UHCL alum’s student leadership experience contributes to professional success
Through leadership opportunities, students set goals, delegate responsibilities, and develop critical thinking, problem- solving and decision- making abilities. Just ask University of Houston- Clear Lake alumna Brianna Knowlton, who said that the opportunities she received to develop her leadership abilities has made a difference in her life.
“I was able to join many organizations and further myself on campus. For example, planning and prompting the events I host at HCA Houston Healthcare is what I did for the Healthcare Students Association on campus,” Knowlton said.
During Knowlton’s time at UHCL, she served in many organizations including, Hawks for Community, the Servant Leader Scholar Program, and with the National Society of Leadership Club, where she was one of very few students that completed all of the certifications at the national level.
Knowlton obtained her Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration in May 2023, and is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration at Texas A&M International University. She said she chose to develop her leadership skills at UHCL because of the competitive Healthcare Administration program.
“So much of my time on campus allowed me to develop and grow as a leader,” she said. “I use those skills daily at work and am so grateful I pushed myself out of my comfort zone during my undergraduate years.”
Knowlton added that her drive to be an involved leader stemmed from volunteering with Future Farmers of America’s livestock shows and events nationwide. She was always inspired by the hard work and dedication groups put into those events, and it made her want to be “that” person in her community.
“During the summer after junior year, I started volunteering at Houston Physicians Hospital to give back to my community in the healthcare administration sector,” she said. “I encourage students to get involved in leadership on campus through the various organizations and networking opportunities. Also, to get out of their comfort zone and push themselves to do more than required.”
Knowlton said that Professor of Healthcare Administration Ashish Chandra, and the other professors in the Healthcare Administration program were incredibly encouraging during her tenure at UHCL. She is thankful for her professors, and her experience at UHCL because it impacted who she is today.
“During undergrad I started a photography business, Brianna Katherine Photography, that allows me to express my creativity and was just voted ‘Best Photographer in Pasadena’ by community votes for 2023,” she said. “My ultimate goal is to work in business relations for a healthcare organization or healthcare marketing and continue growing my photography business.”
For more information about UHCL’s student leadership opportunities, visit www.uhcl.edu/student-affairs/student-engagement/student-involvement/.