Future healthcare leaders begin their journey at Moorhead

The U.S. is aging fast. By 2030, more than 70 million Americans will be over 65, and the healthcare system needs leaders who aren't just ready but eager to step up. Two students at Minnesota State Moorhead, Avery Steffen and Alexys Van Dusen, are doing exactly that. The Dragon duo are getting involved in prestigious internships not to pad resumes, but to shape the next era of senior care.

Avery, a 2024 graduate with a dual bachelor's degrees in Healthcare Management & Leadership and Leadership & Innovation in Aging Studies is just getting started. She's now continuing her journey in Moorhead's unique 3+2 Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program.

Avery just started an intensive, paid internship with Good Samaritan Sanford as an Administrator in Training (AIT). This opportunity is a direct pipeline to licensure as a nursing home administrator, a credential that opens doors to leading long-term care facilities across the country.

The opportunity didn't fall into her lap. Avery discovered the position through a class assignment that turned into a career plan.

"All the opportunities the faculty have given me, like participating in research, doing graduate assistant work, and then just the interactive, online classes have helped me gain the leadership skills needed for this program," Avery says.

Meanwhile, Alexys recently graduated in Spring 2025 with her BS in Healthcare Management & Leadership. Following graduation, Alexys has secured a position with the Management Associate Program at Touchmark. This 18-to-24-month training program gives participants a comprehensive view of senior living operations by rotating through multiple departments, ultimately preparing them to take on a full-time leadership role within the organization.

"Moorhead's commitment to the healthcare management program helps students gain leadership skills and earn real-world experiences, which will be crucial to myself and other healthcare leaders in their future careers," Alexys said.

Both Avery and Alexys credit Moorhead for providing more than just a quality education; it's the mentorship and real-world preparation that set them apart.

"Even if you're an online student, Moorhead gives you the same opportunities as in-person students," Alexys adds. "That's something I really value."

One mentor in particular, Dr. Jitendra Singh, had a powerful influence on both students. Through his guidance, Alexys learned about the opportunity at Touchmark. Singh speaks highly of both students, noting not just their academic excellence but their passion for service and leadership.

"Avery and Alexys are exceptional students who have truly embodied the spirit of excellence throughout their academic journey at Moorhead," Singh says. "Both have actively volunteered with community organizations and local healthcare facilities, demonstrating a strong commitment to service. They have also led and completed important research projects, presenting and publishing their findings at international conferences and in prestigious journals."

As proud Dragons, Avery and Alexys are blazing trails in healthcare leadership and long-term care. The duo are part of a new generation of leaders stepping up to meet one of the country's most urgent challenges: caring for an aging population. With the guidance, grit, and real preparation they found at Moorhead, they're not just ready for what's next. They're ready to lead the charge.