Alumnus Profile: Blake Dye

Having an internal medicine physician and a cardiologist as a father, Blake A. Dye was often encouraged to become a physician. Yet, the thought of becoming a doctor did not appeal to him. It was witnessing his father’s unique relationship with hospital administration and the rewards of being in healthcare that ultimately inspired Dye, leading him to pursue a career in healthcare administration. He received his BS in Public Health with a concentration in Health Administration in 1979 and his MS in Health Administration in 1981, both from what is now the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health at IUPUI. 

One semester before graduating with his MSHA, he began working in human resources at Henry County Hospital where he served for 31 years in various roles, including more than a decade as the president and chief executive officer. He thinks fondly of his role as the Director of Human Resources at Henry County Hospital and recommends that everyone begins their career as a healthcare administrator in HR. 

“It’s an awesome responsibility,” Dye said. “In any given day, it humbles you to think about serving individuals in a life and death situation.” This awesome responsibility has transformed throughout his career, which is why he highlights the need for practicing individuals to enter the field understanding that change and uncertainty will occur throughout their professional lives. 

He also encourages future leaders to have a strong understanding of data analytics. As a self-proclaimed, late careerist, Dye highlighted that data analytics is a skillset that he needed to master mid-career. Leaders need to analyze data and be able to put it into the process improvement arena.  Emphasizing that his professional relationships helped him master this skillset, he encourages others to rely on their peers and to be a good peer.

“This is a relationship business,” he said. “Learn everything you can from individuals who are steadfast rocks in the industry. Talk around, look around and try to get an audience with individuals that are rocks in the industry, whether they are in Indiana, Ohio or Texas.”

One individual Dye relies upon is his mentor, Jack Basler. Basler recognized Dye’s ability to serve and lead early in his tenure at Henry County Hospital.  Dye feels grateful for his influence and mentorship which prepared him to excel in his career. He encourages practitioners to recognize limitations and weaknesses in their skillset and surround themselves with individuals they can learn from, as well as individuals who complement their skill set.