Administrative Fellowship
James W. Butler III
The James W. Butler III Administrative Fellowship is an immersive two-year (24-month) program meticulously designed to empower hospital administrators from diverse backgrounds with the skills and perspective needed to shape the future of healthcare. Our Fellowship places a strong emphasis on high-impact project work that aligns with institutional goals while nurturing essential healthcare leadership competencies. The Administrative Fellow will also support Executive-Level meetings to observe firsthand enterprise management and decision making. The cornerstone of the Fellowship at University of Michigan Health (University of Michigan Health-Sparrow & University of Michigan Health-West) is the opportunity to immediately participate and directly add value to institutional priorities working alongside health system leadership. Our Fellowship program is dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous learning and is unwavering in its commitment to developing the most promising talent for healthcare leadership. We also provide unique opportunities to explore the realm of academic medicine, making this a transformative experience for emerging healthcare leaders.
University of Michigan Health-Sparrow is Mid-Michigan’s premier health care organization and includes hospitals in Lansing, Carson City, Charlotte, Ionia and St. Johns, as well as UM Health-Sparrow Specialty Hospital, Care Network, the Michigan Athletic Club, and AL!VE. UM Health-Sparrow is part of University of Michigan Health. Through the dedication of our 10,000 team members, UM Health-Sparrow pursues a vision to be nationally recognized as a leader in quality and patient experience.
Note: The James W. Butler III Administrative Fellowship is tailored specifically to the needs of individuals of under-represented backgrounds who are recent graduates of a master’s program in Healthcare Administration, MBA, Public Health, or advanced degree equivalent to these studies, pursuing careers in healthcare administration.
“If I make it back, I will give it back.”
Fellowship Structure
The program structure revolves around a project-based approach, wherein the fellow is tasked with spearheading and contributing to various impactful initiatives within the healthcare organization. The fellow will be exposed to a diverse range of projects spanning areas such as quality improvement, operational efficiency, healthcare policy analysis, patient experience enhancement, and strategic planning. The projects will align with your unique healthcare and career interests, offering opportunities for cross-collaboration across the region (University of Michigan Health-Sparrow & University of Michigan Health-West).
The Administrative Fellow will work closely with senior leaders, administrators, and subject matter experts, collaborating on real-time projects that have a direct impact on the organization's operations, patient care, and overall healthcare delivery. This hands-on experience allows fellows to develop a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges within the healthcare system while fostering innovative solutions and best practices.
Throughout the 24-month fellowship, you will also gain exposure to:
- Individualized Learning Opportunities
- 360 Degree Feedback
- Executive Leadership Exposure
James W. Butler III Administrative Fellowship Spotlight Video
Current Fellow
Sonam Britton, MHSA (2025–Present)
Sonam grew up in South Lyon, Michigan, and earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Michigan State University. During her undergraduate studies, she obtained her CNA license and worked as a nursing assistant with Heartland Hospice. She later joined University of Michigan Medicine as a patient care technician, further deepening her experience in patient care.
Building on this foundation, Sonam completed her Master’s in Health Services Administration from University of Michigan–Flint. Combining her hands-on clinical background with her administrative training, she is dedicated to working alongside leadership to strengthen her skills and contribute meaningfully to the evolving field of healthcare.
Fellowship Alumni
Tolulope Adedokun, MHA (2021-2022)
Tolulope Adedokun works within the Enterprise Project Management and Operational Excellence team at University of Michigan Health–Sparrow. As an Operational Excellence Specialist, she and her team lead efforts to develop and achieve organizational goals by optimizing processes, fostering innovation, and cultivating a culture of ongoing excellence. Leveraging data-driven decision-making, project management skills, and change management methodologies, they help drive measurable improvements in patient care, operational efficiency, and organizational performance.
Jared Coleman, MBA (2022 – 2024)
Jared Coleman is the Director of Administrative Services for University of Michigan Health Partners. In this role, he partners with Executive and Market Leadership to advance the strategic vision of a regional medical group that serves as a cornerstone of our statewide system of care. Jared oversees key areas including Project Management, Mergers and Acquisitions & Access. His focus is on building consistency and alignment across the regional medical group to ensure smooth clinical and non-clinical operations while supporting best-in-class care.
James W. Butler III
The Administrative Fellowship is named in honor of James W. Butler III, a well-respected and beloved community member who served on the University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Board of Directors. He championed access to high-quality care for the most vulnerable and believed in creating platforms to guide the success of others.
Mr. Butler passed away on Aug. 7, 2020. University of Michigan Health-Sparrow continues to keep his work and legacy alive while embracing and building an understanding of diversity in healthcare, resulting in the creation of the James W. Butler Administrative Fellowship. The Fellowship continues his legacy, preparing hospital administrators of diverse backgrounds and perspectives to meet the future of health care with empathy, understanding, and compassion.
Mr. Butler’s widow, Rishan, is a dedicated advocate for the Administrative Fellowship program. Despite her husband's passing, she continues to support the cause through generous donations, ensuring the program's continuity and success.