Health and Human Services News

A powerful partnership to create an autism center of tomorrow

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Tim Dygon, executive vice president at Arc of the Ozarks and Letitia White-Minnis, associate dean of the McQueary College of Health and Human Services, discuss what the partnership will do for the community in the present and in the future. 

“This all started with a conversation and a dream,” Dygon said. “We’re now all working together to open a large-scale autism and neuro-developmental center that will provide autism evaluations and screenings, as well as ongoing therapies.” 

“It always starts small. It always starts with an idea and a discussion. We know that if we continue to have strong partners like Missouri State and Mercy at the table, we’ll have great ideas that will grow into something incredible.” 

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Restructuring: Conversations with the dean

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The MCHHS departments are in for some major restructuring in the coming years – but what does that mean for students and faculty?

Dean of the McQueary College of Health and Human Services, Dr. Mark Smith, explains why restructuring is a good thing and why changes moving forward are needed.

“We must get people into areas where we can grow our community as a whole,” Smith said. “I firmly believe that by the end of this two-year plan we’re going to look different. One way or another we’re going to be better equipped to prepare students moving forward.” 

“Organizational change and improvement don’t happen by doing nothing and not talking about it. My door is always open for anyone with comments, questions, or concerns about this next chapter.” 

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Building bridges with Burrell

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Have you heard about the new PsyD program? 

Dr. Adam Andreassen, Chief Operating Officer of Burrell Behavioral Health, and Dr. Paul Deal, psychology department head at Missouri State University, lift the curtain to discuss what the partnership with Burrell entails. 

“We want to develop a workforce that is going to meet a demand that is extremely prevalent at this time. All of us at Burrell are thrilled about this partnership and the creation of this Doctor of Psychology program,” Andreassen said. “It’s going to change the community; it’s going to change the state and it’s going to save lives.”  

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Balancing athletics with academics

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Can student athletes juggle their sports in addition to academics? 

Alyssa Buchheit, cell and molecular biology student with a minor in chemistry and on the pre-med track, always knew that she’d play soccer at the college-level. 

“I’m so blessed to be a student athlete,” Buchheit said. “Instead of having to get a job during the school year, I get to play the sport I love with my best friends.” 

Buchheit shares the cool opportunities she’s experienced because of being on the Missouri State women’s soccer team in this month’s podcast episode. 

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