Alumni Spotlight Christopher Jett, Hospital Administrator, USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital

I was fortunate to be able to attend the Mitchell College of Business from 2002-2006.  It is interesting to look back on that time and remember how you felt while completing your education, and then reflecting on how those four years have helped set the course of your life.  During the time I was in school, I remember the struggle.  I remember professors pushing us to what I felt like was beyond our limits.  I remember desiring to do well, in terms of grades, but also in terms of learning all that I could while I had this opportunity.  Looking back, there was no way I could have known the incredible foundation that was being built, a foundation that would serve me for the rest of my education and the rest of my career.

After graduating from South Alabama, I was fortunate to be able to continue my education and obtain both an MBA and a Master’s degree in Health Administration.  Within my first few weeks of graduate school, I vividly remember for the first time appreciating how well I had been prepared at South Alabama.  I was able to hit the ground running so to speak on concepts, and continue to build on my knowledge in a way that would not have been possible had I not had such a quality base to build from.  At South, I was taught the importance of working hard to achieve your goals, but I was also taught that there are people who want to help and be a part of you achieving those goals.  It was apparent that professors personally invested in their students, and I hope they enjoy the reward of seeing those investments mature over the years.

I have been very fortunate in my career, and am honored that I was able to return to Mobile and serve at our Children’s and Women’s Hospital.  “Success” is sometimes explained by being in the right place at the right time, but I don’t see that as being anywhere close to the whole story.  In my opinion success is a result of years of preparation and effort, all while having a future goal in mind.  Though it is difficult to see when you are going through it, this preparation is essential to ensure that you are ready to open the door when opportunity knocks.  There is no way to plan every step of your life, but you can look to the future and make wise decisions that will help you reach your goals.   I am thankful that I made the decision to attend the Mitchell College of Business, as it is a decision that truly helped set the course of my life.