This post was originally shared on the Walton College of Business Alumni Newsletter.
Leslie is a current student in the Master of Science in Healthcare Business Analytics program. She earned her Bachelor’s from the Walton College in Information Systems. She is a Senior Data Analyst for Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield in Little Rock. She has also worked for Northrop Grumman and Acxiom.
Q&A with Leslie:
You've spent most of your career at Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield with a stint at Northrop Grumman. What brought you back to healthcare, and what keeps you passionate about this industry?
I missed the sense of purpose I found in healthcare. At Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the work I do equips the enterprise with data that supports high-quality decisions directly connected to improving our members' health and well-being. Even small improvements can make a meaningful difference, and that keeps me motivated to remain dedicated to improving outcomes for our members.
What motivated you to pursue your Master's in Healthcare Business Analytics now?
Healthcare is becoming more data driven every day, and I see analytics as a critical tool for solving problems, whether it's improving patient outcomes, reducing costs, or identifying trends that drive better decisions. I chose to pursue my Master's now to build on my professional experience with a deeper, more formal understanding of analytics. It feels like the right time in my career to strengthen my technical and business skill set so I can take on larger challenges.
How do you balance work, school, and personal commitments? Any fun ways that you have found to relax and unwind?
Balancing work, school, and personal life takes planning, but I've found that setting clear priorities really helps. I love spending time with my family and when I do have a little extra quiet time, I enjoy reading.
