BIMS graduate Jason Jennings named CEO of Scott & White Hospital, College Station
Jason Jennings, a ’95 graduate of the Texas A&M University biomedical sciences program, or BIMS, is currently serving as the chief executive officer for the Baylor Scott & White Hospital, College Station region, which celebrated its one-year anniversary in August 2014.
“When the decision was made to build a new hospital in College Station, a team was made up of administrators, clinicians and others, and I,” said Jennings. “Shortly after we started the design of the hospital, I was awarded the position of Chief Executive Officer.”
Prior to this appointment, Jennings served as the Chief Operating Officer for Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center (HBMC), one of 13 hospitals and hospital partners in the Scott & White Healthcare System. During this time, the hospital experienced double-digit growth in admissions, surgeries, births, and financial metrics.
“Upon graduating from physical therapy school, I took a job as a staff physical therapist in Longview, Texas. However, after a short time period, I was promoted to oversee the rehab operation,” said Jennings. “As I continued to work in an administrative position, I realized that I needed more knowledge and understanding on the business/finance side of operations; therefore, I went back to school to earn an MBA.”
After graduating from Texas A&M with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences, Jennings earned his master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston followed by a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Texas at Tyler.
“The decision to move from physical therapy to administration was not made overnight. In fact, it was from a series of events in my professional career,” said Jennings. “Working my way up from a staff physical therapist to now a CEO, I think the experience of delivering care one-on-one to patients definitely benefits me in my current role.”
Jennings is also board certified by the American College of Health Executives, a major professional achievement characterized by a commitment to ethics, continuous learning, helping others through mentoring and networking, and advancing the field through active participation in civic and community affairs.
“I continue to be impressed by our former students and the significant roles they play in shaping current and future healthcare,” said Dr. Elizabeth Crouch, assistant dean for undergraduate education at the CVM, who runs the BIMS program.
The BIMS program at Texas A&M intends to prepare students at the college level for productive futures and provides students with fundamental knowledge on which to build skills needed for successful vocational achievements.
“The education that I received at Texas A&M through the BIMS program established a strong foundation for my postgraduate studies and thus a career in healthcare,” said Jennings. “My advice for BIMS students is to seek out a career that you have passion for and the passion will continue. We have the opportunity to touch and impact people’s lives in so many ways; I have truly been blessed.”
