Health and Human Services News

Faculty spotlight

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Get to know Dr. Ryan Gordon and Dr. Michelle Jackson, faculty members in the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS).

Gordon is an assistant professor in the School of Health Sciences and Jackson is an assistant professor in the School of Health Care Professions.

Let’s learn more about them.

Where are you from?

Gordon: I’m from Litchfield, Illinois. I also lived in Edwardsville, Illinois, for seven years and Denton, Texas, for four.

Ryan Gordon
Dr. Ryan Gordon

Jackson: I’m originally from Monte Vista, Colorado.

What brought you to Missouri State?

Gordon: I worked at Drury University for two years before moving over to Missouri State. The exercise science program was looking for a new faculty member in spring 2023. I applied and am so glad I did. It’s been a fantastic transition for me.

Jackson: The amazing reputation of the occupational therapy program and the wonderful faculty and staff who work within the program.

How many years have you been at Missouri State?

Gordon: I’m starting my second year here.

Jackson: I’m beginning my second year at Missouri State.

What’s your favorite memory here so far?

Michelle Jackson
Dr. Michelle Jackson

Gordon: I have two. The first would be bringing both of my sons (they’re 4 and 2 years old) to campus to see where I work, my office and the lab spaces we use. The second would be taking several exercise science students to a research and education conference this past March. It’s awesome to introduce students to new experiences and learning content they don’t normally get to see in a typical classroom

Jackson: My favorite memory is Merry Friendsgiving — a celebratory tradition in the occupational therapy program that includes the faculty, staff and students.

What do you enjoy most about working here?

Gordon: I enjoy my co-workers and colleagues, the energy and excitement a larger university and campus bring and the Midwest vibes the Springfield area has.

Jackson: It’s great to collaborate with so many different departments and disciplines. I also love the atmosphere of a university — it just feels so alive.

What do you look forward to at the beginning of the school year?

Gordon: I look forward to the energy and excitement the first week of class brings on campus and in the classroom.

Jackson: I enjoy meeting new students and reconnecting with returning students. Fall semester always feels like a fresh start and the beginning of a new adventure.

What do you do for leisure/relaxation?

Gordon: For leisure, I exercise (resistance training, cycling, walking/hiking, yoga), read and make coffee (I roast my own). I have two young boys, so I don’t really relax!

Jackson: I enjoy restoring antique furniture, reading, weight training, traveling and hiking. I’ve been able to combine hiking and travel a few times, including when I went to Colorado, Arizona, Iceland and Mt. Kilimanjaro. I’m currently planning my next hiking/travel adventure.

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Exercise and movement science student ready for graduation

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Soon-to-be Missouri State University graduate Malia Vazquez is off to make her mark on the world.

This May, she will earn a degree in exercise and movement science, a minor in psychology and a Foundations of Nutrition undergraduate certificate. Her goal is to become a physical therapist (PT).

Why physical therapy?

Vazquez’s inspiration for her degree choice resulted from her dad having to undergo physical therapy. She would take him to his appointments and immediately fell in love with the profession.

“It combined my interests in science and assisting others. Being able to use exercise as medicine and improve the lives of others in my community is extremely rewarding,” she said.

This led her to pursue the pre-professional track in PT.

Her academic journey

Within her major, minor and certificate, she has taken many courses that have expanded her knowledge and understanding. Her favorites were Kinesiology (KIN 360) and Strength and Conditioning (KIN 465).

“Kinesiology focused on analyzing movement and how forces go into the movement of stabilization and joints, which will be a focus in my future as a PT,” Vazquez said. “Strength and Conditioning taught me how to create exercise programming that would be specific to the needs of individuals.”

Two faculty members — assistant professor of kinesiology Dr. Ryan Gordon and professor of kinesiology Dr. Rebecca Woodard — stood out to Vazquez for their diligence and attention given to students.

Getting involved at MSU

Vazquez, who is from Blue Springs, Missouri, chose MSU for its affordability and the opportunities and experience provided here. She has been actively involved on campus over the past four years.

She has served as president of the Pre-Physical Therapy Society since May 2023. This society focuses on creating a community for students interested in going into PT. Vazquez has been a part of this organization all four years at MSU, serving as social chair in her sophomore year and vice president in her junior year. As president, she plans and runs the society’s monthly meetings monthly.

With her interest in being outdoors and helping others enjoy it, she also works for the Foster Recreation Center on campus in the outdoor adventures department as a lead staff and trip leader.

Additionally, she is part of University Ambassadors, the official student public relations team of Missouri State. As an ambassador, she gives campus tours to prospective students and their family members, as well as represents MSU at on- and off-campus events.

Future plans

After graduation, Vazquez plans to move to Flagstaff, Arizona, to get her Doctor of Physical Therapy at Northern Arizona University.

Her dream job is to work in PT for a professional women’s sports team.

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MSU student participates in Missouri Governor’s Student Leadership Forum

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Cadence Arnold, an exercise and movement science junior, was one of 80 collegiate students nominated to represent Missouri State University during the annual Missouri Governor’s Student Leadership Forum on Faith and Values.

It took place Feb. 16-18, 2024, in Jefferson City, Missouri.

The forum started in 1988 under the leadership of former Missouri Governor and 79th U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft.

It challenges students’ character development by encouraging them to reflect on their own decision-making skills, values and belief systems. Students learn about how to reconcile relationships, stand for truth and love others as they love themselves. The forum’s guiding principle is teaching students to embrace altruism rather than egotism.

“Through the forum, I was able to reflect on my own decision-making skills, values and belief system. The forum provided a space for me to connect with student leaders at various universities around the state, exposing me to many new ideas. I was also able to collaborate with many leaders at the state level, including Gov. Parson!” said Arnold, who’s from Hillsboro, Missouri.

I’m excited to bring the knowledge I learned back to Missouri State and share it with others.”

Forum highlights

Gov. Mike Parson welcomed students of the forum with a meet and greet in his office, followed by an inspirational message from Rebecca Welsh, founder of Halo, a mission that provides housing, healing and education to at-risk and homeless children. Students ended their time at the Capitol hearing from Missouri State Sen. Travis Fitzwater.

Students also heard from several speakers who lead by example. A question-and-answer panel including Youssef Abdou, Natalia Chaing Breña, David Johnson, Bailey Stephen and Sadie Williams discussed the importance of community and relationships. Judge Pat Joyce shared a message on redemption after the students’ tour of the Jefferson City Correctional Center.

Kyrell and Michaela Newell, directors of St. Nicholas Academy, shared a message on servant leadership. Justin Campbell, regional director of YoungLife, concluded the forum, challenging students to consider their purpose in what they are aiming at.

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MCHHS graduate gets ready to do big things

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Abby Grisham is eagerly awaiting her graduation from Missouri State University this fall. 

Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in exercise and movement science, she reflects on her enriching experiences on campus and is excited about her upcoming role as an exercise physiologist at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Grisham’s involvement on campus 

Grisham has been actively involved in various campus organizations, especially the Pre-PA Society and the Exercise Science Society.  

She’s grateful for the positive influence these groups had on her and the supportive networks they provided during her time as a student. 

Cherished academic moments 

In her academic journey, Grisham expresses admiration for professors like Dr. Stacy Goddard and Dr. Ryan Gordon.  

“I’m excited for my future endeavors, but the support and care from professors like Dr. Goddard and Dr. Gordon have been so valuable, not just academically, but personally too,” Grisham said. 

Grisham notes that their influence has been pivotal in shaping her career aspirations and even inspired her to contemplate pursuing a master’s in exercise physiology. 

Classes like KIN569 (health appraisal and exercise testing techniques) and KIN465 (exercise prescription: strength and conditioning) impacted her profoundly. These courses not only fueled her passion for the field, but also directly prepared her for her new job at Saint Luke’s Hospital. 

Stepping into the professional realm 

Grisham who’s from Urbana, Missouri is thrilled to be joining the St. Luke’s team.  

Some of her responsibilities in the cardiovascular imaging lab will include helping with stress testing, EKG (electrocardiogram) interpretation and echo procedures.  

Grisham attributes her confidence during the interview process to the extensive preparation she received from her professors. 

Missouri State’s impact 

Expressing a deep attachment to MSU, she credits the institution for providing essential resources, supportive faculty and fostering lasting friendships.  

While she looks forward to the next phase of her journey, she’ll miss her friends, professors and the vibrant atmosphere at Missouri State. 

Although saying goodbye is bittersweet, she remains grateful for the personal and professional growth that MSU provided. 

“I love Missouri State and I’m really sad to leave,” Grisham said. “I feel like I’ve grown so much here, both as a person and a health care provider.” 

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