Allan Barr
- Hudson, Wis.
- B.S. in health care administration
- What's next: Pursue employment in the long-term care industry
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Contributed photo |
Allan Barr arrived at UW-Eau Claire as a transfer student in 2004, and in just 2½ years he's become, in the words of one of his professors, "an alumnus this university will be proud of for many years to come."
"Allan was very thoughtful even before he came to UW-Eau Claire, exemplified by his extensive planning of courses that would fit well with our health care administration program," said Douglas Olson, associate professor and chair of the public health professions department.
Barr chose to pursue a degree in health care administration because it allowed him to combine his interest in business with the opportunity to work with older adults.
"The HCAD program has a very good reputation and was the best choice for me considering that I wanted to work in the health care field," he said.
Upon arriving at UW-Eau Claire, Barr immediately became involved in the American College of Health Care Administrators student organization, eventually serving as the group's vice president. In addition to his involvement with that group's many programs and activities, he worked part time in the university's News Bureau.
Barr also has maintained an outstanding GPA, and he is continuing his exceptional performance at his yearlong practicum with Presbyterian Homes in Roseville, Minn., Olson said.
More on Allan Barr
Future plans: Continue to work in the long-term care industry, with the goal of becoming an administrator for a long-term care facility.
What he liked most about his time at UW-Eau Claire: I truly enjoyed the relationships I formed with my professors, because they gave me the tools and knowledge to be successful. I also like that I was given the opportunity to experience a 50-week practicum in a facility where I could learn and grow as an individual and as a professional.
Highlights of life at UW-Eau Claire: The opportunity to interact with fellow classmates through intramurals and social activities. Also graduating magna cum laude.
Proudest college accomplishments: My proudest accomplishment was successfully passing both my Minnesota administrator exam and my NAB (national licensing) exam on the first attempt. From this, I can now be a licensed administrator, which has been my ultimate goal. UW-Eau Claire's health care administration program and my practicum experience at Presbyterian Homes of Roseville did an excellent job in preparing me to be a successful administrator.
Advice for incoming students: Create a balance in your life between your education and your social life because if an imbalance forms, you will not get the most out of your collegiate experience. Just like everything else, the level of effort you put into your time at UW-Eau Claire will determine what rewards you get in return. To help ensure that you have selected the right career path, be active in your field of choice by either volunteering or gaining job experience.
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