Alumni Feature: Advancing Tribal Health Through Purpose-Driven Healthcare Leadership

For Chandler Welch, healthcare leadership is about more than managing systems — it is about serving communities with purpose, compassion and accountability.

Since graduating from the Master of Health Administration program at the OU Hudson College of Public Health in 2016, Welch has built a career focused on expanding healthcare access and strengthening care delivery for communities close to home. Today, he serves as Senior Director of Hospital Administration for Cherokee Nation Health Services, where he works alongside clinicians and healthcare professionals to improve access to care for patients across the Cherokee Nation.

As a Cherokee Nation citizen, Welch says his work carries both professional and personal meaning.

“I have been able to apply the skills and lessons learned during my time at HCOPH to serve a population that is close to home for me.”

Welch credits the HCOPH MHA program with helping him develop the business knowledge, leadership skills and practical experience needed to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving healthcare environment.

“The MHA program gave me the necessary business and leadership skills to operate in today’s dynamic healthcare landscape while offering real-world experiences through internships, case studies and capstone projects”. 

Among the most impactful experiences during his time in the program was the internship completed between his first and second years of study — an opportunity that allowed him to bridge classroom learning with real-world healthcare administration.

“I made connections during those months that still benefit me to this day.”

Those experiences not only strengthened his professional network, but also reinforced the importance of relationship-building and hands-on leadership in healthcare administration.

Today, Welch applies those lessons every day as he helps lead hospital operations within one of the nation’s largest tribal health systems. His work focuses on supporting healthcare teams, improving operational effectiveness and helping ensure patients receive the care they need when they need it most.

“I work every day with a talented team of clinicians and health care professionals to advance health care access to those who need it most.”

For students considering the MHA program, Welch encourages them to approach the profession with intentionality and a deep sense of responsibility.

“Pursuing an MHA at the OU HCOPH is a great first step for those committed to making an impact in healthcare leadership. Be intentional and understand the choice you are making is a commitment not only to yourself, but the patients and staff you will serve in the future.”

Through his leadership in tribal healthcare, Welch reflects the mission-driven spirit of the Hudson College of Public Health — using knowledge, collaboration and service to improve the health and well-being of communities across Oklahoma and beyond.