Health and Human Services News

Innovative research

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The McQueary College of Health and Human Services hosted the 27th Annual Student Research Symposium on April 27th, 2023.  

It was an exciting time for students and faculty mentors to showcase their scholarly work.  

There were 76 research posters and 1 student organization spotlight presented by students from both undergraduate and graduate programs across the college. Eight of the 11 departments and schools were represented. 

“Thanks to the rest of the MCHHS Student Research Symposium committee, staff, and volunteers for their dedication and hard work planning for the 2023 Research Symposium. It was a wonderful symposium that had engaging poster presentations, great conversations, energy, and of course, we cannot forget all of the delicious refreshments and desserts provided,” said Dr. Wafaa Kaf, professor of audiology. 

“I can attest to the significance of the experience that students gain in both their personal and professional lives by presenting. I was happy to witness future potential scholars in the making from various fields of study. Students, make sure you save the date for the 2024 Research Symposium!” 

The double life of a soon-to-be graduate

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Caleb Huettenmeyer, a fourth-year student graduating from Missouri State University’s School of Nursing, looks forward to what the future holds after graduation. 

“I’ve put in a lot of time, effort and work toward getting my degree,” Huettenmeyer said. “I’m excited to put everything I’ve learned into action.” 

Huettenmeyer secured a job at the prestigious Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis as an emergency room (ER) nurse.  

“They’re ranked number one in Missouri and 11th in the country, so it seems like an incredible opportunity to work with them,” he said. 

His goal is to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) the second week of June before he begins this position. 

Preparation for becoming a nurse 

Coming to MSU in fall 2019, Huettenmeyer completed his two years of pre-requisites and then applied to the nursing program in January 2021. After an extensive interview process, he was accepted as one of 48 out of over 150 applicants—beginning his journey through nursing school in fall 2021.  

Huettenmeyer began officially as a patient care associate (PCA), then transitioned to a nurse technician on the floor a few months later. Since August 2022, the rest of his nursing school days have been filled with work as an ER nurse technician at Mercy Hospital. 

“This past semester, I’ve been working almost every weekend,” he said. “I love the work, but it’s an intense job.” 

Typically, nursing students are expected to be on the floor as a general nurse technician before specializing. However, because of nursing shortages and his passion for the specialty, Huettenmeyer was able to nab the ER nurse technician position almost immediately. 

“I was rejected twice before meeting with them in person and persuading them to let me prove myself,” Huettenmeyer said. “They hired me soon after.” 

Nurse Boomer

Surprise! Guess who?!

For four years, Huettenmeyer has kept the secret of being our beloved Boomer bear. 

“It was like leading a double life. I’m excited to finally share the surprise with my friends at school when I wear the feet to graduation,” Huettenmeyer said.  

“I never got to go to a tailgate as myself, so I’m excited to return as an alumnus.” 

In addition to being Boomer, he was: 

After Barnes-Jewish, Huettenmeyer would like to transfer to an ICU somewhere and then become a flight nurse. The 10-year plan has him becoming a CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist) sometime in his 30s. 

“I’m ready to move on to the next chapter,” Huettenmeyer said. 

“The past two years have had some rough spots, but the friends I’ve made at Missouri State truly got me through it.” 

 Explore the School of Nursing

Faculty fan-favorites

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Keith McShan, assistant professor in the department of kinesiology, and Kati Morgan, clinical assistant professor in the School of Anesthesia, are two valuable faculty members in our McQueary College of Health and Human Services. 

Let’s learn more about them during this last month of the academic year! 

What’s been the funniest thing to happen in your classroom?  

McShan: In my ethics and diversity in American sports class, students ran a youth sports meeting in groups and discussed how they’d run a sports league. They had to address issues related to how they’d integrate refugee students into sports, deal with racism within their sports league and get girls involved in sports, among other topics. Students also had role-playing sessions where they acted as parents, athletes and coaches. The students and I had to leave the room because of the outrageously painful laughing we had during this activity. You had to be there! 

Morgan: My classroom is mostly in hospitals during students’ clinical rotations, but we also help them through rigorous simulation labs at the end of each semester. During simulations, it can get a little crazy. We create intense scenarios where the simulation patient is close to dying and the student needs to step in and resuscitate the person.  Some of these situations can get very interesting! 

Where are you from?   

McShan: Windsor, Ontario, Canada. 

Morgan: I’m a Springfield native and went to Hillcrest High School. 

What brought you to Missouri State? 

McShan: I finished my PhD in summer 2022. When looking for a faculty position, I wanted to teach courses in the areas of sport and exercise, psychology and sports management. MSU had these opportunities. 

During the interview process, I was enthused to see Missouri State’s focus on teaching. I was excited to create a club where students could develop their talents and I’ve been afforded that opportunity in creating the Kinesiology Research and Career Club. Finally, and most importantly, I felt God wanted me and my wife here at MSU. We sold everything we owned and moved here in faith, not knowing anyone or having ever even been to Missouri before. Since making that decision, my wife has received a job here at MSU and our daughter will be attending school here in the fall. It’s been the best leap of faith we’ve taken in our marriage. 

Morgan: I completed the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program at MSU. I loved the program and the faculty. 

What’s your favorite part about working here?  

McShan: The students; they’re Godly, kind and respectful. I honestly enjoy coming to work every day. I pinch myself sometimes at how lucky I am to work with these students here at MSU. 

Morgan: I love watching our students grow and become confident providers working at the top of their game. Our students and alumni have a huge impact on our community through their anesthesia care. It feels good to be a small part of that.  

My other favorite part of being a member of MSU School of Anesthesia is the opportunity to work with an amazing team. Our department has always made me feel like a valued member of the team, which makes it a happy place to come to work each day. 

Explore the School of Anesthesia

Do you have a favorite class to teach?  

McShan: I love all my classes. It’s like having children—you’re not supposed to have favorites! One of my highlights so far was taking a group of 22 students to the NFL Draft in Kansas City, MO. Between an emergency room visit with a student, having Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers for the first time and having my first KC barbeque, it certainly was a fun and memorable time.     

Morgan: Time spent with students in clinicals is always my favorite!  It’s wonderful to observe how much they grow and the impact they have on their patients. 

Dig into the department of kinesiology

A once in a lifetime opportunity

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Twenty-two student members of the Kinesiology Research and Career (KRC) Club had the opportunity to work a paid, 12-hour shift at the NFL draft on April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. 

The students included both exercise and movement science and psychology majors. 

Grace Landewee, the 2022-23 Star Outstanding Senior Award winner and KRC Club president, and faculty advisor Dr. Keith McShan led students throughout the event where over 300,000 fans were in attendance. 

Students had the chance to work the field goal station, 40-yard dash station and more during the three-day NFL Draft. 

“This was a memorable experience. Being able to support young fans successfully making field goals and hearing the crowd cheer them on is one of many highlights at this year’s draft,” said Blake Hamelink, an exercise and movement science major and the club’s community relations director and treasurer. 

Students’ shifts started at 6 a.m. April 29 and lasted until 6 p.m., with other duties such as photo taking and VIP security. 

A successful trip 

The KRC Club greatly appreciates Jacob Robertson from the Kansas City Sports Commission and the McQueary College of Health and Human Services for allowing students to have this experience.  

“From the nighttime bus ride to the 4:30 a.m. wake-up call in the hotel, students were in great spirits the whole trip. I loved how students from both the psychology and kinesiology departments who had never met before this trip became friends through this experience,” McShan said. 

All in all, the trip was a major success. NFL staff praised Missouri State students for their hard work and dedication. The KRC Club looks forward to attending additional career development events in the next academic year.    

Learn more about the department of kinesiology