Health and Human Services News

Supporting student success through partnerships

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Supporting student success comes in many different forms, through multiple avenues and from individuals across the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) community. These include philanthropic financial donations and grants. 

“Philanthropic gifts and grants are essential for the college,” said Dr. Mark Smith, MCHHS dean. “They help us expand access to advanced instructional technology and equipment, provide support services, develop innovative experiential learning opportunities and offer students financial aid.” 

Two recent examples of support for MCHHS are a community partnership gift from Arvest Bank and a collaborative workforce development grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. 

Opening more doors 

 The Arvest Bank gift will benefit the newly opened Collaborative Care Clinic in Kampeter Hall.  

The funds enable the clinic to purchase new toys and essential supplies. These resources will make the clinic more welcoming and help it provide children with the high-quality pediatric and mental health care they deserve. 

As for the workforce development grant, MCHHS partnered with Ozarks Technical Community College, the Alliance for Healthcare Education and several regional health care organizations to secure the grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.  

Through the Strengthening Community Colleges grant program, Ozarks Tech received nearly $5.7 million. It was one of only 18 institutions nationwide to receive the award and the only recipient in Missouri. Missouri State was part of the grant consortium, which brought together education, workforce and health care partners across the region.

This collaboration has provided $800,000 in scholarships for students pursuing degrees in key health fields at MCHHS. 

Eligible programs include: 

Additionally, BSN students at the Alliance campus will also benefit from these funds. They will support the renovation of instructional spaces and facilities, helping to strengthen health care training. 

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Staff spotlight: Elizabeth Burrough

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Our featured McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) staff member is Elizabeth Burrough. She is the admissions coordinator for the School of Nursing.

Let’s get to know more about her.

Where are you originally from?

I’m from the area! I grew up in the middle of the country west of town, so my family and I came to Springfield very often. I went to school in Miller, Missouri, and moved to Springfield for college.

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

I came to Missouri State as a non-traditional student to complete my bachelor’s degree in 2018. I started working as a student worker in the School of Nursing and loved it so much I never left! This next year will be my seventh year at Missouri State.

What’s your educational background?

I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Missouri State in 2019. I’m still considering what graduate programs I’d like to pursue.

What do you do in your role at MCHHS?

As the admissions coordinator for the School of Nursing, I support students as they prepare to apply to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. I have the opportunity to connect with prospective students and their families who are exploring Missouri State and nursing by providing tours, hosting meetings and answering questions. Once students are accepted, I guide them through the next steps of the admission process and help them transition smoothly into the program.

Why did you choose your area of work?

This path kind of found me. I had always imagined I would go into counseling, but early in my career, I was still figuring out exactly what I wanted to do. After working in the School of Nursing, I discovered how much I enjoy being in an educational setting and connecting with students. I strongly believe in the power of education and in helping people achieve their goals, so I feel incredibly grateful to have found a role that aligns so well with that.

What do you enjoy most about your job in MCHHS?

Elizabeth Burrough and her daughter
Burrough and her daughter.

The people. I work with some of the kindest people who are passionate about education and nursing. I also really enjoy interacting with our students and helping them with their goals of becoming a nurse.

What’s your favorite thing to do in the spring?

Spring is one of my favorite times of year! I try to spend as much time outdoors as possible. One of the things I love to do is planting and tending my flower garden with my daughter.

What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

I love mini golf! It’s my very favorite thing to do anytime the weather is nice. My family and I go often, and are always looking for interesting, new courses to visit.

Learn more about the School of Nursing

Celebrating the next generation of health care professionals

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The McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) proudly celebrates its students’ achievements. 

Nearly 400 students will graduate this December. Many participated in department or school ceremonies, where they were hooded, pinned and/or received a white coat. 

“William Shakespeare once said, ‘It is not in the stars to hold our destiny, but in ourselves.’ This reminder feels especially meaningful as we celebrate the accomplishments of our students,” said Dr. Letitia White Minnis, MCHHS associate dean. 

She added that each graduation ceremony reflects a moment of transition.  

“On behalf of the MCHHS, I want to congratulate all students celebrating important milestones, whether it be a white coat ceremony, a pinning ceremony or graduation. These achievements reflect your dedication and hard work. We look forward to the positive impact you’ll make in your profession and the communities you serve.” 

These ceremonies mark key academic milestones for students at different stages in their programs. Hooding and pinning recognize progress toward degree completion, while white coat ceremonies represent the transition into clinical rotations.  

The programs 

Occupational Therapy  

Nursing 

Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) 

  • Twenty-six SLP students were pinned this December. The ceremony recognizes their readiness to begin clinical rotations ahead of spring graduation. 

Physician Assistant Studies (PAS) 

  • Thirty-three PAS students received white coats as they transitioned into clinical training, while another cohort of 33 students graduated this fall. 

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) 

  • DNAP CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) students celebrated their program completion at a graduation ceremony, with 21 graduates this year – 15 in August and six in December. 

Counseling program 

Psychology 

MCHHS remains committed to supporting students as they move from classroom learning into professional practice. These new graduates and trainees will strengthen communities and contribute to the future of the health and human services workforce. 

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Nursing social turned connection into momentum

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On Oct. 4, the School of Nursing hosted its first ever student social for pre-nursing and current nursing students with support from Foster Recreation Center staff. 

“We wanted to create a networking opportunity among students, faculty and health partners while also having a relaxed and fun environment,” said Dr. Kathryn Patterson, school director. 

She added the social helped pre-nursing students connect with current students and faculty. They also learned more about the curriculum and career options.  

About 60 students and 18 nursing faculty attended the event. Representatives from BJC HealthCare, CoxHealth and Mercy hosted information tables and giveaways. They shared insights about employment opportunities, tuition reimbursement and educational resources. 

Nursing student engagement at the social event.
Moments of connection at the nursing social.

A fun afternoon with purpose 

Students participated in games, including ping pong, cornhole, spike ball, washers, giant Connect 4 and giant Jenga. They also explored hands-on stations such as moulage demonstrations, where realistic mock injuries are created for medical training, and a make-your-own first aid kit table. 

The first 25 students received School of Nursing swag bags. Raffles took place every 30 minutes, giving students the chance to win prizes like gift cards, nursing scrubs and Littmann stethoscope kits. 

For nursing student Megan Hartman, the most memorable part for her was meeting the hospital recruiters. One of those meetings led to an ICU interview with a St. Louis hospital the following week. 

“It was so amazing to build that rapport ahead of time. I don’t think I would have had that connection without this event,” she said. 

According to Elizabeth Burrough, nursing admissions coordinator, the school hopes to organize this event annually. 

“The main goal of the event was to give students an informal space to connect outside the classroom with faculty and other students and it turned into a strong community building event,” she said. 

Explore the School of Nursing