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Ben Spedding, DHA

Program Director, Health Administration

Career highlights

  • 20-plus years of experience in healthcare and social services
  • Experience in both provider and purchaser organizations
  • Expertise in behavioral health, mental health and disabilities
  • Leader in service delivery innovation and operational improvement
  • Proven record of bridging industry needs with academic program design
  • Member of the American College of Healthcare Executives

Biography

Since 2015, Dr. Spedding has served as the academic program director of Health Administration for Capella University. He provides vision for both the graduate and undergraduate programs while also managing day-to-day operations. Dr. Spedding received a Doctor of Health Administration degree from Central Michigan University in 2012. His 20-plus years of experience include work in healthcare and social services in areas such as behavioral health, mental health and disabilities. He also works with business partners and stakeholders across Capella University and Strategic Education, Inc. on broader student-centered initiatives, as well as with advisory board and strategic business partners to influence thought leadership within the business of healthcare.

Real-world challenges

  • Navigating complex healthcare delivery systems 
  • Aligning services with evolving industry demands 
  • Improving efficiency and outcomes in healthcare operations

Current professional practice

  • Academic program director of Health Administration at Capella University

Academic and professional distinctions

  • Doctor of Health Administration (DHA)
  • Counseling (MA)
  • National Certified Counselor (NCC)
  • American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) member

Research and thought leadership

Focus areas

  • Healthcare administration and leadership 
  • Service delivery innovation 
  • Aligning education with industry needs  

Scholarly contributions and industry impact

  • Focus on practical solutions to improve healthcare systems 
  • Preparing leaders to navigate complex and changing environments
  • Subject-matter expert on healthcare administration, AI in healthcare, value-based care and healthcare operations

Teaching philosophy

Dr. Spedding takes a scholar-practitioner approach to teaching to help bridge academic theory with real-world experience. He emphasizes practical, relevant and applied learning, helping students connect classroom concepts to the challenges they will encounter in professional settings. He focuses on developing the knowledge, skills and judgment students will need to become effective leaders in their organizations and communities.

What students can expect

Students will use real-world healthcare scenarios and operational challenges to help connect theory to leadership decision-making in complex systems.

Build skills

  • Leadership and strategic thinking 
  • Healthcare operations management 
  • Navigating complex systems and change

Get support

  • Build on the professional experience you already have
  • Experience relevant, career-applicable learning
  • Guidance toward potential leadership roles in healthcare

Dr. Spedding’s eye on the future

Healthcare professionals will continue to be challenged by growing system complexity. The ongoing demand for innovation and improved efficiencies will become increasingly important. Industry needs and workforce expectations will also continue to evolve.

Key skills for future success include strategic leadership, adaptability and resilience, systems thinking and an ability to drive innovation.

 

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