Valparaiso University’s 4+1 pathway for students seeking a master of healthcare administration (MHA) is paving the way for students like Sam Warren ’25, ’26 to step into leadership roles in their field. Warren recently joined Stryker, a global leader in medical technologies with products and services in the fields of medical-surgery, neurotechnology and orthopaedics, as an on-site specialist.
For students like Warren, who discovered her passion for healthcare leadership in Valpo’s programs, the 4+1 degree pathway offers an early entry MHA program, allowing them to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree within five years. This accelerated program paves the way for students to take incredible career opportunities sooner than a traditional path would allow.
While Warren’s education prepared her for the role, her involvement in volleyball was what connected her to the opportunity. When head volleyball coach Carin Avery received a call for applications from Stryker referencing high-performing individuals with an interest in healthcare, she instantly had one person in mind – Sam Warren.
“The timing was perfect,” said Avery. “Sam could not be better suited for that position as a student athlete who excelled both on the court and in the classroom. They were looking for a high achieving individual and I knew Sam checked off all the boxes they were looking for.”
Being able to play volleyball for a competitive, D1 program while pursuing an ambitious professional goal was one of the main factors that brought Warren to Valparaiso University.
“When you’re an athlete just coming out of high school, sports can feel like the end-all be-all, so I was glad to be able to continue playing while also preparing for an unrelated career.,” Warren said. “I chose Valpo for volleyball but then ended up with a much more meaningful experience including a great education and an amazingly supportive community.”
Warren’s interest in the physical aspect of athletics drew her to the College of Nursing and Health Professions (CoNHP), where she began pursuing a degree in exercise science before making the switch to health care leadership.
“Sam is an example of what we hope from our future graduates in terms of being a servant leader and I know there are still great things to come,” said Phrosini Samis-Smith, DHEd, MSSA, MSCEP, assistant dean of health professions.
Even while working on her bachelor’s and competing with her team, Warren was able to take advantage of an internship with Beacon Health Systems in Granger. As a master’s student, she interned with Powers Health in East Chicago, helping update their policies and ensure compliance for a joint commission review and gaining invaluable experience in the behind-the-scenes administration of healthcare.
“It’s a campus that puts academics first, but also lets you do what you want to do,” Warren said. “They don’t think ‘you can do this, so we’re not going to let you do it.’ Valpo lets you chase your dreams and reach your full potential.”
