Pamela A. Bilbrey

UWF degree and year of graduation:
Master of Business Administration 1989

Why did you choose to attend UWF?
At the time, I had been accepted into Florida State University’s Ph.D. program in family/child psychology. During a meeting with the Dean at FSU to discuss career goals, income potential and increasing my marketability, he mentioned that I should consider the UWF MBA program which had a great reputation. I was working for Baptist Health Care at the time and wanted to be able to attend school as well as continue my job. I met with several UWF professors and I decided to pursue that program. With the help of Francie in the College of Business, who served as an advisor, I was able to complete the program while juggling work and a family. Overall, it was a fabulous experience.

What were your goals as a student?
I wanted to position myself to be very marketable and didn’t want to be pigeon holed into one area. I was able to put together a customized program that included a variety of courses which provided me with the knowledge I needed to pursue many different roles that I’ve held in the Baptist Health Care organization.

What is your best memory from your days at UWF?
I recall thinking that when I started the MBA program, it would resemble my educational experiences from FSU. I had always been a good student and school was easy for me. However, the MBA program at UWF was very challenging and difficult and I had to really work at it. The curriculum was top notch and the professors were very accessible.

Who was your favorite professor and why?
I would consider Dr. Ken Murrell my favorite professor because of his work in the organizational development field. I also consider him my mentor in this area.

What do you do now?
I am the Senior Vice President of corporate development for Baptist Health Care and am the first and only female to ever hold this role at Baptist. I am also the President of Baptist Health Care Leadership Institute, which is a consulting division. In this role, I work with clients all over the country, Canada and Ireland. Throughout the year, I visit with over 5,000 health care professionals.

How did UWF help you progress to this point?
My MBA education provided me with a solid business foundation. Also, UWF continues to help me because of the ongoing relationships I have with faculty. Many have become professional colleagues and I’ve even been able to utilize several for special project work at Baptist Health Care.

Outside of working, what activities and organizations are you currently involved in and what are your hobbies?
Due to my travel schedule with my job, I am not currently active with many organizations. However, my hobbies include spending time with my family, cooking, reading and watching movies.

How do you stay connected to UWF?
Primarily through the individual relationships I have with professors. I also receive the alumni newsletters and foundation information. I also stay connected to UWF by encouraging my staff to attend UWF and pursue additional education. Finally, my daughter is a current UWF student, majoring in chemistry.

What advice do you have to current and future UWF students?
Maintain a relationship with faculty members. At other institutions, there were not as many opportunities to develop these relationships. Also, I would advise students to continue to grow once you leave UWF.

What quality makes UWF special or unique?
Students have the ability to customize their educational program. Also, the individualization and support you are able to get from faculty. The size of the institution allows more reasonable sized classes.

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