College of Graduate Studies

Kiana Terrell

Palm Beach, Florida

College:

College of Community Innovation and Education

Degree Program:

“If you want it and it doesn’t exist, create it.”

These are the words of advice that Kiana Terrell, a graduate student in the Master of Health Administration program, has for her fellow students. It’s a mantra that she takes seriously - Terrell listened to her own words of wisdom when searching for a mentor in the healthcare industry. UCF did not have an official mentoring program, so Terrell took matters into her own hands and reached out to hospital CEOs to shadow them.

Terrell’s ambition and initiative has served her well in other areas of her university life as well. Currently, she is the President of the Graduate Student Association and sits on the budget committee for Student Government, overseeing a budget allocation of 20.3 million dollars. Terrell is also a member of the Faculty Senate and, last year represented UCF at a national case competition.

Terrell’s inspiration to reach for all of her accomplishments comes from the thought of becoming a mentor to the generation that comes after her. She knows the important role a good mentor can have in someone’s life, and is happy to have one in the Director of the Master of Health Administration program, Kourtney Nieves, PhD. Speaking about Dr. Nieves, Terrell states, “If I ever need to speak to her about what I should do when it comes to my career I speak to her. She has been in my corner cheering me on and being a great mentor from my first semester at UCF. I genuinely appreciate her.”

It is going that extra mile to make sure students are successful that Terrell appreciates the most about her program. Terrell came to UCF after earning a bachelor’s degree in health administration at St. John’s University in Queens, New York. In addition, to appreciating the effort that her program puts into helping its students, she also loves the diversity and inclusivity that makeup UCF. After graduating this summer, Kiana will be starting an administrative fellowship.