Renae Spohn

Renae Spohn is the Director of Health Information Management (HIM) Programs and Coordinator of the Master of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management at Dakota State University (DSU). She holds a Ph.D. in Health Sciences (USD, 2020) and multiple certifications including RHIA, CPHI, CPHQ, FAHIMA, and FNAHQ. Spohn serves as President-Elect of the HIMSS Dakotas Chapter, chairs DSU committees, and actively participates in accreditation bodies like CAHIIM and the Health Information Management Accreditation Council.

Education:

• Ph.D., Health Sciences, University of South Dakota, 2020
• M.B.A., Healthcare Administration, City University, 1999
• B.S., Medical Record Administration, Dakota State University, 1984
• Multiple A.S. degrees in Healthcare Administration and HIM from DSU and CTU (1984–2003)

Research Interests: Focuses on electronic health record systems, healthcare information governance, data integrity, security, privacy, and consumer literacy. She advocates for practical, workplace-relevant education in HIM programs.

Awards:

• DSU Quality Matters Certified (2021)
• Golden Key International Honor Society (2016)
• SDHIMA Distinguished Member (2014)
• Outstanding Professional Achievement (2010)
• Multiple board leadership recognitions

Grants & Leadership: Secured DSU Faculty Research Initiative grants (2022–2013) for studies on cybersecurity, certification exam success factors, and HIM student learning preferences. Served as Baldrige Evaluator and AHIMA Fellowship Committee member.

Labs/Teams: Chair of DSU’s CQI Committee, member of HIMSS and AHIMA leadership, and contributor to national healthcare quality initiatives. Active in curriculum development and accreditation processes.