SPH names Barton Gill, MHA, as new Health Administration & Health Policy department chair
Barton Gill, MHA, has been named as the new chair of Health Administration & Health Policy at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth’s School of Public Health. Gill brings more than two decades of executive experience in the health care industry to his new position, with a demonstrated track record of transformative leadership and development, and implementation of performance improvement practices within diverse health care organizations across the U.S. and the United Kingdom.
His appointment reflects a strategic effort to bring practical expertise and real-world perspectives into academic settings, enriching the educational experience for SPH students and fostering collaboration with external stakeholders.
“Bart’s industry experience positions him as an ideal leader. His appointment recognizes the value that predominantly non-academic leaders bring to academia,” said Dr. Shafik Dharamsi, SPH dean.
“In the context of our Master of Health Administration program, this collaboration is vital,” the dean added. “MHA students require not only a strong theoretical foundation but also practical insights into the challenges they will face in health systems. By integrating industry expertise into our curriculum, we ensure our graduates are well-equipped to navigate the practical complexities of health systems management.”
Under Gill’s leadership, the MHA program will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, bridging theory and practice to cultivate future health systems leaders capable of driving change in the field.
To achieve this, Gill will leverage his executive health sector experience to foster connections and partnerships with industry leaders, health organizations and professional associations. Collaborating with industry partners, he will help expand MHA internship programs, experiential learning opportunities and executive education initiatives that bridge the gap between academia and industry.
Gill will also help create new opportunities for faculty and student engagement in industry projects, consultancies and applied research efforts.
“The aim,” Dharamsi said, “is to address current health sector needs and contribute to evidence-based health management and policy initiatives, ensuring that academic work remains relevant and impactful.”
“Bart’s extensive industry experience brings a valuable perspective to our academic community. As we embark on our IMPACT 2030 strategic plan, his contribution will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between academic theory and practice across health systems.”
During his career, Gill has worked in health care consulting, served as interim executive at many organizations and has provided management and leadership training for organizations like Alvarez & Marsal, Navigant, Premier, Temple University Hospital, United Musculoskeletal Partners, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and others. He has served as a School of Public Health adjunct faculty member since 2022.
Gill’s decision to join the School of Public Health reflects a deep-seated passion for making a broader impact on the health care market. By pursuing a role in academia, he aims to leverage his expertise and experience to influence the industry on a larger scale. His commitment to impactful leadership and improving access to care for all, regardless of means, underscores his dedication to driving positive change in health care.
“I feel privileged that my new role and the amazing HSC faculty and staff provide a profound opportunity to mold the minds and perspectives of emerging health care leaders,” Gill said.
“I see this as a unique chance to instill values of compassion, innovation and equity in the next generation, empowering them to drive meaningful industry-wide improvements,” he added. “Through this work, we should help foster a legacy of impactful leadership that propels the ongoing evolution and enhancement of health care in our country and the rest of the world.”
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