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Promoting balanced nutrition

March 12, 2025 by Sewly Khatun

Picture of salmon fish and some vegies

For many people, grocery shopping is usually just a routine — create a list, fill the cart and go. 

But for dietitians like Madison Clemens, Noelle Mennen and Audrey Williams who graduated from Missouri State University, it is an opportunity to make informed, health-conscious choices that support overall well-being. 

All three work as corporate registered dietitians at Hy-Vee, Inc. They play a key role in promoting health and wellness for customers and employees. 

Finding their path in nutrition 

Clemens, who grew up in Springfield, Missouri, knew she wanted a career in health care but did not see herself in nursing or other fields. 

“Then, I found dietetics and never looked back,” she said.

Audrey Williams
Audrey Williams

Mennen hails from the small mountain town of Westcliffe, Colorado. She moved to Springfield in fall 2022 to pursue her master’s degree. She became passionate about nutrition after realizing how small dietary changes can have a big impact.  

“Food isn’t just fuel — it’s a powerful tool for health,” she said. 

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Williams used to help her mom in the kitchen as a child.  

“That’s where my love for food started,” she said. “I realized food had power and I wanted to help others feel better through what they eat.” 

To pursue a career in nutrition and dietetics, each of them found their way to Missouri State. They explored this field of study in depth through courses like Population Health Nutrition, Advanced Nutrition Counseling and Health Promotion Planning. They also engaged in a real-world work environment through several practicums. 

“The practicums gave me hands-on experience in community nutrition and patient care, building my confidence in counseling and public speaking,” said Clemens. 

The trio credited Dr. Sarah Murray,  assistant professor and nutrition and dietetics program director, for her guidance and mentorship in shaping their careers. 

“Dr. Murray’s guidance helped me grow in research and critical thinking, skills that I now use daily,” Mennen said.  

Williams added, “She truly cares about her students and pushes them to be the best dietitians they can be.” 

Clemens and Mennen earned their Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics in 2024, while Williams graduated from the same program in 2023. They also completed their dietetic internship in 2023 and 2022. In addition, both Clemens and Williams hold Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Missouri State.

Turning knowledge into impact 

Noelle Mennen
Noelle Mennen

As corporate registered dietitians, Clemens, Mennen and Williams provide nutrition counseling, help with meal planning and support communities in many other ways. 

“Nutrition isn’t just a subject; it’s a calling,” said Mennen, who is based in Kansas City, Missouri. “Our bodies are designed to work well when properly nourished.”  

She enjoys seeing the “aha” moments that result from one-on-one counseling.  

“When clients realize food isn’t about restriction but balance, that’s when real change happens,” she said. 

According to Clemens, who works at the Hy-vee on East Sunshine in Springfield, she starts her day with emails and charting.  

“Then, I work with businesses, leading grocery store tours or preparing for media segments.” 

Based at the Hy-vee on West Battlefield in Springfield, Williams balances patient counseling with corporate wellness programs.  

“One day, I’m in the store. The next, I’m leading a nutrition seminar,” she said. 

Helping clients find answers 

One area where Clemens and Williams have made a big impact is raising awareness and providing support for Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS). This is a rare allergy caused by a tick bite.  

People with AGS must avoid foods and products containing alpha-gal, a sugar molecule found in red meat and some ingredients from animals. Many struggle to find safe foods to eat and need help making the right choices. 

Clemens recalls hosting an alpha-gal food demonstration last fall, where people traveled hours to learn how to make AGS friendly meals. 

“They left crying and hugging me because they finally had answers,” she said.

Williams, who created an online AGS class with a Missouri State intern, was amazed by the response. 

Madison Clemens
Madison Clemens

“People joined from California to Virginia,” she said. “It was incredible to see how many lives we could touch.”  

Battling myths with science 

With nutritional misinformation everywhere, these dietitians work hard to debunk myths and promote evidence-based advice.  

“A big myth is that healthy eating is expensive,” Clemens said. “In reality, smart planning makes nutritious meals budget friendly.” 

Williams stays informed by tracking food trends in grocery aisles.  

“What customers ask about is usually what’s trending,” she said. “Hearing their questions helps me understand what nutrition topics need more clarity.” 

Mennen follows research, webinars and industry updates.  

“The more I learn, the better I can help people,” she said.  

By continuously learning and challenging myths, Clemens, Mennen and Williams help people make healthier, more confident choices about their food every day. 

Explore the nutrition and dietetics program

Filed Under: MCHHS Alumni Tagged With: Alumni, Alumni Spotlight, Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences

A life of excellence in sports and service

February 4, 2025 by Sewly Khatun

Lily DeSpain

Lily DeSpain’s life is filled with adventure, dedication and service.  

The 2024 Missouri State University alumna has made waves in the pool as a swimmer for the Naval Academy and Missouri State. She is also currently a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army and studying medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) as part of her Health Professions Scholarship from the army. Her goal is to become a military doctor. 

“Becoming a military doctor combines my two greatest passions: serving others and practicing medicine,” DeSpain said. “The Army needs doctors, and I’m honored to step into this role.” 

A swimming champ

Lily DeSpain - a swimming champ
Lily DeSpain in the pool

A native of Springdale, Arkansas, DeSpain grew up in California and Beijing, China. She graduated from Haas Hall Academy in Arkansas, then studied at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, with both of her older sisters.  

After three semesters at the academy as a student and swimmer, she chose to enter the transfer portal and accepted an offer to join Missouri State in spring 2022. At Missouri State, DeSpain excelled in both academics and athletics. She graduated magna cum laude in May 2024 with a degree in cell and molecular biology and minors in biomedical sciences, chemistry and Chinese.  

As a member of Missouri State’s Swimming and Diving team for two years, she set Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) records in the 400-yard individual medley (4:14.92), 400-yard freestyle relay (3:18.87) and 800-yard freestyle relay (7:12.19). She won seven MVC Championship gold medals, five of which came in last year’s title meet, to lead the Bears to their seventh and eighth consecutive MVC crowns.  

DeSpain made the All-MVC first team and MVC Scholar-Athlete team in both seasons at Missouri State. She was named the 2024 MVC Swimming and Diving Scholar-Athlete of the Year. 

For her record-setting swimming career and impact as a student-athlete, DeSpain was named one of the top 30 honorees for the 2024 NCAA Woman of the Year award.  

According to DeSpain, she is incredibly humbled to receive this honor. 

“Every achievement reminds me of the people who supported me. It’s about teamwork and perseverance,” she said. “Missouri State gave me everything I needed — support, inspiration and the chance to grow.” 

Finding purpose in service 

Despite her busy schedule as a student-athlete, DeSpain made time to engage in volunteer work and extracurricular activities.  

On campus, she volunteered as a peer tutor and participated in the Pre-Medical Committee. She also served as president of Tau Sigma National Honor Society and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Lily DeSpain - a future military doctor
Lily DeSpain at UAMS.

To learn more about the medical field, DeSpain gained hands-on experience as a phlebotomist and contributed to impactful research through a HIV research lab group. In addition, she volunteered in local hospitals.

“Helping others has always been my goal, whether through swimming, service or medicine,” she said. 

Military and service: a family affair 

DeSpain is part of a family dedicated to serving their country. Her mother served in the Air Force as a translator and her father is a former FBI agent. Her sisters are Navy submarine officers. 

“Service is in my blood,” she said. “I wanted to follow their example and make a difference.”  

DeSpain hopes her story inspires others to follow their passions, no matter what the challenges.  “Don’t be afraid to dream big,” she said. “With hard work and support, anything is possible.” 

Explore School of Health Sciences

Filed Under: MCHHS Alumni Tagged With: Biomedical Sciences, Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Health Sciences

Golden Bear leaves a positive impact in education and sports

December 2, 2024 by Emily Yeap

Mike Keltner, Missouri State University alumnus and faculty emeritus of kinesiology, always knew he wanted to be a Bear.

This October, he was honored at the Golden Bears Reunion, a celebration for Bears who graduated from or last attended Missouri State 50 or more years ago.

Keltner’s connection to the university began as a child. He recalls coming to McDonald Arena on campus with his parents starting around age 3 to watch the Bears basketball team play.

“My dad went to school here and got multiple degrees, so I was familiar with it,” said Keltner who has called Springfield, Missouri, home his whole life.

A dream comes true

Keltner's Class of 1974 badge with his photo.In 1971, his dream of becoming a Bear became reality when he enrolled at what was then known as Southwest Missouri State University (SMSU).

He chose to pursue a physical education degree, a decision that was both personal and practical. Coming from a family deeply rooted in education, with his father and many relatives in the profession, Keltner felt naturally drawn to teaching and coaching.

“Education has always been a thread that runs through my family,” he said.

During his time at SMSU, Keltner balanced academics with athletics as part of the basketball team.

“I played on a couple of really good teams and had a great experience,” he said. “I always knew I wanted to coach and teach, and my coaches and professors in the kinesiology department prepared me very well for it.”

Reflecting on his college years, Keltner highlights the challenges and growth that came with navigating a tumultuous period marked by the Vietnam War.

“It was a learning experience to see a lot of different sides, which is a strength of education,” said Keltner, who completed his bachelor’s degree in 1974.

Educating generations

Post-graduation, he dedicated 31 years of his life to Springfield Public Schools. He worked as a teacher and men’s basketball coach at Glendale High School for 25 years and an administrator for six years.

According to Keltner, the two things he values most from that experience were memories and relationships.

“Those are the strengths of any endeavor. If you walk away with both, then it has been worthwhile and beneficial,” he said. “I was fortunate to have those with my teams and also other students, teachers, parents and the community.”

In 2005, Keltner got an offer he could not refuse – to return to his alma mater and teach in the kinesiology department. He did that for 14 years.

“I was very excited about coming back and I was able to contribute my practical experience to help create a more well-rounded department,” said Keltner, who also received a Specialist in Educational Administration from Missouri State in 1999.

“I had a great experience and again, those memories and relationships made it more rewarding.”

Sharing his love for basketball

Beyond teaching, Keltner has been a color commentator for Missouri State’s Bears basketball since the 2004-05 season. It is a role he cherishes, and he credits the opportunity to stay connected to the game he loves.

“Basketball is like gospel to me. Being able to talk about the game at the Division I level and work with people like Art Hains, Corey Riggs and the coaches has been wonderful. I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” he said.

A family affair

The Bear legacy runs deep in Keltner’s immediate family. His wife, Bev, is a 1973 graduate and has served on both the MSU Foundation Board of Trustees and the Board of Governors.

Keltner (right) and his wife, Bev, with John Goodman.

His son, Connor, also graduated from MSU in 2016. This year, he returned to campus as the director of development for the foundation.

“We’re proud of being part of a university that’s very welcoming,” Keltner said. “Maintaining our connections and giving back are the right things to do and because of that, they’re easy to do.”

Explore kinesiology

Filed Under: MCHHS Alumni Tagged With: Kinesiology, School of Health Sciences

Bringing hearing care closer to home in rural Iowa

November 18, 2024 by Sewly Khatun

Little hands hold hearing aids.

Growing up in Elkader, a small town in northeast Iowa, Missouri State University alumna Dr. Brandi Neuzil’s journey toward audiology began unexpectedly. 

When Neuzil was young, she babysat a high school boy who was diagnosed with hearing loss at age 1.  

“I became curious about what audiologists do,” she said. “That curiosity led me to pursue an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders, helping me discover my path.” 

Dr. Brandi Neuzil
Dr. Brandi Neuzil

Learning about audiology at MSU 

Neuzil completed her bachelor’s in communication sciences and disorders at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) in 2004. 

In her last year at UNI, Neuzil visited MSU and met students and professors, which left a strong impression on her.

“The program and campus size really attracted me,” she said. This experience reinforced her decision to pursue the Doctor of Audiology at MSU, which she completed in May 2008. 

During her time on campus, Neuzil enjoyed the tight-knit academic community.  

“The close relationships with my professors were instrumental to gaining clinical skills and confidence,” Neuzil said. “Their support in my academic journey made a huge difference in my career.” 

As part of her graduate program, she completed an externship at Mayo Clinic in La Crosse and Onalaska, Wisconsin, which strengthened her skills and passion for the field. 

Realizing a lifelong dream 

After graduation, Neuzil spent 15 years as an educational audiologist for Keystone Area Education Agency. She worked with children and families across 18 out of 21 school districts in northeast Iowa. 

“Seeing parents truly understand their children’s hearing needs was incredibly rewarding,” she said.  

This experience led her to see the need in her own community, where there was no full-time audiology clinic.  

Though Neuzil loved working at Keystone, she felt a calling to create something more personal. She wanted to open her own private practice. 

“When a friend and fellow audiologist passed away, it pushed me to make my dream into reality,” Neuzil said. “It made me reflect on what I wanted my career to be.”  

Where compassion meets community  

In October 2024, Neuzil opened Driftless Audiology to make quality hearing care accessible in Waukon. It is the only audiology clinic in Waukon and Allamakee County. 

“I realized that opening my own clinic allowed me to serve my community as I envisioned,” she said.  

Driftless Audiology offers hearing assessments and personalized hearing aid fittings based on individual patient needs. 

The clinic follows an “unbundled model,” where patients pay for devices and services as they go instead of one price for everything. This approach keeps care affordable and accessible for the community.  

“Driftless Audiology is more than just a clinic for me; it’s a place where patients feel heard and valued,” Neuzil said.  

“Hearing care can be intimidating, so I approach every patient with empathy and make sure they feel comfortable and supported. As the clinic owner, I handle everything — from patient care and testing to billing and cleaning — with support from my husband and brother. It’s a one-person operation for now.” 

Neuzil with some friends.
Neuzil with some friends.

Lasting bonds and memories 

Although it has been nearly two decades since she graduated from MSU, Neuzil said she still cherishes the memories from her time at the university and with her classmates.  

She recalls attending audiology conferences in cities like Chicago and St. Louis, where sharing rooms with fellow students was fun. It was a great way for her to get to know her classmates and build lasting friendships.  

Though her friends now live in different cities, they stay connected through social media. Visiting MSU is on her bucket list for next year. 

Discover a rewarding career 

Neuzil encourages students who are interested in a health care career to consider audiology because it opens doors to versatile and impactful careers.  

“Audiology is a broad field with so many paths to explore; you can truly find the place that fits you,” Neuzil said.  

Explore the audiology program

Filed Under: MCHHS Alumni Tagged With: Alumni Spotlight, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Doctor of Audiology, School of Health Care Professions

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