Overcoming adversity: Jessica Suber named UHCL Fall 2024 Commencement speaker
Jessica Suber, a dual Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) student at the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL), has been selected as the College of Business (COB) and College of Education’s (COE) Fall 2024 Commencement speaker. At just 21 years old, Suber’s academic and personal journey is one of resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference in the healthcare industry.
Suber’s decision to pursue a dual degree stems from a transformative personal experience. Initially a nursing student, she made the difficult decision to shift her focus to healthcare administration after the emotional toll of clinical work, the loss of her mother, and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I realized I could make a larger impact on the healthcare system by improving processes, policies, and leadership,” Suber said, reflecting on her career pivot.
Both personal and professional reasons influenced her decision to attend UH-Clear Lake. Suber was motivated by a desire to follow in the footsteps of her father, a UHCL alumnus, whose positive experiences at the university inspired her to embark on her academic journey at his alma mater. Additionally, Suber emphasized that UHCL’s unique course offerings aligned perfectly with her career goals, and the proven success of its alumni across various fields reassured her that she would be joining a legacy of excellence.
“The ability to pursue both healthcare administration and business administration in one program was exactly what I needed to bridge the gap between compassionate care and operational efficiency,” Suber said. “Being located in Houston, home to the Texas Medical Center (TMC) —the world's largest and most renowned medical center — was another deciding factor,” she continued. "This proximity provides unmatched opportunities for experiential learning, networking, and exposure to some of the most innovative healthcare practices.”
Throughout her academic career, Suber faced numerous challenges, including balancing two jobs while managing a rigorous course load. Despite personal loss and the challenges brought by the pandemic, she said she became more compassionate and continued to excel academically.
“Throughout graduate school, I’ve worked two jobs while pursuing my dual degrees full-time,” said Suber. “I currently work full-time at a behavioral health clinic, where I see the real-world impact of healthcare policies, and part-time at a soccer club, where I manage team operations,” she continued. “Balancing these responsibilities while excelling academically was far from easy, but I was determined to make it work. What kept me moving forward was perseverance and an unwavering faith in myself.”
At UHCL, Suber developed a diverse skill set vital for her healthcare administration career, particularly the ability to approach challenges strategically while balancing operational, financial, and patient care needs. She said healthcare policy, leadership, and finance courses taught her to analyze complex problems and make data-driven decisions. Furthermore, the Joint MHA /MBA program enhanced her leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, emphasizing critical thinking, adaptability, and empathy — key qualities for success in healthcare. Moreover, Suber has made a notable impact as a member of Upsilon Phi Delta, the Healthcare Administration Honor Society, where she actively participated in professional development and networking with like-minded peers who share a passion for making a difference in healthcare.
Suber’s dedication and hard work are evident in both her academic accomplishments and her leadership potential.
“The lessons I’ve learned about resilience and perseverance have shaped me into a leader who is ready to make meaningful contributions to healthcare,” she said. “My professors, particularly Dr. Jordan Mitchell, have been instrumental in transforming my perspective on healthcare finance. Dr. Mitchell’s engaging teaching style and passion for the subject ignited an interest I never knew I had, playing a pivotal role in shaping my education,” she explained. “UHCL’s faculty has been an incredible support system, guiding me through the complexities of healthcare and business.”
Suber plans to pursue a doctoral degree and has secured an administrative fellowship for 2025. With aspirations to become a leader driving positive change in healthcare, she is well-positioned to make a lasting impact on both the industry and the world.
My ultimate goal is to lead positive change in healthcare, creating compassionate, efficient, and patient-centered systems. On a personal level, I strive to grow as a better person every day. Success isn’t just about career achievements, but about positively impacting others and the world around me through empathy and service.
As Suber prepares to address her peers during the commencement ceremony, she celebrates her achievements and the many individuals who have supported her. She believes the opportunity to speak reflects the collective impact of everyone who has been part of her journey.
“I’m grateful for my supportive family, friends, and UHCL faculty, whose encouragement and guidance have been essential to my journey,” Suber said. “My jobs at the behavioral health clinic and soccer club have helped me grow, and I’m thankful for the challenges that shaped me. Above all, I’m grateful for the opportunity to pursue my dreams and the lessons learned along the way.”
Suber’s advice to her peers is both simple and powerful: everything will be okay. In moments of uncertainty, she urges students to pause, take a deep breath, and trust that things will eventually work out.
“Challenges are temporary and often provide valuable lessons about self-growth,” Suber said. “I’ve had my fair share of C’s and moments where I was convinced I wouldn’t pass a class. I am not a genius, and honestly have no desire to know my IQ,” she added. “However, success isn’t about perfection; it’s about resilience, effort, and refusing to give up, even when the odds are stacked against you.”
For more information about UHCL’s Joint MHA/BHA program, visit www.uhcl.edu/academics/degrees/healthcare-administration-business-adminstration-mha-mba. For information about the fall 2024 commencement ceremony visit, www.uhcl.edu/academics/commencement/.
