For Will Steed, earning his (MHA) from was the result of years of thoughtful reflection, gradual pivots and a long-standing connection to health care that began well before he ever stepped into a classroom.
A lifelong sports fan, Steed once envisioned a career working in athletics. I actually started college as a sport management major, he said.
Being from Ocala, Fla., Steed chose to stay near his hometown, heading to Gainesville to attend the University of Florida for an undergraduate degree in economics. But as he progressed through his undergraduate years, his interests began to shift toward health care.
My dad is a family doctor, Steed explained. So, growing up health care was always around.
While that exposure sparked early interest, Steed knew he did not want to pursue a clinical role. Deep down I knew I didnt want to be a doctor or a nurse, he said. Even though I really admired the impact those professions are able to have on people.
That realization led him to explore health care administration, a field that allowed him to combine his interest in health care with business, systems and strategy. Health care administration brought a few of my interests together, he said. It felt like a good way to be in the health care field without being clinical.
When it came time to choose a graduate program, the COPH stood out for many reasons.
Tampa has so many opportunities within public health and health care, Steed said. That was a big factor for me.
He was also drawn to the MHA program itself and the chance for a change of scenery. I grew up in Gainesville and Ocala my whole life, he said. I wanted something different but still wanted to stay in Florida.
Meeting COPH faculty during the application process ultimately solidified his decision. I really liked the faculty members I spoke with and what they had to say about the program, Steed said. I felt like it would be a good fit for me personally and professionally.
During his time at COPH, Steed found particular value in coursework that emphasized real-world application. He pointed to , professor of the (DHPSM), as a standout influence.
One of the classes I learned the most from focused on the problem-solving method, he said. We worked through real case studies and learned how to identify a problem and actually go about fixing it.
Steed also cited leadership and organizational behavior courses as formative. Taught by , MHA director and DHPCM assistant professor, Steed noted I also really enjoyed these classes as they focused more on the people side and how you manage, lead and work with others.
Beyond academics, Steeds time at COPH was shaped by the relationships he built with his classmates. We had a great group, he said. Some of us still keep in touch and we even do monthly calls with people who are in fellowships now.
Will Steed, far right, during his time as a student at the COPH with fellow members of the Healthcare Management Student Association Board after they hosted a guest speaker event. Steed served as treasurer for the organization in 2024-2025. (Photo courtesy of Steed)
From studying together to spending time outside of class, those connections remain a highlight of his graduate experience.
After graduating in 2025, Steed began an administrative fellowship with Wellstar Health System in Atlanta. Fellowships are a common next step for MHA graduates and one he learned about early in the program. Its like a residency for health care administration, he said. Youre working, but youre also learning at the same time.
Now halfway through his one-year fellowship, Steed works in the hospital operations track at a Wellstar Hospital, collaborating closely with executive leadership.
His work has included projects focused on improving length of stay and data analysis. A lot of what I do is hospital operations, so every day is a little different, he said.
Many of the skills he uses daily trace directly back to his time at COPH. The technical skills like Excel or data analysis, those come up all the time, Steed said.
He also highlighted his capstone project with Moffitt Cancer Center as particularly impactful. Working on a genuine project with a health care organization really prepared me for professional life.
Will Steed, second from left, is pictured with other administrative fellows who work within the Wellstar system at neighboring hospitals or at the corporate office. (Photo courtesy of Steed)
As for whats next, Steed hopes to remain with Wellstar after his fellowship concludes this summer. Id love to stay with Wellstar, he said. Ive enjoyed being here, so well see what opportunities come up as we get closer to the end.
Fast Five
What did you dream of becoming when you were young?
A doctor or professional athlete.
Where would we find you on the weekend?
You would find me at any sporting eventbaseball, basketball, football, anything.
What is the last book you read?
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
What superpower would you like to have?
Teleportation, for sure.
Whats your all-time favorite movie?
Saving Private Ryan