Health and Human Services News

Celebrating Faculty Success

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Congratulations to assistant professor in the School of Social Work Dr. Michele Brown. She recently completed her Doctorate of Social Work through the University of Missouri (MU). 

The title of her dissertation is “Exploring Volunteerism: Understanding Motivations, Satisfaction, and Longevity Among Court Appointed Special Advocate Volunteers.  

It involved a study that focused on the role identity of satisfaction and motivation in relationships. Brown conducted the study using four surveys and a series of interviews. 

Brown’s journey 

Brown worked in child welfare for 11 years before coming to Missouri State. She started as a visiting instructor but left MSU to begin her doctorate program through MU. 

After spending her first year as a research assistant through her program, she was hired for her current role at Missouri State.  

“I love seeing the faces of this next generation of social work in the classroom setting,” Brown said. “Being able to help shape them and give them the tools they need to succeed is what I love most about what I do.” 

Brown decided to pursue her doctorate to better understand volunteerism. She describes her experience as one that taught her a great deal about patience. 

 She faced obstacles like COVID, changing program timelines, medical problems and having to start her research project over.  

“It was one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life, but also one of the most challenging and difficult,” Brown said. 

What this honor means to her 

Brown’s dissertation is a great accomplishment and the people who supported her through the process are what made it possible.  

While pursuing her doctorate, she had to be absent from her family and struggled to balance her work life as well. Her family’s sacrifices and her colleagues’ encouragement motivated her to keep going. 

 “It was an experience I couldn’t have done without the support of the people at Missouri State,” Brown said. “My bosses encouraged and supported me along the way, along with my mentor and my family.” 

Learn more about Social Work

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

Advocating for social workers

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The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Missouri Chapter recently appointed Missouri State University social work graduate student Jess Harman to its board of directors.

Harman, who’s from Topeka, Kansas, will join the board as its Master of Social Work Student Chair member. Her appointment begins July 1, 2023.

“There’s only one position available for the entire state of Missouri,” Harman said. “In the field of social work, it’s a notable position to hold.”

About the NASW Missouri Chapter

The chapter was founded in 1975 and is currently the largest professional association of social workers in the state, with over 1,400 members.

The nonprofit professional membership organization is specifically for degreed social workers and students matriculating through Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited schools who collaborate to fulfill the National Association of Social Workers’ National Board’s mission at the local level.

Learning how to be advocates

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Two clinical instructors for the School of Social Work, Salina Bollinger and Kelly Dudley, accompanied 38 students to attend Social Work Advocacy Day in Jefferson City on March 1.   

Advocacy Day has not been celebrated since before the pandemic, which made this event extra special.  

Earning the MSSIP grant 

It wasn’t an easy feat getting everyone to the event.  

Bollinger, Dudley and Wendy Jackson, fellow clinical instructor for the School of Social Work, worked hard to apply for the MCHHS Student Success Innovation Projects (MSSIP) grant to receive well-earned funding. 

Funding was used to reimburse traveling expenses and provide a free meal for students. 

A truly immersive experience 

Bollinger and Dudley hoped students would learn much more in a hands-on environment. 

The day began bright and early. The pair, along with a few students, attended the education committee meeting of the House of Representatives at 8 a.m. 

Students then had the opportunity to go on tours and speak to elected legislators. 

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) hosted lunch. Several elected officials were brought in who also studied social work.  

“It was helpful for students to connect with people who studied the exact same thing,” Dudley said. 

Among the officials was Crystal Quade, #BearGrad from Missouri State’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program and representative for Greene County in the Missouri House of Representatives. 

The day wrapped up as students and faculty listened to the Senate and the House of Representatives sessions. 

“Apparently, students didn’t realize how much their voices matter,” Bollinger said. “Going to Advocacy Day showed students that giving their feedback to legislators does matter.” 

Jolie Keeney, a junior in the BSW program, is a testament to this powerful event. 

“Not only did I learn how to set up a meeting with a representative, but I also had the joy of exploring the Capitol with my fellow social work peers,” Keeney said.  

“Anyone can watch committee hearings on television, but experiencing it in real-time is so much better! I know that I can make a difference. This experience renewed my desire to become a social worker in the realm of policy reform.” 

An impressive turnout 

Of the 38 students, there were 32 undergraduate students and six graduate students. 

“We had no idea how many students would show up because the event hadn’t happened in several years,” Dudley said. “It was thrilling to see how many students decided to come.” 

Bollinger and Dudley will be back next year to accompany students to Advocacy Day. 

“We might recruit a few extra faculty members to help and hopefully we’ll be able to get the MSSIP grant again too,” Bollinger said. “Regardless, the opportunity will be there for students.” 

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