Health and Human Services News -

A new initiative making a big impact

December 5, 2024 by Sewly Khatun

The MSU Care Clinic recently introduced a produce fridge that gives patients access to fresh and healthy food items they might not have otherwise.

Thanks to Ozarks Food Harvest for providing this fridge to enhance the clinic’s capacity to meet patients’ food needs.

“Many of our patients cannot afford healthy food, so this fridge is a vital support for them,” said Justin Gassel, MSU Care Clinic practice manager. “This support helps patients focus on their health without worrying about food.”

Fresh food for a better life

The fridge is filled with fresh fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, leafy greens and sweet potatoes and is restocked every week. Patients can take what they need during clinic hours without any additional requirements.

“Fresh and nutritious food is a vital part of overall health and plays a key role in improving patients’ lives,” said Jaime Gnau, clinical assistant professor at Missouri State University and registered dietitian at the MSU Care Clinic.

Looking ahead, the clinic plans to expand the food program through an internship opportunity for nutrition and dietetics students.

“The students will offer recipes and cooking demonstrations to patients, empowering them to make the most of their fresh produce,” said Gnau.

A lifeline for the underserved

Missouri State and Mercy Hospital Springfield opened the MSU Care Clinic in 2015. Located inside the O’Reilly Clinical Health Sciences Center, it provides free health services and medication to underserved and uninsured patients aged 18-64.

In addition to medical care and food, patients can get clothing and essential hygiene supplies.

The clinic also serves as a referral point for homeless patients. It connects them with other resources, such as shelter referrals and assistance with Medicaid and Social Security Disability applications.

The clinic is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Check out the MSU Care Clinic

Staff spotlight

December 2, 2024 by Ella Reuter

Our featured staff member, Andrew Cole, is an academic technology support administrator in the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS).

Let’s find out more about him.

Where are you originally from?

I’m originally from Moberly, Missouri, but I’ve lived in the Springfield area since 2005.

What brought you to Missouri State and how long have you been here?

I’ve been at Missouri State since early 2018. I always wanted to work in education, and working at a university is a great fit.

What’s your favorite part about working at Missouri State so far?

My favorite part is the wide range of people I’ve met during my time at the university.

What’s your educational background?

I have an Associate of Applied Science degree from Ozarks Technical Community College, with additional coursework in programming and accounting.

Where did you work prior to Missouri State?

I worked in the IT department at the corporate office of Meek Lumber here in Springfield.

What do you do in your role as academic technology support administrator for MCHHS?

I handle the IT support needs of the MU School of Medicine Springfield campus and the Alliance for Healthcare Education at Cox College. When I’m not working at either location, I assist the MCHHS team on the main campus.

How do you spend your leisure time?

I enjoy reading books, watching movies and playing video games.

What holiday tradition is special to you?

I love taking a week off from work to have a movie marathon. I usually watch “The Lord of the Rings” or “Harry Potter” series.

Find out more about MCHHS

Golden Bear leaves a positive impact in education and sports

December 2, 2024 by Emily Yeap

Mike Keltner, Missouri State University alumnus and faculty emeritus of kinesiology, always knew he wanted to be a Bear.

This October, he was honored at the Golden Bears Reunion, a celebration for Bears who graduated from or last attended Missouri State 50 or more years ago.

Keltner’s connection to the university began as a child. He recalls coming to McDonald Arena on campus with his parents starting around age 3 to watch the Bears basketball team play.

“My dad went to school here and got multiple degrees, so I was familiar with it,” said Keltner who has called Springfield, Missouri, home his whole life.

A dream comes true

In 1971, his dream of becoming a Bear became reality when he enrolled at what was then known as Southwest Missouri State University (SMSU).

He chose to pursue a physical education degree, a decision that was both personal and practical. Coming from a family deeply rooted in education, with his father and many relatives in the profession, Keltner felt naturally drawn to teaching and coaching.

“Education has always been a thread that runs through my family,” he said.

During his time at SMSU, Keltner balanced academics with athletics as part of the basketball team.

“I played on a couple of really good teams and had a great experience,” he said. “I always knew I wanted to coach and teach, and my coaches and professors in the kinesiology department prepared me very well for it.”

Reflecting on his college years, Keltner highlights the challenges and growth that came with navigating a tumultuous period marked by the Vietnam War.

“It was a learning experience to see a lot of different sides, which is a strength of education,” said Keltner, who completed his bachelor’s degree in 1974.

Educating generations

Post-graduation, he dedicated 31 years of his life to Springfield Public Schools. He worked as a teacher and men’s basketball coach at Glendale High School for 25 years and an administrator for six years.

According to Keltner, the two things he values most from that experience were memories and relationships.

“Those are the strengths of any endeavor. If you walk away with both, then it has been worthwhile and beneficial,” he said. “I was fortunate to have those with my teams and also other students, teachers, parents and the community.”

In 2005, Keltner got an offer he could not refuse – to return to his alma mater and teach in the kinesiology department. He did that for 14 years.

“I was very excited about coming back and I was able to contribute my practical experience to help create a more well-rounded department,” said Keltner, who also received a Specialist in Educational Administration from Missouri State in 1999.

“I had a great experience and again, those memories and relationships made it more rewarding.”

Sharing his love for basketball

Beyond teaching, Keltner has been a color commentator for Missouri State’s Bears basketball since the 2004-05 season. It is a role he cherishes, and he credits the opportunity to stay connected to the game he loves.

“Basketball is like gospel to me. Being able to talk about the game at the Division I level and work with people like Art Hains, Corey Riggs and the coaches has been wonderful. I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” he said.

A family affair

The Bear legacy runs deep in Keltner’s immediate family. His wife, Bev, is a 1973 graduate and has served on both the MSU Foundation Board of Trustees and the Board of Governors.

Keltner (right) and his wife, Bev, with John Goodman.

His son, Connor, also graduated from MSU in 2016. This year, he returned to campus as the director of development for the foundation.

“We’re proud of being part of a university that’s very welcoming,” Keltner said. “Maintaining our connections and giving back are the right things to do and because of that, they’re easy to do.”

Explore kinesiology

Bringing hearing care closer to home in rural Iowa

November 18, 2024 by Sewly Khatun

Growing up in Elkader, a small town in northeast Iowa, Missouri State University alumna Dr. Brandi Neuzil’s journey toward audiology began unexpectedly.

When Neuzil was young, she babysat a high school boy who was diagnosed with hearing loss at age 1.

“I became curious about what audiologists do,” she said. “That curiosity led me to pursue an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders, helping me discover my path.”

Learning about audiology at MSU

Neuzil completed her bachelor’s in communication sciences and disorders at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) in 2004.

In her last year at UNI, Neuzil visited MSU and met students and professors, which left a strong impression on her.

“The program and campus size really attracted me,” she said. This experience reinforced her decision to pursue the Doctor of Audiology at MSU, which she completed in May 2008.

During her time on campus, Neuzil enjoyed the tight-knit academic community.

“The close relationships with my professors were instrumental to gaining clinical skills and confidence,” Neuzil said. “Their support in my academic journey made a huge difference in my career.”

As part of her graduate program, she completed an externship at Mayo Clinic in La Crosse and Onalaska, Wisconsin, which strengthened her skills and passion for the field.

Realizing a lifelong dream

After graduation, Neuzil spent 15 years as an educational audiologist for Keystone Area Education Agency. She worked with children and families across 18 out of 21 school districts in northeast Iowa.

“Seeing parents truly understand their children’s hearing needs was incredibly rewarding,” she said.

This experience led her to see the need in her own community, where there was no full-time audiology clinic.

Though Neuzil loved working at Keystone, she felt a calling to create something more personal. She wanted to open her own private practice.

“When a friend and fellow audiologist passed away, it pushed me to make my dream into reality,” Neuzil said. “It made me reflect on what I wanted my career to be.”

Where compassion meets community

In October 2024, Neuzil opened Driftless Audiology to make quality hearing care accessible in Waukon. It is the only audiology clinic in Waukon and Allamakee County.

“I realized that opening my own clinic allowed me to serve my community as I envisioned,” she said.

Driftless Audiology offers hearing assessments and personalized hearing aid fittings based on individual patient needs.

The clinic follows an “unbundled model,” where patients pay for devices and services as they go instead of one price for everything. This approach keeps care affordable and accessible for the community.

“Driftless Audiology is more than just a clinic for me; it’s a place where patients feel heard and valued,” Neuzil said.

“Hearing care can be intimidating, so I approach every patient with empathy and make sure they feel comfortable and supported. As the clinic owner, I handle everything — from patient care and testing to billing and cleaning — with support from my husband and brother. It’s a one-person operation for now.”

Lasting bonds and memories

Although it has been nearly two decades since she graduated from MSU, Neuzil said she still cherishes the memories from her time at the university and with her classmates.

She recalls attending audiology conferences in cities like Chicago and St. Louis, where sharing rooms with fellow students was fun. It was a great way for her to get to know her classmates and build lasting friendships.

Though her friends now live in different cities, they stay connected through social media. Visiting MSU is on her bucket list for next year.

Discover a rewarding career

Neuzil encourages students who are interested in a health care career to consider audiology because it opens doors to versatile and impactful careers.

“Audiology is a broad field with so many paths to explore; you can truly find the place that fits you,” Neuzil said.

Explore the audiology program