WCU wins awards at 2024 MSHIMA Conference

William Carey University’s Health Information Management program came away from this summer’s 2024 MSHIMA Conference with three major awards.

MSHIMA stands for Mississippi Health Information Management Association. Its 800 members work in many health care settings, including hospitals, insurance companies, law firms, public health organizations, and educational institutions. They play crucial roles in ensuring the accuracy, privacy, and accessibility of patient information.

Dr. Alicia Watts is director of WCU’s Health Information Management program. She won MSHIMA’s Educator Award, which honors instructors who demonstrate excellence in preparing a new generation of students for careers in Health Information Management.

“I’m proud of how well William Carey was represented by both faculty and students receiving awards this year – especially Dr. Alicia Watts. We believe this program is providing vital graduates to the healthcare systems in our state, and she is a key part of that,” said Dr. Janet Williams, vice president of WCU Health Sciences.

Two recent graduates of WCU’s Health Information Management (HIM) program also received awards:

• Devoskiea Poole of Hattiesburg received the Rising Star Award, presented to a gifted student or promising professional who embodies the bright future of the HIM profession. He earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Health Information Management from William Carey University.
• Mallory Pennington of Pontotoc received the Mentor Award for people who encourage students or colleagues to realize their full potential. She earned a master’s degree in Health Information Management from WCU.

HIM faculty member Dr. Jude Haney congratulated WCU’s award-winners.

“Dr. Watts has been a great addition to our faculty due to her expertise in how HIM is applied to make changes in healthcare. Mrs. Pennington works as an instructor at Itawamba Community College and has helped lead MSHIMA into a new era of health information as a member of its board. Mr. Poole was an incredible asset to WCU as an all-star student, and now makes a difference through his work at Forrest General Hospital,” Haney said.

The 2024 MSHIMA Conference was held June 19-21 in Gulfport. It included only six special awards recognizing outstanding contributions by its members to Health Information Management in Mississippi.