Profile | empowereduhealth.com

My Story

Transforming Systems. Uplifting Communities. Leading with Purpose

My work is grounded in both personal experience and professional expertise. As the mother of a child with a rare genetic disorder, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges families face in accessing equitable care and support. That journey became the catalyst for a career dedicated to building stronger, more responsive healthcare systems.

With over 15 years of experience in healthcare leadership, research, and education, I’ve led initiatives that span from workforce reskilling and academic program development to telehealth infrastructure and behavioral health integration. My research has explored self-efficacy among mothers of children with special needs and the structural shifts needed to grow a diverse, capable healthcare workforce.

Today, I serve as Dean of the College of Health Sciences at Montana State University–Northern, where I oversee multi-disciplinary academic and operational strategy, grant development, and partnerships that bridge education, innovation, and health equity.

Through my work as a Genetic Navigator, board member, and former executive leader with A Bolder Way Forward, I continue to champion system-level transformation—focusing especially on rural, Indigenous, and underserved communities. Whether I’m mentoring future health leaders or launching scalable training platforms, my goal is always the same: to turn lived experience into structural change that improves outcomes for those most often left behind.

Professional Experience

Dean, College of Health Sciences

Montana State University–Northern | 2024–Present

Lead academic and operational transformation across Nursing, Health Sciences, and Advanced Fuels with a focus on rural and Indigenous-serving regions.
Directed interdisciplinary integration, revitalized the AHA Training Center, and developed two new revenue streams.
Co-led planning for a $25M facility aligning simulation, telehealth, and instructional expansion.
Secured federal grants (HRSA, USDA) to scale infrastructure and rural workforce reskilling.

Assistant Professor & Program Director, MHA and Population Health

Utah Tech University | 2022–2024

Designed and launched the MHA program, creating 20+ graduate courses in finance, law, operations, and digital innovation.
Revamped a struggling undergraduate program, leading to a 35% increase in enrollment.
Developed micro-credentials, KPI tracking, and systems integration tools to align with employer and state needs.
Led community-engaged research in maternal health, chronic disease management, and workforce retention.

Associate Director, Master of Healthcare Administration Program

University of Utah | 2016–2022

Oversaw CRM systems, budget operations ($350K), and full student lifecycle strategy at a nationally ranked MHA program.
Launched the U-Mentor Program (50+ industry mentors) and maintained a 94% placement rate through workforce partnerships.
Scaled outreach to underrepresented populations, increasing female and out-of-state enrollment by 10% and 8%, respectively.

Program Manager, MHA Program

University of Utah | 2013–2016

Directed marketing, analytics, and continuous improvement strategies, contributing to a 28% growth in applicant volume.
Supported accreditation systems and data visualization tools that drove program advancement and faculty engagement.

Adjunct Faculty, David Eccles School of Business

University of Utah | 2019–2022

Taught Practical Management Strategies in Healthcare (MHA 6800), focusing on executive operations, cross-functional leadership, and simulation-based learning.
Served graduate business and health administration students with a blend of public sector and system innovation perspectives.

Genetic Navigator (Contract)

Mountain States Regional Genetics Network | 2023–Present

Provide systems navigation for Utah families in need of genetic services, improving health literacy and diagnostic access.
Advise on regional outreach models to enhance equity across underserved and rare disease populations.

Operations Administrator

Red Butte Health Group | 1996–2005

Hired to design and lead operations for a multidisciplinary outpatient clinic serving underserved communities.
Built systems from the ground up: payer contracting, provider credentialing, hospital affiliations, and staff training.
Integrated behavioral health through LCSW partnerships and managed all regulatory and administrative functions.

Program Chair & Faculty, Allied Health

Everest College | 2009–2013

Directed allied health education, compliance, accreditation, and retention strategy.
Implemented SOX audit compliance protocols and spearheaded workforce placement strategies through employer partnerships.

Committees & Organizations

Leadership in Governance, Equity, and System Strategy

Guiding regional, institutional, and national efforts to advance access, equity, and operational transformation.

System-Level Strategy & Public Board Leadership

Advisory Council Member, Utah Education and Telehealth Network (UETN)
2023–Present

Advise on statewide broadband, virtual education, and telehealth strategy. Provide leadership on expanding digital access and telemedicine infrastructure in rural and underserved communities.

Board Member, United Way of Cascade County
2024–Present

Shape regional funding strategy focused on health, education, and social equity. Support cross-sector investment in high-impact, community-based solutions.

Advisory Board Member, Rural Health Association of Utah
2023–Present

Advance rural health workforce initiatives, policy recommendations, and telehealth delivery models through strategic advising and institutional partnership engagement.

Executive Leadership Team Member, A Bolder Way Forward – Utah Women in Leadership
2023–Present

Lead cross-sector collaboration focused on expanding women’s leadership in education, healthcare, and policy. Support the strategic alignment of local and statewide initiatives aimed at improving equity, economic opportunity, and systemic inclusion. Engage with state officials, community organizations, and academic institutions to drive sustainable impact through coordinated action.

Senior Advisor, Industry Advisory Council – Utah System of Higher Education
2021

Provided strategic insight to align technical education with workforce readiness across Utah. Focused on reskilling and employment outcomes for rural and underrepresented populations.

Strategic Plan Implementation Committee, AUPHA
2020–2021

Supported national initiatives to improve healthcare administration education standards and foster inclusive, student-centered program growth.

Academic Governance and Leadership

University Curriculum Committee, Utah Tech University
2022–2024

Oversaw curriculum review and development across disciplines. Ensured alignment with workforce needs, DEI standards, and future-focused program design.

Executive Committee, MHA Program, University of Utah
2018–2022

Directed strategy, faculty planning, and national expansion efforts for a top-ranked graduate program

Strategic Planning Committee, MHA Program, University of Utah

2018–2022

Led long-term planning and accreditation strategy to improve performance outcomes and national visibility.

Admissions Committee & Faculty Advisor, MHA Program, University of Utah
2017–2022

Implemented equity-driven admissions and mentoring structures. Supported the growth of the U-Mentor Program and workforce-aligned student success metrics.

Community Advisory Board (Non-Voting), MHA Program
2018–2022

Provided industry insight to inform curriculum relevance, employer engagement, and community-facing impact strategy.

Education & Professional Credentials

Degrees

Ph.D., Health Promotion and Education – University of Utah
M.S., Health Promotion and Education – University of Utah
B.S., Business Management – Western Governors University

Certifications

Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)
COMP TIA Project+ – Project Management
Domestic Violence Advocate – 40-hour trauma-informed training
Teaching Essentials for Adult Learners – University of Utah

Research Publications & Presentations

Publications:

Walston, S., & Johnson, K. (Contributor: Vickers, T.). (2021). Organizational Behavior and Theory in Healthcare: Leadership Perspectives and Management Applications (2nd ed.).

Presentations:

Vickers, T. (2023). From the Classroom to Career: What Role Does Micro credentialing Play? 2023 Polytechnic Summit.

Vickers, T. (2020). Aligned Advising: A collaborative approach to getting students on the right track. AUPHA Annual Conference.

Dissertation and Thesis:

Dissertation: Vickers, T. (2022). The Effect of a Pilot Parent Resiliency Training Program on Maternal Strengths Self-Efficacy Among Women Caring for a Special Needs Child.

Thesis: Vickers, T. (2016). Caregiver Well-being: Does Social Support Play a Part?