CHS Professor Presents at 2026 Singletary Leadership Conference

Karen Clancy, Ph.D., MBA, BHS, associate professor and program director of Clinical Leadership and Management in the College of Health Sciences, was recently invited to present at the 2026 Singletary Leadership Conference hosted by the Lewis Honors College on Saturday, Feb. 28.

Clancy delivered a presentation titled “Discovering Your Pathways to Healthcare Leadership,” where she explored leadership principles and their application across healthcare settings. She emphasized key competencies including communication, critical thinking, adaptability and teamwork, while offering practical strategies to help students develop leadership skills as they prepare for professional practice.

“When I was asked to present, I saw it as a great opportunity to discuss leadership in healthcare with future healthcare professionals,” Clancy said. “Our students will lead improvements in patient care and influence how teams and organizations operate.”

The one-day conference brought together students and leaders from across Kentucky for a day of connection, learning and professional growth. Attendees heard from speakers representing a wide range of industries, perspectives and leadership styles, including undergraduate students from the College of Health Sciences.

Clancy, who also serves as director of undergraduate studies, brings extensive healthcare leadership experience to her academic role. Her career includes leadership positions with UK HealthCare, the Markey Cancer Center and Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital, among others. She integrates this professional background into her teaching, connecting classroom learning with real-world practice.

She earned her doctorate in higher education from the University of Kentucky College of Education, along with a Master of Business Administration from Morehead State University and a Bachelor of Health Sciences from the University of Kentucky. Her academic and professional achievements have been recognized with multiple honors, including the College of Health Sciences Hall of Fame Alumni Award.

The Singletary Leadership Conference continues to serve as a platform for inspiring the next generation of leaders across disciplines, highlighting the importance of leadership development in shaping the future workforce.

“One thing that I hope students took away from the presentation is that leadership is a way of thinking, regardless of the role,” Clancy said. “It’s about making a difference, wherever you are.”