Our featured McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) staff member is Karla Riley. She works as an academic administrative assistant in the School of Health Sciences.

Let’s get to know her better.

Where are you originally from?

I’m from Blue Springs, Missouri.

Why did you decide to join Missouri State University and how long have you been here?

I’ve always wanted to work in education and love being around and in a learning environment. I started in July 2025.

What’s your educational background?

I have my associate’s degree in applied sciences with an emphasis in medical assisting.

What does your current role at Missouri State entail?

As an academic administrative assistant for the School of Health Sciences, I assist the school director with many reports from budgeting to school wide census to course building for programs in our school.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in this job?

Learning the language of higher education and all the abbreviations of all the schools and programs, as well as how many budgets there are associated with each program.

Why did you choose this area of work?

It was connected, in a way, with health care. I love to learn and being in an environment that is about education, promoting education and my love of health sciences, this allowed me to blend a little bit of both worlds.

What do you enjoy most about working at the university?

Being around people who enjoy their job and the learning environment in general. Plus all the opportunities you have working for the university.

What type of work did you do prior to Missouri State?

I worked for 26 years at CoxHealth’s Bone and Joint Orthopedics department as an office manager and department supervisor for surgical practice.

What’s your favorite fall tradition?

I love fall bonfires with family, tailgating and football games. I also enjoy the transition of cooler weather and evenings on the porch listening to all the “critters.”

How do you spend your leisure time?

I love reading and I always have a book in progress. My husband, Jeff, and I also travel a lot. We love to explore this great world we live in and experience all that it has to offer.

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