Health and Human Services News

Celebrating the next generation of health care professionals

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The McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) proudly celebrates its students’ achievements. 

Nearly 400 students will graduate this December. Many participated in department or school ceremonies, where they were hooded, pinned and/or received a white coat. 

“William Shakespeare once said, ‘It is not in the stars to hold our destiny, but in ourselves.’ This reminder feels especially meaningful as we celebrate the accomplishments of our students,” said Dr. Letitia White Minnis, MCHHS associate dean. 

She added that each graduation ceremony reflects a moment of transition.  

“On behalf of the MCHHS, I want to congratulate all students celebrating important milestones, whether it be a white coat ceremony, a pinning ceremony or graduation. These achievements reflect your dedication and hard work. We look forward to the positive impact you’ll make in your profession and the communities you serve.” 

These ceremonies mark key academic milestones for students at different stages in their programs. Hooding and pinning recognize progress toward degree completion, while white coat ceremonies represent the transition into clinical rotations.  

The programs 

Occupational Therapy  

Nursing 

Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) 

  • Twenty-six SLP students were pinned this December. The ceremony recognizes their readiness to begin clinical rotations ahead of spring graduation. 

Physician Assistant Studies (PAS) 

  • Thirty-three PAS students received white coats as they transitioned into clinical training, while another cohort of 33 students graduated this fall. 

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) 

  • DNAP CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) students celebrated their program completion at a graduation ceremony, with 21 graduates this year – 15 in August and six in December. 

Counseling program 

Psychology 

MCHHS remains committed to supporting students as they move from classroom learning into professional practice. These new graduates and trainees will strengthen communities and contribute to the future of the health and human services workforce. 

Explore MCHHS programs

Nursing social turned connection into momentum

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On Oct. 4, the School of Nursing hosted its first ever student social for pre-nursing and current nursing students with support from Foster Recreation Center staff. 

“We wanted to create a networking opportunity among students, faculty and health partners while also having a relaxed and fun environment,” said Dr. Kathryn Patterson, school director. 

She added the social helped pre-nursing students connect with current students and faculty. They also learned more about the curriculum and career options.  

About 60 students and 18 nursing faculty attended the event. Representatives from BJC HealthCare, CoxHealth and Mercy hosted information tables and giveaways. They shared insights about employment opportunities, tuition reimbursement and educational resources. 

Nursing student engagement at the social event.
Moments of connection at the nursing social.

A fun afternoon with purpose 

Students participated in games, including ping pong, cornhole, spike ball, washers, giant Connect 4 and giant Jenga. They also explored hands-on stations such as moulage demonstrations, where realistic mock injuries are created for medical training, and a make-your-own first aid kit table. 

The first 25 students received School of Nursing swag bags. Raffles took place every 30 minutes, giving students the chance to win prizes like gift cards, nursing scrubs and Littmann stethoscope kits. 

For nursing student Megan Hartman, the most memorable part for her was meeting the hospital recruiters. One of those meetings led to an ICU interview with a St. Louis hospital the following week. 

“It was so amazing to build that rapport ahead of time. I don’t think I would have had that connection without this event,” she said. 

According to Elizabeth Burrough, nursing admissions coordinator, the school hopes to organize this event annually. 

“The main goal of the event was to give students an informal space to connect outside the classroom with faculty and other students and it turned into a strong community building event,” she said. 

Explore the School of Nursing

A decade of caring for underserved communities

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On Oct. 15, the Missouri State University Care Clinic celebrated its 10th anniversary with leaders from Mercy and community members.  

The clinic opened in 2015 on campus to provide free health services and medications for underserved and uninsured patients. Since then, it has served more than 33,000 patients through a wide range of services, expanding primary care access for Springfield neighbors.  

Milestone grounded in community care 

Connie Sayre has served at the clinic since day one. 

“I love that we’re here to care for our patients and that Missouri State and Mercy have teamed up to make sure our most vulnerable patients have access to care,” she said. 

The clinic provides primary care, vaccines, pharmacy counseling, nutrition guidance, lab tests and electrocardiograms. It also offers in-clinic procedures, such as wound care, suture removal, ear irrigation and nebulizer support. 

Many visitors cannot afford traditional primary care or have delayed care; some are homeless or lack transportation.   

“Our goal is to provide a medical home for our patients who often don’t fit into the traditional health care model,” said Clinic Manager Justin Gassel.  

In September 2024, services expanded to include Medicaid patients. The clinic currently sees an average of 210 patients per month. 

A successful training site and collaborative network

Dr. Mark Smith (at the podium) delivers his remarks.
Dr. Mark Smith (at the podium) delivers his remarks.

Staffed by providers from Missouri State and Mercy, the clinic also serves as a training site for students in the university’s physician assistant, pharmacy, dietetics and nursing programs. 

In addition to primary care services, the clinic provides essential resources, including hygiene kits, groceries and winter clothing. These items are made possible through organizations like Community Partnership of the Ozarks, Convoy of Hope, Mercy Health Foundation and Ozarks Food Harvest. 

“Hosting the MSU Care Clinic is an honor that exemplifies Missouri State’s public affairs mission in action,” said Dr. Mark Smith, dean of the McQueary College of Health and Human Services. 

“This clinic gives our students invaluable hands-on experience while equipping them with the knowledge and skills to serve others as future health care professionals. At the same time, our community’s neediest members benefit from quality, accessible care, demonstrating that lasting impact happens when education, compassion and community partnerships work hand in hand.” 

Check out the MSU Care Clinic

Moving from classroom to clinicals

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This summer, Missouri State University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program honored its Class of 2027 with the White Coat Ceremony.  

This milestone marks the transition from classroom learning to clinical experience for 40 second-year students. 

The event honored clinical readiness and brought students, their families, faculty and staff together for a meaningful celebration. 

New ways to connect 

This year’s ceremony included a new way for families to participate.  

“We offered a Facebook live stream, which allowed loved ones from far away to join us,” said Dr. Marcia Himes, physical therapy program director. “One of our students has family in Nigeria and they were able to celebrate with her in real time.” 

Another new addition was a celebratory meal after the ceremony.  

“This sense of connection and togetherness made this event especially memorable,” Himes said. “For students and their loved ones, these moments added warmth and significance to an important professional milestone.” 

A symbol of responsibility 

Himes encouraged students to reflect on what it means to wear the white coat. 

“It’s a symbol of your promise to uphold the profession’s values and the trust patients will place in you,” she said.  

She urged students to wear their coats with pride, humility and purpose.  

“Let it remind you each day of who you are becoming and why you chose this path in the first place,” she added. 

She reminded students that compassionate care is not just about clinical skills. It is also about showing up with intention and kindness – bringing thought, emotion and nurturing touch to every patient interaction. 

From sacrifice to celebration 

For many students, Himes’ words struck a profound chord as they reflected on their journey. 

“It felt surreal; a reminder that I’m just five semesters away from my dream. All the hard work and long hours were worth it,” said Bryce Mueller, DPT Class of 2027 student. “I thought of how proud my mom would be. Unfortunately, she passed away during my junior year of high school, but she was the reason I chose a health care career.” 

According to Dayne Koch, DPT Class of 2027 student, receiving his white coat was incredibly significant and he looks forward to seeing his growth in each setting, from the beginning of the rotation to its completion.  

“The journey was undeniably challenging. That’s why I try to pause and truly appreciate each step forward and this was a big one,” he said. 

Learn more about Doctor of Physical Therapy