Health and Human Services News

Preparing for the future

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It is often times hard for students to specify a career path they want to pursue.

Dr. Keith McShan, assistant professor of kinesiology, explains that is especially the case in the kinesiology field.

“Kinesiology is a very broad space of study,” McShan said. “Students in our department can pursue careers in multiple areas which may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, academia, health and wellness, and sports and recreation management.”

“But sometimes, it is hard for students to narrow down what they want to do.”

In order to help students, get exposed to all the possibilities within the kinesiology field, McShan established the kinesiology career research club .

Student focused, student led

To make this club as beneficial as possible, they have decided to let students decide the direction of the club and its focus.

“We really want this club to be student focused,” said Grace Landewee, junior, incumbent president. “During our first few meetings, we want students to brainstorm topics that they may be interested in researching with us.”

McShan wants to help students feel comfortable with the process of research.

“When I was in college, I remember how scary the topic of research was for me and other students,” McShan said. “I want to help students get past those barriers and show them how important it is.”

Connecting with professionals

The club is also meant to allow these students to professionally network.

“We plan to take trips to conferences, events and different organizations to help our students connect with professionals within different kinesiology fields,” McShan said.

McShan and Landewee hope that these trips can help create career opportunities for these students after they graduate.

To find out more information about how to join or get involved in the kinesiology career research club, reach out to  keithmcshan@missouristate.edu or grace304@live.missouristate.edu.

Learn more about the kinesiology department

Building community and college connections

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With a mission of public affairs at Missouri State University, it is crucial that MCHHS connects with the community we serve. 

In that spirit, the college established the MCHHS Advisory Board in the Spring of 2021. Since that time the board has met on five occasions to discuss a wide range of topics related to the college, including enrollment, retention, program and student success, and operating budget. 

“Our college advisory board is made up of 16 individuals, which include alumni, former faculty, community leaders, and those with an interest and passion for the success of MCHHS” said Dr. Lyon Hough, Associate Professor of biomedical sciences and faculty representative to the advisory board. 

 “Our discussions have provided insight into how MCHHS programs can best meet the needs of the workforce and support student development.”   

Each department has its own advisor, and there are also five at-large advisors who report to the dean, to discuss issues related to the college as a whole. 

Board members meet with departments to discuss the needs and innerworkings of MCHHS and voice any recommendations to the dean, departments, and fellow board members.  

Objectives for the board 

The board’s mission is to create meaningful connections among the community, the departments and the college.  

“Board members represent our community,” MCHHS Dean Dr. Mark Smith said. “They provide advice, criticism and guidance to our college, departments and programs to help MCHHS navigate challenges and opportunities.” 

The college hopes to utilize the experience and advice of the board to help students succeed in their future careers. 

Meet the advisory board

Learn more about the MCHHS Advisory Board

Reflecting on the past and preparing for the future

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Over this past year, MCHHS accomplished many goals that support student success including:

Looking ahead to 2023

For the last few months, the MCHHS Leadership Team has been planning and strategizing for 2023.

“I firmly believe that in the coming months, MSU and MCHHS have an excellent opportunity to build upon the strong foundational stones that have helped propel us to success through thinking big, examining existing structures and creating new partnerships,” said Dr. Mark Smith, Dean of MCHHS.

Here are some things to look out for in 2023:

  • New doctoral programs starting in fall 2023: PsyD and the OTD.
  • New College: Judith E. Reynolds College of Arts and Humanities (July 2023).
  • Opportunity to reimagine academic structures.
  • March 3, 2023: First College Wide Professional Development Half-Day for MCHHS.
  • Coming fall 2023: College facilities upgrade application process for faculty and staff.

Learn more about MCHHS

Congratulations to the MCHHS 3MT winners

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MCHHS hosted the college Three Minute Thesis Competition (3MT) on Oct. 31.  

Students were prompted to research an issue that was occurring in their field of study, and then present to a panel of judges in three minutes or less.  

This year’s competition included:  

  • 9 presentations 
  • 5 departments 
  • 21 students  
  • 8 faculty advisors 

The results  

The top four presentations were: 

  • Breanne McLay and Cameron Bruso, School of Anesthesia, Two-Handed Mask Ventilation with Alternative Ventilatory Device. 
  • Sarah Waterman, nutrition and dietetics, Accessing SNAP Benefits at a Midwestern Public University. 
  • Cecelia Peine, Jesse La Fond and Tyler Boyer, occupational therapy, How OT’s Can Address Scamming Among Older Adults. 
  • Cody Haether, Zach Gaarder and Jordan Sandusky, School of Anesthesia, Advanced Airway Techniques. 

“I would like to say a huge thank you to the participants of the 2022 MCHHS 3MT Competition and to Dr. Monika Feeney for organizing the competition,” said Letitia White-Minnis, associate dean MCHHS.  

“I also want to congratulate our winners on their presentations.  It is challenging to summarize an entire research project into 3 minutes, and they each did so in an outstanding way.”