Get to know Dr. Naomie Corro and Rebeca Reut-Robinson better.

Corro is an assistant professor of occupational therapy (OT) and Reut-Robinson is an executive assistant II for the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS).

Let’s find out more about them!

What brought you to Missouri State?

Corro: I was drawn to teaching at MSU because of its strong reputation for academic excellence, student-centered learning and its commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment and community engagement. Prior to joining as a full-time faculty for MSU’s OT department, I was an OT pediatric clinical fieldwork educator working in an outpatient hospital setting for many years. I worked with MSU OT graduate students as they completed their fieldwork experiential learning. Collaborating with them solidified my pursuit of teaching for the MSU OT department. I love being part of a vibrant academic community and making a meaningful impact on the lives of students here at MSU.

Reut-Robinson: I was a previous student at MSU. I received my bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in international relations. I knew it was a great place to work after my student experiences! I also knew I would enjoy working in an academic setting.

What’s your favorite memory here so far?

Corro: I’ve not been here too long yet, but my favorite memory was from a Halloween costume event our OT faculty and students took part in. Another favorite memory was from the team building and faculty retreat our department had prior to commencing the fall semester last year. Lastly, I couldn’t forget my first semester of teaching, where I had to ask one of my grad students for logistics on campus as I wasn’t very familiar with the locations. To me, all these experiences fostered a sense of culture, family and camaraderie among faculty and students, both in and out of the classroom.

Reut-Robinson: I love seeing our student workers graduate and achieve their academic goals.

How long have you been at Missouri State?

Corro: One year.

Reut-Robinson: I started working in the communication sciences and disorders academic office in March 2016 and moved to the dean’s office in September 2019. I can’t believe it’s been that long!

What’s your favorite part about working here?

Corro: My favorite part of working at MSU are the faculty colleagues I work with and the cohort of students I get to teach. There’s a sense of community, genuine respect and collaboration that I cherish even from day one. Knowing that I’m part of a community that values collaboration and mutual support makes coming to work each day a truly enjoyable experience.

Reut-Robinson: All of the people! We have great staff in our college who go above and beyond. MCHHS admins, technology support and advising staff are all amazing. I also enjoy working with Mark, Letitia, Hillary, Ian and Sarah.

Where are you from?

Corro: I’m from Joplin. I lived there for 15 years prior to moving to Springfield a year ago. But if you ask me about ethnicity, I’m a Filipino and was born and raised in the Philippines. I immigrated to the U.S. over two decades ago as an OT. I was a first-generation student back then and the first in my family to immigrate. While I had my career working as an OT in multiple clinical settings, I continued to pursue my doctoral degree to fulfill my desire for learning and my goal to teach in higher education.

Reut-Robinson: I’m originally from Romania. My family and I immigrated to the U.S. when I very young. I grew up in the U.S. for most of my life, but the Romanian culture has always been a part of my upbringing. My parents still speak Romanian as their primary language and they’re always making delicious Romanian food.

How are you keeping yourself motivated as the semester is wrapping up?

Corro: As the semester is winding down, I find motivation as I break down my remaining tasks into manageable chunks and check items off my list of to-do’s. I also draw motivation from the students. Seeing their dedication to their studies and genuine desire to learn inspires me to give my best. Engaging with them in class discussions, providing support and encouragement, and witnessing their growth and development throughout the semester serve as constant reminders for my role as an educator. I also try to make sure to take breaks and engage in activities that recharge my energy and creativity. Whether it’s going for a walk, spending time with loved ones or pursuing hobbies, taking time for self-care helps me maintain a positive mindset, stay focused on the tasks at hand and finish strong.

Reut-Robinson: It’s a very busy time, but I’m great at keeping organized! I’m a pre-planner and am task-oriented, so this is my time to shine. We also have fun events coming up, which are always motivating. These include the MCHHS Student Research Symposium and MCHHS Awards Banquet.

CTA: Learn more about MCHHS https://mchhs.missouristate.edu/