Keiser University Port St. Lucie Valedictorian Uses Mother’s Diagnosis to Guide Educational Experience

Keiser University recently recognized Tatsiana Minevich, a Treasure Coast healthcare imaging professional as valedictorian at its Port St. Lucie Campus Commencement Ceremony.

“I want to congratulate the Class of 2023 for their commitment to themselves and their families by pursuing an education that will prepare them to enter the workforce or take the next step in their academic endeavors,” said Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., Chancellor of Keiser University. “Keiser University’s Class 2023 has shown great perseverance. I wish them the best of luck in the future and invite them to stay engaged with their alma mater.”

Now serving as Chief Medical Imaging Technologist at one of the busiest diagnostic centers on the Treasure Coast, Minevich’s educational journey began with the desire to help others gain timely care after losing her mother to cancer in 2012. “I chose the imaging field to help others get on-time accurate diagnoses so they can undergo the necessary treatments.  Every day at work I treat my patients like I would like my mom to be treated – with respect, sympathy, and understanding,” said Minevich who will receive her second Keiser University degree after earning her Associate of Science degree in Radiologic Technology in 2014.

Intent on learning how to operate diagnostic imaging equipment and gaining insights from experienced professionals in the field, Minevich first joined her employer as a student volunteer in 2012. Now leading the group, she finds tremendous satisfaction in improving patient outcomes while embracing continuous learning and collaborating to overcome industry challenges. “I am working on myself every day. Imaging science is evolving so quickly as new technologies appear on the market and software upgrades become available to significantly improve image quality reducing the scan time for patients,” she said.

Keiser University’s faculty members were ‘always there to help,’ and the design of its curriculum helped to solidify success in the field said Minevich. “Keiser provides a great foundation for graduates to be successful and work experience allows us to build on the foundation. All the classes I took provided real-life examples and situations where it was important to show leadership skills, team collaboration, and organizational behavior knowledge to be successful in the diverse field,” she said.

Minevich also credits her husband Dmitriy, a 2021 Bachelor of Science Keiser University alumni member for his continued support. “After he completed his degree, I decided to go back to school to obtain my bachelor’s degree.  It has been a very challenging period for us during these years. I would never have been able to go through with it without his help and support,” she said of his ongoing efforts to help clear needed study time by taking care of the kids and ensuring the family schedules meshed. “It is a family accomplishment,” said Minevich.

Minevich shared that the ability to adjust as new challenges present themselves and to strenuously move forward while taking calculated risks is key. “It is very important not to be afraid of change but to be the change.  If you want to achieve something better in life, set your goal and go for it.  We all have tough moments when we are not sure if we can make it. But I always keep in my mind the final destination. Dreams are not a miracle. You have to work hard to make dreams come true,” she said.

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences program provides students with the advanced knowledge and management skills essential to employing innovative technologies in a variety of medical imaging and therapeutic professions. The Imaging Sciences program offers technologists advanced coursework leading to the completion of a bachelor’s degree and at least partial fulfillment of post-primary certification eligibility requirements.

Keiser University is a private, independent, non-profit university serving nearly 20,000 students at 21 Florida campuses, online, and two international sites. Co-founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, Keiser University currently offers more than 100 degrees from associate to the doctoral level. Keiser University is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and was ranked No. 1 in the U.S. in providing Social Mobility by U.S. News and World Report in 2023.