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  • McQueary College of Health and Human Services

Shaping future nurses with the Mid-America Transplant Scholarship

December 14, 2023 by Avery E. Adkins

The director of nursing and nursing students visit the Mid-America Transplant Center in St. Louis.

The Mid-America Transplant (MAT) Scholarship funds 10 nursing students annually with $1,000 each. Beyond financial aid, the scholarship’s mission is to spread awareness about organ donation and transplantation.  

According to Dr. Kathryn Patterson, director of the School of Nursing at Missouri State University, the focus is on educating nursing students about organ donation. 

“It’s about introducing students to a specialized field within nursing, making them realize the significance of organ donation,” Patterson said.  

A transformative experience 

The scholarship extends beyond textbooks and lectures, offering an immersive tour of the Mid-America Transplant facility in St. Louis.  

“The tour opened our eyes to the intricacies of organ procurement and the advancements in medical technology,” Patterson said. “It was an educational encounter that gave the students’ perspective on this domain of nursing.” 

The tour showcased the facility’s comprehensive setup, from the operational rooms and laboratories to the protocols and equipment.  

“The experience wasn’t just about seeing the facility,” Patterson said. “It was about witnessing the empathy of the staff, the respect for donors and their families and the cutting-edge technology driving this life-saving mission.” 

Scholarship information 

The Mid-America Transplant Scholarship stands as a testament to the transformative power of educational initiatives.  

By blending financial support with hands-on experiences, the scholarship not only helps students, but also shapes their understanding of the profound impact nurses can have in the world of organ donation and transplantation.  

Nursing students interested in applying must submit an essay. It must include:   

  • A discussion of organ donation.  
  • The role nurses play in the organ donor process, including the impact of grief on donor families.   
  • The role MAT plays in southwest Missouri communities.   

Learn more about the School of Nursing 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Kathryn Patterson, McQueary College of Health and Human Services, Nursing, School of Nursing

Stellar staff

November 13, 2023 by Avery E. Adkins

A view overlooking the fountain.

We are pleased to recognize academic administrative assistants Tammy Shelton and Missi Lafarlette. Shelton works in the School of Nursing and Lafarlette works in the department of public health and sports medicine. 

Let’s learn more about them! 

What brought you to Missouri State? 

Shelton: I recently moved from the Kansas City metro area (a small town south of the city called Harrisonville, Missouri) when my husband returned to Springfield for his work.

Lafarlette: I’ve always known it was a great place to work.

What is your favorite memory here so far? 

Shelton: I love walking around the campus, especially in the fall. MSU has beautiful trees and landscaping, as well as buildings (both really old and some brand new) that are designed so interestingly. You can’t beat a beautiful fall day with leaves swirling and the crisp air blowing as you walk back from the Plaster Student Union. 

Lafarlette: My favorite memory has been volunteering for the United Way Day of Caring as a staff senator for the public affairs committee. Working at the Midtown Springfield Community Garden was very fulfilling. We learned the purpose of the gardens. We packaged freshly made fruit rollups for children’s programs. They explained that they donate veggies to local food banks and grow seeds for the public library’s giveaway. Did you know you can check out seeds at the library? It was very memorable and a great group of people to work with. 

Learn more about the department of public health and sports medicine 

What are your favorite Thanksgiving foods? 

Shelton: Pecan pie. My husband makes the best pie EVER! He worked his way through school as a baker for the Heritage Cafeteria here in Springfield (before it closed down). Pecan is his specialty! 

Lafarlette: Pie, any kind of pie. 

Where are you from? 

Shelton: I grew up in Springfield, graduating from Parkview High School. My family moved around some. I received my bachelor’s degree in communication science disorders from the University of Texas at Austin.

Lafarlette: I’m a local. I was raised in Fair Grove, but now live in Ash Grove. 

What are you most thankful for? 

Shelton: My family. We’re blessed to have two wonderful kids (twin boys) who have grown up into amazing men, married sweet wives and had great kids of their own.

Lafarlette: The health and wellbeing of my family of course. I’ve worked with some wonderful people during my time here and got to know people all over campus. MCHHS staff and faculty are the best. It’s a fun place to work. 

How many years have you been at Missouri State? 

Shelton: I started working at MSU in July of this year, but I’m an alumna from the SMSU (Southwest Missouri State University) days. I graduated with my master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders back in 1994.

Lafarlette: As of October, I’ve been at Missouri State for eight years.  

What’s your favorite part about working here? 

Shelton: I love supporting students who are pursuing their dreams to help others.  The School of Nursing has great people who are all committed to making this world better!

Lafarlette: We have some awesome students, and working with them is the best. Helping and encouraging them to reach their goals is very fulfilling.  

Learn more about the School of Nursing  

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: MCHHS Spotlights, McQueary College of Health and Human Services, Nursing, Public health and sports medicine, School of Nursing, Spotlights

Welcome new faculty and staff

August 31, 2023 by Avery E. Adkins

MCHHS staff stands together

This year, McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) hired 15 new faculty and staff members. 

“I’m excited to welcome another amazing group of faculty and staff to the college. It’s a testament to the faculty and staff that we are able to attract and hire such a great group of individuals,” said Dr. Mark Smith, Dean of MCHHS. 

New members 

 The new faculty and staff will join eight areas of MCHHS:  

Nursing 

  • Yvonne Callahan (faculty). 
  • Helena Cox (faculty). 
  • Alexis Curran (faculty). 
  • Lori Taula (faculty).
  • Tammy Shelton (staff). 

School of Social Work 

  • Stacy Johnson (faculty). 

MCHHS Student Success and Advisement Center 

  • Julie Jones (staff). 
  • Emma Watkins (staff). 

Physician Assistant Studies 

  • Crystal Powell (faculty). 
  • Garrett Jackson (staff). 

Research Statistical Training and Technical Support (RSTATS) 

  • Dr. Caitlin Masterson (faculty). 

Psychology 

  • Dr. Brad Powers (faculty). 

Kinesiology 

  • Dr. Ryan Gordon (faculty). 

Occupational Therapy 

  • Naomi Corro (faculty). 
  • Michelle Jackson (faculty). 

Learn more about MCHHS  

Filed Under: MCHHS News Tagged With: Kinesiology, McQueary College of Health and Human Services, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, Psychology

New leadership in nursing

August 31, 2023 by Strategic Communication

Close-up of a nurse checking blood pressure on a patient.

Key role changes have occurred in the School of Nursing. Namely, Dr. Kathryn Patterson is now the school’s director and Alison Alaimo has taken on the role of undergraduate program coordinator. 

School of Nursing director 

Patterson is passionate about the nursing profession, as she’s been a nurse for 40 years and “has never regretted a day.” 

This motivation is what led her to apply for the position of director. 

Kathryn Patterson

“As director, I can share my passion and commitment to nursing with our faculty and students,” Patterson said. “I want students to know that we can help them succeed if they are interested in becoming a nurse or advancing their nursing education.”  

Nursing is much more than passing tests; it’s a profession defined as both an art and a science. Patterson firmly believes that as healthcare continues to advance and evolve, so must the education of nurses. 

“Science is our evidence, and art is the heart and soul of the nursing profession,” Patterson said.

It’s her hope that all students in the nursing program understand the impact and responsibility that comes with being a nurse. Therefore, the focus of all programs is to continuously evaluate, improve and advance the education they provide.  

Her goal is to ensure graduates are equipped with the clinical and academic expertise needed to thrive in today’s complex healthcare environment. 

Undergraduate program coordinator

Alison Alaimo

Alaimo is an alumna of both Missouri State’s undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2014 and her Master of Science in Nursing, with an emphasis as a Nurse Educator in 2020.  

She applied for the position because she enjoys working with students.  

“I hope to be an integral part of the work we’re doing to make the MSU nursing program a model educational program,” Alaimo said. 

Explore the School of Nursing

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Alison Alaimo, Kathryn Patterson, McQueary College of Health and Human Services, Nursing, Spotlights

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