For Will Steed, earning his (MHA) from was the result of years of thoughtful reflection, gradual pivots and a long-standing connection to health care that began well before he ever stepped into a classroom.
A lifelong sports fan, Steed once envisioned a career working in athletics. 鈥淚 actually started college as a sport management major,鈥 he said.
Being from Ocala, Fla., Steed chose to stay near his hometown, heading to Gainesville to attend the University of Florida for an undergraduate degree in economics. But as he progressed through his undergraduate years, his interests began to shift toward health care.
鈥淢y dad is a family doctor,鈥 Steed explained. 鈥淪o, growing up health care was always around.鈥
While that exposure sparked early interest, Steed knew he did not want to pursue a clinical role. 鈥淒eep down I knew I didn鈥檛 want to be a doctor or a nurse,鈥 he said. 鈥淓ven though I really admired the impact those professions are able to have on people.鈥
That realization led him to explore health care administration, a field that allowed him to combine his interest in health care with business, systems and strategy. 鈥淗ealth care administration brought a few of my interests together,鈥 he said. 鈥淚t felt like a good way to be in the health care field without being clinical.鈥
When it came time to choose a graduate program, the COPH stood out for many reasons.
鈥淭ampa has so many opportunities within public health and health care,鈥 Steed said. 鈥淭hat was a big factor for me.鈥
He was also drawn to the MHA program itself and the chance for a change of scenery. 鈥淚 grew up in Gainesville and Ocala my whole life,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 wanted something different but still wanted to stay in Florida.鈥
Meeting COPH faculty during the application process ultimately solidified his decision. 鈥淚 really liked the faculty members I spoke with and what they had to say about the program,鈥 Steed said. 鈥淚 felt like it would be a good fit for me personally and professionally.鈥
During his time at COPH, Steed found particular value in coursework that emphasized real-world application. He pointed to , professor of the (DHPSM), as a standout influence.
鈥淥ne of the classes I learned the most from focused on the problem-solving method,鈥 he said. 鈥淲e worked through real case studies and learned how to identify a problem and actually go about fixing it.鈥
Steed also cited leadership and organizational behavior courses as formative. Taught by , MHA director and DHPCM assistant professor, Steed noted 鈥淚 also really enjoyed these classes as they focused more on the people side and how you manage, lead and work with others.鈥
Beyond academics, Steed鈥檚 time at COPH was shaped by the relationships he built with his classmates. 鈥淲e had a great group,鈥 he said. 鈥淪ome of us still keep in touch and we even do monthly calls with people who are in fellowships now.鈥
Will Steed, far right, during his time as a student at the COPH with fellow members of the Healthcare Management Student Association Board after they hosted a guest speaker event. Steed served as treasurer for the organization in 2024-2025. (Photo courtesy of Steed)
From studying together to spending time outside of class, those connections remain a highlight of his graduate experience.
After graduating in 2025, Steed began an administrative fellowship with Wellstar Health System in Atlanta. Fellowships are a common next step for MHA graduates and one he learned about early in the program. 鈥淚t鈥檚 like a residency for health care administration,鈥 he said. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e working, but you鈥檙e also learning at the same time.鈥
Now halfway through his one-year fellowship, Steed works in the hospital operations track at a Wellstar Hospital, collaborating closely with executive leadership.
His work has included projects focused on improving length of stay and data analysis. 鈥淎 lot of what I do is hospital operations, so every day is a little different,鈥 he said.
Many of the skills he uses daily trace directly back to his time at COPH. 鈥淭he technical skills like Excel or data analysis, those come up all the time,鈥 Steed said.
He also highlighted his capstone project with Moffitt Cancer Center as particularly impactful. 鈥淲orking on a genuine project with a health care organization really prepared me for professional life.鈥
Will Steed, second from left, is pictured with other administrative fellows who work within the Wellstar system at neighboring hospitals or at the corporate office. (Photo courtesy of Steed)
As for what鈥檚 next, Steed hopes to remain with Wellstar after his fellowship concludes this summer. 鈥淚鈥檇 love to stay with Wellstar,鈥 he said. 鈥淚鈥檝e enjoyed being here, so we鈥檒l see what opportunities come up as we get closer to the end.鈥
Fast Five
What did you dream of becoming when you were young?
A doctor or professional athlete.
Where would we find you on the weekend?
You would find me at any sporting event鈥攂aseball, basketball, football, anything.
What is the last book you read?
鈥淭he 7 Habits of Highly Effective People鈥 by Stephen R. Covey
What superpower would you like to have?
Teleportation, for sure.
What鈥檚 your all-time favorite movie?
鈥淪aving Private Ryan鈥