Be a leader from the start.
The MHA Student Association (MHASA) elects officers annually, and is very active in leading academic, charitable and social opportunities for students. The MHASA organized a welcome event for the first-year students prior to the start of the fall semester along with sharing information during orientation.
For interested first-year students, second-year MHA students serve as mentors answering questions and providing information on the UK/Lexington community. Every year, the MHASA coordinates service events with outside organizations, such as the Ronald McDonald House, Big Blue Crush/Slam, Saint Joseph Foundation STARS Gala, Keeneland, and much more.
Sylvia Justice is the President of the MHA Student Association. She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a Bachelor's in Health Services Administration in May 2021. Sylvia currently works full-time as the front desk manager at Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center and is a part-time MHA student. She values the opportunities the program provides.
Lauren "Ashley" Owens is the Vice President of Membership for the MHA Student Association. She graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Public Health in May 2023. This summer, Ashley worked at West Virginia University Medicine in ambulatory and hospital operations. She loves the opportunities and connections the MHA program offers.
Muhammad Ahmad, who goes by Humza, is the VP of Finance. He graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2023 with a bachelor's degree in public health. This summer, Humza interned at UK Healthcare in the Continuum of Care office. He is interested in attending medical school after graduating this May.
Caroline Prewitt is the Vice President of Professional Development. She graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in May 2023. This summer, Caroline worked in the Executive Vice President of Health Affairs office and the Regional Extension Center. She’s excited about the upcoming Interview Bootcamp and executive seminars.
Johnny Zelenak is the Vice President of Service. He graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Public Health in May 2023. Johnny spent the summer working at Kentucky Children’s Hospital in hospital operations and administration. He plans to pursue a fellowship after graduation in May 2025.
Kelton Crank is the VP of Compliance. He ensures all MHASA activities are compliant with UK guidelines and represents the MHASA at the Graduate Student Congress. Kelton also volunteers with Lexington Habitat for Humanity and the Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network.
Charisma Cornell is the VP of Advancement. She graduated from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor's in public health in May 2023. This summer, Charisma worked at Norton Healthcare in clinical effectiveness. She aims to secure a fellowship after graduation and appreciates the supportive community within the MHA program.
Joko Bojang is the Vice President of DEI. He graduated from Transylvania University in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Health and Exercise Science and a minor in psychology. Joko interned at the University of Colorado Hospital in nursing operations this summer and values the close connections within the MHA program.
Rebekah O'Sullivan is the Executive Secretary. She graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Clinical Leadership & Management in May 2023. Rebekah interned at UK HealthCare in Hospital Administration this summer and is considering a fellowship or job after graduation.
Divya Kondaveeti holds a B.S. in cell biology, an M.D. from International American University, and an MBA with a healthcare concentration from Franklin University. She completed her administrative residency at UPMC and plans to pursue an administrative fellowship after graduating with her MHA.
Kaitlyn Begley is the HFMA Representative. She graduated from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor's in public health in May 2023. This summer, Kaitlyn worked with the nursing operations team at OhioHealth in Columbus, OH. She is interested in obtaining a fellowship after graduation.
Jared Deason is the MGMA Representative. He graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a Bachelor's in Health Services Administration in May 2021. Jared works full-time with the Regional Extension Center as an IS Technical Support Specialist and enjoys the program’s social events.
The University of Kentucky College of Public Health is undergoing a review by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) for re-accreditation. Part of this process includes the invitation to provide third-party comments. Anyone, including students, alumni, employers, community partners, etc., is allowed to share relevant information about the college directly with CEPH. If you would like to provide input to CEPH to inform their review, send your comments to submissions@ceph.org by May 4th, 2025.
