FACULTY PROFILE: A Conversation with Professor John Wiercinski

By: Kelly Nee '23, student correspondent

Professor John Wiercinski, MHA, FACHE, is a full-time Faculty Specialist in the graduate and undergraduate programs for Health Administration and Human Resources in the J. A. Panuska College of Professional Studies. Wiercinski '83 earned a Master of Hospital and Health Administration from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Bachelor of Science at The University of Scranton. Prior to joining the University full time in 2016, Wiercinski worked as a healthcare administrator for more than 30 years. 

Here, he discusses the importance of a degree in healthcare administration, what it means to receive a Jesuit education, and the benefits of the accredited healthcare administration program here at the university.

How do you think the university's Jesuit mission has impacted your time as a professor?

"I am a product of a Jesuit high school and Jesuit universities for both for my undergrad and graduate degrees, so I clearly believe in the Jesuit focus on education and making a difference in the lives of others. I believe that a Jesuit education comes with a unique identity in focusing on a transformative educational experience. The focus of the Ignatian tradition is essential to developing individuals who are committed to the betterment of humanity.

In our pursuit of educational excellence, we hope to reinforce the characteristics of truth, ethics, and that decency toward others is not mutually exclusive of our selected professional work. A Jesuit education brings with it a responsibility of helping students connect with a commitment to a higher power through being servant leaders and having a positive impact on the world in which we live."

What is your favorite comment ever received on a course evaluation?

"I appreciate all the comments but one that stuck with me was: "Your course was life changing, not only for what I learned, but also for how I should embrace life."

Why should students consider a major in HEalthcare administration?

"Healthcare affects everyone, and it should be viewed as a basic right for everyone. I feel that our program teaches the importance of providing high-quality, cost-effective healthcare through managing the delivery of the continuum of services that we call the healthcare system. Throughout society, healthcare is at the core of a healthy, productive, and progressive population.

The program at The University of Scranton is one of the most recognized in the country, CAHME accredited, and staffed by a group of professors and adjuncts who have dedicated their lives to making a difference in the delivery of these services.  A degree in healthcare administration exposes students to managerial principles, varied delivery platforms, medical ethics, financial analysis, human resources, strategic planning, healthcare law, marketing, and most importantly, being involved in a career that positively affects the lives of others."

What do you specifically bring to your department?

"Probably a question better answered by my students and colleagues. Having a fair amount of experience over a 30-plus year career as a healthcare administrator, I feel that I bring a level of expertise and understanding to the classroom through my teaching style."

How would you describe your personal teaching philosophy?

"My teaching philosophy involves so much more than the course content and what students find in their assigned textbooks. I also believe in teaching life lessons. I like to let students know (through my personal experience) that at times the world will not be perfect, and that one bad experience or chapter in their life does not necessarily represent the rest of the book.

I like to teach students that we can't control everything, but we can control how we respond to those situations. It's more important how we mend ourselves during those times of brokenness that matter. I am blessed to be able to pass on my healthcare expertise as well as the trial, tribulations, and survival of the human spirit. In essence, the Japanese definition of Kintsugi: That we can be more beautiful for having been broken."

What has been the biggest accomplishment of your career?

"I never accept sole credit for any accomplishments I achieved as a hospital administrator. Employees never worked for me, they worked with me. It was that collective approach in providing healthcare services to communities, improving the viability of financially-stressed healthcare facilities, and providing much needed healthcare services to underserved communities that were accomplishments.  With that said, I think my biggest accomplishment is now, through the ability to connect with my students. As an instructor, I believe that my responsibility does not end in the classroom. Being present for others is an accomplishment."

Meet Professor John Wiercinski

A fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, John Wiercinski also was past Regional Pennsylvania Delegate to the American Hospital Association. Currently he serves on the boards of the St. Joseph Center Foundation, Lackawanna/Susquehanna Behavioral Health Intellectual Disabilities Early Intervention Program, and The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. He was past board chairperson for both The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and Lackawanna College. 

Prior to joining the University full time in 2016, Wiercinski worked as a healthcare administrator for more than 30 years, most recently as Regional Vice President for Geisinger Northeast. Previously, he was President/CEO for Shamokin Area Community Hospital, and COO for Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Wiercinski also served as Director of the Bureau of Health Planning for Governor Robert Casey, and as an Assistant Administrator/Captain at U.S. Air Force Hospital, Dover, Delaware.

On the Lighter Side

Wiercinski was recently asked to be the Faculty Mentor to the University's women's volleyball team. He described this role as "an incredibly rewarding experience."

Who is your favorite musician?

"Bob Dylan. An individual whose lyrics and writings influenced so many in this world, that he was awarded the Noble Prize in literature. His contribution to music, moral issues, and conscience is unparalleled in history. The poet of a generation."