Health and Human Services News

Spreading their wings

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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. 

Shaping future nurses with the Mid-America Transplant Scholarship

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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 

Nursing faculty member chosen for national leadership position of chief clinical officer

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Dr. Vicki Good, a nursing faculty member at Missouri State University, has been appointed the chief clinical officer of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).  

As the chief clinical officer, Good will lead the strategy and advocacy and practice excellence departments at AACN. Her role involves strategizing for nurses across the nation and engaging in discussions on health care issues. 

“It’s a huge honor and a blessing,” Good said. “It’s just the pinnacle of my career.” 

AACN and Good’s role 

The AACN serves as the largest professional organization in specialty nursing, with a membership of about 129,000 nurses.  

Their primary focus is on critical care, providing educational resources, certifications and advocacy efforts for nurses in this field. The organization engages in producing orientation materials and continuing education resources while actively participating in advocacy work on key health care issues like healthy work environments and clinician burnout. 

A journey of service and commitment 

Good’s involvement with the AACN dates back to 1989 when she first became a member. Over the years, she actively volunteered and served in several roles within the organization, including a board member and president. Her dedication and extensive experience with the AACN helped her to secure this coveted position. 

To Good, this honor represents an incredible opportunity to advocate for nurses nationwide, supporting over half a million critical care nurses across the United States.  

Her goal is to improve the work environment for health care professionals, focusing on creating a healthy and conducive space for optimal patient care. 

Good’s message to students and colleagues 

Due to the demanding travel and workload associated with her new position, Good will step away from her teaching role at MSU. She plans to offer guest lectures when her schedule permits. 

Good emphasizes the importance of a healthy work environment in health care and encourages students to engage professionally in their nursing careers.  

Her departure from teaching marks the end of a chapter, but she remains passionate about imparting wisdom and guiding the next generation of nurses. 

As Good takes on this new role, her legacy of dedication and commitment to nursing education will continue to resonate within the health care community. 

Learn more about the School of Nursing

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