UK College of Public Health alums harness project management to drive success

For three University of Kentucky College of Public Health (CPH) alums, the skills gained in their Master of Public Health (MPH) program are proving invaluable in careers that blend public health principles with project management expertise. Jessica Wiard, Carissa Adams, and Britt Morgan have taken different career paths—healthcare operations, public health accreditation, and university administration—but all credit their MPH education for equipping them with the skills to tackle complex challenges and drive meaningful change.

At its core, public health is about addressing problems and improving systems, a mission that aligns closely with project management principles.  

"Public health is about serving others and creating solutions for populations," said Wiard, who now serves as an Ambulatory Clinical Operations Director at UK HealthCare. "Project management is the tool that helps you get there."

Wiard’s role involves overseeing outpatient clinical operations across several service lines, including orthopedics, interventional pain, neurosurgery and neurology. She’s currently leading the development of a comprehensive spine center, which will combine four clinics with associated ancillary support into a unified, multidisciplinary care model.

"This project requires coordination across diverse groups—physicians, IT, construction, and more," Wiard said. "The skills I developed in the MPH program, like collaboration, adaptability, and self-driven problem-solving, are what make this possible."

Adams, Accreditation Coordinator for the Kentucky Department for Public Health, echoed the importance of planning and teamwork.  

"In public health, we rely on collaboration to achieve common goals," she said. "Whether you’re managing accreditation standards or improving services, the ability to organize and engage others is crucial."

Adams works across divisions, from epidemiology and food safety to quality improvement and preparedness, to ensure her department meets rigorous public health standards.

"It’s like being a conductor," she said. "I pull everything together, but the real work comes from the subject matter experts. My job is to highlight and support their contributions."

For Morgan, now Director of Finance and Administration at the University of Kentucky, the MPH program provided a unique lens to view interconnected challenges.  

"Public health taught me systems thinking, which is essential in my role leading a business support center," she said.

Morgan leads the finance and administration business support center, but her background in public health often shapes her approach. One of her most rewarding projects was relaunching a pediatric heart care program in partnership with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital – a true team effort with colleagues at UK and Cincinnati Children’s.

"This initiative required us to merge two hospital programs with a shared goal: providing the best care for children," Morgan recalled. "It was a highly collaborative effort, blending program evaluation, systems thinking, and sensitivity to constituent needs."

Morgan’s experience highlights how public health training prepares professionals for the unpredictable.  

"Project management isn’t about just checking boxes," she said. "It’s about understanding people, processes, and the flexibility to adapt when things don’t go as planned."

Wiard agrees, citing a needs assessment project she conducted in Appalachia during her MPH studies.  

"That experience taught me to respect the nuances of different populations and to approach problems with an open mind," she said.

While their paths differ, all three alums see a clear connection between public health and project management.  

"Both fields rely on planning, communication, and the ability to work with diverse groups," Adams said.

Wiard added, "That collaborative approach directly aligns with how project management tackles complex challenges."

Morgan sees public health principles as foundational to her work in administration.  

"It’s about bringing people together to address challenges that are bigger than any one person or department," she said.

Their experiences demonstrate how MPH graduates can excel in diverse fields, from healthcare and government to education and beyond. By combining public health knowledge with project management skills, they are solving complex problems and creating meaningful change for the communities they serve.

Said Adams, “The MPH program provides foundational education through practical application for any role you want to pursue."

"Public health is in everything we do," Morgan said. "When you look closely, you see it’s not just about health—it’s about people, policy, and making a difference."