Robert Dyer: NHA Leadership Institute Helps Unlock New Path
Becoming a hospital administrator was never on Robert Dyer’s radar.
After graduating from Wayne State College in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in chemical science, he earned his Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Dyer’s goal was always to lead a rehabilitation program and provide outstanding clinical care to communities — a mission he pursued for many years, including through his time on the rehabilitation team at Cozad Community Hospital in Cozad, Nebraska.
In 2005, Dyer took his career a step further by earning his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, which helped him secure the Director of Physical Therapy role at Cozad. In this position, he had an integral part in developing an outpatient wound clinic.
Over time, the hospital administrators he worked under gave him increasing responsibilities, eventually leading to his appointment as interim CEO of Cozad Community Health System in 2022. He enjoyed the role so much that when the board searched for a full-time CEO a year later, Dyer threw his hat in the ring — and landed the job.
But there was one thing missing.
“I realized I didn’t have a lot of the leadership training that other people sitting in my role did, because I didn’t have a master’s in healthcare administration or put myself on the track to do so,” Dyer says. “When I saw the email announcing the Nebraska Hospital Association Leadership Institute opportunity, I thought it would be a good thing for me.”
So, in 2023, Dyer joined the NHA Leadership Institute, facilitated by Bellevue University, which helps emerging leaders develop leadership skills and competencies through interactive sessions. After becoming CEO, he felt building leadership skills “from ground one” was important to ensure a strong foundation.
Throughout his ten months in the institute, Dyer particularly valued the networking opportunities. He connected with professionals from healthcare organizations across Nebraska, gaining insights and building relationships. When his facility’s manager had a question, for example, he was able to reach out to two maintenance supervisors from his cohort for guidance.
He also appreciated the institute’s role-playing exercises, led by Bellevue University instructors, which allowed him to see accountability discussions in action. These experiences helped him understand his natural leadership style, learn how to navigate different personalities, and improve communication — skills he now applies daily as CEO of Cozad Community Health System.
“You realized you’re not alone,” he says of the role-playing. “Everyone else has gone through what you have at some point.”
The small group sessions in the NHA Leadership Institute also helped him form personal connections and doubled down on this realization.
Ultimately, being part of the institute has enhanced Dyer’s healthcare administration leadership skills, which allow him to better support his staff and help them succeed. It also benefits his volunteer work on the Nebraska Hospital Association Foundation Board, his time in the Cozad Rotary Club, and his position as President of the Cozad Development Corporation.
Today, Dyer is the leader he never expected to become, thanks, in part, to the NHA Leadership Institute.