Archives for March 2025

Come to the groundbreaking of the University Advancement Center

March 25, 2025 by Sewly Khatun

Join in a momentous occasion on April 1 as Missouri State University breaks ground on the Clifton M. Smart III University Advancement Center.

This landmark facility will serve as a central hub for university advancement, fostering stronger connections with alumni, donors and the community.

The two-story center will house key areas of development, engagement and alumni relations, university advancement relations, advancement services and athletics development, as well as the Missouri State Foundation and Alumni Association. Expected to open in 2026, the center will provide a dedicated space for collaborations, connections and philanthropic efforts that support the university’s mission for generations to come.

Attend the groundbreaking

The groundbreaking ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. at the site of the new building, located across from the Davis-Harrington Welcome Center, at the corner of National Avenue and Bear Boulevard (in case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the center).

Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to a reception in celebration of this milestone inside the Welcome Center. Several private gifts supporting the new facility will be announced.

This event is an opportunity for alumni, donors and friends to come together, celebrate and mark the beginning of a new era for university advancement.

A vision becoming reality

The center, which will cost about $22 million to build, is made possible by an anonymous seven-figure lead gift in honor of former Missouri State President Clif Smart.

The approximately 28,000-square-foot building will give the university and its friends more space for collaborations, events and meetings.

Support the center

According to Brent Dunn, vice president for university advancement and executive director of the Missouri State Foundation, there will be naming opportunities to raise several more millions of dollars for the project.

“We’ll have some great opportunities for alumni and friends to be a part of this building,” said Dunn.

These include the main lobby and boardroom, an outdoor event space, several offices and areas associated with the gallery of memories and other collaboration areas inside and outside the building.

To find out more about contributing toward this transformative project, call 417-836-4143 or send an e-mail to foundation@missouristate.edu.

Make a gift

Optimizing the health of female athletes

March 24, 2025 by Sewly Khatun

For athletes, staying healthy is crucial to remain competitive.

Many female athletes, however, face an increased risk of stress fractures due to a combination of physiological, hormonal and nutritional factors. This can lead to missed time from competition.

To address this issue, an interdisciplinary research team from Missouri State University and North Central College conducted a study assessing the effectiveness of early identification and intervention strategies. By using early screening for energy deficiencies, the goal was to reduce stress fractures and the time lost from sports among collegiate female athletes.

Missouri State has 15 female teams and 269 female athletes, making this research especially relevant to the university’s athletics program.

Natalie Allen

“Our beginning is a fun story. Back in 2017, at a Missouri State athletics holiday party, we found ourselves in a conversation that took an unexpected turn. As health care providers, we got to talking — what if we teamed up to support student-athletes in a whole new way? One idea led to another and our research team was born,” said registered dietitian Natalie Allen, clinical associate professor of nutrition and dietetics in the School of Health Sciences.

“One common concern that emerged from our discussion was stress fractures in female collegiate athletes and the Female Athlete Triad.”

A condition that affects female athletes, the Female Athlete Triad involves three main issues: low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction and low bone density.

The study began in 2018 but faced delays due to COVID-19. The team persisted and published the research findings in the Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice this January. The paper is titled “Strategies for Optimizing Female Athlete Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Mitigate Stress Fractures and Minimize Missed Participation in Collegiate Sports.”

Besides Allen, who also serves as team dietitian for Missouri State athletes, the research team comprised:

Dr. Melissa Penkalski, associate professor and graduate program director in the School of Nursing
Shannon Hauschildt, associate professor and program director in the department of physician assistant studies
Dr. Kristin Ann Patel, associate professor and program director of health science at North Central College

Combining their expertise, the researchers identified health gaps in female athletes and developed evidence-based interventions for improved outcomes.

Research specifics and findings

The study involved 234 female athletes across nine Missouri State teams. To identify those who were at risk for low energy availability and related conditions, they underwent pre-season physicals. The physicals included screening using a tool called the Female Athlete Triad Cumulative Risk Assessment (FACTRA).

Athletes with a FACTRA score greater than one received nutrition education and consultation from the team dietitian. Athletes were also referred to doctors, athletic trainers and psychologists as needed.

Before implementing the screening, Missouri State recorded 18 stress fractures among female athletes. This resulted in 848 missed participation days. After early detection and intervention, stress fractures fell to one and missed participation days dropped to 50 — a 95% and 94.6% reduction, respectively.

The athletes also showed marked improvement in their knowledge and understanding of nutrition risks.

“This research showed how screening and intervention can keep athletes competing instead of recovering,” Hauschildt said.

Patel added, “Success comes from a strong multidisciplinary team approach, where coaches and health care providers also work together to support athletes.”

Power of prevention

One key aspect of the study was the role of nutrition education. At-risk female athletes received targeted dietary guidance, helping them optimize their energy availability and overall health.

“FACTRA screening is now a standard for pre-participation physicals at Missouri State, setting a model for female athlete health nationwide,” Allen said.

As a pediatric nurse practitioner, Penkalski notes she sees firsthand how early intervention shapes long-term health.

“This research empowers athletes to take charge of their well-being, both on and off the field.”

But there is more to explore.

The next steps include refining screening tools and investigating new areas, such as iron deficiency in endurance athletes and the impact of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sports on both men and women.

Read the published article

Faculty spotlight: Yvonne Callahan and Dr. Caitlin Masterson

March 24, 2025 by Sewly Khatun

Our featured McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) faculty members are Yvonne Callahan, clinical assistant professor in the School of Nursing, and Dr. Caitlin Masterson, assistant professor in the School of Health Care Professions.

Both bring a wealth of experience and a passion for education, shaping the next generation of health care professionals. Let’s get to know them better.

Where are you originally from?

Callahan: I grew up in a small town south of Santa Fe and east of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Masterson: I was born in Mississippi but grew up right here in Springfield, Missouri.

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

Callahan: After relocating to Missouri in 2013, I set a goal to earn a master’s in nursing and become a nurse educator. I joined MSU as an adjunct clinical instructor in spring 2021, transitioned to a full-time role in fall 2023 and became a course instructor in fall 2024.

Masterson: My husband and I both have family here and wanted to be close by. I also was drawn to the unique opportunities for collaboration and teaching at MSU. I’ve been here since 2021.

Where did you work prior to Missouri State?

Callahan: I began my nursing career at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, working on a Medical-Surgical floor before moving to the Intensive Care Unit. Oncology became my primary focus, particularly in the Specialty Infusion Unit, where I administered immune therapies and targeted biologics.

Masterson: After earning my PhD, I worked at Radford University in Virginia before moving to the University of Central Arkansas. When I moved back to Springfield, I became a biostatistician for a medical research company, a role I continue to hold while also working at MSU.

Can you share your academic journey?

Callahan: I earned my undergraduate degree in English Literature and taught English as a Second Language in Bucharest, Romania. However, eventually I felt passionate about nursing education. Then, I completed my Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing from Denver College of Nursing and Southwest Baptist University. I’m currently working on my Doctor of Nursing Practice at Missouri State.

Masterson: I pursued my athletic dreams on a track scholarship at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock. My junior year, I switched from pre-med to psychology in the halfway considering better work life balance. I earned my Master of Science in Experimental Psychology from Missouri State then my PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience with a specialization in quantitative studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

What inspired you to pursue a career in health care and higher education?

Callahan: I’ve always loved science and learning about the human body. My aunt and great-aunt are both nurses and hearing their inspiring stories sparked my passion for health care and teaching.

Masterson: I started pre-med but found my passion in neuroscience, research and statistics. Working in higher education is the cherry on top as I get to share that passion and show students that statistics isn’t so scary after all!

Are there any trends or advancements in nursing or health care that you find particularly exciting?

Callahan I’m excited about the growing field of cardio-oncology, which addresses the cardiac effects of cancer treatments. As a member of the International Cardio-Oncology Society’s nursing advocacy group, I work to advance education and implement updated guidelines to improve nursing practices in this area.

Masterson: I’m excited about AI’s growing impact on health care, revolutionizing research and data analysis. It uncovers patterns traditional methods might miss, which helps to make decision-making more precise and efficient. The intersection of real-time data, advanced statistics and technology holds incredible potential to improve population health.

What do you enjoy most about your job and working at Missouri State?

Callahan: I’m an educator at heart. I love sharing about the nursing profession and all the different ways a nurse can make a difference in the community.

Masterson: I love the variety my job offers, from teaching research and statistics to collaborating with faculty and students through RStats consults. Exploring research beyond my field keeps my courses dynamic and I genuinely enjoy designing studies and analyzing data. Having grown up here, working at MSU feels like coming home.

What’s your teaching philosophy and how do you engage students in the classroom?

Callahan: My teaching philosophy is rooted in leading by example, hands-on learning and creativity to build practical nursing skills. As president of our local Oncology Nurses Society chapter, I encourage students to join professional groups, attend advocacy events and engage in nursing conferences.

Masterson: My teaching philosophy centers on fostering a collaborative, engaging learning environment. I emphasize real-world applications, clear and structured content and practical examples that make complex concepts accessible. My goal is to spark curiosity and build student confidence beyond the classroom.

What are your favorite activities to enjoy during the spring season?

Callahan: I enjoy hiking in local trails and exploring festivals like Artsfest and the Cherry Blossom Kite and Piñata Festival. I also love pizza nights at Millsap Farms, especially their New Mexico-style horno ovens.

Masterson: I love getting coffee and going on walks with my husband at Sequiota Park while our 3-year-old rides his bike. I also spend a lot of time at Springfield Rugby matches!

What’s something about you that might surprise people?

Callahan: I never expected my passion for cardio-oncology to lead me to a national stage. This April, I’ll speak at the Oncology Nurses Society 50th Congress — not in a breakout session, but as a main session speaker!

Masterson: I learned to kneeboard and waterski before I could ride a bike, thanks to my family’s love for water sports! That passion led me to teach waterski, wakeboard, kneeboard, barefoot and surf lessons in Branson for five years.

Explore degree options in MCHHS

Promoting balanced nutrition

March 12, 2025 by Sewly Khatun

For many people, grocery shopping is usually just a routine — create a list, fill the cart and go.

But for dietitians like Madison Clemens, Noelle Mennen and Audrey Williams who graduated from Missouri State University, it is an opportunity to make informed, health-conscious choices that support overall well-being.

All three work as corporate registered dietitians at Hy-Vee, Inc. They play a key role in promoting health and wellness for customers and employees.

Finding their path in nutrition

Clemens, who grew up in Springfield, Missouri, knew she wanted a career in health care but did not see herself in nursing or other fields.

“Then, I found dietetics and never looked back,” she said.

Mennen hails from the small mountain town of Westcliffe, Colorado. She moved to Springfield in fall 2022 to pursue her master’s degree. She became passionate about nutrition after realizing how small dietary changes can have a big impact.

“Food isn’t just fuel — it’s a powerful tool for health,” she said.

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Williams used to help her mom in the kitchen as a child.

“That’s where my love for food started,” she said. “I realized food had power and I wanted to help others feel better through what they eat.”

To pursue a career in nutrition and dietetics, each of them found their way to Missouri State. They explored this field of study in depth through courses like Population Health Nutrition, Advanced Nutrition Counseling and Health Promotion Planning. They also engaged in a real-world work environment through several practicums.

“The practicums gave me hands-on experience in community nutrition and patient care, building my confidence in counseling and public speaking,” said Clemens.

The trio credited Dr. Sarah Murray, assistant professor and nutrition and dietetics program director, for her guidance and mentorship in shaping their careers.

“Dr. Murray’s guidance helped me grow in research and critical thinking, skills that I now use daily,” Mennen said.

Williams added, “She truly cares about her students and pushes them to be the best dietitians they can be.”

Clemens and Mennen earned their Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics in 2024, while Williams graduated from the same program in 2023. They also completed their dietetic internship in 2023 and 2022. In addition, both Clemens and Williams hold Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Missouri State.

Turning knowledge into impact

As corporate registered dietitians, Clemens, Mennen and Williams provide nutrition counseling, help with meal planning and support communities in many other ways.

“Nutrition isn’t just a subject; it’s a calling,” said Mennen, who is based in Kansas City, Missouri. “Our bodies are designed to work well when properly nourished.”

She enjoys seeing the “aha” moments that result from one-on-one counseling.

“When clients realize food isn’t about restriction but balance, that’s when real change happens,” she said.

According to Clemens, who works at the Hy-vee on East Sunshine in Springfield, she starts her day with emails and charting.

“Then, I work with businesses, leading grocery store tours or preparing for media segments.”

Based at the Hy-vee on West Battlefield in Springfield, Williams balances patient counseling with corporate wellness programs.

“One day, I’m in the store. The next, I’m leading a nutrition seminar,” she said.

Helping clients find answers

One area where Clemens and Williams have made a big impact is raising awareness and providing support for Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS). This is a rare allergy caused by a tick bite.

People with AGS must avoid foods and products containing alpha-gal, a sugar molecule found in red meat and some ingredients from animals. Many struggle to find safe foods to eat and need help making the right choices.

Clemens recalls hosting an alpha-gal food demonstration last fall, where people traveled hours to learn how to make AGS friendly meals.

“They left crying and hugging me because they finally had answers,” she said.

Williams, who created an online AGS class with a Missouri State intern, was amazed by the response.

“People joined from California to Virginia,” she said. “It was incredible to see how many lives we could touch.”

Battling myths with science

With nutritional misinformation everywhere, these dietitians work hard to debunk myths and promote evidence-based advice.

“A big myth is that healthy eating is expensive,” Clemens said. “In reality, smart planning makes nutritious meals budget friendly.”

Williams stays informed by tracking food trends in grocery aisles.

“What customers ask about is usually what’s trending,” she said. “Hearing their questions helps me understand what nutrition topics need more clarity.”

Mennen follows research, webinars and industry updates.

“The more I learn, the better I can help people,” she said.

By continuously learning and challenging myths, Clemens, Mennen and Williams help people make healthier, more confident choices about their food every day.

Explore the nutrition and dietetics program