Everyone seems to be concerned with receiving proper health care in a convenient and cost-saving way, said a University specialist in the field.

This growing concern is important both to the University and to Michael J. Long, a health sciences professor who recently became head of the University's refocused Department of Health Policy and Administration.

Long, who previously served as director of Health Services Administration at the Medical University of South Carolina, said students taking courses in his department will learn how the country's multi-faceted health care delivery system operates.

"My job is to head the administrative day-to-day operation of this department, but I feel my more important role is forward planning," Long said.

He has a two-point plan to achieve his main goals at the University. This plan includes developing funds for an endowed chair in the department in five years and justifying the need for two additional faculty members to join his offices in Henderson Building.

"It is my strong belief that Penn State has one of the top programs in the country," Long said.

The Department of Health Policy and Administration, a division of the College of Health and Human Development that was formerly named the Department of Health Planning and Administration, was given its new title over the summer.

The college believes it is increasingly important for students entering this field to have a better understanding of the entire health care system in the United States, and also understand how programs such as Medicare and Medicaid affect millions of citizens.

Long's resume shows a history of leadership experience in his area of specialty. He was director of a similar program at Eastern Michigan University from 1982 to 1986, and has published articles in many medical journals. He holds a doctoral degree in medical care organization.

Anne C. Peterson, dean of the College of Health and Human Development, said she was pleased that Long was chosen to lead the health policy and administration department.

"His research and teaching experience, together with his administrative experience, will serve us well," Peterson said in a press release.

Long said he likes what he has seen at the University so far, and he feels that students here are more motivated than students he taught at other schools.

"It is great to be in a prestigious university such as this," he said.