McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) is home to many brilliant and hardworking staff and faculty. This May, we recognize a few who went above and beyond to grow in their roles.
Their dedication not only advances their personal and professional growth, but significantly enhances the quality of education and service within the college. These individuals exemplify the values and mission of MCHHS, setting a high standard for their peers.
Faculty/staff nominated awards
- BEAR-illiant Researcher Award: Dr. Wafaa Kaf
- Teamwork Trailblazers Award: Interprofessional Education (IPE) Collaboration
- Office Orchestrator Award: Sheira Snyder
- PAWSitively Involved Outstanding Service Award: Keith McShan
- Community Impact Award: Dr. Shurita Thomas-Tate
- Professional Inclusivity Pioneer: Dr. Randi Ulbricht
MCHHS Inclusive Excellence Challenge Champions
- Small Group: Wendy Jackson and Salina Bollinger
- Large Team: Student Success and Advising Center
Student nominated awards
- Outstanding Undergraduate Academic Advisor:
- Outstanding Graduate Academic Advisor: Dr. Marcia Himes
- Bearwise Educator Excellence Award: Natalie Allen
MCHHS recognition – Dean’s awards
- The Unsung Heroes: MCHHS Custodial Staff
- Academic Partnership:
- Paul Gubbins University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC)
- Brandi Bowers (UMKC)
- Jaime Gnau
- Advocacy for Student Engagement: Dr. Tona Hetzler
- Exceptional Support of MCHHS: Katrina Chavez (office of the registrar)
- Public Affairs Champion: Melanie Stinnett (MO House Representative, alumni)
Professorships
- Roy D. Blunt Life Science Professorship:
- Dr. Xiuye Xie
- Kaf
Xie, a recipient of the Roy D. Blunt Life Science Professorship, is spearheading a four-year research project titled “Cultivate Children’s Wellbeing through Dual-Component Intervention.”
This project aims to address developmental delays among children aged 3-5 from low-income families in Springfield. By focusing on enhancing social-emotional and fundamental motor skills, the initiative seeks to promote lifelong resilience and well-being through a preventive and sustainable approach.
“Well-being is a critical life outcome everyone strives for. Adversity and challenges are inevitable in life, which requires us to be resilient and positive,” said Xie, assistant professor of kinesiology.
“However, resilience and well-being don’t come naturally; they need to be learned and developed over time. MSU has numerous disciplines that can contribute meaningfully to our community. This research-based initiative has great potential to improve children’s development.”
Commitment to excellence
These awards highlight the exceptional work of the MCHHS community at Missouri State University. Congratulations to all award recipients!