Dennis Cleaver, MHSA '79

Executive Director

Seniors Health Strategic Clinical Network™, Alberta Health Services

Dennis Cleaver was in his third year of a business program when he realized that he wanted and needed a master's degree to secure a leadership position in health care.

"At the time, there was a growing tendency to recruit senior executives that had a master's degree," explains Cleaver. "I applied to the master of health services administration program on the recommendation of someone working in the health-care system-it was a great opportunity."

Now, Cleaver is a seasoned health-care professional having served in senior executive and consulting positions for more than 35 years. He has served as a chief executive officer, vice-president and consultant in Alberta, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories.

"Health-care leadership requires a unique talent and you can never be complacent about your skills," says Cleaver. "Throughout my career I have been able to effect change that impacts the health status of large groups of people."

"Even though health care continues to become more complex and political, the sense of accomplishment can be very rewarding."

(Last updated October, 2017)
MHSA Program

The University of Alberta offered the master of health services administration degree program from 1968 until 1995 and saw more than 300 students graduate from the program. During this period, it achieved a high standard of excellence and was accredited three times. Alumni continue to hold leadership positions in virtually every sector of health care, including acute care, long-term care, government, academia and the private sector.