Amber Lucky, student in the UAB M.S. in Health Administration program (MSHA Class 55), has been named a recipient of the 2020 Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship. The award is given by the Foundation of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) in honor of Dent who was the first African-American Fellow of ACHE.
“This scholarship means a lot because I aspire to be the type of administrator and community leader that Mr. Dent was in health care,” said Lucky. “This award motivates me to continue to be a change agent in organizations culturally and operationally. In addition, it reminds me to always advocate for vulnerable patients in communities where resources are scarce.”
Lucky is the first School of Health Professions student in seven years to earn the Dent Scholarship. She receives $5,000 to offset tuition costs, student loans or expenses and will be formally recognized in the September/October issue of “Healthcare Executive” magazine.
Amy Landry, Ph.D., Howard W. Houser Endowed Professor in Health Administration and MSHA program director, says Lucky’s unique background and positive attitude combine for a perspective that benefits faculty, staff and students in the Department of Health Services Administration.
“Amber’s grandmother was a huge influence on her life, and her experience as a caregiver inspired her desire for a career in healthcare and we are honored to have her in our program,” said Landry.
Lucky grew up in York, Alabama, where her mom, an emergency room nurse introduced her to healthcare. After earning her undergraduate degree from the University of South Alabama, she spent a year working at Rush Foundation Hospital in Meridian, Mississippi, in the precertification department – first as a clerk, then as manager.
Currently, she is in Chattanooga, TN for an administrative internship at the headquarters for CommonSpirit Health Southeast Division. Her preceptor is Melissa Roden, Division Vice President for Quality. She has spent time with many leaders throughout the organization being involved in various projects that include quality, process improvement, and supply chain management initiatives.
“I receive so much joy from being a part of a team that is committed to transforming care to be more efficient, equitable, and accessible for all patients” said Lucky, who earned her B.S. in Professional Health Sciences at the University of South Alabama. “Growing up in the Black Belt where health disparities are prominent, I realize the importance of helping people like me from communities like mine. That is the legacy that I want to carry on throughout my life.”
She says supportive family members, friends, and mentors help her remain resilient and courageous throughout her journey as a health care leader.
Lucky is the seventh UAB MSHA student to earn the Dent Scholarship. She follows Nevette Sample (2013, MSHA Class 48), Julie Won Amstutz (2012, MSHA Class 47), Rhonda Magee Hodoh (2009, MSHA Class 44), Ryan Lee Oss (2008, MSHA Class 43), Christopher A. Cullom (2007, MSHA Class 42), and Pebblin D. Warren Williams (2005, MSHA Class 40).
