A Leader Grounded in His Why: Terrance Adams’ FranU Foundation

Today, Terrance Adams serves as Chief Operating Officer at Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital, but his journey to leadership began at FranU.

After transferring to FranU in 2007, Adams entered the Nursing program ready to serve. However, after three semesters and many prayers, he found a different path to service within the Health Services Administration program.

Finding his true calling, Adams graduated in fall 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration.

He continued his education at another university, earning his master's in business administration with a concentration in healthcare administration, staying close to his nursing roots.

During this time, he completed two internships, leading him to secure an Administrative Fellowship with Mercy Health – Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, Kentucky.

“I’ve been fortunate to have exceptional mentors who supported my professional growth, leading to progressive leadership opportunities at Lourdes Hospital, including Service Line Director of Orthopedics and later Director of Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Neuroscience Services,” Adams explained.

After seven and a half years in Kentucky, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee, and opened a state-of-the-art rehabilitation hospital as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer.

Three years later, Adams returned to acute care as the lead executive and Chief Operating Officer at Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital.

I truly enjoy leading our efforts to provide safe, high-quality care to the people of Bedford County, Tennessee.”

Adams credits FranU as the cornerstone of his leadership journey, noting that the lessons he learned continue to guide every decision he makes as an executive.

Being part of the FranU community means carrying forward a tradition of excellence, humility and compassion, which are values that continue to guide how I lead teams, support staff and serve the people entrusted to our care.”

The executive recalls two faculty members who influenced his success.

“I truly enjoyed learning from Dr. Elizabeth Berzas and Dr. Riaz Ferdaus during my time in the program. Their classes sparked thought-provoking discussions around healthcare leadership and professional responsibility at the executive level,” he said.

Dr. Berzas encouraged him to join the American College of Health Executives (ACHE). As a member, his professional network grew, helping his career advance.

To future healthcare leaders, Adams emphasizes the importance of staying grounded in your “why.”

Healthcare will challenge you in ways you can’t always anticipate, but those experiences will build your resilience and character. Be open to feedback, learn from every situation good or bad and never let fear of failure hold you back.” He continued, “Take calculated risks and bet on yourself ten times out of ten. Leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about consistency, accountability and compassion in action.”

Adams’ story reflects the impact of a FranU education that develops healthcare leaders whose faith, integrity and commitment to service shape the communities they serve.