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Health and Human Services News

Faculty spotlight: Alexis Curran and Dr. Lori Taula

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At Missouri State University, Alexis Curran and Dr. Lori Taula are dedicated to educating future nurses.

Curran is a visiting clinical instructor and Taula is a visiting clinical assistant professor in the School of Nursing. Let’s find out more about them.

Alexis Curran

Where are you originally from?

Curran: I grew up in Waynesville, Missouri. I moved to the Springfield area for college in 2012.

Taula: I’m from Kansas City, Missouri, but I lived in Arizona for many years.

What brought you to Missouri State University and how long have you been here?

Curran: I went through the nursing program at Missouri State in 2016 and decided my long-term career goal was to be a nurse educator. I knew from personal experience that the program and faculty were great, so I decided to come back to Missouri State to work. I started as an adjunct faculty in spring 2022, worked as the Simulation Center coordinator during the 2022-23 school year and have taught in the School of Nursing since fall 2023.

Taula: I’ve been here one and a half years. I love teaching and finding creative ways to help students learn and grow.

What’s your educational background?

Lori Taula

Curran: I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Missouri State (go Bears!) in 2016 and my Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with an emphasis in nursing education from Arkansas State University in 2024.

Taula: I got my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) and both my MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and BSN from the Research College of Nursing. I also have a bachelor’s degree in social psychology from Park University.

Why did you choose to pursue a nursing profession?

Curran: It’s an interesting story. I started out as an elementary education major when I first came to college. I worked at a bank in my hometown on holidays and we had a customer whose child was undergoing cancer treatment. One of the other tellers had lost a child to cancer and she would often talk with the customer whose child was in treatment about how great the nurses were and how much of an impact they had made during a very difficult time in their lives. I had a realization that I wanted to have that same kind of impact on people’s lives, so I decided to become a nurse. I thought I wanted to do pediatric oncology at first, but I fell in love with labor and delivery during my obstetrics class in nursing school.

Taula: My passion is working with underserved populations. I want to be a resource to patients and a provider who makes patients feel heard and seen. I want to help patients focus on progress not perfection and understand how their health connects to quality of life.

Where did you work prior to Missouri State?

Curran: I was a labor and delivery nurse at Mercy Hospital in Springfield. I worked there full time for almost six years and still pick up an occasional shift during holidays and summers off.

Taula: I’ve worked at Minute Clinic, Kansas City Hospitalist, Heritage Group PCP, Research Hospital, Advanced Wound Care and Two Rivers Psychiatric Hospital.

What do you do in your role at the university?

Curran: I primarily teach NUR 322: The Childbearing Family. I prepare and teach lectures, create and grade assignments, prepare and run simulated patient experiences, and oversee clinical experiences for students. I also help with creating and running simulations for the School of Nursing.

Taula: I’m a professor in the FNP program: Episodic-acute care, applied pathophysiology and advanced health assessment. I also guest lecture as needed as well and do clinic site visits for FNP students. I’m a chair to several DNP students and I belong to the graduate committee.

How do you incorporate real-world clinical experience into your teaching?

Curran: I try my best to stay up to date on current practices in the obstetric nursing world by being a member of professional nursing organizations and keeping up with my certifications in inpatient obstetric nursing and electronic fetal monitoring. I also really enjoy being able to incorporate my personal experiences as a labor and delivery nurse into my lectures and tie them into the content I’m teaching.

Taula: I like to give students real life experiences. I walk them through how they would handle those situations, which often involves using a simulation lab with patients (actors). I also like them to use the knowledge they already have and think about how they can apply that in real life. Additionally, I add cadaver labs and skills labs to classes.

What do you enjoy most about working at Missouri State?

Curran: I have amazing co-workers and get to work with some great students! They really are the best of the best!

Taula: The students and faculty are my favorite things. The faculty care so much about students and we all work as a team to help students succeed. I love seeing the students so dedicated to their education and overcoming challenges.

What do you do for fun or leisure?

Curran: I like spending time with friends and snuggling with my cat, Miss Kitty. When it’s nice out, I love hiking, swimming, camping and fishing. I also like to read and binge watch TV. I can play a little guitar and like to sing, as well. I’m on a bowling league, too, but I’m not that good at it. It’s just for fun and to spend time with friends.

Taula: I enjoy plants, gardening (food), hiking and travel (nature anything). I also keep up on house projects.

What are you looking forward to this summer?

Curran: Warm temperatures and sunshine! I love when it gets warm enough to go to the pool, lake or river. Summer is my favorite season.

Taula: I’m looking forward to hopefully visiting national and state parks.

Learn more about the School of Nursing

A victorious team of exercise science students

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Three Missouri State University exercise science students dominated the recent 2025 Central States Quiz Bowl, finishing in first place.

The competition took place at the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Central States Conference in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Feb. 27-28

The winning team comprised seniors Sarah Peters, Heather Vlietstra and Tom Voss. The team took home a trophy, and each member received a $750 stipend to pay for the National ACSM Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, in May. Thanks to their win, they will represent Missouri State and the Central States Chapter at the conference.

About the Quiz Bowl

The competition was a jeopardy-style trivia involving about 15 teams. Each team included three undergraduate students and a faculty member.

Competitors had to answer questions in three rounds – single, double and final jeopardy.  The questions came from various categories, including anatomy, cardiovascular physiology, muscle physiology, pathophysiology, exercise prescription, biomechanics, metabolism, exercise testing, fitness assessment and a miscellaneous one.

The Missouri State trio received help and guidance from Dr. Ryan Gordon and Dr. Stacy Goddard, assistant professors in the School of Health Sciences.

“The questions in the Quiz Bowl are derived from content covered within our exercise science curriculum, so their success is an excellent reflection of our program, its content and our faculty,” said Gordon. “The students did the preparation, but our program gave them the foundation to be successful.”

According to Peters, this first-place finish and the chance to represent Central States at the national level is “a huge honor and recognition for Missouri State and the exercise science program.”

As for Vlietstra, she looks forward to the Atlanta trip.

“I get to spend time with my teammates who are great people. I hope we’ll have a great experience, meet new people and enjoy the trivia bowl there,” she said.

Explore exercise science

Turning passion into action

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For many students, advocacy may seem distant and reserved for professionals, but Missouri State University students are learning to make their voices heard — in class and at the state Capitol. 

Two recent events gave social work and athletic training students a chance to engage with Missouri’s legislative process.  

A big day for social work students 

Social work students and faculty members at the Capitol
Social work students and faculty members at the Capitol.

On March 4, around 50 social work students attended the Behavioral Health Professions Rally at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City. During the event, they heard inspiring messages from Rep. Aaron Crossley and Rep. Melanie Stinnett.

Students got to sit in both the House and Senate sessions. They watched lawmakers in action during the legislative process.   

“We want students to see that their voice matters,” said Salina Bollinger, clinical assistant professor in the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences. “We want them to leave knowing they can make a difference.” 

Besides Bollinger, three other faculty members, Natalie Curry, Stacy Johnson and Heather Eckhart  supported the students at the Capitol.   

The faculty encouraged students to choose issues they care about, such as mental health and child safety. Since many of the students are involved in practicum placements, they understand the real needs of the people they serve. 

“This was my third time attending and each year brings something new and powerful,” said Victoria Kleene, a social work graduate student. “It’s inspiring to see advocacy in action and understand how our classroom learning can drive real policy change.” 

For Kersten Shuler, also a social work graduate student, asking questions and hearing directly from lawmakers helped her better understand how the legislative process really works. 

“The experience was empowering, and it sparked a deeper interest in advocacy,” she said. 

A surprise moment on the Senate floor

Senator Maggie Nurrenbern (left) and Ketsia John (right)
Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern (left) and Ketsia John (right).

One special moment stood out during the visit. Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern introduced Ketsia John, a Bachelor of Social Work student and Social Work Club president, to the Senate. 

The moment was even more meaningful because of their past connection. Nurrenbern was once John’s high school teacher in Kansas City.  

The recognition reminded everyone in the room that advocacy often begins with relationships and a strong sense of community. 

Athletic training students get their turn 

On March 5, 15 Master of Athletic Training students participated in the advocacy day for health care-related issues.  

Dr. W. David Carr, professor in the School of Health Care Professions, and Dr. Michael Hudson, professor in sports medicine and athletic training, led this event. Both encouraged students to focus on relationship building rather than pushing for new legislation.  

“This visit was about gratitude and connection with lawmakers who support our profession,” said Carr. “We wanted students to see how advocacy works, not just by asking for change, but by showing appreciation.” 

The group also had the opportunity to speak with university President Dr. Richard Biff Williams, who was at the Capitol for the university and to show support for athletic training (he is an athletic trainer). 

Students met with six lawmakers who supported bills related to school safety and athletic health. They thanked each legislator and handed them a “Friend of Athletic Training” certificate in appreciation. 

“Talking to legislators helped me see how policies directly impact what we do,” said graduate student Kate Forward. “It reminded me we’re not just practitioners; we’re part of the larger conversation in our field.” 

Why advocacy matters

To prepare for the Capitol visit, social work students joined online sessions with National Association of Social Workers resources. Athletic training students received guidance in class and reviewed materials from the Missouri Athletic Trainer’s Association.  

“This experience helps students overcome fear and step into advocacy with confidence,” said Bollinger. “It helps them see that advocacy is part of their professional responsibility.” 

Both programs plan to continue these annual advocacy events for students to find their voice and lead change. 

“Students gain more than knowledge; they gain courage,” Carr said. “This is how leadership begins.” 

Explore degree options in MCHHS

Come to the groundbreaking of the University Advancement Center

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Join in a momentous occasion on April 1 as Missouri State University breaks ground on the Clifton M. Smart III University Advancement Center. 

This landmark facility will serve as a central hub for university advancement, fostering stronger connections with alumni, donors and the community.   

The two-story center will house key areas of development, engagement and alumni relations, university advancement relations, advancement services and athletics development, as well as the Missouri State Foundation and Alumni Association. Expected to open in 2026, the center will provide a dedicated space for collaborations, connections and philanthropic efforts that support the university’s mission for generations to come. 

Attend the groundbreaking 

The groundbreaking ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. at the site of the new building, located across from the Davis-Harrington Welcome Center, at the corner of National Avenue and Bear Boulevard (in case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the center).  

Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to a reception in celebration of this milestone inside the Welcome Center. Several private gifts supporting the new facility will be announced. 

This event is an opportunity for alumni, donors and friends to come together, celebrate and mark the beginning of a new era for university advancement. 

A vision becoming reality 

The center, which will cost about $22 million to build, is made possible by an anonymous seven-figure lead gift in honor of former Missouri State President Clif Smart.  

The approximately 28,000-square-foot building will give the university and its friends more space for collaborations, events and meetings.  

Support the center 

According to Brent Dunn, vice president for university advancement and executive director of the Missouri State Foundation, there will be naming opportunities to raise several more millions of dollars for the project. 

“We’ll have some great opportunities for alumni and friends to be a part of this building,” said Dunn. 

These include the main lobby and boardroom, an outdoor event space, several offices and areas associated with the gallery of memories and other collaboration areas inside and outside the building.  

To find out more about contributing toward this transformative project, call 417-836-4143 or send an e-mail to foundation@missouristate.edu. 

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