Treatments, tests, policies and technology change the health care industry every day. These changes affect hospitals, patients and caregivers.

“That is a challenge now, and it will continue to be one in the future,” said Tyree Davis IV, 2017 and 2019 Missouri State University graduate.

Now Davis serves as the strategic planning analyst for Saint Luke’s Health System in Kansas City. He’s taking the pulse of the organization and helping to chart the course for the system.

Davis looks at the big picture. He researches, analyzes and interprets data from the organization. These reports then inform the development of long-term goals and strategic objectives.

“I really enjoy knowing that the work I’m doing will help every patient who comes through the door,” he said.

He is part of a workgroup developing the next five-year plan, but it’s not the first strategic plan he’s seen up close. When he served as the student governor on Missouri State’s Board of Governors from 2016-18, he participated in many important discussions in the creation of the university’s long-range plan.

Building a strong foundation

When Davis was working toward his master’s of health administration, he participated in the National Association of Health Service Executives competition. He counts this as a pivotal experience.

“I had the opportunity to see people that looked like me, doing the work I wanted to do,” Davis said. “I met with folks all over the world.”

During his undergraduate and graduate career, Davis felt drawn toward many campus organizations. The Raytown native promoted the university and advocated for the needs of all students. These leadership opportunities built his confidence.

“I had the opportunity to do so much at the university that I was confident in my ability to do anything.”