15 Mar 2021 UCA names director of operations for IHSB Interprofessional Teaching Center

The University of Central Arkansas has named Brandi Keith director of operations for the Interprofessional Teaching Center (ITC) in the new Integrated Health Sciences Building. 

In this role, Keith is responsible for the overall administration of clinical services for the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences (CHBS), including services and programs provided by the newly developed ITC and the Speech-Language-Hearing Center. She will develop a vision and strategic plan and direct activities of the ITC, ensuring and maintaining provider payer enrollment and coordinating clinic scheduling and outreach operations with diverse populations, students and faculty from multiple disciplines. 

She began this role on Feb. 16 and reports to Nancy Reese, dean of the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences.  

“We are thrilled to have Ms. Keith as part of our team here in the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences,” said Reese. “She will be integral to the success of our Interprofessional Teaching Center and to our ability to positively impact the health of Arkansans in this part of the state.”

Prior to joining UCA, Keith worked at Conway Regional Health System for five years, where she served in administration in marketing, business development and wellness. For the past two years, she led the wellness initiatives for the health system, including diabetes education, men’s health and bariatric programs. 

Keith received a bachelor’s degree from UCA and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration.

“The facility will equip future health care professionals with the skills to collaborate across disciplines, and I’m thrilled to be a part of creating such a unique learning environment,” said Keith. “UCA is a pillar of the community, and it’s an honor to return to my alma mater and serve in this role.”

The ITC, located on the first floor of the new Integrated Health Sciences Building, is a 10,000-square-foot space that includes private examination/counseling rooms, a therapy gym, a pediatric therapy room, an area for assisting clients with activities of daily living and a community classroom with a teaching kitchen for cooking classes, client education and classes for the public. The facility will allow students in nursing and other health professions to learn and work alongside each other instead of independently, creating a modern health care team. The facility is set to open this fall. 

“We are excited to have been able to onboard someone as we prepare to open this exciting new educational, clinical and outreach opportunity for our students, faculty and the Conway community,” said Patricia Poulter, provost and executive vice president.