Archives for February 2025

Join the movement on Missouri State Giving Day 2025

February 25, 2025 by Sewly Khatun

Giving Day 2025 is an opportunity for McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) faculty, staff, students and alumni, as well as community partners, friends and family, to come together for one purpose — to support Missouri State University and its students.

Every contribution makes an impact, shaping the future of health care education and innovation.

A united effort to support student success

MCHHS has been a leading contender in the past Giving Day campaigns in challenges, donors and dollars donated to the university.

Donors can choose where their gift makes the most impact — supporting schools, programs, student organizations and teams. They can also sponsor or participate in special challenges throughout the Giving Day celebration, increasing their contribution to the university.

Last year, two out of the top 10 ambassadors on the leader board came from MCHHS and the number of donors increased by 219 compared to the previous year.

Donations to MCHHS have supported renovations of Ann Kampeter Health Sciences Hall, allowing for more collaborative student spaces and improved classroom technology for faculty and students, as well as student scholarships.

Together we make a difference

All Bears and friends can get involved with Missouri State’s Giving Day in many ways! Consider how you want to participate:

Simply donate – You can make your gift now, although the majority of gifts and challenges will take place from 10 a.m. March 25 to 10 p.m. March 26.
Sponsor a match or challenge – Matches and challenges bring a competitive spirit to Giving Day, which results in an increase in the number of donations by 110%, the average size of a donation by 41% and revenue by 120%. Individuals or groups can sponsor challenges throughout the Giving Day celebration.
Become a Giving Day Ambassador – Anyone can be an ambassador. Sign up to get started.
Share your story and experiences, along with the Giving Day link with your contacts through social media, email and texts. Check out the Giving Day social media toolkit to get started.

Thank you to our donors for your generosity. Thank you to the faculty and staff for advocating for our college. Finally, thank you to students for choosing MCHHS – we could not do what we do without any of you!

Make a gift

Guiding students through their college journey

February 25, 2025 by Sewly Khatun

College life can be overwhelming, but in the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS), students don’t have to navigate it alone.

The MCHHS Student Success and Advisement Center, located on the first floor of Ann Kampeter Health Sciences Hall, offers guidance and support at every step.

The center is staffed by a director and seven academic advisors who support students across various disciplines in MCHHS.

Among the advisors are Sharon Harter and Sara Bajalan. They help students navigate their academic journeys.

No more guesswork

Sharon Harter

For students, thinking about choosing or changing a major, planning their course schedule and wondering if graduate school is the right move are a lot to figure out. Harter and Bajalan make the process easier.

“Advising isn’t just about picking classes — it’s about empowering students to make informed decisions about their future,” Harter said.

Advisors work one-on-one with students to create personalized plans, making sure they stay on track and feel confident about their choices.

Beyond course selection, advisors connect students with tutoring, career counseling and campus resources. They also provide guidance on academic strategies and workload management, ensuring students have the support they need to succeed.

More about the advisors

Harter and Bajalan are both new to their current roles at the MCHHS Student Success and Advisement Center, but they are not new to Missouri State University.

An MSU alumna, Harter graduated with bachelor’s degree in marketing in 2006 and joined the university in 2015. She has worked at the center for the past five years as the administrative assistant before being promoted to academic advisor in November 2024.

Bajalan joined MSU in 2017, starting out as an academic advisor in the history department. She transitioned to the center this January.

She holds a bachelor’s in history and political science from the University of West Florida and a Master of Philosophy in Modern Middle Eastern Studies from Oxford University.

“The most rewarding part of advising is seeing students gain confidence in their choices and shape their own path,” Harter said.

She values the opportunity to support students in discovering their strengths and achieving their academic goals.

Sara Bajalan

Flexible advising

Students are busy and advisors get that. That’s why they offer multiple ways to connect. Students can meet in person, over Zoom or via phone — whatever works for them.

“If you don’t see a time that fits your schedule, just reach out. We’ll figure something out,” Bajalan said.

The duo encourages students to take advantage of available resources, ask questions and accept help to find success.

Make the most of an advising session

To ensure students maximize their advising appointments, Bajalan shares six key tips:

Know your registration date so you can plan ahead.
Schedule an appointment early to avoid last-minute stress.
Review your degree audit to understand your course requirements.
Come prepared with a list of potential classes based on your degree path.
Explore minors and certificates that align with your interests.
Stay connected after your session — advisors are there to support you beyond the appointment.

“Advising works best when students take an active role in their planning,” Bajalan said.

Explore the MCHHS Student Success and Advisement Center

An inside look into MSU’s Cadaveric Anatomy Lab

February 21, 2025 by Sewly Khatun

The graduate human anatomy lab located in Room 201 in the McQueary Family Health Sciences Hall allows health sciences students to explore the human body through hands-on learning.

Undergraduate students take their human anatomy lab class in Ann Kampeter Health Sciences Hall, Rooms 369 and 371.

These labs are where textbook knowledge turns into real-life discoveries.

Learning anatomy through cadaver dissection

Dr. Patrick Brooks shows students how to dissect a cadaver.

Unlike traditional classrooms, the Cadaver Lab allows direct engagement with human anatomy.

“For over 400 years, hands-on dissection has been the gold standard for learning anatomy. Seeing, touching and manipulating human bodies provide an unparalleled opportunity no lecture or computer model can replicate,” said Dr. Patrick Brooks, assistant professor in the School of Health Sciences.

Every session in the lab reminds students of the responsibility that comes with a career in health care.

“Mistakes happen; it’s part of learning,” said Nicole Gorley, senior instructor in the School of Health Sciences.

She encourages students to take charge of dissections, helping them build confidence with every step.

Honoring human donors

Students learn that working with cadavers is more than an educational experience — it is a privilege requiring respect and responsibility. The generosity of human donors allows future health professionals to put lessons into practice from the classroom.

“These individuals chose to donate their bodies for science,” said Claire Sextro, a physician assistant studies graduate student. “Their last wish was to help us learn. We don’t take that lightly.”

Missouri State upholds strict ethical guidelines to honor each donor. Photography and video recordings are prohibited inside the labs. A cadaver’s face and external genitalia remain covered until it is necessary for study.

Washington University in St. Louis supplies the cadavers through a donation program. A properly preserved cadaver can be used for 12-18 months.

Since graduate-level dissections are intensive, it requires new cadavers each semester. Once dissections are completed, cadavers are respectfully returned to St. Louis for cremation.

“I didn’t realize how much hands-on dissection would enhance my learning,” said Zoe Davis, a physician assistant studies graduate student. “Seeing real human structures brought lectures to life — it just clicked.”

Gateway to medical practice

Nicole Gorley assists students in an anatomy lab class.

The Cadaver Lab serves as a training ground for students in physician assistant studies, physical therapy, nursing, biomedical sciences and occupational therapy programs.

“Anatomy education requires highly skilled faculty, yet there’s a national shortage of experts in cadaveric dissection,” said Brooks. “Students overwhelmingly prefer cadaveric dissection over other teaching methods for learning advanced human anatomy.”

Brooks’ publication, “The Status of Cadaver-Based Anatomy Instruction in Missouri Medical Schools,” underscores the vital role of cadaveric dissection in medical education.

Beyond technical training, hands-on cadaver dissection builds confidence and enhances decision-making. It also strengthens problem-solving skills and lays a strong foundation for clinical rotations.

The graduate lab accommodates around 54 students. It is equipped with anatomical models, plastinated structures, preserved organs and digital resources like 3D anatomy tools and imaging technology.

These resources help students enhance their hands-on dissection experience with various study methods for a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy.

Explore the School of Health Sciences

Faculty spotlight

February 14, 2025 by Ella Reuter

Our featured McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) faculty members are Crystal Powell, assistant professor in the School of Health Care Professions, and Stacy Johnson, clinical instructor in the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences.

Let’s find out more about them.

Where are you originally from?

Powell: Savannah, Missouri.

Johnson: I’m originally from Mountain Home, Arkansas, a charming town about a two-hour drive from Springfield.

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

Powell: I graduated from Missouri State’s physician assistant (PA) program in 2005 and practiced clinically in the Springfield area for many years. During that time, I served as a clinical preceptor for PA students, which sparked my interest in teaching. That spark eventually led me back to Missouri State, where I now have the privilege of teaching in the same program that shaped my career. Since joining the physician assistant studies (PAS) faculty in 2023, I’ve truly enjoyed my time here — it feels like coming home!

Johnson: This is my second year as a faculty member at Missouri State. Joining Missouri State has been a dream of mine because I love mentoring students and helping them understand the transformative impact social workers can have in the field.

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

Powell: My favorite part has been the students. Their energy and passion for learning is truly inspiring — and contagious! They make every day unique and fulfilling and I feel incredibly fortunate to work with such a remarkable group of individuals.

Johnson: What I enjoy most about working at Missouri State is the opportunity to collaborate with professionals from diverse disciplines. The university fosters a supportive culture that emphasizes a healthy work-life balance, which I truly value.

What’s your educational background?

Powell: I received my Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Missouri State in 2005 and my Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University in 2002. in 2002.

Johnson: I’m proud to be an alum of Missouri State, where I earned both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work.

Why did you choose your career path?

Powell: I became a PA because of my love of science, my love of people and my desire to help others. A PA career allowed me to combine all these interests, and I truly enjoyed my time in clinical practice. Now that I’m here at Missouri State, I have the privilege of guiding PA students as they grow into compassionate and skilled professionals — an experience that’s just as rewarding.

Johnson: I chose social work because I saw first-hand the gaps individuals faced in receiving health services and support. My grandmother’s experiences particularly shaped my perspective, as I witnessed the challenges she faced in accessing the care she needed. Seeing her struggle, and the impact it had on our family, reinforced my belief in the need for better advocacy, support systems and access to services. I’ve always been intrinsically motivated to help people, but I also recognize that by helping others, I find a sense of purpose in myself. Social work allows me to bridge those gaps while fulfilling my own drive to make a meaningful difference.

Where did you work prior to Missouri State?

Powell: Before joining Missouri State, I spent about one and a half years working with Drury University’s PA program. Prior to Drury, I practiced clinically in pediatrics and family medicine for about 17 years.

Johnson: I bring an eclectic professional background to my role, having worked in the medical field, as a therapist specializing in school-aged children and most recently, as a school social worker.

What do you do in your role at the university?

Powell: I’m an instructor in a variety of PAS courses including clinical assessment, clinical medicine, clinical problem solving and procedures. I also serve as the director of assessment for our program.

Johnson: I serve as an instructor for both the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work programs. I also work as an advisor and am the faculty advisor for the BSW Social Work Club.

What’s your favorite thing about the winter season?

Powell: I’m not a huge fan of winter, so to me, the best part of this season is knowing that spring is just around the corner.

Johnson: While I typically prefer spring and summer, I treasure the magic of the winter season, especially with my young children. Watching their excitement makes the season truly special. I also enjoy baking, and winter always feels like the perfect time to whip up something delicious.

Explore MCHHS