Health and Human Services News

Faculty fan-favorites

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Dr. Ebony Nicole McCluney, assistant professor in kinesiology and Professor Wendy Jackson, clinical instructor in the School of Social Work, are two members of our stellar MCHHS faculty. 

Let’s get to know them! 

Q: Where are you from?  

McCluney: Union, South Carolina. 

Jackson: Bootheel, Kennett, Missouri. I moved to Springfield in 1997. 

Q: Where did you go to school for undergrad/graduate? 

McCluney: I attended Lander University for my B.S. in physical education. Afterwards, I went to Augusta State University for my M.S. in kinesiology, then finally to University of Georgia for my Ph.D. in kinesiology. Gooooo Dawgs! 

Jackson: I received my bachelor’s in sociology from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas. I received my master’s in social work from Missouri State University. Go Bears! 

Q: What brought you to Missouri State? 

McCluney: I was previously teaching at a university in Atlanta, Georgia. However, when I learned that Missouri State had a tenure-track opening in kinesiology and I would have the opportunity to be a part of the diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, I applied immediately. 

Jackson: In 2011, I began teaching per course in the social work program. I was thrilled to once again be a part of a program that has afforded so many career opportunities. In 2021, I made the leap to a full-time clinical instructor. I love sharing my experiences with social work students. Their energy and excitement are contagious! 

Q: What’s your favorite part about working here? 

McCluney: It’s hard to pick just one, there’s so much I enjoy about working at Missouri State! I love the ability to be creative in my classes, as well as support I’m provided to try innovative teaching strategies. Not to mention, I absolutely love the view in the mornings when I arrive to campus and walk in as the sun rises over the football field. 

Jackson: My favorite part about working at MSU in the MCHHS is the encouragement and opportunities for interprofessional collaboration. I find that this is not only enriching my career but also the education of our students.  

Dive into the department of kinesiology 

Q: Do you have a favorite class to teach? 

McCluney: My favorite class to teach is Social Basis in Physical Activity. This class is all about sociological issues that occur in sport. The class produces a stellar podcast on recent sport trends and issues. 

Jackson: That’s an easy one: Macro Level Social Work- Communities and Organizations. This is my passion. Our department does an excellent job of matching your strengths and passions with the classes you teach.  

My favorite thing that happens in my classroom is when there is a lively debate on a topic, and I can see students open their minds to differing viewpoints.  

Explore the school of social work 

Missouri State student receives national recognition

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Cassidy McCandless, MS, RD, is the sole champion of the 2022 PAS Student of the Year, determined by the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).  

McCandless received this honor in May 2022 at a conference attended by hundreds of PA students and professionals from across the nation. 

When she initially had been told that she won, McCandless couldn’t believe that it was real. 

“I was on campus in one of the study rooms. I returned a missed phone call from a random number and was convinced there had been a mistake.” 

The first person she called to share the news? Her PAS advisor, Nathan Miracle. 

“I had been stressing out about the whole process for so long and all the while he was in my corner, constantly cheering me on,” McCandless said. “So were my family and friends, of course, but my advisor had a front-row seat the entire time.” 

One out of 10,000 

The AAPA PA Student of the Year is chosen at the end of a lengthy selection process. 

In order to be considered, students must: 

  1. Be nominated by a faculty member or peer. 
  2. Get contacted from someone from the AAPA.  
  3. Submit information, including a resume, details of volunteer experience, two short essays about the future of the PA profession, as well as describing where you see yourself fitting into the profession. 

There are over 280 PAS programs throughout the United States with the average class size being roughly 30 students per program. In any given year, there are about 10,000 PAS students per class. 

“There are so many unique and talented people within our program. It easily could’ve been someone else,” McCandless humbly stated.

“I’m in no way the best PAS student. I just happened to meet the requirements for the AAPA board’s criteria and had some luck. With that being said, I’m thankful that I was chosen.” 

Meeting her fans 

The craziest thing to happen since being chosen? The recognition she’s received within her local and PA community.  

“My friends came up to me and told me that I was on the front page of a local newspaper,” McCandless shared. “I had no idea where to even buy a newspaper. I found a stack at my nearest gas station and ended up buying three because I was so excited.” 

McCandless was also rendered speechless upon meeting Hayley Arceneaux, one of her idols. Arceneaux was the medical officer on the 2021 SpaceX flight, an astronaut PA, and the youngest American to fly in space. 

Her future in the PA profession  

With this prestigious honor under her belt, McCandless has had many new doors open to benefit her career as a PA. 

“I’ve been contacted by so many people and presented with some amazing job and volunteer opportunities after being recognized for this award.” 

McCandless began her medical career as a dietician. Her hope is to blend her new career as a PA with her background in dietetics. 

“Everybody always assumes that if you change professions, there’s something wrong with it. But for me, it was the opposite. I want to further my impact to reach a larger community.” McCandless said. “I wanted to learn more and become more involved with patient care.” 

The AAPA Student of the Year award gave McCandless the platform she needed to shed light on the issues with nutrition in healthcare, as well as the need for greater diversity within the world of medicine. 

“Becoming a PA allows me to share my nutrition background with my colleagues and patients,” McCandless said. “I hope to open the door for a more nutritious approach to medicine.” 

Learn more about the PAS program 

Structure update

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Although the new MCHHS Student Success and Advising Center may look incomplete, it’s progressing nicely. All of the major structural elements have been completed.  

The windows that had been covered up during a previous renovation are now exposed, flooding the large open student area and offices with natural light.  

The mix of exposed concrete, glass walls and some wood ceiling gives the space an updated, modern and inviting feel. The only things remaining are some finishes that go up fast toward the end of the project. 

 It’ll be a fantastic and welcoming space for all MCHHS students!  

Structure Update: McDonald Arena

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The McDonald Arena renovation is progressing on schedule and should be complete at the end of March 2022.  

The locker rooms, classrooms and gym are the focus of the project. 

Facelift for the locker rooms 

The old men’s and women’s locker rooms are being renovated into a student lounge space and new weight room: 

  • The lockers have been removed. 
  • The terrazzo floor is being polished. 
  • Painting is complete. 
  • Electrical work has started.   

New LED lights and fans will be installed in the space as well as a large LED display and comfortable lounge furniture.  

The weight room is getting new rubber mats, security gates and eventually new weights and equipment. 

Classroom improvements 

The classroom furniture is starting to arrive, and the rooms will be vastly improved with new tables with better spacing, rolling chairs and collaborative layouts. 

New mats and padding have been installed in the gym to improve the safety of all who use the space.