Diane L. Schauer

MBA in Health Care Management, December 2004
San Angelo, Texas
Vice President, Organizational Effectiveness
Shannon Medical Center (SMC)


You landed your current job within months of getting your MBA. Would you tell us the story of how that came about?
When my company announced that it was being acquired, I began looking for a new position. My broad-based background and history of delivering results in changing environments were important in securing my new job, but my recent MBA made my goal to work in health care a reality. JIU opened the doors!

What does your new position entail?
As a member of the executive leadership team, I partner with management at all levels to identify and develop leadership talent and help the organization adapt its culture to the challenging and changing health care environment. I lead the human resources, process improvement, and information services departments in efforts to create, implement, and sustain effective “people strategies” and measures to become a strategic, performance-based culture.

Are you enjoying it?
Absolutely! I am engaged in stimulating, challenging work that makes a difference to the community, employees, customers, and stakeholders. To that end, SMC has an environment where its employees feel appreciated and respected, is conducive for learning, and fosters good working relationships.

What were you doing when you decided to enroll at JIU?
I was a director of marketing and customer service in the telecom industry, a career that had been filled with many opportunities and promotions. In fact, I had managed up to 500 management and union employees in multiple locations, developed strategy for senior management, and always achieved good results. It was an exciting and growing industry to be part of until 2001, when the company I worked for was acquired. Job opportunities ceased for all former telecom workers when the entire industry melted down, especially after 9/11 and the severe economic downturn that followed. Since there was no going back, my focus became moving into the growing health care industry. My knowledge, experiences, and competencies were very transferable. Since I decided to change industries and already had two master’s degrees, I initially sought the health care certificate. After achieving that, the MBA made perfect sense.

What are your other two master’s degrees?

What made you choose JIU?
After evaluating other graduate programs, none met my needs and desired timeframe for starting classes. Many universities with health care graduate programs only offered traditional programs targeted to students coming straight out of college and had wait lists of six months to a year or more. Others catered to those already in the health care field. And I knew what I wanted:

  1. A university geared toward adult learners with classes facilitated by experts in the field;
  2. Good content that provides practical and relevant applications of theory;
  3. Flexibility in scheduling classes and the ability to participate 24/7;
  4. Credit for classes already taken at other graduate universities; and
  5. Smaller classes with access to experts who could relate to my experiences.

How long did it take you to earn your MBA? Did you ever double up on classes or take time off?
I completed my degree in about 18 months. I took off several months in the summer while deciding to pursue the MBA, after first earning the health care certificate. It helped that JIU applied the maximum number of credits from my previous master’s degrees toward my MBA.

Was it difficult balancing school and your personal life?
A lifelong learner, I earned my three master’s degrees and my undergraduate degree at night, while working full-time. Work, school, and my family are all important parts of my life.

What did you most enjoy about your time as a JIU?
I enjoyed applying knowledge to real-life situations. The class facilitators provided excellent feedback and kept the classes interesting and flexible.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?
My long-term goals will depend on where the health care industry goes, since it is rapidly changing. I hope to eventually grow into a position of even more responsibility, but will continue to “make a difference” every step of the way.

Any words of encouragement or advice for JIU’s current students?
Set a goal, stay focused, and enjoy the journey!