Lucas VanEtten | College of Education and Honors College, 2006
Lucas VanEtten lives by the philosophy that no goal is too ambitious and no boundary is too fixed. With a bold spirit, an energetic presence and an unstoppable drive, Lucas has rapidly become a nationally recognized leader in healthcare education and strategy. He is the recipient of Michigan State University’s Young Alumni Award, which honors Spartans age 40 or younger who have achieved remarkable professional success early in their careers. Lucas exemplifies this distinction in every way.
A proud graduate of the MSU College of Education and the Honors College, Lucas was recognized as both the University Outstanding Senior and the Department of Kinesiology Outstanding Senior, early signs of the excellence that would define his career. He later earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Florida and an MBA with an emphasis on strategy and coaching from The Ohio State University. His cross-disciplinary training reflects his ability to merge clinical expertise with executive vision.
At MSU, Lucas previously held the position of Associate Dean for College Performance and Professional Learning in the College of Nursing and currently serves as Chief of Staff at MSU Health Care Clinical Services. In both roles, he brings a rare blend of compassion and strategy, keeping patients and people at the center of every decision. His dedication to delivering exceptional care and customer service is grounded in his early days as a clinician and continues to drive his work today. Whether mentoring healthcare professionals or shaping institutional culture, Lucas is committed to ensuring patients receive the best possible experience. To him, excellence in care begins with humanity.
Known for his larger-than-life approach to leadership, Lucas is celebrated for breaking down silos, building bridges and lifting others as he climbs. He has earned a national reputation for leading with empathy and innovating with intent, especially in complex academic medical settings. His work in healthcare education and leadership development continues to influence professionals across systems and disciplines.
Lucas credits MSU with shaping his vision and values, and in return, he has remained deeply engaged with the university that launched his journey. From championing student-centered programming to leading high-impact strategy, Lucas pours his energy into cultivating the next generation of Spartan leaders.
Going beyond expectations and pushing past boundaries is not just a theme, it is the trajectory of Lucas VanEtten’s life and career. His tenacity, authenticity and deep commitment to elevating patient care and healthcare education make him a standout Spartan and an ideal recipient of the Young Alumni Award.