Administrative Fellowship
James W. Butler III
The James W. Butler III Administrative Fellowship is an immersive two-year (24-month) program designed to empower hospital administrators from diverse backgrounds with the skills and perspective needed to shape the future of health care. Our fellowship places a strong emphasis on high-impact project work that aligns with institutional goals while nurturing essential health care leadership competencies. The Administrative Fellow will also support executive-level meetings to observe firsthand enterprise management and decision making. The cornerstone of the fellowship at University of Michigan Health (University of Michigan Health-Sparrow and University of Michigan Health-West) is the opportunity to participate and add value to institutional priorities by working with leadership. Our fellowship program is dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous learning and is committed to developing the talent for health care leadership. We also provide unique opportunities to explore the realm of academic medicine, making this a transformative experience for emerging health care leaders.
UM Health-Sparrow Health System is Mid-Michigan’s premier healthcare organization and includes hospitals in Lansing, Carson City, Charlotte, Ionia and St. Johns, as well as University of Michigan Health-University of Michigan Health-University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Specialty Hospital, Physicians Health Plan, Sparrow Care Network, UM Health Partners, the Michigan Athletic Club, and AL!VE. UM Health-Sparrow is affiliated with Michigan Medicine through the UM Health-Sparrow Children’s Center and with Michigan State University’s three human health colleges. Through these partnerships and the dedication of our 10,000 caregivers, UM Health-Sparrow pursues a vision to be nationally recognized as a leader in quality and patient experience.
Note: The James W. Butler III Administrative Fellowship is tailored specifically to the needs of individuals of under-represented backgrounds who are recent graduates of a master’s program in health care administration, MBA, public health, or advanced degree equivalent to these studies, pursuing careers in healthcare administration.
“If I make it back, I will give it back.”
Fellowship Structure
The program structure revolves around a project-based approach, wherein the fellow is tasked with spearheading and contributing to various impactful initiatives within the health care organization. The fellow will be exposed to a diverse range of projects spanning areas such as quality improvement, operational efficiency, health care policy analysis, patient experience enhancement and strategic planning. The projects will align with your unique health care and career interests, offering opportunities for cross-collaboration across the region.
The fellow will work closely with senior leaders, administrators, and subject matter experts, collaborating on real-time projects that have a direct impact on the organization's operations, patient care and overall healthcare delivery. This hands-on experience allows fellows to develop a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges within the healthcare system while fostering innovative solutions and best practices.
Throughout the 24-month fellowship, you will also gain exposure to:
- Individualized learning opportunities
- 360-degree feedback
- Executive leadership exposure
- Professional development opportunities
Meet Our Current Fellow
Jared Coleman, a Kalamazoo native, began his healthcare career at Bronson Healthcare where he served as a Contract Specialist in Supply Chain focused on Surgical Services. Coleman also spent time with the Bronson Health Foundation, where he helped to align philanthropic efforts with organizational needs. Coleman holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Michigan University and is pursuing his M.S. in Management, Strategy, and Leadership from Michigan State University. Coleman is a two-time honoree of “The 30”; a publication that recognizes emerging business leaders, proud member of American College of Healthcare Executives & continues to dedicate his time to Western Michigan University as a member of the Health Administration Advisory Council.
Coleman decided to pursue the James W. Butler III Administrative Fellowship because it provided a unique platform to explore healthcare, while making a direct impact within the system and community. He believes development of progressive and compassionate leadership is crucial for current and future success.
As a fellow at UM Health-Sparrow, Coleman has rotations with departments throughout the health system, exposure to senior leadership, operational experiences, and participation in overall strategic healthcare management. He also assists in the development and implementation of long-term goals and objectives for the health system by working closely with UM Health-Sparrow business units, departments, entities, and staff.
Coleman plans to pursue a career that aligns healthcare operations, strategic planning & supply chain. As Coleman continues his fellowship and leadership journey, he will strive to lead impactful systemic change through the building of authentic relationships. As the industry continues its transition from volume-based care to value-based care he recognizes we will need innovators and thought leaders to drive the efficiencies required to thrive in the new model.
Name
Jared Coleman
National Origin
African American
Training
Bachelor of Business Administration and MBA from Western Michigan University
James W. Butler III
The Administrative Fellowship is named in honor of James W. Butler III, a well-respected and beloved community member who served on the UM Health-Sparrow Board of Directors. He championed access to high-quality care for the most vulnerable and believed in creating platforms to guide the success of others.
Mr. Butler passed away on Aug. 7, 2020. UM Health-Sparrow continues to keep his work and legacy alive while embracing and building an understanding of diversity in healthcare, resulting in the creation of the James W. Butler Administrative Fellowship. The fellowship continues his legacy, preparing hospital administrators of diverse backgrounds and perspectives to meet the future of health care with empathy, understanding, and compassion.
Mr. Butler’s widow, Rishan, is a dedicated advocate for the administrative fellowship program. Despite her husband's passing, she continues to support the cause through generous donations, ensuring the program's continuity and success.
Application Timeline, Eligibility & Requirements
We are committed to developing a diverse and collaborative environment. A select number of applicants will be called for telephone interviews. Upon completion of telephone interviews, top selected candidates will be scheduled for onsite interviews. The final selection will be made shortly after the onsite interviews are completed.
Applications for the 2025 James W. Butler III Administrative Fellowship program will be accepted beginning June 1, 2024. Applications are due by 5 p.m. EST on Sept. 27, 2024.
For candidates invited to move forward in the application process, there will be two rounds of interviews:
The first round will consist of 30-minute phone interviews. The second/final round will consist of onsite interviews. Candidates will also be invited to dinner the night before their scheduled onsite interview date. We will host three informational webinars during the following dates/times:
To be considered for the James W. Butler III Administrative Fellowship, we require an application submitted through NAFCAS portal, UM Health-Sparrow job posting or any other official application avenue by the deadline above. A completed application must include:
- Statement of Purpose
One page statement of career goals and objectives that specifies:- Why do you want to be an Administrative Fellow at UM Health-Sparrow?
- How do you think the James W. Butler III Administrative Fellowship program will develop you personally and professionally to pursue your short and long-term goals?
- How has your previous experience (academic and/or professional) influenced your envisioned contribution to the Fellowship program and UM Health-Sparrow?
- What is something about you that makes you unique or that you would otherwise like us to know about yourself?
- What stimulated your interest in health care?
- Cover Letter
- Resume: Up to two pages
- Transcripts: Unofficial graduate degree program transcripts.
- Letters of Recommendation: Provide three (3) letters of recommendation, including at least one professional and one academic.
Please submit the applications in one (1) PDF packet with all required materials to Jared.Coleman@UM Health-Sparrow.org.