Health and Human Services News

Outstanding mentor in MCHHS

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Dr. Ashley Payne, assistant professor of psychology, mentors in multiple capacities at Missouri State University. This has earned her recognition in the form of the Bear Bridge Outstanding Faculty-Student Mentoring Award. 

Bear Bridge places an important emphasis on creating mentoring programs for faculty and students; diversity, equity and inclusion are central to its mission. 

Learn more about Bear Bridge

Black Girl Talks 

As an advocate for Black voices, Payne is the creator and lead researcher of the Black Girl Talks Mentoring program. This identity-affirming program pairs Black high school girls in Springfield with Black college women at MSU.  

Students enjoy space to discuss issues related to Black girl and womanhood, education, identity and relationships with their mentor.  

This program is also a research site for students interested in learning about the experiences of diverse populations, youth participatory action research and program development.  

Additionally, Payne is the faculty advisor of five student organizations:  

  • Sister Circle. 
  • Psychology Club and Psi Chi. 
  • Sigma Lambda Gamma. 
  • Association of Black Collegians.  
  • MSU NAACP. 

Mentor philosophy  

Payne is passionate about being a mentor to Black girls and women who participate in the program or research, as she provides guidance in education, identity or other psychosocial needs. 

“I feel a drive to be the representation and change students need to grow and evolve,” Payne said.  

“As a woman and faculty member of color, I strive to make sure students see themselves in ways they may never have dreamed and support them to reach new heights.” 

Payne tries to equip all her students with the knowledge and expertise to get where they want to go and to push themselves to reach what may feel like impossible levels.  

By being heavily involved on campus and spending one-on-one time with students, Payne has the opportunity to build relationships and share her journey. 

“It’s important for me to let my students know that anything is possible, if you use your resources and put the work in.” 

Explore psychology

Stellar staff 

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We are pleased to recognize academic advisors/retention specialists Emma Watkins and Julie Jones.  

Watkins advises undergraduate students with majors within the departments of biomedical sciences, kinesiology and public health and sports medicine, while Jones advises majors in the School of Nursing and the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences. 

Let’s find out more about them. 

What is your favorite part about working here?    

Watkins: Being surrounded by an incredible team at MCHHS, the students, and, of course, being able to enjoy the bear sauce in the dining halls once more. 

Jones: The MCHHS advising team is my favorite part of working at MSU and a close second would be our student body.  This team has been incredibly supportive and a joy to work with.  I love the cohesiveness of my co-workers, as well as the camaraderie they have on a personal level. 

What brought you to Missouri State? 

Watkins: As an alumna, I deeply valued MCHHS for providing me guidance during my undergraduate years. In addition to the supportive community and opportunities for personal development, I felt a strong urge to give back. I hope to provide current students with the same level of support I received. 

Jones: MSU has a strong community presence and I’ve had many family members who are alumni. I’ve worked in higher education for over a dozen years and academic advising has been something I’ve always been interested in pursuing. I always thought it was parallel to my other experiences. When this position opened, I was excited to learn more about it. 

Where are you from? 

Watkins: I’m from Dittmer, Missouri (about an hour south of St. Louis). 

Jones: I’m originally from Stockton, Missouri. I lived in Kansas City for about three years, but otherwise I’m an Ozarks native. I lived in Nixa for 23 years and I’m an avid Nixa Eagles fan! 

How long have you been at Missouri State? 

Watkins: I’ve been at Missouri State for two months as of Sept. 5.  

Jones: I’ve been here for two months too. 

What are you most looking forward to this school year? 

Watkins: Building connections with students and being an active member of the community. 

Jones: I’m excited to keep learning nuances of the programs I advise and getting to know my students.  I’m eager to have one year of MSU experience under my belt so I can be more comfortable knowing what to expect and have a broader knowledge of the college.  

What is your favorite memory here so far? 

Watkins: Welcoming residence hall students to campus and handing out goodies during House Calls. 

Jones: Briefly participating in SOAR. I primarily observed the other advisors, but I enjoyed watching the enthusiasm of the incoming freshmen.  I hope to have many more “favorite memories” in the coming years! 

Learn more about MCHHS

The creation of the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences 

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On July 1, the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) underwent some changes as a part of the campus wide academic realignment plan.  

One of the most prominent changes is the addition of a new school to MCHHS. 

The School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences will group together programs within psychology, social work and counseling. 

The counseling department will move over from the College of Education (COE). 

A range of options 

Within the new school, there will be many degree options available for students, from a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) to Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Science in Counseling to Doctor of Psychology (PsyD).   

“While the programs have different philosophies, training models and accrediting agencies, they all share a common educational objective,” said Dr. Paul Deal, associate professor of psychology and director for the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences.  

In the new school, psychology will continue to offer non-clinical options at the undergraduate and graduate levels for those interested in behavioral sciences. 

The difference for faculty and students 

This is a large change for all within MCHHS. 

Faculty will see opportunities for increased collaboration related to teaching and research concerning the interdisciplinary approach to mental health and behavioral science. This transition provides a more coordinated approach to discussing development of the next health care workforce. 

Students can utilize this space for a central academic unit in one college to prepare the next workforce for the world of mental and behavioral health. With these new resources, they can take advantage of clearer and more connected academic pathways.  

Leaders of the new school 

As the creation of the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences marks a new chapter in MCHHS history, it’s imperative to have strong faculty at the forefront. 

Deal will serve as school director and the program directors will be: 

Psychology 
Counseling 
  • Karrie Swan – Master of Mental Health (MS-Mental Health). 
Social Work 

Learn more about other changes within MCHHS

A once in a lifetime opportunity

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Twenty-two student members of the Kinesiology Research and Career (KRC) Club had the opportunity to work a paid, 12-hour shift at the NFL draft on April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. 

The students included both exercise and movement science and psychology majors. 

Grace Landewee, the 2022-23 Star Outstanding Senior Award winner and KRC Club president, and faculty advisor Dr. Keith McShan led students throughout the event where over 300,000 fans were in attendance. 

Students had the chance to work the field goal station, 40-yard dash station and more during the three-day NFL Draft. 

“This was a memorable experience. Being able to support young fans successfully making field goals and hearing the crowd cheer them on is one of many highlights at this year’s draft,” said Blake Hamelink, an exercise and movement science major and the club’s community relations director and treasurer. 

Students’ shifts started at 6 a.m. April 29 and lasted until 6 p.m., with other duties such as photo taking and VIP security. 

A successful trip 

The KRC Club greatly appreciates Jacob Robertson from the Kansas City Sports Commission and the McQueary College of Health and Human Services for allowing students to have this experience.  

“From the nighttime bus ride to the 4:30 a.m. wake-up call in the hotel, students were in great spirits the whole trip. I loved how students from both the psychology and kinesiology departments who had never met before this trip became friends through this experience,” McShan said. 

All in all, the trip was a major success. NFL staff praised Missouri State students for their hard work and dedication. The KRC Club looks forward to attending additional career development events in the next academic year.    

Learn more about the department of kinesiology