Health and Human Services News

MCHHS awards 742 degrees during spring commencement

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The McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) awarded 742 degrees at the spring 2022 commencement.  

“Congratulations to all of our MCHHS graduates,” said Dr. Mark Smith, dean MCHHS. “I am proud of all the hard work you have done and wish you all luck in your future endeavors.”  

Department graduation numbers 

Ensuring educational success

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In order to provide the best care to patients, healthcare workers must constantly learn new things to stay up-to-date in their field. Continuing education has become an important tool in the healthcare industry.  

“When working in the hospital as a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), you are sometimes given continuing education money in order to keep your license,” said Dr. Monika Feeney, department head School of Anesthesia.  

The world-renowned medical organization, the Mayo Clinic, has established a program to ensure its employees get the best continuing education possible.  

“The Mayo Clinic recently announced that they will pay 100% of the tuition for any of their CRNA employees wanting to get the DNAP at Missouri State.” 

How the program works 

CRNAs who are wanting to get into the program must currently have their master’s and be prepared to get their doctorate.  

“The doctorate degree can be completed in one, two or three years,” said Feeney. “They are all distance classes, so students can complete the program where they currently reside”  

The university also has a satellite campus on Mayo Clinic’s campus where they offer onsite options for required Campus time. “Our program is made for working people and that drew the attention of Mayo Clinic,” said Feeney. “We are really excited about the opportunity they are giving their employees and this partnership we have.” 

How to apply 

Current CRNAs at Mayo Clinic are asked to apply through the Missouri State DNAP application.   

Applicants will then go through an interview process to determine if they are eligible for this program.  

Students will be selected shortly after the interview process. 

Learn about our DNAP Completion Program

MCHHS leadership changes

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Some changes are coming to Missouri State University’s McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) leadership team this fall.

Dr. Sarah McCallister, department head of kinesiology, will retire at the end of the year. Dr. Colette Witkowski, department head of biomedical sciences (BMS), will move back to a faculty position.

“Both Sarah and Colette have been amazing leaders and advocates for the college, their respective departments and most importantly, MSU students,” said Dr. Mark Smith, MCHHS dean.

“In my short time at MSU, I have learned from them both tremendously and am exceptionally grateful to have had them be part of an excellent college leadership team as we navigated the many challenges caused by COVID-19.

“Their experience, insights and honesty will be hard to replace. I wish them all the best as they take on new challenges and opportunities.”

Dr. Sarah McCallister

McCallister is retiring from Missouri State after 22 years of service, which included 15 years as department head of kinesiology.

McCallister contributed to the kinesiology department, the college, university and community in many ways. In 2018, she was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame by the Springfield-Greene County Park Board.

She was recently described by the kinesiology faculty as a servant leader who supported faculty and staff and cared deeply about her department and students.

Dr. Colette Witkowski

Witkowski has decided to return to faculty after serving as BMS department head for 15 years.  She contributed to the department, the college, university and community in a lot of ways over the years.

She is a strong role model and advocate for women and girls in the sciences. She serves as the lead organizer of the Expanding Your Horizons  conference. The conference brings middle school girls to campus to learn about science with hands-on activities, exposing them to related career opportunities.

Student on the Street: Robert Shifrin

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Robert Shifrin is a athletic training student at Missouri State University. Shifrin is from St. Louis, Missouri, and attended Parkway High School.   

His favorite course has been his practicum experience.   

“Our practicum course allows us to have some incredible clinical rotations and learn hands-on skills from some great ATs in the field,” Casanova said.   

For Shifrin, the best part of being a Bear is the community.   

“To me, the best part of being at Mo State would have to be the strong sense of community that is created amongst the study body and staff population here,” he said.  

Upon graduation, Shifrin will take on the position of assistant athletic trainer within the Toronto Blue Jays organization. He has been assigned to work with their Latin American affiliate team in the Dominican Republic. 

Learn more about the athletic training department