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Faculty spotlight: Crystal Powell and Stacy Johnson

February 14, 2025 by Ella Reuter

Exterior of Ann Kampeter Health Sciences Hall.

Our featured McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) faculty members are Crystal Powell, assistant professor in the School of Health Care Professions, and Stacy Johnson, clinical instructor in the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences.

Let’s find out more about them.

Where are you originally from?

Powell: Savannah, Missouri.

Johnson: I’m originally from Mountain Home, Arkansas, a charming town about a two-hour drive from Springfield.

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

Crystal Powell
Crystal Powell

Powell: I graduated from Missouri State’s physician assistant (PA) program in 2005 and practiced clinically in the Springfield area for many years. During that time, I served as a clinical preceptor for PA students, which sparked my interest in teaching. That spark eventually led me back to Missouri State, where I now have the privilege of teaching in the same program that shaped my career. Since joining the physician assistant studies (PAS) faculty in 2023, I’ve truly enjoyed my time here — it feels like coming home!

Johnson: This is my second year as a faculty member at Missouri State. Joining Missouri State has been a dream of mine because I love mentoring students and helping them understand the transformative impact social workers can have in the field.

What’s your favorite part about working at Missouri State so far?

Powell: My favorite part has been the students. Their energy and passion for learning is truly inspiring — and contagious! They make every day unique and fulfilling and I feel incredibly fortunate to work with such a remarkable group of individuals.

Johnson: What I enjoy most about working at Missouri State is the opportunity to collaborate with professionals from diverse disciplines. The university fosters a supportive culture that emphasizes a healthy work-life balance, which I truly value.

What’s your educational background?

Powell: I received my Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Missouri State in 2005 and my Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University in 2002. in 2002.

Johnson: I’m proud to be an alum of Missouri State, where I earned both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work.

Why did you choose your career path?

Stacy Johnson
Stacy Johnson

Powell: I became a PA because of my love of science, my love of people and my desire to help others. A PA career allowed me to combine all these interests, and I truly enjoyed my time in clinical practice. Now that I’m here at Missouri State, I have the privilege of guiding PA students as they grow into compassionate and skilled professionals — an experience that’s just as rewarding.

Johnson: I chose social work because I saw first-hand the gaps individuals faced in receiving health services and support. My grandmother’s experiences particularly shaped my perspective, as I witnessed the challenges she faced in accessing the care she needed. Seeing her struggle, and the impact it had on our family, reinforced my belief in the need for better advocacy, support systems and access to services. I’ve always been intrinsically motivated to help people, but I also recognize that by helping others, I find a sense of purpose in myself. Social work allows me to bridge those gaps while fulfilling my own drive to make a meaningful difference.

Where did you work prior to Missouri State?

Powell: Before joining Missouri State, I spent about one and a half years working with Drury University’s PA program. Prior to Drury, I practiced clinically in pediatrics and family medicine for about 17 years.

Johnson: I bring an eclectic professional background to my role, having worked in the medical field, as a therapist specializing in school-aged children and most recently, as a school social worker.

What do you do in your role at the university?

Powell: I’m an instructor in a variety of PAS courses including clinical assessment, clinical medicine, clinical problem solving and procedures. I also serve as the director of assessment for our program.

Johnson: I serve as an instructor for both the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work programs. I also work as an advisor and am the faculty advisor for the BSW Social Work Club.

What’s your favorite thing about the winter season?

Powell: I’m not a huge fan of winter, so to me, the best part of this season is knowing that spring is just around the corner.

Johnson: While I typically prefer spring and summer, I treasure the magic of the winter season, especially with my young children. Watching their excitement makes the season truly special. I also enjoy baking, and winter always feels like the perfect time to whip up something delicious.

Explore MCHHS

Filed Under: Physician Assistant Tagged With: Crystal Powell, Physician Assistant Studies, School of Health Care Professions, School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, Social Work, Stacy Johnson

Receiving a life-changing gift

October 21, 2024 by Ella Reuter

An aerial view of the Missouri State University campus.

For two students from McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS), their financial burdens are now a little lighter thanks to the 2024 MarooNation Springfield student scholarships.

Riley Laub and Carlos Abrams received their scholarships at the MarooNation Ball Springfield on Oct. 8 at the Old Glass Place

Laub is in the first year of the physician assistant studies (PA) graduate program and Abrams is a junior majoring in psychology and minoring in human resource management at Missouri State University.

Deserving recipients

From Republic, Missouri, Laub completed her undergraduate degree at University of Missouri. She returned to Springfield to pursue the PA program at Missouri State.

Riley Laub
Riley Laub

“I chose the PA program here because Springfield is home. Once I toured the program and met the faculty, I realized what a supportive environment I would be in,” Laub said.

She added that her favorite part about Missouri State is the close relationships she has formed.

While she is keeping an open mind, Laub’s dream job is to work in a Level 1 trauma center.

“I love the fast pace and the unpredictability that environment brings. Just thinking about it excites me,” she said.

Born in Springfield, Abrams moved to Kansas City around the age of 5. He returned to Springfield during his freshman year of high school.

When he toured Missouri State, he felt drawn to the campus.

“When I took a tour here, something about Missouri State felt different than any other campus I’d toured before. I looked around and I realized I could call it home,” Abrams said.

His favorite thing about Missouri State is the opportunities for involvement. He is a research lab assistant for one of the university’s retention teams.

Carlos Abrams
Carlos Abrams

“We’re tasked with improving retention, especially among freshmen. One of the main factors we keep coming across is that involvement is key to everything,” Abrams said. “When people feel like a place is home and they’re emotionally attached to something, they’re a lot more likely to care about it and I think that’s true with the students at Missouri State.”

He is also a Theta Chi Fraternity member and former executive, Order of Omega Honor Society president, Society for Human Resource Management president, Student Government Association Chief Wyrick commissioner and Student Mobilization member.

As part of the talent and strategic operations team at Forvis Mazars in Springfield, Abrams is gaining valuable work experience.

“After graduation, I want to be an industrial and organizational psychologist and what I’m doing now is extremely relevant,” he said.

Giving changes students’ lives

The generosity of alumni, friends and community members opens doors and creates opportunities for Missouri State students like Laub and Abrams to chase their goals and ambitions.

For the first time ever, more than $4 million dollars in privately funded MSU Foundation scholarships have been awarded to students this academic year.

“It can sometimes be a thankless job to donate funds to students you may never get to see or meet. But behind the scenes in our lives as people who receive these donations and scholarships, it helps a lot,” Abrams said. It takes a lot of stress off to not have the financial burden constantly. So, I just want to say thank you.”

While she completes PA school, Laub is living with her dad to save money.

“I won’t be able to work for a while and thinking about the debt I already have from undergrad, it’s very stressful,” she said. “But I’ve gotten this awesome scholarship, which relieves a lot of stress. It allows me to focus on my bigger priorities right now.”

To find out more about how you can empower students’ dreams and shape their futures, visit the MSU Foundation website.

Donate to the MSU Foundation

Filed Under: MCHHS News, Physician Assistant, Scholarships Tagged With: MSU Foundation, Physician Assistant Studies, Psychology, Student Success, students

Spreading their wings

December 15, 2023 by Strategic Communication

The nursing pinning ceremony

The McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) is proud to announce that 135 students were hooded, pinned or received a white coat within a department or school ceremony for the fall 2023 semester. 

“These ceremonies are crucial in offering the space to celebrate MSU students who have worked hard to excel,” said MCHHS Dean Dr. Mark Smith. 

Students who were hooded or pinned will be graduating, while those who received a white coat will progress to clinical placements. 

Occupational therapy (OT) 

Twenty-five Master of OT students were hooded. 

Nursing 

Forty-five Bachelor of Science in Nursing students were pinned. 

Communication sciences and disorders 

Thirty-two speech-language pathology students were pinned. 

Physician assistant studies (PAS) 

Thirty-three PAS students received white coats. 

Filed Under: MCHHS Events, Physician Assistant Tagged With: commencement, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Mark Smith, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, School of Nursing

PAS students are high achievers

March 20, 2023 by Strategic Communication

A student studying

To add another success to the list at McQueary College of Health and Human Services, the Missouri State Physician Assistant Studies (PAS) Class of 2022 has exceeded expectations, yet again.  

Students achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). This is above the 2022 national first-time pass rate of 92%.  

“Congratulations to the Class of 2022! Their hard work and dedication paid off,” said Dr. Roberto Canales, PAS department head.  

“Our deepest thanks go to the PAS department faculty, staff and clinical preceptors who helped guide students throughout their PAS training.” 

Learn more about the physician assistant studies department

Filed Under: MCHHS News, Physician Assistant Tagged With: McQueary College of Health and Human Services, Physician Assistant Studies

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