M. Sarah Elliott

2019 Master of Public Health - Epidemiology
2019 Graduate Certificate in Global Health

Currently:
State Health Plan Manager at the Tennessee Department of Health

Question: How did your education prepare you for the next step?

The comprehensiveness of the core classes combined with the workforce preparation in the concentration classes (such as learning specific software systems or databases), ensured I graduated with both knowledge and skills. Even years after graduating, there are times when I think of a resource applicable to my work that I first learned about through the ETSU MPH program.

Question: What is something you wish you had known when you were a student?

The online program is still a full and rewarding student experience! I worked full-time in Nashville while completing the MPH program full-time online. I was concerned that I would not have a fulfilling graduate student experience because I was not with other students or completing a graduate assistantship. Not only was I able to fully engage as a student including participating in hybrid group work, live classes, etc., I was able to actively implement what I was learning into my day job. Additionally, I graduated in 2019 fully knowing how to lead online or hybrid meetings and work remotely, which became required for my job in 2020. Developing the skills to navigate complex projects and personalities remotely is essential in today’s workplace and the MPH online program prepared me for that experience.