Chauncey Craig

Winston-Salem State University

Chemistry

MS

2011

Else Francois

Florida Atlantic University

Health Service Administration

FL

2018

Cameron Goodrum

Alabama State University

Biology

GA

2020

Yolanda Gore

Southern Connecticut State University

Political Science

GA

2011

Shalyn Naylor

University of Alabama at Birgmingham

Healthcare Management

AL

2021

Darnella Piper

Southern New Hampshire University

Healthcare Administration

TX

2023

Courtney Taylor

Florida Atlantic Univerisity

Business Administration

AL

2018

State of Residence

Year

Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) | Cohort VII Name

Undergraduate Institution

Major

Bryant Buntin

CUNY Hunter College

Psychology

FL

2007

Mari Carpenter

Louisiana State University

Dietetics

MD

2005

Natalie Curtis

University of North Texas

Applied Arts and Sciences

WA

2010

Cordetta Davis

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Biomedical Science

AL

2022

Labrisha Doran

North Carolina A&T State University

Communications

GA

2001

Alicia Drake

Albany State University

Healthcare Administration

GA

2008

Marktavious Edwards

University of North Texas

Public Safety

TX

2020

Jymiela Ervin

Tennessee State University

Political Science

GA

2000

Jeffrey Foy

North Carolina A&T State University

Nursing

MD

2002

Suzanne Jesucat

University of Tennessee Chattanooga

Biology

TN

2011

Hope Jimenez

Grand Canyon University

Government

AZ

2020

Fanee Johnson

Clayton State University

Healthcare Management

CA

2014

Christopher Johnson

Coker University

Science

TX

2020

Paula Larkin-McLeod

Florida Atlantic University

Social Work

GA

2014

Tamaya Plott

University of West Alabama

Sociology

AL

2012

Anthony Ponder

Illinois State University

Marketing & Community Health Education

IL

2016

Elizabeth Thomas

Georgia State University

Psychology

GA

2009

James Williams

Shaw University

Kinesiotherapy

TN

1996

DHA New Student Orientation | September 16 – 19, 2025

Leading the creation and advancement of health equity to achieve health justice.