Health and Human Services News

Archives for May 2024

Dietetics student sets off for a bright future in health care

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Missouri State University graduating senior Rochelle Etienne is ready to make her mark in health care after she graduates this May.

With a degree in nutrition and dietetics, she is committed to spreading her knowledge about the value of being aware of the foods you consume.

A student-athlete

From the island of Saint Lucia, Etienne came to MSU in 2017 on an athletic scholarship thanks to her athletic abilities, specifically in track and field.

She notes she is grateful for the opportunity to represent MSU in a sport she loves while pursuing her degree.

“MSU has produced several exceptional athletes from my home country, including a renowned female Olympian Verneta Lesforis,” Etienne said. “I even got the chance to train alongside one of Canada’s Olympic sprinters during my time here.”

In addition to being a part of MSU’s track and field team, she was also a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. It supports and encourages student-athletes toward achieving their best performance academically, athletically and socially.

Passion for nutrition

Etienne has found her niche in advocating for the health of others.

“I’m passionate about promoting overall health and wellness, and I aspire to enlighten people on the significance of nourishing their bodies,” she said.

This passion came from some of her personal experiences.

“Growing up, I noticed how my grandmother struggled with diabetes and high blood pressure despite consuming fruits and vegetables,” she said. “Also, as an athlete, I used to concentrate solely on training hard and long without realizing that my performance would suffer if I didn’t eat right.”

According to Etienne, the nutrition and dietetics program at MSU has helped to prepare her well for a health care career.

“The program fosters close faculty connections, with supportive and helpful professors. I’m truly grateful for all their guidance,” she said.

While in the program, she was part of the Student Dietetic Association, which brought together students to share their interests in dietetics, nutrition and wellness. She got to present foods from her culture and take part in social gatherings.

The next chapter

After graduation, Etienne will move to Orlando, Florida, to embark on a new journey.

“I’ll be working with Nutritious Lifestyles as a consultant dietitian for four facilities, including three long-term care facilities and one behavioral health facility,” she said.

She is excited and ready for this next chapter in her life.

Learn more about nutrition and dietetics

Exercise and movement science student ready for graduation

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Soon-to-be Missouri State University graduate Malia Vazquez is off to make her mark on the world.

This May, she will earn a degree in exercise and movement science, a minor in psychology and a Foundations of Nutrition undergraduate certificate. Her goal is to become a physical therapist (PT).

Why physical therapy?

Vazquez’s inspiration for her degree choice resulted from her dad having to undergo physical therapy. She would take him to his appointments and immediately fell in love with the profession.

“It combined my interests in science and assisting others. Being able to use exercise as medicine and improve the lives of others in my community is extremely rewarding,” she said.

This led her to pursue the pre-professional track in PT.

Her academic journey

Within her major, minor and certificate, she has taken many courses that have expanded her knowledge and understanding. Her favorites were Kinesiology (KIN 360) and Strength and Conditioning (KIN 465).

“Kinesiology focused on analyzing movement and how forces go into the movement of stabilization and joints, which will be a focus in my future as a PT,” Vazquez said. “Strength and Conditioning taught me how to create exercise programming that would be specific to the needs of individuals.”

Two faculty members — assistant professor of kinesiology Dr. Ryan Gordon and professor of kinesiology Dr. Rebecca Woodard — stood out to Vazquez for their diligence and attention given to students.

Getting involved at MSU

Vazquez, who is from Blue Springs, Missouri, chose MSU for its affordability and the opportunities and experience provided here. She has been actively involved on campus over the past four years.

She has served as president of the Pre-Physical Therapy Society since May 2023. This society focuses on creating a community for students interested in going into PT. Vazquez has been a part of this organization all four years at MSU, serving as social chair in her sophomore year and vice president in her junior year. As president, she plans and runs the society’s monthly meetings monthly.

With her interest in being outdoors and helping others enjoy it, she also works for the Foster Recreation Center on campus in the outdoor adventures department as a lead staff and trip leader.

Additionally, she is part of University Ambassadors, the official student public relations team of Missouri State. As an ambassador, she gives campus tours to prospective students and their family members, as well as represents MSU at on- and off-campus events.

Future plans

After graduation, Vazquez plans to move to Flagstaff, Arizona, to get her Doctor of Physical Therapy at Northern Arizona University.

Her dream job is to work in PT for a professional women’s sports team.

Learn more about exercise and movement science

Empowering Missouri nurses

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The Musgrave Foundation’s scholarships empower students to chase their dreams by providing crucial financial support. 

Those who receive the graduate nursing scholarship are able to make an impact in Missouri’s health care landscape.  

The scholarship benefits universities across the Ozarks, supporting the retention of current graduate nursing students and creating the next generation of Missouri nurses.   

Missouri State University graduate nursing students can apply for the graduate nursing scholarship through the Missouri State University Foundation. 

Since 2021, 17 MSU graduate nursing students have received the scholarship. 

“Scholarship support at Missouri State is extremely valuable. Some students couldn’t attend without it,” said Debbie Branson, director of foundation relations at MSU.   

About the scholarship 

The Musgrave Foundation’s graduate nursing scholarship program covers a large part of tuition costs. Each year, the MSU Foundation submits a grant application to the Musgrave Foundation to request funding for the graduate nursing scholarship. This year, the grant was $30,000, with six students receiving $5,000 in the 2024-2025 academic year.   

Recipients must be in good academic standing, enrolled fulltime and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. They also must complete the MSU Foundation Scholarships application.  

Donor-funded scholarships are privately donated funds given to MSU students each year. They come from private gifts to the university made by individuals, groups or companies. Students receive scholarships based on criteria such as major, high school attended, academic achievement, leadership and financial need. 

Recipients of the scholarship must be enrolled in one of the following programs: 

Serving the underserved  

A five-year average of MSU’s FNP graduates indicates that 98% remained in Missouri and 56% worked in rural settings to provide health care to underserved populations.   

Amid a nursing shortage, MSU graduate nursing programs address the evolving health care landscape. Many graduates focus on rural health and primary care, equipping them to bridge gaps in access to quality health care. 

“We’re in a nursing crisis right now. It’s important to know this scholarship doesn’t fund your typical nursing program. It’s for nurses who are preparing to become frontline caregivers,” Branson said. 

By reducing their financial burden, students can focus on clinical experience and become equipped to address health care challenges. 

“For the last 40 years, the Musgrave Foundation’s grantmaking has created brighter futures for so many in Springfield and southwest Missouri,” said Bridget Dierks, vice president of programs for the Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO). “We’re grateful to carry on Mrs. Musgrave’s charitable legacy well into the future.” 

The Musgrave Foundation legacy  

The Musgrave Foundation began in 1983 with Jeannette L. Musgrave’s vision. It supports many charitable projects in Springfield and southwest Missouri. Its grants surpass $20 million, upholding Musgrave’s vision for community impact.  

The CFO manages the scholarship program. 

“I’m extremely grateful to Jeanette Musgrave for her love of nursing and progressive foresight to generously give to nurses seeking to provide patient care,” said Dr. Melissa Penkalski, graduate program director and associate professor at MSU.  

“I’m certain she would be proud to see the impact she has made and continues to make in health care and our communities. I’m also appreciative to the CFO for stewarding Jeanette’s wishes.” 

A call to action  

Initiatives like the Musgrave Foundation’s scholarships are vital for supporting the next generation of nurses as the demand for skilled health care professionals increases. By investing in education, the foundation is investing in the health and well-being of our communities for generations to come.  

“It’s amazing how many students the Musgrave Foundation is helping across the Ozarks,” said Jacqui Coones, executive director of prospect development at MSU.  

There is an urgent need for more individuals and organizations to help and uplift aspiring nurses on their journey to transforming lives. 

Explore graduate nursing programs

 

From volunteer to coordinator

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In May 2023, Ana Felix graduated from Missouri State University with a degree in recreation, sport and park administration from the department of kinesiology.

Felix went into the field of recreation with the hopes of channeling it into after-school programs. Now with her work at Wonders of Wildlife, she can do that on a bigger scale.

“Recreation is all of those things that really improve people’s lives and it gave me the opportunity to explore the things I enjoy doing,” she said.

Finding her career path at MSU

From Ava, Missouri, Felix originally chose MSU to stay closer to home, but she quickly found her own path here.

As a non-traditional student working fulltime, Felix said MSU gave her “the opportunity to explore different interests and choose her own adventure.”

In the recreation program, Felix had to complete 100 hours in practicum and 400 hours in an internship. Felix notes she was grateful for these requirements aiding in her growth.

“Getting to do enriching things that still counted for college credits was something I really appreciated. To have a well-rounded base gave me opportunities and skills in job interviews to be able to better market myself,” she said.

 How volunteering turned into a full-time job

Felix began working at Wonders of Wildlife in May 2022. She started as a practicum student fulfilling the service-learning component of her recreation program.

While Felix was still a practicum student, the volunteer manager asked if she would like to take on the volunteer coordinator position that was open. Eager to try something new, she seized the opportunity.

Felix describes her role as ever-changing. But she is primarily responsible for the recruitment, retention appreciation and onboarding of volunteers and interns for Wonders of Wildlife, Dogwood Canyon and Top of the Rock.

“I love that I get to say I started as a volunteer and then moved up to being the volunteer coordinator,” Felix said.

Lessons learned

Through Felix’s time at MSU and Wonders of Wildlife, collaborating and using her time wisely are two of the biggest lessons she learned.

“There’s been projects where I’ve had months in advance to prepare and some where we’ve had to pivot with a 30-minute notice. Those situations have helped me to figure out how to manage my time efficiently and to see the importance of having good connections around you to guide you through,” she said.

In her volunteer coordinator role, Felix has honed her leadership skills. This has helped to improve on having tough conversations to grow connections with those around her and be more proactive with her work.

Future plans

Felix plans to continue pursuing her passion in recreation with Wonders of Wildlife.

“My job isn’t a boring office job,” she said. “Every day is different and interesting.”

Learn more about recreation, sport and park administration