Health and Human Services News

2022-2023 MCHHS faculty promotions

by

This year, McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) recommended 12 faculty members for promotion. All 12 have been approved!

“Achievement of tenure and/or promotion takes a great deal of sustained effort and commitment. I’m proud to offer congratulations to those who have reached this important milestone,” said Dr. Letitia White-Minnis, MCHHS associate dean.

Faculty promotions

These faculty were promoted:

  • Jill Layman: Anesthesia, tenured and promoted from assistant professor to associate professor.
  • Nicole Gorley: Biomedical sciences, promoted from instructor to senior instructor.
  • Kimberly Ireland: Communication sciences and disorders, promoted from clinical assistant professor to clinical associate professor.
  • Jennifer Pratt: Communication sciences and disorders, promoted from clinical associate professor to clinical professor.
  • Kathryn Patterson: Nursing, promoted from clinical associate professor to clinical professor.
  • Shelley Carter: Nursing, promoted from clinical assistant professor to clinical associate professor.
  • Natalie Allen: Public health and sports medicine, promoted from clinical assistant professor to clinical associate professor.
  • David Carr: Public health and sports medicine, promoted from associate professor to professor.
  • Allan Liggett: Public health and sports medicine, promoted from clinical associate professor to clinical professor.
  • Jaime Gnau: Public health and sports medicine, promoted from clinical instructor to clinical assistant professor.
  • Dana Paliliunas: Psychology, tenured and promoted from assistant professor to associate professor.

Learn more about MCHHS

Shining a spotlight on student research

by

Over the course of the last year, Missouri State University students have spent time researching a topic of choice in their respective disciplines.

Now, it’s time for these students to showcase their successful research work.

Missouri State will host three research events April 27-29, 2023, on campus to highlight what the students have done.

“My favorite part of these events is their interdisciplinary nature,” said Dr. Letitia White-Minnis, associate dean of MSU’s McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS).

“It’s  a chance to talk to students from different areas about their work. Every year, I learn new things.”

Event details

This event is free and open to the public.

April 27

27th Annual MCHHS Student Research Symposium, 3-5 p.m., Plaster Student Union Grand Ballroom

This symposium is open to all graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in programs within MCHHS.

Learn more about the event

Taking time for continuing education

by

MCHHS is committed to providing professional development opportunities for faculty and staff.

Last fall’s professional development event centered on de-stigmatizing mental illness.

This spring, the focus is on engaging GenZ students in higher education.

On March 3, the college will shut down in the afternoon and students will receive alternative assignments.

Faculty from across the college will gather at the Darr Agricultural Center to participate in an interactive workshop with researcher and author Dr. Meghan Grace.

“I’m looking forward to an engaging afternoon with Dr. Grace and MCHHS faculty as we seek to support student retention within MCHHS,” said Dr. Letitia White Minnis, MCHHS associate dean.

About Grace

Grace is a researcher, consultant, international speaker and author.

She’s also host of the podcast #GenZ, and co-author of the books, “Generation Z Goes to College” and “Generation Z: A Century in the Making.”

Studying Generation Z since 2014, she and her research partner, Dr. Corey Seemiller, lead the Institute for Generational Research and Education.

As a senior consultant with Plaid, LLC, Grace supports clients in their pursuit of “being better” through designing and implementing research, assessment and evaluation solutions, along with curriculum development, program design and organizational development.

Learn more about MCHHS

Adapting to all abilities

by

Ensuring everyone can participate in physical activity is something very important to Dr. Rebecca Woodard, MSU professor of kinesiology — even individuals who may not have the same abilities.

For more than a decade, Woodard has educated students on the importance of adapted physical education, also known as adaptive physical activity.

“These two terms refer to the ability to adapt and individualize physical activities to meet the needs of those with disabilities,” Woodard said.

“This can include an individual with autism, someone who may be in a wheelchair or any other disabilities.”

The goal of adapting these activities is to allow these individuals to be successful in their own way.

Real world experiences

MSU students majoring in physical education and exercise and movement science are enrolled in Woodard’s adapted physical education course to gain hands-on experience.

They attend lectures three days a week and then work with adapted PE teachers in the Springfield Public Schools district.

On Fridays, these students provide physical activity programs for students at Rivendale Institute of Learning and Center for Autism.

Every week, Woodard invites individuals from  Arc of the Ozarks to come to campus and participate with students in some physical activity.

“It’s important for these students to get this hands-on experience before graduating because in their future professions, they may work with individuals with disabilities,” Woodard said.

“I love seeing the relationships that form between students and the individuals who participate in these programs.”

Learn more about the kinesiology department