DES MOINES, IOWA (December 7, 2023) — Drake University is excited to announce a new partnership with the Iowa chapter of HOSA Future Health Professionals (formerly Health Occupations Students of America) that is set to reshape the landscape of health-sciences education in the state. This collaboration will advance the commitment to nurture future leaders in a time where the demand for health-care professionals is near all-time highs.
Through this innovative partnership, Drake University will leverage its excellence in health-care education to provide management services to Iowa HOSA. This collaboration will encompass a wide range of support, including program development, meeting and event coordination, educational resources, and more. Under the agreement, Alisa Drapeaux, Assistant Professor of Health Sciences at Drake University, has been appointed as the Iowa HOSA Director.
Drapeaux brings a vast amount of experience and expertise as a physical therapist, health-care administrator, and health-sciences educator. Drapeaux will bring a unique vision to her role as the Director of Iowa HOSA and will guide the organization toward its mission of equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and passion to excel in health-care careers. Drapeaux's appointment underscores Drake University’s commitment to nurturing young talent and enhancing health-care leadership within Iowa HOSA.
"This partnership is an important milestone for both Drake University and Iowa HOSA," said Renae Chesnut, Dean and Professor of Pharmacy Practice at the Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. "By combining the strengths of our institution with the energy and potential of Iowa HOSA students, we are poised to make a profound impact on the future of health-care in our state. Alisa Drapeaux's leadership will be instrumental in guiding this partnership to success."
One of the standout features of this partnership is the active involvement of students from the Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. These students will have the opportunity to provide services, gain real-world experience, and contribute to the betterment of health-care in Iowa. The partnership will also benefit from the University’s own HOSA chapter — the only chapter in the state housed at a four-year institution.
"We are thrilled to embark on this partnership with Drake University, as it marks a significant step for Iowa HOSA,” said Patty Pettit, President of the Iowa HOSA chapter. “With Drake's expertise and dedication to education and the experience of Alisa Drapeaux, we are confident that this collaboration will elevate our organization and provide unparalleled opportunities and support for our members.
This collaboration is a testament to the commitment of both organizations to advancing health-care education and preparing students for careers in a rapidly evolving field. It also underscores the dedication of Drake University and Iowa HOSA to the betterment of health-care and the nurturing of leadership and talent in the health care sector.
About Drake University:
Drake University is recognized as one of the finest national liberal-arts universities. A distinctive and distinguished private university in Des Moines, Iowa, Drake enrolls nearly 3,000 undergraduate and more than 1,800 graduate students. Students choose from more than seventy majors, minors, and concentrations and twenty graduate degrees offered through seven colleges and schools. In addition, Drake offers a range of continuing education programs serving working professionals, community members, and area businesses. Drake recognizes the importance of its location in Iowa’s capital city and seeks to connect its teaching and learning to the wealth of cultural, recreational, and business resources it provides. At the same time, it weaves global thinking and intercultural learning into everything it does, preparing students to lead in an increasingly interconnected world.
About Iowa HOSA:
HOSA Future Health Professionals is a health-care organization that has been dedicated to empowering young leaders and inspiring the next generation of health professionals since 1975. Through competitions, conferences, and more, Iowa HOSA Future Health Professionals provides its 250,000+ members with diverse opportunities to engage with and learn about the various avenues in health-care. This organization strives to build a community for students across the state who are passionate about health-care and provide them with a safe space to grow and cultivate the skills necessary for entering the medical field.
