Student Highlight: Chris Nelson

Meet Chris Nelson, a second-year Executive MPA student. The MPA program asked him a few questions about his experience: 

Who is your current employer and what is your job title?

     Since 2014, I have served as the Executive Director of the University of Utah Hospital Foundation. The foundation was established by a group of community philanthropists in the 1990's to raise money and community support for Utah’s only academic medical center. This summer marks my 20th year working at the University of Utah Health Care in a communication or fundraising role.
 
What are some of the duties of your job? Recent achievements?

     My primary role is to develop and execute an innovative fundraising and community engagement strategy for University Hospital and the foundation. This includes managing relationships with the foundation’s 30-member community board of directors, coordinating the hospital’s grateful patient program, overseeing three major fundraising events each year, and finding new and innovative ways to connect the hospital to community influencers.

     Most people don’t realize that the University’s health care system is entirely self funded. The only state appropriations we receive go toward helping support the cost of training medical residents — funding that equals .04% of our total operating expenses.  Community philanthropy is critical to maintain the depth and breadth of care the hospital provides for the region. 
 
How have your MPA studies helped you in your career?
 
     I think the executive program does a great job of mixing theory with practice. It’s very helpful being able to tie course work and readings directly to what I’m doing at work. I feel like I have a much deeper appreciation for the theory behind many of the practical things I do everyday. 

What advice would you give to incoming or current MPA and XMPA students?

     I spent nearly 10 years trying to find the “right” graduate program. I explored the MBA program, a master’s in communication, and number of other graduate degrees at the U and elsewhere. Ultimately I know I made the right choice and I encourage anyone on the fence to stop searching and get started. If you’ve been in the workforce for a while and away from school you will love the reading, the class discussions and even the late nights writing papers. I have found it to be very revitalizing personally and professionally.  

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