Aug. 25, 2025, was a momentous day for health care in Springfield.  

The Alliance for Healthcare Education held its official launch and broke ground on a $15 million expansion at Cox North, the alliance’s home. In attendance were several hundred people, including Gov. Mike Kehoe, other government officials, community leaders and Missouri State faculty, staff and students. 

The project will create an advanced learning environment to prepare more students for health care careers. 

Two years ago, Missouri State University, CoxHealth, Ozarks Technical Community College and Springfield Public Schools partnered to identify and train the next generation of health care professionals. The goal is to address critical workforce shortages in southwest Missouri. 

The Alliance creates pathways for health careers for students. These pathways begin when they are juniors in high school through dual-credit arrangements and continue as far as a master’s degree. 

Gov. Kehoe praised the initiative, calling the Alliance a “trendsetter” that other communities will want to replicate.  

According to the Alliance Executive Director Shallina Goodnight, the Alliance is not just a campus. 

“It’s a commitment and it belongs to all of us,” she said. 

More opportunities for Missouri State

For Missouri State students, the Alliance and expansion of its home mean more seats, more resources and more real-world experience. 

“The Alliance expansion is more than bricks and mortar; it’s a bold investment in the future of health care and higher education in our region,” said Dr. Mark Smith, dean of McQueary College of Health and Human Services.  

“At Missouri State, we see students not just as learners, but as future leaders who will transform lives and communities. By combining advanced training with our public affairs mission, we’re preparing graduates who will fill critical workforce needs and shape a healthier, more compassionate future.” 

Thanks to the Alliance, Missouri State has been able to expand the number of openings in its nursing programs. Along with Ozarks Tech, the university introduced its first cohort for nursing degrees this fall. 

Among the students in the program are Raphael Sende and Jamie Fabozzi. 

Sende, who grew up in Nigeria, chose to pursue nursing as a result of a personal experience. He lost his mother due to medical negligence and he did not want that to happen to any other family member.  

He noted that the labs and lower student-teacher ratio in the program make learning easier. 

As for Fabozzi, she was inspired to become a nurse after her own health challenges. The nurses who cared for her made a difficult time less miserable, and she knew she wanted to do that for others.  

She said she appreciates learning in the hospital setting and realistic simulation labs. 

Welcoming new partners 

At the event, the Alliance announced the addition of new workforce affiliates – Burrell Behavioral Health and Citizens Memorial Hospital – to address mental health and rural health care, and expand training opportunities. They join Evangel University, who was the first educational affiliate. 

Burrell President Clay Goddard emphasized the importance of including mental health in health care education.  

“Every one of us is touched by mental health,” he said. “We can break down barriers to quality care together.” 

Citizens Memorial CEO Michael Calhoun highlighted how critical local talent is for rural health. 

“Rural health care depends on homegrown talent,” Calhoun said. “By partnering with the Alliance, we’re ensuring students can return home to serve.” 

As the Alliance founding partners continue pursuing more affiliates, it could become the region’s largest producer of health care professionals. 

“The Alliance’s expansion is a powerful reminder that higher education thrives when it’s connected to community,” Smith said.  

“At Missouri State, we work together with partners to meet the real needs of the people we serve. This effort ensures our students gain skills for their careers while also learn what it means to give back — strengthening health care, families and communities across southwest Missouri.” 

Explore the Alliance for Healthcare Education