DBA student Pam Dzikowski blends business leadership with academic ambition
Pam Dzikowski, vice president and corporate controller at Baptist Health, is no stranger to leadership, responsibility, and lifelong learning. Overseeing financial accounting, payroll, accounts payable, and all operational processes that impact financial reporting, she holds a pivotal role within one of the region’s most trusted healthcare providers.
Now, as a current Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) student at Jacksonville University’s Davis College of Business and Technology, Dzikowski is expanding her influence beyond her day-to-day operations—adding academic depth and analytical rigor to her leadership style.
Pursuing a doctorate wasn’t about accolades or increased earnings for Dzikowski —it was a personal milestone. “It’s always been a bucket list thing for me,” she shared. “I thought it would be a great next step and something fulfilling to do into retirement. It’s not about the money, it’s about continuing to grow and challenge myself.”
Her decision to choose the Davis College of Business and Technology at JU was grounded in both practical and academic considerations. “The proximity was a factor, and the fact that it’s AACSB accredited made it a clear choice,” Dzikowski noted. “I was never going to go to a fly-by-night school. The small class sizes and the quality of the instructors at JU have really made a difference. They’re approachable, they care about your success, and they take the time to know you.”
Dzikowski ‘s DBA journey has not only expanded her academic horizons but has also reshaped how she leads at Baptist Health. “I look at things from a completely different perspective now.”
“Through research and regression analysis, you begin to see every action as a variable that impacts another,” she explained. “For example, I think about how patient experiences or technology might influence patient outcomes, and eventually hospital reimbursement and the healthcare industry as a whole. That shift in thinking—seeing the independent and dependent variables in everything—has been eye-opening.”
She also credits her coursework in business theory with enhancing her strategic approach and self-awareness. “It’s helped me think more strategically and see things through a broader lens. Whether it’s approaching people or evaluating operational impact, I’m much more thoughtful now.”
While she continues to lead with excellence at Baptist Health, Dzikowski has her eye on what’s next. “I have a lot of projects and irons in the fire right now,” she said, “but years from now when the time comes to retire, I’ll likely go into teaching. I really enjoy it. Sharing knowledge and watching that light bulb go off when someone gets it—that’s the best part.”
Born and raised in Jacksonville, Pam earned both her undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of North Florida. She’s a licensed CPA in the state of Georgia. Her connection to Jacksonville University goes back to her middle school cross country days, when she used to run through campus and back to her cheer camps days when she stayed I the dorms on campus. “JU has become a part of my life in a way I didn’t expect back then,” she reflected.
That connection has come full circle—both of her children are now JU alumni. Her oldest son, Bradley Parker, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2023, and her younger son, Christian Parker, with a degree in accounting, also in 2023. Bradley has also recently started JU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
“Education is highly regarded in my family,” she shared. “Everyone has a college degree, and my siblings have at least two college degrees. I’ve always been driven, but this degree is also about being able to give back—to teach, to inspire, and to continue learning.”
Dzikowski exemplifies how professional excellence and academic ambition can go hand in hand. Her journey through the DBA program at JU is not just a personal achievement, it’s an investment in the future of leadership, education, and community impact.