Growing up in a close knit family in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Byron Landor ’17 gained a deep understanding of the importance of family, building relationships, education and enjoying life. All of those things are keys to a successful, happy existence, but are difficult to realize without another critical factor – good health.
So Landor, who earned his Master of Business Administration from William Woods in 2017, chose his life’s calling in the health care field. Recently named as the Chief Executive Officer for ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital in Harker Heights, Texas, Landor made a wise choice.
“I chose a career in health care because I have a deep passion for helping others and making a positive impact on their lives,” Landor said. “The dynamic and ever-changing nature of the health care industry keeps me engaged and motivated to continually learn and improve.”
Landor was called upon to lead ClearSky, a 30-bed rehabilitation hospital that treats patients with disabling injuries or illnesses such as strokes, brain injuries, hip fractures, spinal injuries, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and other complex medical conditions such as COVID-19, when it opened in 2023. He clearly has been the right person to provide leadership in a field he is deeply committed to.
“We provide a level of rehabilitation that is not available anywhere else in the area,” Landor said. “Our care differs from other rehabilitation programs because of our highly trained interdisciplinary team, specialized equipment, state-of-the-art facility, integrative approach, and commitment to high-quality care.”
Landor has dedicated his professional career to making a difference in the lives of others. Not long ago, William Woods University made a difference in his own life.
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After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Education from Baylor University, Landor embarked on a successful career in the health care industry which took him to increasingly responsible positions such as Associate Practice Administrator for a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in central Texas, where he oversaw the day-to-day operation of multiple clinics and service lines, and then as Director of Business Development and Contract Administration for Canyon Creek Behavioral Health in Temple Texas, where he managed business strategy and development.
Among his roles at Canyon Creek was to help spearhead the opening of what was a new hospital, including four inpatient patient units and outpatients services, skills that came in handy in leading the opening of ClearSky last year.
His successful ascension in the health care and business world received a boost nearly a decade ago, when he decided to enroll in the online business program at William Woods University, like countless other working professionals have done for decades.
“I chose William Woods University because of its hybrid/online MBA program, which offered online and in-person curricula,” Landor said. “I was looking for a program that would provide academic and professional support, which is what I found in the Master of Business Administration program.”
Eight years after graduating, his WWU experience continues to impact his professional life.
“My top memories include presenting my Capstone Project, where I built a business plan for a new package logistics company, and the close relationships I developed with both faculty and peers,” Landor said. “The small cohort size and personalized attention made my William Woods experience truly memorable.”
“My experience at William Woods provided me with a solid foundation in business administration, leadership, entrepreneurship, and a network of professionals,” he continued. “The practical training and mentorship I received was particularly beneficial.”
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These days, the CEO of ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital is doing what he was meant to do – make a meaningful impact on patient care, staff development, and his local community. There are significant challenges to his lofty position to be sure, including balancing administrative responsibilities with the need to stay connected to day-to-day operations and patient care. But being able to witness the positive outcomes of his and his team’s work, including the high-quality care they provide to their patients, is truly gratifying.
As they saying goes, find a job that you love and you’ll never truly work a day in your life. Bryon Landor is living by that standard these days, and would love to see more young college students like he once was find themselves in the same enviable situation.
“Stay curious and open to new opportunities,” he tells today’s college students and young professionals. “Build a strong network, seek out mentors, and never underestimate the value of practical experience. And don’t forget to focus on developing both your technical and soft skills – both which are crucial to success in any field.”
Wise words for a “healthy” professional career, for sure.
