Madison, Wis. (September 3, 2025) – Edgewood University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Tamala S. Bradham as the founding director of the new Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program in the Henry Predolin College of Health Sciences. The innovative 30-credit program is scheduled to launch in January 2026, offering healthcare professionals an accelerated pathway to leadership roles in the rapidly evolving healthcare industry.
Dr. Bradham brings exceptional qualifications to this pioneering role, including dual doctoral degrees (Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Sciences and Doctor of Health Administration) and multiple professional certifications in patient safety (CPPS), healthcare quality (CPHQ), and certificate of clinical competency in audiology (CCC-A). Her appointment represents a strategic commitment to excellence as Edgewood College transitioned to university status on July 1st.
“Out of an exceptionally talented candidate pool, Dr. Bradham distinguished herself as the ideal candidate for this important role,” Quinn Mulikin, Dean of the Henry Predolin College of Health Sciences, said. “Her unique combination of executive healthcare experience and academic expertise positions her perfectly to prepare the next generation of healthcare leaders who will make meaningful contributions to patient outcomes and organizational excellence.”
The MHA program, developed under Dr. Bradham’s leadership, addresses the critical workforce shortage in healthcare administration while meeting the needs of busy healthcare professionals. Key program features include:
• Accelerated Format: 30 credits completed in as little as 12 months
• Flexible Scheduling: Six start dates throughout the year (January, March, May, July, August, and October)
• 100% Online Delivery: Accessible to healthcare professionals nationwide
• Small Cohort Model: Limited to 20 students per enrollment period for personalized attention
• Real-World Application: Curriculum featuring case studies, strategic simulations, and collaborative projects
The curriculum is built around eight core competencies that align with industry standards: Values-Based Leadership, Data Analytics & Financial Stewardship, Healthcare Operations & Performance Excellence, People-Centered Leadership, Strategic Management, Community Engagement & Population Health, Professional Excellence & Communication, and Systems Thinking & Innovation.
Healthcare administration is projected to grow 29% by 2033, making it one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States. The MHA program is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, healthcare technology companies, public health organizations, and various other healthcare settings.
“Our graduates won’t just climb corporate ladders—they’ll become the kind of leaders who improve patient outcomes, build inclusive teams, and drive meaningful change in their communities,” Dr. Bradham said. “We’re preparing healthcare leaders who understand that true success means serving others and building a more just and compassionate healthcare system.”
The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Dr. Bradham’s extensive experience with quality improvement methodologies and evidence-based practices positions the program for academic distinction and industry recognition.
The MHA program reflects the Dominican tradition of ethical leadership, service, and lifelong learning that is the hallmark of Edgewood University.
About Dr. Tamala S. Bradham, Ph.D., DHA, CCC-A, CPPS, CPHQ
Dr. Bradham’s career spans both healthcare operations and academic leadership. Most recently, she served as Regional Director of Patient Safety and Clinical Outcomes at SSM Health in Madison, where she served eight ministries, including seven hospitals and more than 70 ambulatory sites. Her innovative approach to patient safety resulted in significant operational improvements, including the creation of a system-wide patient safety dashboard that enhanced organizational efficiency and effectiveness. Prior to SSM Health, she worked in several academic medical centers including
UW-Madison, Vanderbilt University, Medical University of South Carolina, and the University of South Carolina, where she was involved in healthcare administration, teaching, and research.
Dr. Bradham holds multiple professional certifications and has contributed significantly to healthcare literature, with publications in Academic Medicine, American Journal of Emergency Medicine, and American Journal of Public Health, among others. She is certified in Lean in Healthcare, Change Management (Prosci), and Technology of Participation Facilitation Methods. Her expertise in high-reliability organizing, improvement science, and data-driven decision-making makes her uniquely qualified to lead this innovative program.
About Edgewood University
Located in Madison, Wis., Edgewood University is a comprehensive, Catholic university in the Dominican tradition. We serve approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Edgewood University offers more than 40 academic and professional programs, including master’s degrees in business, education, and nursing, and doctoral degrees in educational leadership, nursing practice, and business administration. Edgewood University is a member of the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and the National Collegiate Athletics Association and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information about Edgewood University, please visit www.edgewood.edu, or call Ed Taylor at 608-663-2333.
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