Virgina Holman '20, '22

Safeguarding Research 

Virginia Holman knew she wanted a career in healthcare. What she didn't know when she arrived at Stockton was exactly where she would fit within the vast healthcare landscape.
Today, Holman ’20, MBA-HAL ’22, serves as a Clinical Research Quality Assurance Specialist at Cooper University Health Care, where she helps ensure clinical research is conducted ethically, safely and in the best interests of patients. Her path to that role began at Stockton.
As a student, Holman was drawn to healthcare but also recognized her strengths extended beyond traditional clinical roles. 

"Stockton gives people a lot of opportunities to find what they're interested in," she said. "There are so many options, and they really help students explore them."
After transferring from Atlantic Cape Community College, Holman declared her major as Health Science and began exploring the many career paths available. She appreciated how the curriculum connected students with opportunities across South Jersey's healthcare network, from hospitals and health departments to internships and mentors.

A Member of the First MBA Healthcare Administration and Leadership Cohort

Immediately after completing her Bachelor of Science in Health Science, Holman was admitted to the inaugural cohort of Stockton's MBA in Healthcare Administration and Leadership program.
The experience brought together recent graduates and seasoned healthcare professionals from organizations across the region, creating a unique learning environment that exposed students to a diverse array of perspectives.
"We had people from so many different backgrounds," she said. "Some of us were just coming out of undergrad, while others had years of experience in healthcare leadership roles."
The program provided a comprehensive look at healthcare administration, covering everything from healthcare economics and policy to hospital operations, finance and regulatory systems.

"It gave me exposure to so many different aspects of healthcare that people don't always think about," she said. "There are so many professionals working behind the scenes to make healthcare systems function."
One of the most influential parts of her Stockton experience came through the mentorship of faculty members who challenged students to think critically about healthcare policy and its impact on communities.
Among those mentors was Ron Caplan, whose Public Health courses helped spark her interest in healthcare policy and economics.
"He was probably the most influential professor I had," she said. "I gained so much knowledge from his courses, and they still shape how I think about healthcare today."
Although her career took a different direction than healthcare policy, the lessons she learned continue to inform her work and advocacy.
"I still care deeply about understanding what's happening in healthcare and how it affects people in our communities," she said.

Protecting Patients Through Research

Today, Holman's work at Cooper University Health Care focuses on protecting the rights and safety of individuals who participate in clinical research.
As a Clinical Research Quality Assurance Specialist within Cooper's Human Research Protection Program, she reviews clinical trials and research studies to ensure they comply with federal regulations, institutional policies and ethical standards.
"My role is really about protecting research participants and maintaining the integrity and quality of the research being conducted," she said.
Holman oversees clinical trials, reviews research processes and works alongside investigators to ensure studies are being carried out as approved.
"Patients are putting their trust in us when they participate in research," she said. "It's important that we honor that trust and protect their rights."
Her journey to the role began shortly after graduation, when she joined Cooper as an Institutional Review Board (IRB) Analyst. From there, she advanced through several positions that expanded her knowledge of research compliance and collaboration between healthcare institutions.

Making an Impact in South Jersey

Beyond academics, Holman found meaningful experiences through community engagement. One opportunity involved tutoring students at the Pleasantville Public Library through a volunteer initiative initiated by her MBA-HAL cohort.
The experience broadened her understanding of the challenges that exist across communities in South Jersey.
"It opened our eyes to different communities and some of the disparities that exist in education and access to resources," she said.
Those lessons continue to influence her perspective as a healthcare professional committed to serving patients and communities.

"Stockton really sets people up for success. The opportunities and connections are there if you're willing to explore them."

Virginia Holman '20, '22

Advice for Future Ospreys

Looking back, Holman is grateful she pursued graduate education immediately after earning her undergraduate degree.
"It's so much harder to go back to school once you're established in your career," she said. "I'm glad I took the opportunity when it presented itself."
Today, she remains connected with several members of her MBA cohort, many of whom have gone on to leadership roles in healthcare organizations, public health agencies and government institutions.
Their shared experiences at Stockton continue to provide a professional network and support system as they navigate the evolving healthcare landscape together.
"Stockton really sets people up for success," she said. "The opportunities and connections are there if you're willing to explore them."

 

- Story by Abbigail Erbacher