Health and Human Services News

Stellar staff

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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  

 

Empowering future leaders with the Pathways internship program

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The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has partnered with Missouri State University to offer statewide public health internships through Pathways. 

Robert Niezgoda, visiting assistant professor in the department of public health and sports medicine at MSU, received a grant of $2.1 million to fund this project. He plays a key role in facilitating the development of the program. 

Niezgoda spent time as a local health department director and student mentor for MSU’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program. This makes him a prime candidate to oversee this project. 

“The grant partnership was based on the MPH program’s history of successful field experiences and the connections with the DHSS,” Niezgoda said. 

Pathways public health internships 

Fifty Pathways public health internship positions are open to undergraduate and master’s students starting in spring 2024.  

The internships are either with a public health agency or with DHSS offices. Each internship is 320 hours and students will receive a stipend of $6,400. 

This opportunity is not limited to one branch of study. Any health care-related field from nursing to health care administration can qualify.  

“The purpose of these internships is to help local public health agencies find potential employees,” Niezgoda said. “We want to get more people excited about public health, while strengthening their workforce.”  

What this means for MSU and the state 

The Pathways Missouri public health internship program is an ideal opportunity for organizations to provide students with practical experience for roles in a new career field. This enables students to get on-the-job skills the classroom may not provide.  

The DHSS partnership with MSU promotes a workforce development strategy to create more applicants for full-time public health jobs. 

Other participating Missouri universities include:  

  • University of Missouri. 
  • Saint Louis University.  
  • Washington University in St. Louis. 
  • Lincoln University. 
  • Lindenwood University. 
  • Missouri Southern State University. 
  • Truman State University. 
  • University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis.  

These academic partners will aid in coordinating the internships and developing a sustainability plan.   

“The important part is there will be opportunities for students to have paid public health internships,” Niezgoda said. “This will strengthen the Missouri public health workforce leading to improved health for Missouri.” 

Learn more about internships or apply

MSU registered dietitian featured on Ozarks FOX AM

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On Sept. 18, registered dietitian Natalie Allen showed how to make simple, healthy meals for kids who play sports on Ozarks FOX AM. She’s also clinical assistant professor of nutrition and dietetics and the team dietitian for athletics at Missouri State University.

She demonstrated how to create three different meals from one source of protein – chicken. The meals include Chicken Ranch Wrap, Fiesta Sweet Potato and Sweet and Sticky Asian Noodles.

Check out part one and two of the segments.

What’s the difference between micro and macronutrients?

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Our bodies need both micro and macronutrients to function properly. Macronutrients provide energy. Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals that don’t give you any calories, but they’re critical for bodily processes from brain function to digestion.

Registered dietitian Natalie Allen offers some insights about these two types of nutrients to Health Central. Allen is also a clinical assistant professor of nutrition and dietetics at Missouri State University.