Robbins Healthcare MBA Alumni Newsletter - Spring 2026

We continue to make progress on our fundraising efforts for the Robbins Institute. The goals of the endowment campaign are:

To establish a permanent endowment that safeguards the Institute’s hallmark programs while enabling strategic growth, expanding our reach, and strengthening the Robbins legacy of advancing excellence in healthcare leadership.

Thanks to your generosity, we’ve raised over $500,000 towards our permanent endowment.

We thank the following donors for their generous gifts this past quarter:

• Kara Abrameit
• Stephen and Hannah Chandler
• Mark and Sarah Eubank
• Scott and Renee Fenn
• Frank Nasser
• Patsy and Mike Norman
• Katherine Swain
• George Terrazas

One part of our Endowment Campaign is the Alumni Endowed Fund. To date, we have raised $22,000 toward our $50,000 goal for this fund.

You can give to the Alumni Endowed Fund using this link: https://bbis.baylor.edu/give?id=49837&a=2&f=3600933-END&scode=WEB_HSBROBBINS

Dan Woods, EdD, MHA

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, our program remains equally dynamic in its approach to education and training. We are firmly committed to the principles of continuous quality improvement, systematically evaluating, refining and innovating our curriculum to ensure that graduates are well prepared to navigate the complex, ever-changing demands of the healthcare system. Through collaborative engagement, evidence-based instruction, and an unwavering emphasis on quality and compassion, we strive to develop healthcare business professionals who are equipped to lead and to advance the health and well-being of the communities they serve.

I’m pleased to highlight several of our most recent accomplishments from the program:

Back-to-Back-to-Back ACHE Richard J. Stull Student Essay Competition Wins

The Robbins Healthcare MBA had back-to-back-to-back first-place wins in the national American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Richard J. Stull Student Essay Competition. Michael Tran, Class of 2027, took the top award in the graduate division for his essay, “The CARE Model: A Framework for AI Integration in Chronic Disease Management”. In addition to presenting his topic at the ACHE Congress, his essay will also be published in the Journal of Healthcare Management in the coming months.

Trinity University Healthcare PRISm Pitch Competition

The Healthcare PRISm Pitch Competition is an annual event that challenges healthcare management graduate students to apply transformational leadership principles and drive innovation within the healthcare industry. This year, our team of students, Constantine Breus, Spencer Enlow and Grant Stone, pitched their topic “AmendX”, an AI-powered denial management platform for oncology providers. Unfortunately, at first, the team was not selected to proceed directly towards the finals. However, after much work, deliberate actions and innovation, our team not only rose from the consolation bracket back into the finals, but they also took home the overall win of ‘Best-in-Show’ – tied with Texas State University – for the entire Healthcare PRISm Pitch Competition. Please feel free to watch their final presentation that locked in their win:

https://trinity.edu/academics/departments/health-care-administration/prism/past-results

Robbins Health Pre-Clinical Track

As in previous years, our Pre-Clinical Track students are well prepared to begin their medical education this summer. All six students in this cohort have received at least one medical school acceptance and will finalize their matriculation decisions in the coming weeks. Beyond excelling in the program’s rigorous academic environment, these students have demonstrated exceptional resilience and professionalism, navigating extensive interview processes that often span multiple days, further underscoring their readiness for the next phase of their training.

ACHE Congress on Healthcare Leadership

While the core MBA students visited New York City, our Robbins Healthcare MBA students attended the ACHE Congress on Healthcare Leadership in Houston this year, gaining valuable exposure to national trends shaping the healthcare industry, including workforce challenges, digital transformation, and value-based care. Through educational sessions and panel discussions, students deepened their understanding of strategic leadership, operational innovation and the evolving policy landscape. Equally impactful were the networking opportunities, where students engaged with seasoned executives and expanded their professional connections. Overall, the experience reinforced the importance of adaptive leadership and lifelong learning in navigating the complexities of modern healthcare systems.

International Trip

We are pleased to share that the international destination for the Class of 2027/2028 Core and Healthcare MBA programs has been confirmed. This October, students will travel to Zurich, Switzerland. This week-long experience will consist of multiple learning opportunities, which will reinforce students’ capacity to analyze and compare international healthcare systems, while critically assessing different models of care delivery. Wish us all luck, “bis zum nächste mol” (until next time).

Celebrating Servant Leadership and Transformational Learning

MBA in Dallas for Executives and Professionals – Healthcare Administration

The Healthcare Administration MBA program in Dallas continues to be a place where purpose, professionalism, and innovation intersect. As we move through spring 2026, we are proud to recognize two important milestones for our community: welcoming new healthcare leaders who began the program in January and celebrating graduates preparing to cross the stage this May.

 Welcoming Our January 2026 Cohort

We are excited to welcome two outstanding professionals who joined the Baylor Healthcare Administration MBA program in Dallas in January 2026. Their diverse experiences and leadership perspectives are already enriching classroom discussions and collaborative work.

Tyler Obenshain brings a strong background in healthcare sales and relationship management. Currently serving as a sales solutions manager with McKesson, Tyler has extensive experience working with generic pharmaceuticals and supporting independent pharmacies across the United States. His career progression – from beverage distribution sales to pharmaceutical sales and contract management – has equipped him with a deep understanding of healthcare markets, customer relationships and operational strategy. Tyler’s strengths in communication, client engagement and cross-functional collaboration add real‑world insight to discussions around healthcare delivery and business development.

Codie Savage joins the program with more than fifteen years of experience in technology, operations and enterprise transformation. As an enterprise program manager at Hanger, Inc., Codie leads multi-million dollar‑ healthcare initiatives across revenue cycle management, human capital, and artificial intelligence. Her background as a software engineer and project leader brings a systems-level, data-driven perspective to the cohort. Codie’s expertise in large‑scale change management, strategic execution and healthcare innovation strengthens the program’s focus on leadership, technology integration and operational excellence.

Together, Tyler and Codie represent the diverse paths to healthcare leadership, and their professional insights are already contributing meaningfully to their peers' learning experience.

 Honoring Our May 2026 Graduates

At the same time, we are preparing to celebrate the accomplishments of our students who will graduate in May 2026. Over the course of the program, these graduates have balanced demanding careers, rigorous coursework and personal commitments with discipline and determination. Their academic journey reflects not only mastery of healthcare business concepts but also personal growth as leaders equipped to make a meaningful impact.

A cornerstone of their academic experience is completing an integrated business plan project. This capstone assignment challenged students to develop a comprehensive, data-driven business plan addressing a real or emerging business opportunity. Teams conducted market analyses, built financial models, assessed regulatory considerations and articulated strategic recommendations – culminating in formal presentations that showcased both analytical rigor and professional polish.

The business plan presentations were a highlight of the program, demonstrating the graduates’ ability to synthesize coursework into actionable strategies. Faculty and peers alike were impressed by the creativity, practicality, and leadership presence displayed throughout these presentations.

Our May 2026 graduates:

Looking Ahead: Washington, D.C., Residency

As part of the program’s commitment to experiential learning, students will soon travel to Washington, D.C., for an upcoming class experience. This trip will expose students to the interaction of business, public policy, and societal issues. Students will engage with government officials and corporate leaders who will share a global perspective on how these issues influence business strategy and leadership decision-making. A sampling of planned activities includes:

• A VIP tour of the U.S. Capitol building with former Congressman and longtime friend of Baylor, Jack Fields.
• Attending Senate and House committee hearings to see how some of the nation’s most critical policy work is done.

This residency also strengthens cohort bonds and reinforces Baylor’s mission to develop leaders who are informed, ethical, and engaged beyond their immediate roles.

A Community of Purposeful Leaders

Whether welcoming new students, celebrating imminent graduates or applauding professional milestones, the Healthcare Administration MBA program in Dallas continues to thrive because of its people. We are grateful for the dedication of our students, the mentorship of our faculty and the shared commitment to improving healthcare through excellence in business leadership.

Congratulations to our January 2026 starters and our May 2026 graduates – we are proud of all you have accomplished and excited for what lies ahead.

Open the Door for Future Healthcare Leaders

We invite our valued alumni to help us expand the reach of Baylor’s Robbins Healthcare programs by connecting us with your organization’s HR or professional development team. We are seeking opportunities to engage directly with companies that prioritize staff continuing professional development. With your introduction, our team could visit your workplace to share more about the MBA Program in Dallas for Executives and Professionals and how it supports leadership growth in today’s evolving healthcare landscape. Your support in opening this door would make a meaningful difference in connecting future leaders to this transformative opportunity.

For further information, please contact Josh Glasser, Associate Director, Graduate Enrollment at Joshua_Glasser@baylor.edu or complete our MBA candidate online referral form.

Helping Others Feel Seen, Supported and Equipped:

Turquoise Nicole Banks, MA, MBA, LPC-S

The Robbins Alumni Steering Committee is excited to welcome our newest member, Turquoise Banks, MBA ’23. Turquoise joins us from a rich background of serving the most vulnerable with a passion for improving lives and a commitment to servant leadership. A licensed clinician with a master's degree in psychology, she saw the potential to expand her reach with a dream of opening and running her own practice. Because of the Baylor EMBA program, she has been able to make that dream a reality, treating patients who have experienced trauma, high-achieving individuals navigating burnout, and people walking through grief. "I am passionate about allowing them to grow outside of success."

Turquoise's draw to healthcare didn't start in a classroom; it started in the community. From her earliest post-graduate role at SafeHaven, a shelter for survivors of domestic violence, to years of service through her church, she has always found herself walking alongside people in their most vulnerable moments. As she puts it, "what drew me to healthcare was the desire to help people feel seen, supported, and equipped during the most vulnerable seasons of life."

That spirit of service naturally led her toward entrepreneurship. Knowing she wanted to launch her own practice one day, a close friend who had graduated from Baylor's program in 2014 pointed her in the right direction. After connecting with faculty members Shannon and David, she knew it was the right fit.

Her time in the program exceeded her expectations. She found herself surrounded by driven, purpose-aligned peers who challenged and inspired her. She left with not only new skills but lifelong friendships. "It's not just about who you meet or what you learn," she says. "It's about building meaningful relationships and supporting others in their journey. Look for opportunities where you can give back."

The curriculum pushed Turquoise well beyond day-to-day operations, helping her think more strategically about healthcare and specifically, how business decisions, clinical outcomes, and the patient experience are all deeply interconnected. Additionally, she is proud that the Baylor connection is something that she can carry throughout the rest of her career. "People recognize the name all over the nation," she notes. "The Baylor network is so good."

Today, Turquoise runs her own counseling private practice – Choices Mind-Body Wellness in the Dallas/Fort Worth area – while also serving as a project manager at Optum Health. Her approach to her practice is holistic: grounded in the belief that physical, mental and spiritual wellness are deeply connected. "If one of those buckets isn't full, it will affect the others." She helps clients build healthy boundaries, find confidence and clarity, and restore balance. For those for whom religion is part of their journey, she draws on their faith to offer actionable, forward-looking steps toward healing.

Turquoise is energized by where the industry is headed, particularly the intersection of technology and therapy. She sees AI as a powerful tool for expanding access to care and identifying patterns that clinicians might miss. Half of her own clients are seen virtually, a model she credits with reaching people who might never have walked into a therapist's office.

But she is equally clear-eyed about AI's limits. "A therapist can hear your tone, body language, and other physical cues, and ChatGPT can't replace that.” When it comes to the importance of seeking professional care, she points to the credibility of physicians in the industry: "Results and outcomes matter. I have real-life examples of how lives have been improved by going to therapy." She emphasized that technology enhances the therapeutic relationship, not replaces it.

Joining the Alumni Steering Committee is a natural extension of who Turquoise is. She has felt such a meaningful impact from the program and plans to be continuously involved through teaching, speaking, Women in Business events, attending Baylor activities in Dallas, or whatever opportunities present themselves to collaborate with fellow alumni. "It's not just about taking," she says. "It's more about what you can give."

Outside of work, Turquoise finds her greatest joy with her 10-year-old son Jace, a fellow Baylor fan who keeps her weekends full of baseball and big smiles.

We are so glad to have Turquoise's voice and heart as part of our alumni community.

 We want to know you! Email Katherine_Swain1@alumni.baylor.edu to share your story and be featured here among fellow alumni.

Houston Alumni Event (October 2025)

At the Houston Alumni Event, Kara Abrameit observed the continued growth and maturity of the Robbins Healthcare MBA alumni network. The gathering brought together leaders from across the healthcare sector, creating an environment that encouraged substantive discussion rather than casual networking. The event offered a clear view of how alumni are advancing in their respective fields and how the Institute’s mission remains evident in the work they carry forward. The program updates shared during the evening, including developments in curriculum and Institute initiatives, reinforced for her the direction and momentum of the Robbins Institute.

Abrameit left the event with a renewed appreciation for the strength of the alumni community and its role in supporting professional development across career stages. She emphasized the value of maintaining these connections, particularly as the healthcare landscape becomes increasingly complex and interdependent. For her, the Houston gathering demonstrated the Institute’s ongoing commitment to cultivating leaders who are prepared to navigate that complexity with clarity and purpose.

Houston ACHE Event (March 2026)

On March 1, students, alumni, advisory council members and friends of the Robbins Institute gathered at the exclusive Briar Club in Houston for an alumni event held in conjunction with the American College of Healthcare Executive Congress on Healthcare Leadership. It was wonderful hearing and speaking to various individuals of different fields of healthcare. During the evening, faculty and staff shared program updates and introduced Quint Studer as the newest member of the executive committee of the Robbins Healthcare MBA. We give special thanks to Mary Jo Robbins, Rachel Barba and Christie Harper for their help in planning and executing the event.

 Virtual Coffee Chat (March 2026)

The Robbins MBA Healthcare program has launched its new Virtual Alumni Coffee Talks, creating an easy way for graduates across the vendor, payer, and provider sectors to reconnect and dig into the issues shaping healthcare today. The first session on March 10 opened with introductions before moving into a lively conversation about artificial intelligence in healthcare, a topic that quickly broadened into an open forum and revealed just how eager the group is to explore emerging technologies and their influence on care delivery. Future sessions are expected to take on challenges like workforce shortages and policy shifts such as the One Big Beautiful Bill, with an eye toward understanding the wider “accordion effect” these changes can have across the industry. Organizers hope the series will become increasingly alumni‑driven, with more voices in the mix and opportunities for interactive elements like breakout discussions. Alumni are encouraged to bring their perspectives, engage candidly and help shape conversations that move healthcare forward.

Armes Family Christian Leadership in Business Summit

• Tuesday and Wednesday, May 19-20, 2026

• Location: Paul L. Foster Campus for Business and Innovation

• 1621 S 3rd St., Waco, TX 76706

Join Baylor leaders and alumni for a day exploring faith, ethics and leadership at the Armes Family Business Summit annual.

Register here.

 Virtual Coffee Talks

Quarterly, on the second Tuesday of the last month of the quarter, we will host an informal virtual networking opportunity for alumni.  This is an opportunity to discuss current events, ask the group questions, discuss challenges you are working through and connect with one another.

Details

• Upcoming Dates:
  • June 9, 2026
  • Sept. 8, 2026
  • Dec. 8, 2026
• Time: 12-1 p.m. CST
• Location: Virtual through Teams

We are looking forward to connecting with everyone! For any questions, please email Andre Cisne (andre.cisne@silversummithealthplan.com) or Kara Abrameit (kbabrame@texaschildrens.org).

The Robbins Institute offers its graduates continuing education opportunities at a discounted rate. Two current offerings are a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt training course and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification course. To learn more, please see the Robbins Institute Continuing Education website or contact Kathryn Williams.

The purpose of the Robbins Mentorship Program is to provide an opportunity for current residents and Robbins MBA alumni to participate in a paired match of mentor and mentee. Our hope is that this professional relationship provides an invaluable educational and growth opportunity for the mentee and a way for the mentor to shape the future healthcare leaders of tomorrow. The program is a mentee-led initiative that connects early to mid-careerists with seasoned healthcare leaders and executives. Through meaningful, monthly touchpoints, mentors and mentees build lasting relationships focused on career growth, leadership development, and bidirectional learning. Last year, we were able to match 18 mentee-mentor pairs and hope to make many more lasting connections in our next cohort. Reach out to Carlo Pangilinan (carlo.pangilinan@hcahealthcare.com) for more information to the mentorship program!

The true strength of the Baylor MBA is found not only in outcomes, but in the lives and leadership of its alumni. As graduates of the Hankamer School of Business, you reflect our shared commitment to Community, Humility, Excellence and Stewardship; values that continue to shape both your success and the future of the program.

The Baylor MBA experience is built on community: meaningful relationships, collaborative learning, and networks that last a lifetime. Giving back helps ensure that future students have access to the same transformational experience. It is also an expression of humility; recognizing the faculty, peers and institutional support that helped pave your path and a commitment to excellence, allowing the program to attract outstanding faculty and provide innovative, relevant learning opportunities.

As stewards of the program’s legacy, your generosity is an investment in people, ideas, and impact. Together, we can ensure that the Baylor MBA continues to develop principled leaders prepared to serve business and society with purpose.

Learn more about supporting the MBA program by visiting the Hankamer School of Business giving site or contacting our development team.

We want to hear from you! Inform us about any recent promotions, job transitions, updated preferred email, personal transitions and successes, job positions you are looking to fill and any feedback for the Alumni Committee.

Some ways to get involved:

• Serving as a mentor
• Being a case competition judge
• Joining the Women’s Affinity group. Linked here.
• Contributing to the Robbins Alumni Endowment Fund. Gifts of any size can be made here.

Follow this link to update the program or express your interest in getting involved.