(LR) Matt Waller joins Curtis Barnett, Robert Shoptau and Kate Mamisheshvili to announce the Robert L. Shoptau Master’s in Healthcare Business Analytics Program at the University of Arkansas.
The Sam M. Walton College of Business, in partnership with Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions, announced the creation of the Robert L. Shoptau Master of Health Care Business Analytics Program in September. 27 at the Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield Northwest Arkansas Corporate Center in Springdale.
“This graduate program by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a game changer for our students and the healthcare industry,” said Walton College Dean Matt Waller. “This degree helps professionals in the business and healthcare industries turn vast amounts of data into intelligent, analytical decisions. Ultimately, this is a win-win for patients and medical professionals alike.”
Kate Mamiseishvili, interim dean of the College of Education and Health Professions, added, “We are pleased to partner with Walton College to offer this new master’s degree. It is a unique program that enhances the knowledge of teachers from both colleges. Brings business analytics and healthcare expertise to develop professionals with big data skills to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
In the year Shoptow, who served as CEO of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield from 1994 until his retirement in 2008, was on hand to announce the new program.
“In honor of Bob Shoptown’s leadership and legacy, Arkansas Blue Cross is pleased to support Walton College’s Master’s in Healthcare Business Analytics program,” said Arkansas Blue Cross President and CEO Curtis Barnett. Providers, payers, and researchers are in growing demand for highly skilled healthcare data analysts who can turn data into insights that improve patient outcomes, improve care management, and advance whole-person care practices that address patient physical health. , behavioral health and social needs together. Bob Shoptau was a visionary in our industry in recognizing the critical role that data and analytics play in improving the entire healthcare system and providing people with affordable coverage and quality care.
Shottow joined Arkansas Blue Cross in 1970 as a hospital and professional relations representative, rising to the position of president and CEO in 1994. He served until his retirement in 2008. Board from 2009 – 2016. He currently serves as a board member of a non-profit mutual insurance company.
Throughout his career, Shotow has invested his time and talents in many community and civic organizations, including those in the academic and medical fields. He has served on Academic Front, the Dean’s Executive Advisory Board, and the Arkansas Executive Forum at Walton College and Philander Smith College, and the Arkansas Tech School of Business Board. He has also served on health care-related boards with the Arthritis Foundation, the National Institute of Health Care Administration, the Arkansas Centers for Health Improvement, the Rural Health Advisory Council, Mercy Health Plans, and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
The Robert L. Shoptaw Master’s in Healthcare Business Analytics program is expected to begin in late 2023.
About Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield: In the year Founded in 1948, Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield is the largest health insurer in Arkansas, licensed by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Arkansas Blue Cross and its affiliates have more than 3,200 employees.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association consists of 36 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans that collectively provide health care coverage to nearly 106 million members – one in three Americans.
About the University of Arkansas: As the flagship institution of Arkansas, the U of A offers an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. In the year Founded in 1871, U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to the Arkansas economy through education, entrepreneurship and career development, discovery in research and innovation, and training in professional fields. The Carnegie Foundation ranks U of A among the few American colleges and universities with high research activity. US News and World Report The U ranks among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A is working to build a better world in Arkansas Research News.
