Alumnus Shannon Vanderheiden ’18 obtains master’s in public health while navigating loss of son, thankful for university’s excellent academic programs, supportive community

For Shannon Vanderheiden ’18, her journey to Concordia Nebraska for graduate studies was driven by her passion for serving others and her commitment to making a positive impact in her community.  

“Concordia Nebraska stood out to me as the ideal choice for several reasons,” she said. “Concordia’s comprehensive curriculum in public health was a perfect match for my academic and career aspirations. The courses offered were not only diverse and challenging but also specially designed to equip students like myself with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to tackle the real-world complexities of public health. But what truly distinguished Concordia for me was its exceptional sense of community and inclusivity. The university exuded a welcoming and warm atmosphere that made me feel at home. This supportive environment was invaluable to me, as it not only nurtured my academic growth but also played a pivotal role in my personal development.” 

“The university exuded a welcoming and warm atmosphere that made me feel at home. This supportive environment was invaluable to me, as it not only nurtured my academic growth but also played a pivotal role in my personal development.”

Vanderheiden has a bachelor’s degree in organizational management as well as an associate’s degree in nursing from Mobile College (now University of Mobile) and a bachelor of science in nursing from Clarkson College. She also has a master of public health with a focus in health policy and administration from Concordia Nebraska. She decided to pursue a master’s in public health to elevate her longstanding interest in healthcare, which she has been actively involved in for more than 30 years.  

Since March 2008, she has served as executive director of West Central District Health Department, a role she was in prior to returning to graduate school. Throughout her experience in the master of public health program at Concordia, she said every course had a positive and direct impact on her day-to-day work.  

“I was able to apply all that I learned in real time. There are days I miss the benefits of real time learning and feedback from my college classes that helped me navigate my daily duties. I saw this advanced degree as a means to transition from focusing solely on individual care to addressing healthcare issues at a broader policy and systems level,” she explained. “By pursuing a master's in public health, my goal was to broaden my impact and reach more people in a more effective manner by addressing population health concerns while still valuing individual care. Drawing from my extensive experience in healthcare, I aimed to merge insights from both realms to address health challenges in a comprehensive and efficient manner, improving population health outcomes and addressing health disparities.” 

She said the university’s combination of excellent academic programs, supportive community and commitment to student success made it the perfect place for her to pursue her passion for public health and contribute meaningfully to her community. Vanderheiden said she finds her work incredibly fulfilling and is thankful for the added skills she gained to support her work during her time at the university. 

“In my interactions with community members, clients or staff, I find deep fulfillment in meeting their needs and contributing to their well-being,” she said. “Witnessing the growth of my staff as they serve our community fills me with gratitude. I enjoy offering insight, answering questions, facilitating discussion, empowering them with knowledge brings me a sense of purpose in my work.” 

Vanderheiden lost her son Tyler to suicide in May 2015 just one day before her summer classes began. 

“May 2, 2015, will forever be the hardest and most crushing day of my life,” she said. “Through this devastation, I learned that when you reach the point where nothing else could possibly break you more than you already are, God shows you that you are unbreakable. I knew with all of my being if I was going to survive the loss of my precious son, I had to channel my grief for Tyler into something that would keep his spirit alive.” 

She said her professors at Concordia were very patient and supportive, giving her the grieving time that Vanderheiden needed after losing her son.  

“The professors and faculty were very understanding,” she said. “I took approximately a year away and upon return it was definitely a trigger for me coming back, but my professors were more than understanding in giving me the time I needed to get through my new journey.” 

In 2021, the Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run was born. In the early stages of organizing the race, Vanderheiden’s only objective was trying to survive the earthly loss of her son and a deep desire that her efforts might bring hope to others by promoting mental health, well-being, suicide prevention and challenging the stigma surrounding mental health illness.  

“Each year, we host an in-person and virtual race. The in-person race is held at Cody Park in North Platte, Nebraska, one of Tyler’s favorite spots,” she explained. “Participants from around the world can also join us virtually, wherever they may be. All proceeds from the race support the Nebraska Games and Parks Commission to help maintain and restore trials within the parks. Tyler loved the great outdoors and found his greatest peace when he was enjoying God’s beautiful canvas.” 

This year's race featured an overwhelming outpouring of support with 500 participants. Participants came from all 93 counties of Nebraska, all 50 U.S. states and from around the globe.  

“Tyler’s race is more than just a run; it is a symbol of strength and hope,” she said. “Each step taken by the runners and walkers who join us is a testament to the power of community and compassion. It is a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles, that there are hands reaching out to support us when we feel like we can’t go on. Tyler’s race has been a significant part of our healing journey and I pray that those who walk with us benefit from the blessings and grace from God. Tyler lives on through our efforts to advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention.” 

The next Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run will take place on May 31, 2025.  

“Our message is to show that you are not alone in your struggle,” she said. “To those who are battling their own demons, to those who have lost someone they love, to those who are still searching for a way out of the darkness - we want you to know that you are not alone. Our community of runners and walkers is here to wrap you in love and support.”  

Vanderheiden has three children and three grandchildren.  

“I find my true purpose and inspiration in their presence,” she said. “They are the driving force behind my every endeavor, giving me a reason to be my best self. My deepest desire is to live a life that sets a positive example for them and make them proud. I’m looking forward to what the future holds. My eyes and mind are open to God’s blessings and the plans He has in store for me.”  

Concordia Nebraska’s online master’s in public health features an engaging blend of theory and practice to prepare students for leadership and service in various public health careers. Program participants study both the history and the future of public health—including ethics in research, applied epidemiology, environmental health and public health financing.