Health and Human Services News

Faculty spotlight: Dr. Molly Lancaster

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Dr. Molly Lancaster
Dr. Molly Lancaster

Our featured McQueary College of Health and Human Services faculty member is Dr. Molly Lancaster. She is an assistant professor in the School of Health Sciences.

Let’s get to know more about her.

Where are you originally from?

I was born in California but grew up in Missouri. I attended kindergarten in rural Shell Knob, and then Crane for first grade before moving to St. Louis, where I also attended college. I spent my childhood summers on Table Rock Lake with my grandfather about an hour south of our campus. I attended graduate school in California and spent 15 years in Los Angeles before returning to Missouri.

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

I was drawn to Missouri State for its commitment to student-centered learning. It’s amazing to be at a teaching focused institution and in close proximity to my childhood upbringing in the Ozarks. In fall 2024, I returned to the region to share what I learned in California and apply my prevention science training to advance health equity across rural communities in Missouri.

Where else have you worked before joining Missouri State?

I have over 10 years of teaching experience and have worked in public health practice across California and globally before returning to Missouri. I taught at Santa Monica College, California State University-Dominguez Hills and the University of Southern California. I also worked as a public health researcher and practitioner at an HIV clinic in Hollywood, as well as the University of California Davis Medical Center. I have extensive consulting experience in grant writing, strategic management consulting and change management in private sector and public serving spaces. I’ve also worked as a health educator in Uganda, Gabon and the United States.

What’s your educational background?

I completed my Associates of Arts degree from St. Louis Community College-Meramec before transferring to Fontbonne University to complete my bachelor’s in psychology with a minor in biology. I completed my PhD in Preventive Medicine from Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, where I was a TL1 Fellow in Translational Science with a certificate in clinical, biomedical and translational investigations. I’m also a master certified health education specialist with over 13 years of experience in both domestic and global health education.

What inspired you to pursue your field of study and higher education?

My family was a huge inspiration to me. My mother and grandmother were both nurses, and originally, I was planning to pursue a Doctor of Medicine career. However, I realized that I wanted to pursue research and focus on the prevention of disease and illness. This led me to pursue a doctorate in preventive medicine and health behavior research.

What topics or research questions are you most passionate about in your field?

My research agenda focuses on rural health and what I call “Servant Research” – research in service to underserved communities. Traditional academic research often centers on the researcher’s questions and career needs; Servant Research flips that script by asking communities what they need and building research agendas around those priorities. It’s about showing up, listening and putting our skills to work for the people we study alongside rather than just about.

I’m passionate about community-based participatory research, drowning prevention on Table Rock Lake and democratizing access to research skills both within and beyond traditional academic walls. For example, my current Safe Waters project grew directly from conversations with community members about a problem they identified – preventable drownings in our local waterways. We’ve built a Community Advisory Board, so residents have real decision-making power in how the research unfolds. I just received a $15,000 grant for this project from the Open Research Community Accelerator.

I also coordinate an All of Us Research agenda, which aligns perfectly with my equity-focused approach. Through the National Institutes of Health, All of Us is building one of the most diverse health databases in history, ensuring that medical research finally reflects the full spectrum of who we are, not just the populations traditionally studied. It’s exciting to share that resource with students and our community.

This year, I’m also developing a Rural Health Toolkit to empower rural communities to advance health equity from within, because lasting change happens when communities have the tools to lead their own solutions.

What courses do you teach?

I teach PBH 754 Health Policy Seminar; a data-science class called PBH 735 Software Applications and Data Sources in Public Health; and PBH 783 International Health and Infectious Disease – all within the Master of Public Health (MPH) program. I lecture frequently in the biology department for classes related to immunology, microbiology and pathogenic microbiology.

What do you enjoy most about working with MCHHS students?

Our students are ambitious and highly intelligent students. Our MPH program in particular has a large international student population, and students bring a diverse set of viewpoints to the classroom. I enjoy deploying active learning and flipped classroom environments, where students learn through discussion, hands-on activities and critical thinking through experiential learning. The students across McQueary exemplify the values of our public affairs centered institution, which is exactly aligned with my professional goals of health equity within public health specifically.

What’s your teaching philosophy?

I believe students learn best when they are active participants in their education rather than passive recipients of information. In the classroom, I work to strengthen feedback loops with students, refine my use of technology and ensure that every course I teach connects public health theory to the lived realities of the communities we serve.

What do you do for fun or leisure?

I’m an avid gardener and permaculture enthusiast. I’m a member of my local gardening club and enjoy growing native perennials, as well as fruits trees and organic vegetables. This year, I want to cultivate more cut flowers to bring the outdoors inside during the growing season. I also plan to incorporate a new water feature into my garden this year to enhance the sensory experience of sound along with garden sights.

What might surprise people about you?

I’m a neurodivergent scholar. While I’m energized by teaching, I’m really an introvert at heart who enjoys quiet time and reflection to recharge as well. My experience as a neurodivergent scholar informs my commitment to creating learning environments where all students can thrive.

Learn more about the Master of Public Health

Leaving a legacy of athletic training and service

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When Gary Ward joined what was then Southwest Missouri State University in 1978, he was the first athletic trainer for women’s athletics.  

While he retired in 2010, he continued teaching part time until 2019. He remains active on game days, running the clock for Missouri State football and basketball. In addition, he also serves on the McQueary College of Health and Human Services  Community Advisory Board. 

His dedication to Missouri State athletics has earned him recognition beyond campus. 

On Oct. 7, Ward was honored at the 39th annual Springfield Area Sports Stars induction ceremony of the Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame.  

“I’ve been honored in other halls of fame, but being recognized here in Springfield means a lot. This is where I spent my career, so this one feels special,” Ward said.

Gary Ward
Gary Ward

Finding his calling in athletics

Ward’s journey into the world of athletics started far from Missouri. Born in Laramie, Wyoming, he grew up playing multiple sports.  

His curiosity about sports medicine deepened when he began noticing who helped injured players on the field. 

“I remember watching college football games on TV and seeing a player get hurt,” Ward said. “Someone would run in from the sideline and I wondered, ‘Who is that person?’ That was the athletic trainer. And that’s how I got interested in athletic training.” 

 He earned his first bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1974 from Montana State University and completed a master’s in athletic training in 1975 at the University of Arizona. Later, he completed a second bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from Florida International University in spring 1978 and joined Missouri State that fall. 

Building programs from the ground up 

When Ward came to the university, he had a dual appointment as an athletic trainer and instructor in physical education. Soon after, he helped launch the undergraduate athletic training program in 1979.   

By 1981, he also played a key role in establishing a campus-based sports medicine clinic that served the community, especially high school athletes who lacked access to athletic trainers. The clinic later partnered with St. John’s Hospital (now Mercy), expanding both services and hands-on training opportunities for students. 

Ward is proud of the national recognition that Missouri State’s athletic training program earned over the years.  

“For many years, we had a 100% pass rate on the national exam,” he said. “We were also one of the earliest accredited programs in the country.” 

His contributions extended beyond athletic training. As the only physical therapist on campus at the time, Ward served on committees that helped establish both the physical therapy and occupational therapy programs. 

“I got to do a lot of different things. Hopefully, I was helping programs grow and giving something back to the university,” he said. 

Batman, Robin and the scorer’s table 

Ward is well known for his long-standing partnership with colleague Jimmy Wright at the scorer’s table. The duo is often described as “Batman and Robin.” 

Gary Ward (right) and Jimmy Wright (left).
Gary Ward (right) and Jimmy Wright (left).

Together, they have worked on an estimated 6,000 sporting events together on the official table crew for Missouri State, Greenwood Laboratory School, the Blue and Gold Tournament and the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions. Ward handles the main clock duties in various sports. 

The partnership began informally in the early 1990s at a basketball game at Greenwood Lab. As Ward was sitting in the stands watching his son play junior high basketball, he needed a break from the other dads. So, he went down and sat with Wright, who was working the clock at the game. 

“After a few games, I started keeping the official scorebook for Greenwood at that time while Jimmy continued to run the clock,” Ward said. “Those roles are what we still do at Greenwood.” 

At Missouri State football games, Wright runs the play clock and Ward runs the game clock. In basketball games, Wright handles the shot clock and has been the only person to have ever done that job since the shot clock was added in 1985, while Ward manages the game clock. 

The Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame honored them together at the induction ceremony — celebrating their decades of teamwork, consistency and behind-the-scenes dedication to the local sports community. 

“It was nice to be recognized together. It wouldn’t have been right to honor one without the other,” Ward said. 

Reflections from his career 

According to him, he hopes people remember that he treated others with respect and dignity.  

“You never know what someone else is going through, so give them the benefit of the doubt and always look for the best in people.” 

His years of dedication reinforced his belief that sports could help students develop leadership, teamwork and resilience — skills that matter far beyond the classroom or the training room.  

Having worked in teaching, clinical practice, program development and game-day service for over four decades, Ward describes his career in one word: “varied.” Through his contributions, he has left a lasting influence felt across campus and throughout the community. 

Explore athletic training programs

Honored for outstanding teaching

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Registered dietitian. Clinical associate professor of nutrition and dietetics. Team dietitian for all Missouri State University athletes.

Natalie Allen juggles roles that keep her woven into campus life. Her dedication has earned her the 2025 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.

The award is presented to an outstanding faculty member from each participating higher education institution in Missouri annually. It recognizes effective teaching and advising, dedicated service to the university community and a commitment to excellence in supporting student success.

Allen, who received her BS in Dietetics from Missouri State in 1995, was surprised and grateful to receive the award.

“Missouri State has played such a meaningful role in my life – my parents studied here, I met my husband here, our son graduated here and our daughter is now a student,” she said. “This university is truly home for us, and this recognition makes me even more proud to be part of this community.”

In the spring, she will travel to Jefferson City. Gov. Mike Kehoe and the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education members will honor her and fellow recipients for their achievements.

A trusted voice for nutrition

Natalie Allen teaches students in a classroom.
Natalie Allen teaches students.

Allen has a background in sports nutrition and experience in both clinical and community dietetics. Her favorite part about being a dietitian is the variety the work brings.

“Dietitians work with everyone from babies to older adults, in settings from hospitals and clinics to sports and food service. There’s never a dull moment and that variety has kept me passionate about the field,” she said.

“I often say, “Everyone eats, so everyone needs a dietitian. I love being part of a profession that touches everyone in some way.”

While all her experiences have shaped her into the dietitian she is today, Missouri State is where she is happy to be now.

“I’m surrounded by amazing faculty here at Missouri State. And my students are truly the best part of my day,” she said.

Allen’s teaching philosophy is simple: share practical information, as well as empathy and kindness with her students.

“My students are smart, scientifically trained and highly capable. But how they communicate, treat patients and show up as colleagues matters just as much,” she said. “I want them to leave my classes as kind humans first and excellent dietitians second.”

Learn more about nutrition and dietetics

Faculty spotlight: Dr. Meghan Kelley

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Our featured McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) faculty member is Dr. Meghan Kelley. She is an assistant professor in the School of Health Sciences.  

She combines animal and sensory physiology research with hands-on teaching to help students think like scientists and future health professionals.  

Let’s get to know her better.  

Where are you originally from? 

I’m from Gibraltar, Michigan, a small island community south of Detroit along the Detroit River. 

What brought you to Missouri State University? 

After 10 years living in Alabama, coming to Missouri State felt a bit like coming home to the Midwest. I wanted to work at Missouri State because I liked and appreciated the university’s vision and the strength of its biomedical sciences program. During my interview, I saw a very collaborative environment where people could disagree on logistics but still work toward a shared goal. That mattered to me.  

Where did you work prior to joining Missouri State? 

I was an academic-teaching postdoctoral instructor in human anatomy and physiology (A&P) at the University of Alabama. In this role, I taught A&P and managed up to 32 sections of the lab. Simultaneously, I also continued my physiology-driven animal research.   

Can you share your academic journey? 

Kelley handles a snake during field research.
Kelley handles a snake during field research.

I completed both of my bachelor’s degrees through Lyman Briggs College, the science honors college at Michigan State University: a BS in Zoology in 2010 and a BS in History, Philosophy and Sociology of Science in 2011, along with a specialization in Bioethics and Humanities in Society.  

In 2014, I completed my MS in Biology from John Carroll University. Later, I pursued a PhD in Biology from Auburn University in 2021, where I studied sensory physiology and social behavior in gopher tortoises.  

What inspired you to pursue biology/physiology and higher education? 

I’ve always known that I was interested in pursuing animal-based research. I once planned to be a veterinarian because I loved caring for pets. Working as a vet assistant, I saw how business-focused that path could be; whereas research and higher education allow me to stay immersed in science, continually asking questions, learning and teaching something new to others. I’ve never regretted this decision since finding this path.  

Are there current trends in your field that you find exciting?  

In my field of sensory physiology, I’m most interested in neurological pathways that shut down other physiological functions. It’s surprising how simple stressors can lead to long-lasting health effects. These scientific pathways are very exciting opportunities for research in the medical field to explore diseases like Alzheimer’s and developing proactive measures that help people take better care of their health.   

What do you enjoy most about your role? 

I enjoy working with students and making a positive impact on their lives. I find fulfillment in student advising, teaching and mentoring them during both lectures and lab classes. I help them build confidence in their research work and write recommendations for them. Receiving a thank-you email from a student stating, “I’ve been accepted into my chosen program,” is an incredibly rewarding feeling for me.  

What’s your teaching philosophy and how do you engage students in your class and research?     

My teaching philosophy begins with a teacher-centered approach because I believe science requires shared vocabulary and step-by-step guidance. As we move forward, I transition to a student-centered learning model. I encourage students to take the lead in class discussions, ask questions that inspire case studies and actively take notes instead of simply following along with the slides.  

What are you most grateful for this year? 

I was in a serious car accident this August that totaled my vehicle and uncovered health issues I didn’t know I had. This entire experience brought me face-to-face with my mortality, and I felt it was a very close call for several reasons. I’m abundantly grateful to my husband, our son, our family and friends, as well as my colleagues and students.     

What do you enjoy outside of work? 

I love being outside with my husband and son. We enjoy hiking and nature walking, looking for animals, insects and plants to identify. My son and I enjoy painting together and working on seasonal art projects. Reading is also one of my favorite hobbies and I usually carry one or two books with me everywhere I go.  

What might surprise people about you?  

Fun facts about me — I was born on my oldest brother’s 24th birthday. I’ve been practicing martial arts since I was 7 years old and earned my black belt by the age of 12. My husband affectionately calls me a “hard head,” and I’ll admit I can be quite stubborn, like a bull at heart.  

Explore programs in the School of Health Sciences