Fall 2010 Faculty Files

Christina Swift
Recruitment and Promotions Coordinator

Professor Michael Hibbard maintains a unique perspective of the health services administration program. His participation in the program began as a student and has progressed to his current position as an adjunct faculty member.

"The transition to an adjunct faculty member was a great experience because I could share my career experiences in health care as well as understand and give [students] suggestions about time management," Hibbard explains. "It also doesn't hurt to give the students a little comfort in their choice of graduate school by assuring the incoming classes that they have selected the best program for a successful career in health care administration."

Hibbard also has the credentials to make such a bold statement. Hibbard, who also has an RN degree and an MBA, was convinced to go back to school for a degree in health services administration by his supervisor, Yousuf Ahmad, also a graduate of Xavier's program. Hibbard recalls, "He stressed to me that even though I had a clinical background and an MBA, I did not yet know the business of health care. I challenged his assessment more than once, but after starting in the program, realized that he was correct." Hibbard believes his Xavier MHSA degree gave him the discernment skills necessary to be successful as chief information officer for Mercy Health Partners.

"The role of a health care CIO has changed drama-tically over the last few years," Hibbard explains. "No longer is it the traditional role of being an expert in hardware, network infrastructure and data centers. Those remain vitally important but, additionally, CIOs must surround themselves with the right people to manage and secure these technologies."

"CIOs need to be engaged with strategy planning, be able to see and appreciate the other needs of the organization, offer possible solutions, some of which may be technology, while others not," Hibbard continues. "CIOs today must be connected with their peers across the country, through formal and informal networks. We can help drive rework, redundancy and avoidable costs out of health care. That is what makes the job so exciting here is an opportunity each day for my staff or me to truly make a difference in health care."

Teaching, meanwhile, gives Hibbard the chance to share real-world experience with students and to stay connected with Xavier.

"It's invigorating to hear the great questions, very interesting discussions and debates as I witness the students coming together as a health care team. It's why I love teaching," says Hibbard, who recently added a third class to his schedule.

Hibbard adds, "I am very proud to remain connected to the master of health services administration program and to help celebrate the successes of our residents and fellows as they pursue their careers."