For Mackenzie Schwaller, graduating from Mizzou College of Health Sciences represents more than earning a Master of Health Administration — it’s a testament to resilience.

“When I decided to enter the health field, others told me it wasn’t the right path,” she said. “Time and time again, I faced doubt. But graduating […] proves that when I set my mind to something, there is nothing I cannot do.”

The Vandalia, Missouri, native will touch on those experiences and more as the featured speaker during the College of Health Sciences commencement ceremony at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, in Jesse Auditorium.

Mackenzie had a somewhat unconventional path to success. While working full time at MU Health Care, she balanced rigorous coursework, health challenges, and personal commitments. Students in the Mizzou Executive MHA program combine distance learning and independent study with weekend sessions on campus, offering the flexibility that working professionals need to maintain full-time employment.

Reflecting on her journey, she admits there were times when she felt like giving up.

“Between working full time, juggling coursework, and managing personal commitments, there were days when I questioned whether I could keep going,” she said. “But I reminded myself that it wasn’t about avoiding the hard work — it was about pushing through it, one step at a time.”

Her perseverance extends beyond academics. Mackenzie also chaired the MU Health Care Staff Advisory Council and the Intercampus Staff Advisory Council for the UM System, presented at professional conferences, and volunteered in support of the Voluntary Action Center and the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri.

As the commencement speaker, she will emphasize the power of failure as a teaching tool. It was a lesson Mackenzie learned when she was 13 and experienced the failure of not making a high school team. In the face of disappointment, she gained valuable knowledge.

“My dad told me, ‘I’m glad you failed,’” she said. “Failure means you tried. Failure means you can get back up and be one step closer when you try again. Overcoming failure proves you can do hard things.”

Read on for a Q&A with Mackenzie Schwaller about the lessons she’s learned, the people who have supported her and her hopes for the future.

What does graduating from the Mizzou College of Health Sciences mean to you?

Graduating from the Mizzou College of Health Sciences signifies that I have made it. All my hard work has paid off. When I decided to enter the health field, others told me it wasn’t the right path for me. When I chose to go back to school for my master’s degree while working full time, I was told I wouldn’t be able to manage it and that the timing was wrong. Time and time again, I faced doubt. But graduating from the Mizzou College of Health Sciences proves that when I set my mind to something, there is nothing I cannot do.

What was one of your favorite classes within your degree track?

One of my favorite classes in the Executive MHA program was “Introduction to Health Care” with Brian Hensel. It was one of the first courses in the program, and after the initial class, I felt refreshed and excited about the potential to transform the future of health care.

Many people in the health care field can feel discouraged or overwhelmed by the system’s complexities, the current state of health care and the disparities our patients face. What made this class stand out was Brian Hensel’s encouragement. He inspired each student to believe that they could make meaningful changes to improve health care — regardless of their role — and to view challenges as opportunities.

What activities have you been involved in along the way?

I’ve been involved in quite a few. They include:

• Chair for MU Health Care Staff Advisory Council.
• Chair for Intercampus Staff Advisory Council for the UM System.
• Featured as a pharmacy technician spotlight for the Missouri Society of Health System Pharmacists.
• Presented on MU Health Care’s Pharmacy Transitions of Care Program at the Missouri Society of Health System Pharmacists conference.
• Member of the Dean’s executive cabinet.
• Board member for Lakeshire Estates homeowners association.
• Served on the leadership committee for Christian Campus House.
• Organized and facilitated MU Health Care Staff Advisory Council’s Staff. cookbook with proceeds donated to the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri in the Score Against Hunger campaign.
• Active volunteer at the Voluntary Action Center.
• Organized and facilitated “Coffee with the Chiefs” events at MU Health Care to give staff the opportunity to speak with executive leaders.

Who helped you during your college journey?

Throughout my college journey, my biggest supporters have been my husband, Chris, my parents, my family, friends and the leaders at MU Health Care. Their unwavering support made it all possible.

What memories stand out from your time at Mizzou?

Some of my favorite memories from my time at Mizzou revolve around the interactions with my peers and professors.

The Executive MHA program at Mizzou is unique because our cohorts are typically fewer than 20 people, each bringing years of diverse health care experience. The program encourages us to share our experiences, views, and insights in the classroom alongside the professors, leading to invaluable knowledge exchange. This approach brings real-world application to the topics we learn and has fostered many friendships for which I am incredibly grateful.

One memory that stands out is when some of our cohort met for dinner at a local restaurant in Columbia after class. We spent hours eating, laughing, and sharing stories from our lives, school, and careers.

Another standout memory is attending the MHA Fall Institute and witnessing a fellow colleague, who had graduated years before me, receive an award for their outstanding work in health care. It was incredibly encouraging to hear about the experiences of a friend and colleague who, thanks to their MHA degree and education, were able to make significant improvements in patient care.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to continue in my new role as an HR project specialist at MU Health Care, where I will have the opportunity to work and learn alongside an amazing leadership team. I also intend to pursue additional certifications and education to support my career growth, with the ultimate goal of becoming an administrative director and, eventually, a chief executive in health care.

What advice do you have for current and future students?

My advice for current and future students is to explore every opportunity, even if you fail at first; you can always try again in a different way.

I once heard an analogy that encourages me whenever things don’t go as planned. It’s like trying to catch a bus: You’re hoping and praying to make it on time. If you’re walking slowly or wasting time, it’s your fault for missing the bus. But if you’re running as fast as you can, prepared and giving it your all, and you still miss it — then that wasn’t your bus.

Each opportunity is a chance to prepare for your future, and your actions will determine whether you reach it.