Key Takeaways
- Captain Darren Howard, an active-duty U.S. Air Force bioenvironmental engineer and father of four, pursued a Healthcare Leadership master’s degree at College of Professional Studies while balancing work and family responsibilities.
- He credits the program’s flexibility and support for enabling him and his wife to advance their education, even as they expanded their family through adoption.
- Darren’s story shows how DU’s online and evening programs help working professionals aim for ambitious roles, such as leading national healthcare policy organizations.
If anyone understands how to balance family life, work, and school, it’s Darren Howard. Father of four, active duty in the U.S. Air Force, and graduate student in University College’s Healthcare Leadership program, Darren is the epitome of going for your goals.
“Juggling student and family life has been challenging,” he said. “But this program accommodates those who live busy lives, and that’s why I chose University College.”
Both Darren and his wife are pursuing their educational goals while managing their family, which just got a bit bigger after they recently adopted Darren’s nephew after he spent two years in foster care. In addition to supporting his family, Darren also supports the health and wellbeing of his colleagues in his role as a bioenvironmental engineer.
Darren’s job duties include reducing health hazards in the workplace and using data to analyze the qualitative and quantitative factors of health risks on the base. One day, after retiring from the U.S. Air Force, Darren aims to lead a national healthcare policy organization as a CEO or serve as the Director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Darren’s master’s degree at University College will help him achieve these goals, along with his diverse previous experiences as a firefighter, EMT, and surgery technician.
“The program is at the forefront of the industry,” he said. Students in the Healthcare Leadership program study healthcare policy, data, and strategic leadership. One aspect of the program Darren enjoys most is working directly with faculty, including Academic Director Dr. Bobbie Kite.
“Darren is a humble and great person,” said Dr. Bobbie Kite. “He does so much and serves our country on top of it all — he’s a great example of the dedication and expertise of our students.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Darren Howard manage family, military service, and graduate school?
He relied on College of Professional Studies’s flexible course formats and supportive faculty to integrate study into an already full life. The program design allowed him to progress academically without sacrificing his responsibilities to his family or service.
What are his long-term career goals?
Howard aspires to lead at the national level in healthcare policy, potentially as a CEO or director in a federal health agency. His degree in Healthcare Leadership is a key step toward those goals.
What does his story say about DU’s programs for working adults?
It demonstrates that College of Professional Studies is designed for busy professionals who need flexible schedules and practical coursework. Students can pursue high-impact leadership roles while still honoring family and service commitments.
