Two of our featured faculty members Dr. Helena Cox and Dr. Bradley Powers represent academic excellence in the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS).
Cox is a clinical assistant professor in the School of Nursing. She has more than 15 years of clinical nursing experience.
Powers is an assistant professor in the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences. He inspires students with his experience in underserved communities.
Let’s learn more about them.
Where are you originally from?
Cox: I’m originally from Fort Worth, Texas. I’ve lived in Springfield for the past 19 years.
Powers: I was born and raised in a small rural farming community in central Nebraska, near a town called Cairo.
What brought you to Missouri State and how long have you been here?
Cox: I’ve been at Missouri State for one year. I started last fall. What drew me to MSU was the opportunity to develop an accelerated undergraduate nursing program.
Powers: I moved to Springfield in 1990 to complete my doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Forest Institute. I enjoyed the area and job opportunities, so I made it my permanent home. After teaching at the doctoral level for 16 years, at a private PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) program in Springfield (which has since closed), I learned MSU was starting a new PsyD and I just had to get back into the academic environment. I started working at MSU in August 2023.
What do you enjoy most about working at the university and in MCHHS?
Cox: I enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the collaboration with my colleagues. I work with such a
wonderful group of professionals and look forward to continuing to work and grow with the team.
Powers: I think the thing I enjoy most is the students and colleagues. Those relationships are the most rewarding and important at this stage of my career.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in your field?
Cox: I didn’t start nursing school until I was in my mid-20s, and I think the biggest reason that I chose nursing was I felt like I wanted to do something purposeful to help others.
Powers: As a young person growing up in an underserved area, I became very interested in the helping profession. Having parents who were also engaged in health care also significantly impacted my reasoning for choosing to become a psychologist.
What inspired your journey from industry to academia?
Cox: My journey from clinical nursing into academia has evolved over a 24-year career. I practiced at the bedside for 14 years and developed a like for working with students in the clinical setting. I earned a master’s degree in nursing education and began teaching full time. I’ve since earned a doctorate in nursing practice and look forward to more future endeavors.
Powers: Throughout my journey, I was fortunate and privileged to be able to participate in both academia and industry. I believe having the best opportunity to apply knowledge from both settings seems like a perfect match.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying that resonates with you?
Powers: I’d say there are many influential people throughout my life who have shaped my thoughts, but my grandmother was a primary voice of reason. She always said, “If it was meant to be, then let it be.”
What do you do for leisure and/or to relax?
Cox: My favorite activity for leisure is crafting and I enjoy decorating.
Powers: I’m a farm kid at heart, so anything outdoors, in nature fits the bill as a great day.
What’s your favorite fall activity or festival?
Cox: Fall is my favorite time of the year! It’s so beautiful, the weather is gorgeous, pumpkin spice is in the air and it is officially fall festival season. I like to travel around to all the different fall craft shows and festivals with my daughter, Brittany.
Powers: College football is something that growing up in Nebraska was a fall activity (maybe more of a ritual), so watching and going to those games give me tremendous joy and (more lately heartache!).