Healthcare Administration Alumna Excited to Help Students Following in Her Footsteps

When Samantha Morales ’18 MHA was completing her Master of Healthcare Administration degree at the University of New Haven, she knew early on that she had found her passion. She has since returned to the University to serve as the assistant director of the program that made such a positive impact on her life and career.

“I am incredibly fortunate to be part of a team focused on transforming the healthcare industry,” said Prof. Morales, who also serves as the School of Health Sciences internship coordinator. “We do this by simulating the practical reality of healthcare in every class, using cases and real-world assignments so that students know what to expect in the field. This always was – and continues to be – what I love most about the program.”

"My favorite part about teaching is learning from my students."Samantha Morales '18 MHA

While pursuing her degree and for about a year, after graduating, Prof. Morales was a communications specialist at Cigna , a leading global health insurer, where her responsibilities included leading the strategic direction of marketing and communications campaigns. Soon after graduating, she began serving as an adjunct faculty at the University to teach courses such as “Health Law and Regulation” and “Intro to Health Professions.”

“My favorite part about teaching is learning from my students,” she said. “I want to be a source of inspiration for them. I want to help students discover their passions. That’s the impact I hope to make at the University.”

A proud cat mom of Moonpie, Luna, and Blue, Prof. Morales considers herself to be a “book-a-holic.” She never leaves home without a book, and she especially enjoys nonfiction and suspense novels.

Most of all, Prof. Morales is also passionate about education. She had always hoped to become an educator, and she credits the professors she had as a student at the University for helping her to realize her dream.

“Many of my professors either worked full-time or spent the majority of their careers working in healthcare, and many of our discussions in the classroom focused on solving industry problems,” she said. “This is what reignited my desire to share my own experiences with current students."