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Honoring the legacy of Ramona McQueary

August 29, 2024 by Avery E. Adkins

Ramona McQueary and family announce the naming of McQueary College of Health and Human Services.

Ramona McQueary, the first female president of Missouri State University’s Board of Governors, passed away on June 29 at the age of 93. Her impact on the university and community was profound. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.  

A 1952 graduate of what was then Southwest Missouri State College, Ramona maintained a lifelong connection with the university, along with her late husband, Fred M. McQueary. This bond extended to the entire McQueary family, as recalled by their son, Dr. Fred G. McQueary.  

“Some of my first memories are going to Missouri State events, whether it was football games or basketball games … it was always part of what we did,” Fred said.  

A love for her alma mater 

Ramona’s involvement with Missouri State spanned decades. Starting in 1973, she joined the Alumni Association Board of Directors. She quickly made history by becoming the second woman appointed to the university’s Board of Governors.  

Her tenure as president of the board in 1978 marked significant milestones, including a record student enrollment of 15,000. She was also involved with the opening of the Hammons Student Center and Duane Meyer Library.  

“She transferred all her energy from raising three boys to raising a university,” Fred said. “I jokingly say that my mother adopted Missouri State as her fourth child. She never had to face empty nest syndrome because she always had a child or an organization she was trying to improve.” 

A mission to advance health 

Ramona and her family have made significant financial gifts to the university over the years, especially to support health-related programs. Both the McQueary Family Health Sciences Hall and the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) bear their name. 

According to Fred, five generations of his family have been committed to meeting health needs in the Ozarks. Their efforts date back at least 130 years. 

An inspiration for many  

Ramona’s influence extended beyond the university into the community. 

She served as president of the Burrell Behavioral Health Center’s Board of Directors in 1983, guiding the organization through a transition to its new location on Primrose Avenue. 

Ramona was also a member of PEO (Philanthropic Education Organization) Sisterhood. It provides educational opportunities for women internationally. She later served as the state president of the organization as well. 

“She was always interested in bettering the community in any way she could,” Fred said. 

Ramona’s leadership experience and her heart for service made her a role model and a trailblazer for women in Springfield and beyond.   

“Many women in leadership positions over the last 30 years have commented to my brothers and I about how impactful she was as a role model,” Fred said.  

A meaningful legacy 

The McQueary family’s generosity and multigenerational involvement at MSU earned them the Bronze Bear Award in 2007. 

For Ramona, this award was particularly meaningful as it encapsulated a lifetime of positive impact.  

“I know she was very proud of the Bronze Bear because it recognized a lifetime achievement rather than an individual achievement,” Fred said.  

Ramona’s legacy is one of relentless dedication to making Missouri State and the community better. Her contributions will continue to benefit countless individuals for generations to come.  

“You can stay engaged and should stay engaged with organizations to help the community any way you can,” Fred said. “That’s the sort of example we should all look up to.” 

Learn more about the McQueary College of Health and Human Services

Filed Under: MCHHS News Tagged With: McQueary College of Health and Human Services

Unlocking the weight loss benefits of protein shakes

August 23, 2024 by Avery E. Adkins

Registered dietitian Natalie Allen works with student athletes providing them with nutrition education.

Protein shakes have long been celebrated for their benefits in muscle building, but they can also play a crucial role in weight loss.  

Registered dietitian Natalie Allen, who is also a Missouri State University clinical associate professor of nutrition and dietetics, recently shared insights on how protein shakes can help you stay full longer, maintain muscle mass and stick to your calorie goals. 

To learn more about the benefits of protein shakes and how they can support your weight loss journey, check out the full article, 3 Ways Protein Shakes Can Help You Lose Weight.

Explore programs in public health and sports medicine 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Dietetics, Public health and sports medicine

Introducing new faculty and staff

August 21, 2024 by Avery E. Adkins

The McQueary Family Health Sciences Hall

For this new academic year, an impressive group of 22 new faculty members and six new staff members have joined the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) family.  

“I’m excited to welcome such a talented group to the college,” said Dr. Mark Smith, MCHHS dean. “It’s a testament to the amazing work and culture that faculty and staff in MCHHS create.” 

New faculty members 

Physical therapy program 

  • Allison Adler

School of Anesthesia 

  • Shawnee Glenn
     

School of Health Care Professions
 

  • Rachel Moore
     

School of Health Sciences
 

  • Stephanie Urich 
  • Meghan Kelley 
  • Molly Lancaster 
  • Henry Tsai 

School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences 

  • Sara Wilson 
  • Heather Eckhart  
  • Bridger Falkenstein 
  • Shin Han 
  • Tiffany Havlin
  • Kristen Thompson 

School of Nursing 

  • Rebecca Johnson 
  • Tyler Johnson 
  • Alisha Tuttle 

New staff members 

  • Andrew Cole, academic technology support administrator 
  • Jacqueline McReynolds, associate director, communications and public health transformation 
  • Jessica Matney, coordinator, Simulation Center 
  • Joseph Cillessen, video communications administrator 
  • Rebecca Damron, coordinator, Missouri Pathways Internship Program – Public Health and Sports Medicine 
  • Savannah Sargent, administrative assistant II 

Welcome to the MCHHS and Bears family! 

Learn more about MCHHS

Filed Under: MCHHS News Tagged With: McQueary College of Health and Human Services

Health shares the spotlight at 2024 Public Affairs Conference

August 19, 2024 by Avery E. Adkins

The Citizen Scholar Statue

Missouri State University is gearing up for its 21st Public Affairs Conference, set to take place Sept. 24-26.  

This year’s theme is “Between the One and the Many: Considering Community and Individualism.” 

Schedule highlights 

The conference includes a mix of in-person and live-streamed sessions: 

  • A keynote speech from actress and advocate Brooke Shields 
  • Four plenary speakers 
  • Eighteen virtual panel sessions covering a variety of topics 

Among the 18 panel sessions are two focused on health. One is about the power of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care and the other is on the importance of mental health.  

Dr. Yating Liang, a former kinesiology professor, contributed to organizing these sessions. She represented the McQueary College of Health and Human Services on the Public Affairs Conference advisory committee, but recently moved to the Darr College of Agriculture. 

“The Public Affairs Conference is a cornerstone of our university,” Liang said. “It reflects our commitment to engaging with topics that resonate with both the academic community and the public.”  

More about the sessions 

“Harnessing the Power of AI in Healthcare” will take place from 1:25-2:15 p.m. Sept. 25 via Zoom. This session will discuss how AI can enhance patient outcomes and revolutionize health care delivery.  

The session will highlight successful examples of AI applications that have improved patient and community health. It will also cover ethical considerations, such as ensuring fair access and protecting patient privacy. 

“AI technology has emerged as a game-changer in health care,” said Liang. “It offers opportunities to personalize health care interventions and tackle population health challenges.  This session will bring together experts from academia and the field to show AI’s impact and future health care prospects.”  

The second session, “Nurturing Community Support for Individual Resilience,” will be from 11-11:50 a.m. Sept. 26 via Zoom. It will explore the complex and multifaceted relationship of the group and the self in mental health.  

This session is timely and important due to mental health challenges that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“Mental health is a critical issue that affects everyone, not just those within our university,” Liang said. “By bringing together experts who can share their knowledge and experiences, we hope to offer valuable perspectives that can benefit individuals and communities alike.” 

Attend the conference  

The Public Affairs Conference is free and open to the public.  

“The conference is structured to accommodate our university community while also being open to a wider audience,” Liang said. “We want to ensure our sessions attract and benefit as many people as possible.”  

Mark your calendars for Sept. 24-26 and join in the conversation on how to balance individualism with shared commitments.  

Learn more about the Public Affairs Conference

Filed Under: MCHHS Events Tagged With: McQueary College of Health and Human Services

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