(LR) Matt Waller joins Curtis Barnett, Robert Shoptaw, and Kate Mamiseiishvili to announce the Master of Science in Healthcare Business Analytics program at the University of Arkansas, Robert L. Shoptaw.
The Sam M. Walton College of Business has announced that it has partnered with the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the University of Arkansas School of Education and Health to create the Robert L. Shoptoe Master of Health Care Business Analytics Program. It will be held on his 27th at the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Northwest Arkansas Corporate Center in Springdale.
Walton College Dean Matt Waller said: “This degree will help business and healthcare industry professionals transform massive amounts of data into smart, analytical decisions. Ultimately, this is a win-win for both patients and healthcare professionals.” “
Kate Mamiseiishvili, Interim Dean of the College of Education and Health Professionals, added: This is a unique program that leverages the expertise of faculty from both universities. Combining business analytics with healthcare knowledge to prepare professionals with big data skills to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. ”
Shoptaw, chief executive officer of the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield from 1994 until his retirement in 2008, attended the announcement of the new program.
Arkansas Blue Cross President and Chief Executive Officer Curtis Barnett said: “Information into insights that will enable providers, payers, and researchers to develop initiatives that improve patient outcomes, enhance care management, and promote a holistic approach to care that addresses the physical health of patients. There is a growing need for highly skilled healthcare data analysts who can transform healthcare, behavioral health, and social needs all together.Bob Shoptaw helps improve the entire healthcare system and make it affordable. We are visionaries in our industry in recognizing the critical role that data and analytics can play in providing insurance and quality care to people.”
Shoptaw joined Arkansas Blue Cross in 1970 as a hospital and professional relations representative and was promoted to president and chief executive officer in 1994. He held that position until his retirement in 2008 and also served as chairman of the Arkansas Blue Cross. From 2009 he served as a director until 2016. He currently serves on the board of directors of a non-profit mutual insurance company.
Throughout his career, Shoptaw has devoted his time and talents to numerous communities and civic organizations, including those in academia and medicine. Academically, Walton has served on the College’s Dean’s Executive Advisory Board and the Arkansas Executive Forum, Philander Smith She has served on the College’s and Arkansas Tech’s School of Business. She also serves on medical-related committees affiliated with the Arthritis Foundation, the National Institutes of Health Management, the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, the Governor’s Rural Health Advisory Board, Mercy Health He Plans, and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Associations. served.
The Robert L. Shoptaw Master of Healthcare Business Analytics Program is scheduled to begin in Fall 2023.
About the Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield: Founded in 1948, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and the largest health insurance company in Arkansas. Arkansas Blue Cross and its affiliates employ over 3,200 people.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is made up of 36 independent, community-based Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans with local roots that provide health coverage to one in three Americans, or approximately 106 million members. offers.
About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas’ flagship institution, U of A offers an internationally competitive education with over 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes his $2.2 billion to the Arkansas economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and employment development, research and creative discovery, and provision of specialized training. contributed more than The Carnegie Foundation classifies U of A as one of the few US universities with the highest level of research activity. US News & World Report Ranks U of A among the nation’s top public universities. See how the U of A is working to build a better world in Arkansas Research News.