![\"Florida](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1024x768_IANTIBBS3.jpg\")
Florida A&M University graduate Ian Tibbs poses at DaVita during his internship experience,\n a pivotal step in the journey that helped launch his professional career and prepare
\n him for graduate school. (Photo courtesy: Ian Tibbs)<\/p>\n
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. \u2014 Ian Tibbs came to Florida A&M University determined to carve out his own path.<\/p>\n
As a third-generation HBCU student from Nashville, Tennessee, attending an HBCU was
\n never really a question. His mother and grandparents all attended Alabama A&M University,
\n but Tibbs knew he wanted to create a legacy uniquely his own.<\/p>\n
\u201cGrowing up around strong examples of education and leadership from the generations
\n before me inspired me to create my own legacy by stepping outside of my comfort zone,
\n taking advantage of new opportunities, and continuing to grow into the healthcare
\n leader I hope to become,\u201d Tibbs said.<\/p>\n
That journey led him to the Highest of Seven Hills, where four years later, he leaves
\n not only with a degree in healthcare management from Florida A&M University\u2019s School
\n of Allied Health Sciences, but with a clearer vision of who he is and the impact he
\n hopes to make.<\/p>\n
Florida A&M University graduate Ian Tibbs poses at DaVita during his internship experience,
\n a pivotal step in the journey that helped launch his professional career and prepare
\n him for graduate school. (Photo courtesy: Ian Tibbs)<\/p>\n
In August, Tibbs will relocate to Denver for a full-time role with DaVita Kidney Care\u2019s
\n clinical strategy and implementation team. He also plans to pursue a master\u2019s degree
\n at Lipscomb University.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am ready and excited to step into a new position so that I can learn new things
\n and more about healthcare,\u201d Tibbs said. \u201cMy plans to prepare for graduate school are
\n to continue to build my leadership skills and learn more about the healthcare industry.\u201d<\/p>\n
But the path to that future was not always the one he imagined.<\/p>\n
Before Tibbs arrived at FAMU, healthcare was not part of the plan.<\/p>\n
Initially, he intended to study business. But as the world grappled with the COVID-19
\n pandemic, Tibbs saw something different.<\/p>\n
\u201cI started seeing everything happening in my community and realized I wanted to make
\n an impact,\u201d Tibbs said. \u201cThere aren\u2019t enough people of color in leadership roles in
\n healthcare administration, and I wanted to be someone who could help change that.\u201d<\/p>\n
FAMU became the place where he transformed that vision into action.<\/p>\n
\u201cFAMU taught me how to network, how to put myself out there and really step outside
\n of my comfort zone,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
![\"Florida](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1024x768_IANTIBBS5.jpg\")
Florida A&M University graduate Ian Tibbs poses outside the Lewis-Beck Allied Health
\n Building, reflecting the academic journey that helped prepare him for a career in
\n health care and graduate studies. (Photo courtesy: Ian Tibbs)<\/p>\n
As an honors student, Tibbs found connection through the Honors Student Association,
\n eventually becoming a peer leader who helped first-year students navigate the transition
\n from high school to college.<\/p>\n
He also became active in the Student Healthcare Management Association, where he helped
\n younger students better understand the demands of the major and the opportunities
\n available within the profession.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing involved taught me how important networking is, but also how important it is
\n to help other people along the way,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Tibbs carried that same commitment into his internships, gaining firsthand experience
\n in healthcare operations through opportunities in Nashville and with DaVita Kidney
\n Care, where he worked in procurement and sourcing.<\/p>\n
\u201cI realized how important the behind-the-scenes work really is,\u201d he said. \u201cMaking
\n sure dialysis centers had what they needed to operate showed me how much strategy
\n goes into healthcare.\u201d<\/p>\n
That experience led directly to the opportunity waiting for him after graduation.<\/p>\n
Tibbs credits much of his success to faculty mentors who challenged him to think bigger.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I had questions, ideas or needed guidance, they were there,\u201d Tibbs said. \u201cHaving
\n professors who genuinely invest in you makes a huge difference.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pia S. Woodly, Ph.D., DBA, instructor, MHA residency coordinator and BSHCM internship
\n coordinator, said Tibbs\u2019 growth throughout his time at FAMU reflected both his personal
\n character and professional promise.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring an annual Command Suite event where Ian delivered the invocation, it became
\n clear that his faith keeps him grounded and serves as a strong foundation for his
\n character, both academically and professionally,\u201d Woodly said.<\/p>\n
Like many students entering college, Tibbs was initially quiet and reserved, she said.
\n Over time, he became someone classmates genuinely enjoyed being around, known for
\n both his warm personality and strong work ethic.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis exceptional work ethic and strong potential were further refined through his
\n four professional development courses,\u201d Woodly said.<\/p>\n
When asked to describe his FAMU journey in one word, Tibbs chose \u201crewarding.\u201d<\/p>\n
Because somewhere between finding his passion, stepping outside of his comfort zone,
\n mentoring younger students and securing a post-graduation opportunity many aspire
\n toward, Tibbs built something lasting.<\/p>\n
His advice for students still finding their footing is simple:<\/p>\n
\u201cBe positive, be yourself and don\u2019t let nobody take your shine away.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Ian](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1024x768_IANTIBBS6.jpg\")
Ian Tibbs, a Florida A&M University healthcare management graduate, leaves the Highest
\n of Seven Hills with plans to begin a healthcare leadership role in Denver and continue
\n his education in graduate school. (Photo Courtesy: Ian Tibbs)<\/p>\n
Media Contact:<\/p>\n
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist\u00a0
ashley1.flete@famu.edu<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n