From Hattiesburg to the heart of New Orleans, Southern Miss graduate student, Clancy Slay, has been selected as one of only two Finance and Administration Fellows with Ochsner Health. Slay is dually enrolled in both the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program and Master of Public Health (MPH) program at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM). She earned the coveted spot into Ochsner’s highly competitive program after several rounds of interviews and looks forward to the immersive experience with one of the nation’s leading integrated healthcare systems.
“I feel so blessed to have been trusted with this opportunity, and I am excited to see how this experience kickstarts my career in healthcare administration,” said Slay. “I have known since I was an undergraduate student that I have wanted to make a meaningful impact on healthcare, ensuring patients receive high-quality care. Through this fellowship, I know I can make an intentional difference in the lives of others.”
This highly competitive fellowship follows a 24-month rotational program in New Orleans, Louisiana, designed to provide fellows with extensive training and experience in hospital, clinical and corporate financial operations. As part of the program, Slay will contribute to healthcare innovation by engaging with top executives, attending leadership development events and working on innovative projects.
“The Ochsner’s Finance and Administrative Fellowship program is an ideal next step for Clancy,” said Dr. Kelli King, assistant teaching professor in the USM School of Marketing. “This opportunity will give her a strong start in her career and will allow her to build on the knowledge and experiences she has gained at Southern Miss. With her outstanding critical thinking and organizational skills, this fellowship will pave the way for her future as a leader in healthcare.” Dr. King has been mentoring Slay since she was an undergraduate student in the Healthcare Marketing program.
Ochsner’s Administrative and Finance Fellowship programs are designed to mentor top graduate students as they emerge into future leaders in healthcare. Fellows gain hands-on experience working projects that shape financial and administrative decision-making. This tailored program provides a rich and successful experience to students while prioritizing the development of fellows.
"I am grateful to the leaders and past fellows of Ochsner's Administrative and Finance Fellowship program for recognizing what we at Southern Miss Business have long known: Clancy's remarkable talents and potential,” shared Whitney Branch, USM assistant dean for student success. “Throughout her time as an undergraduate and graduate student, Clancy has been an integral part of our business student body and collegiate operations. It has been a pleasure to watch her grow academically, professionally and personally. Despite facing significant challenges, Clancy has persevered with unwavering determination, and I have been honored to support, encourage and mentor her along the way. Clancy’s moral compass and resilience will make her an invaluable asset in the modern business world. I am incredibly proud of Clancy and excited for Ochsner’s to experience all that she is capable of now, as well as her professional evolution made possible through this transformative opportunity."
Slay’s selection for this fellowship is a testament to her talent, hard work and perseverance. As she takes on New Orleans, she brings with her the grit, skills and passion that consistently set Southern Miss students apart.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions. Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others. We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 37 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life.
