James W. Butler III Administrative Fellowship

Administrative Fellowship

James W. Butler III

The James W. Butler III Administrative Fellowship is an immersive two-year (24-month) program meticulously designed to empower hospital administrators from diverse backgrounds with the skills and perspective needed to shape the future of healthcare. Our Fellowship places a strong emphasis on high-impact project work that aligns with institutional goals while nurturing essential healthcare leadership competencies. The Administrative Fellow will also support Executive-Level meetings to observe firsthand enterprise management and decision making. The cornerstone of the Fellowship at University of Michigan Health (University of Michigan Health-Sparrow & University of Michigan Health-West) is the opportunity to immediately participate and directly add value to institutional priorities working alongside health system leadership. Our Fellowship program is dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous learning and is unwavering in its commitment to developing the most promising talent for healthcare leadership. We also provide unique opportunities to explore the realm of academic medicine, making this a transformative experience for emerging healthcare leaders.

University of Michigan Health-Sparrow is Mid-Michigan’s premier health care organization and includes hospitals in Lansing, Carson City, Charlotte, Ionia and St. Johns, as well as UM Health-Sparrow Specialty Hospital, Care Network, the Michigan Athletic Club, and AL!VE. UM Health-Sparrow is part of University of Michigan Health. Through the dedication of our 10,000 team members, UM Health-Sparrow pursues a vision to be nationally recognized as a leader in quality and patient experience.

Note: The James W. Butler III Administrative Fellowship is tailored specifically to the needs of individuals of under-represented backgrounds who are recent graduates of a master’s program in Healthcare Administration, MBA, Public Health, or advanced degree equivalent to these studies, pursuing careers in healthcare administration.

“If I make it back, I will give it back.”

Fellowship Structure

The program structure revolves around a project-based approach, wherein the fellow is tasked with spearheading and contributing to various impactful initiatives within the healthcare organization. The fellow will be exposed to a diverse range of projects spanning areas such as quality improvement, operational efficiency, healthcare policy analysis, patient experience enhancement, and strategic planning. The projects will align with your unique healthcare and career interests, offering opportunities for cross-collaboration across the region (University of Michigan Health-Sparrow & University of Michigan Health-West). 

The Administrative Fellow will work closely with senior leaders, administrators, and subject matter experts, collaborating on real-time projects that have a direct impact on the organization's operations, patient care, and overall healthcare delivery. This hands-on experience allows fellows to develop a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges within the healthcare system while fostering innovative solutions and best practices.

Throughout the 24-month fellowship, you will also gain exposure to:

  • Individualized Learning Opportunities 
  • 360 Degree Feedback 
  • Executive Leadership Exposure 

James W. Butler III Administrative Fellowship Spotlight Video

Meet Our Current Fellow

Jared Coleman, a Kalamazoo native, began his healthcare career at Bronson Healthcare where he served as a Contract Specialist in Supply Chain focused on Surgical Services. Coleman also spent time with the Bronson Health Foundation, where he helped to align philanthropic efforts with organizational needs. Coleman holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Michigan University. Coleman is a two-time honoree of “The 30”; a publication that recognizes emerging business leaders, proud member of American College of Healthcare Executives & continues to dedicate his time to Western Michigan University as a member of the Health Administration Advisory Council.

Coleman decided to pursue the James W. Butler III Administrative Fellowship because it provided a unique platform to explore healthcare, while making a direct impact within the system and community. He believes development of progressive and compassionate leadership is crucial for current and future success.
As a Fellow at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow, Coleman has rotations with departments throughout the health system, exposure to senior leadership, operational experiences, and participation in overall strategic healthcare management. He also assists in the development and implementation of long-term goals and objectives for the health system by working closely with University of Michigan Health-Sparrow business units, departments, entities, and team members.

Coleman plans to pursue a career that aligns healthcare operations, strategic planning & supply chain.  As Coleman continues his Fellowship and leadership journey, he will strive to lead impactful systemic change through the building of authentic relationships. As the industry continues its transition from volume-based care to value-based care he recognizes we will need innovators and thought leaders to drive the efficiencies required to thrive in the new model.

Jared Coleman Bio Photo

Name
Jared Coleman

National Origin
African American

Training
Bachelor of Business Administration and MBA from Western Michigan University

Contact
Jared.Coleman@UMHSparrow.org

James W. Butler III

The Administrative Fellowship is named in honor of James W. Butler III, a well-respected and beloved community member who served on the University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Board of Directors. He championed access to high-quality care for the most vulnerable and believed in creating platforms to guide the success of others.

Mr. Butler passed away on Aug. 7, 2020. University of Michigan Health-Sparrow continues to keep his work and legacy alive while embracing and building an understanding of diversity in healthcare, resulting in the creation of the James W. Butler Administrative Fellowship. The Fellowship continues his legacy, preparing hospital administrators of diverse backgrounds and perspectives to meet the future of health care with empathy, understanding, and compassion.

Mr. Butler’s widow, Rishan, is a dedicated advocate for the Administrative Fellowship program. Despite her husband's passing, she continues to support the cause through generous donations, ensuring the program's continuity and success.

 

Application Timeline, Eligibility & Requirements

University of Michigan Health-Sparrow is committed to developing a diverse and collaborative environment. A select number of applicants will be called for phone interviews. Upon completion of phone interviews, top selected candidates will be scheduled for onsite interviews. The final selection will be made shortly after the onsite interviews are completed.

Applications for the 2025 James W. Butler III Administrative Fellowship program will be accepted beginning June 1, 2024. Applications are due by 5 p.m. EST on September 27, 2024.

To be considered for the James W. Butler III Administrative Fellowship, please submit your application via the NAFCAS portal or email it as a single PDF to jared.coleman@umhsparrow.org. A completed application must include:

  1. Statement of Purpose
    One page statement of Career Goals and Objectives that specifies:
    • Why do you want to be an Administrative Fellow at University Michigan Health-Sparrow?
    • How do you think the James W. Butler III Administrative Fellowship program will develop you personally and professionally to pursue your short and long-term goals?
    • How has your previous experience (academic and/or professional) influenced your envisioned contribution to the Fellowship program and University of Michigan Health-Sparrow?
    • What is something about you that makes you unique or that you would otherwise like us to know about yourself?
    • What stimulated your interest in healthcare?
  2. Cover Letter
  3. Resume: Up to 2 pages
  4. Transcripts: Official graduate degree program transcripts.
  5. Letters of Recommendation: Provide three (3) letters of recommendation, including at least one professional and one academic.

If you have any questions about the application process or general inquiries, please reach out to Jared Coleman at Jared.Coleman@UMHSparrow.org.