Health and Human Services News

Celebrate Mo State healthcare

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Missouri State University will celebrate the completion of the Ann Kampeter Health Sciences Hall on Sept. 9.

This transformative space on campus brings health sciences education, clinical training and community care together under one roof.

The dedication ceremony will also highlight the building’s clinics and services available to the community and recognize a major gift supporting the future of health sciences at Missouri State. It will take place from 3-5 p.m. at the main entrance of Kampeter Hall. There will be a brief program under a tent followed by Pineapple Whip treats and tours of the updated clinics and labs.

“The Phase 2 renovation of Ann Kampeter Health Sciences Hall represents more than an investment in a building. The renovation is an investment in our students, faculty and the future of health education at Missouri State,” said Dr. Mark Smith, dean of McQueary College of Health and Human Services.

“By bringing biomedical sciences together with exercise science and other health disciplines in modern learning and laboratory environments, these spaces create opportunities for collaboration and strengthen the connection between science and the preparation of future health professionals. We’re grateful to everyone whose support and commitment made this transformation possible.”

Explore the Ann Kampeter Health Sciences Hall

Gaining new perspectives in Alaska

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Anchorage, Alaska, is more than its stunning views and wildlife. Over 200 Alaskan Natives call it home, making it one of the most diverse cities in the United States.

From June 25 to July 6, 14 Missouri State University students majoring in social work, psychology, dietetics and nursing had the opportunity to explore this city.

Students learned about culture, social policy and holistic health. Leading the trip were Kelly Dudley, clinical assistant professor of social work in the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences and Stephanie Mitchell Urich, clinical instructor of nutrition and dietetics in the School of Health Sciences.

“One of the biggest things I wanted students to understand is that food and nutrition security is about so much more than whether food is available. Land, water, resources, history, policy, conflict and culture can shape people’s ability to access and use foods,” Urich said.

Why Alaska

Dudley (left) and Urich with a mountain view behind them.
Dudley (left) and Urich.

Dudley and Urich were both part of the university’s Education Abroad Faculty Fellows inaugural cohort. They wanted to collaborate on this experience because they had so much fun together.

“We both also understand and value holistic health,” Dudley said. “When we connected with Dr. Rei Shimizu, a social work professor at the University of Alaska in Anchorage, who studies food insecurity, we knew it was a match made in heaven.”

When choosing a destination for this trip, Alaska was an easy choice for the duo.

“We both highly respect Dr. Shimizu. We also hoped that Alaska may be a more accessible alternative for students who may not choose to go to the other side of the world,” Dudley said.

Varied experiences

The itinerary included museum visits, foraging walks, nature experiential therapy, cooking classes, train rides and day cruises. The group also volunteered in community gardens and at the Alaska Food Bank.

For social work student Pamela Houser, volunteering with other students from various fields was her favorite part of the trip.

Rabbit Lake in Anchorage.
Rabbit Lake in Anchorage.

“This experience showed how physical, mental and spiritual well-being are linked to fundamental needs like food, especially in a region with a short growing season where sustainable living demands a strong focus on nutrition,” she said.

A highlight was meeting with leaders at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) and touring the connected hospital. ANTHC is a nonprofit Tribal health organization designed to meet the health needs of Alaska Natives and American Indian people throughout Alaska. Through this visit, Dudley, Urich and the students saw how ANTHC integrates Alaska Native culture into its healthcare services.

During this trip, students also learned about Indigenous culture, such as the history, resiliency and interdependent nature of the Alaskan Natives.

“Alaskan Natives have faced a great deal of historical trauma and environmental challenges. Yet they continue to show a beautiful example of strength and resiliency that honors their culture, the land and each other,” Dudley said.

In addition, the students learned the impact of social policy on people groups, as well as how non-Native Alaskans may have a different set of values, lived experiences and perspectives than those in the lower 48 (what Alaskans call the rest of the country).

“Regardless of what profession we’re in, all of these things help us to understand so many things in more holistic ways that we may not have considered before,” Dudley said.

More than just a trip

She hopes students leave this experience with a deeper respect for culture; a greater understanding of how interconnected we are; and an appreciation for how their actions affect others.

According to Houser, she came away with a stronger understanding of the importance of a person’s history, culture and belief systems in social work.

Dudley also hopes students realize they are a valuable part of a community and can do hard things.

“Traveling together challenged them to be patient, flexible, take risks and show up for one another,” Dudley said. “Watching them build community, hold space for each other and push themselves to grow was one of the most meaningful parts of the experience.”

Learn more about education abroad

Honoring excellence in teaching and service

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Missouri State University’s Foundation Awards for Excellence recognize faculty who go above and beyond in teaching, research and service.

Among this year’s recipients were two McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) faculty members. Dr. Tara Boehne, clinical professor in the School of Health Care Professions, and Dr. Melissa Penkalkski, professor in the School of Nursing, received honors for their teaching and service impact.

Boehne

Boehne, who teaches occupational therapy, received the Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching.

After 18 years in clinical practice, she joined Missouri State in 2014 and helped launch the university’s Master of Occupational Therapy. She has also contributed to developing two doctoral programs while mentoring future occupational therapists.

According to Boehne, receiving the award was very humbling because of the encouragement from colleagues across the profession.

“Even though there’s a lot of us, it’s a very tight-knit community,” she said.

She added that the honor reflects the dedication of the entire occupational therapy team in preparing future practitioners who will serve individuals and families for years to come.

Boehne with her award (center). With her are Missouri State University President Richard B. Williams (right) and Provost Dr. Clarenda Phillips (left).
Boehne with her award (center). With her are Missouri State University President Richard B. Williams (right) and Provost Dr. Clarenda Phillips (left).

For Boehne, effective teaching extends beyond course content. She focuses on building relationships with students, understanding how they learn and supporting their overall well-being.

“I strive for open communication with my students and meeting them where they’re at,” she said.

One of her favorite moments is watching students gain confidence in clinical settings.

“They get comfortable, their confidence improves and you can see all the pieces fit together,” she said.

Her commitment to hands-on learning became personal and especially meaningful after her son was seriously injured in a car accident. During his rehabilitation, every occupational therapist who cared for him was a graduate of Missouri State’s program.

The experience reinforced the importance of preparing skilled and compassionate professionals. It was a full-circle moment that underscored the impact Missouri State graduates have in real-world care.

“It really reassured me that we’re producing excellent therapists who care deeply about the people they serve,” she said.

Penkalski

Actively engaged in service both on and off campus, Penkalski received the Foundation Award for Excellence in Service.

“Receiving this award is a tremendous honor. It reflects my commitment to serving Missouri State, our students and the community,” she said.

Penkalski with her award (center). With her are Missouri State University President Richard B. Williams (right) and Provost Dr. Clarenda Phillips (left).
Penkalski with her award (center). With her are Missouri State University President Richard B. Williams (right) and Provost Dr. Clarenda Phillips (left).

Since joining Missouri State in 2015 and serving as graduate program director since 2017, Penkalski has contributed to initiatives across the university, college, school and professional community.

Her efforts include serving as co-chair of a strategic planning working group for the “Igniting Opportunity” strategic plan; participating on graduate education task forces; and chairing committees that support student success, faculty development and interprofessional collaboration.

Penkalski views service as an essential part of academic life that reflects value and supports student success.

“My philosophy of service is grounded in accountability, collaboration and purposeful leadership,” she said.

She believes meaningful service begins by listening, understanding needs and working alongside others to create sustainable solutions.

Beyond campus, she participates in several professional organizations, such as American Nurses Association, Association of Asthma Educators and National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. She also serves as a reviewer for professional journals and provides expert consultation in her field, helping connect academic expertise with community needs.

A model of excellence

The accomplishments of Boehne and Penkalski highlight Missouri State’s commitment to excellence in teaching and service.

Through their dedication, they support student success, strengthen academic programs and community connections, and embody the university’s public affairs mission.

Explore MCHHS

From reflection to action

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At the beginning of this academic year, I shared two letters with the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) community where I reflected on who we are, the challenges we face and the kind of college we should aspire to become together. Those letters were rooted in reflection on courage, compassion, accountability, psychological safety and the importance of building a culture grounded in trust, openness and shared purpose.

As I reflect on the year, I am extremely proud of how our college collaboratively transformed reflection into action. Across MCHHS, faculty, staff, students and community partners all demonstrated what is possible when we move forward together with purpose, commitment and care.

Dr. Mark Smith headshot.
Dr. Mark Smith

A few highlights

One of the most exciting milestones this year was the opening of the Collaborative Care Clinic. This initiative represents the very best of interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement. The clinic clearly reflects a commitment to preparing students for team-based care while also providing meaningful services to the communities we serve. Watching this vision become reality reminds me of what we can achieve when we work together with innovation and a shared mission.

FY 2026 also marked exciting progress at the Alliance for Healthcare Education and the continued growth of nursing education partnerships that are helping address workforce needs across our region. Welcoming the first two cohorts of nursing students represented a significant milestone. These students symbolize not only the future of healthcare in Missouri but also the power of collaboration between education and community healthcare systems. Their success reinforces our commitment to expanding access to healthcare education while preparing compassionate, highly skilled professionals who will serve communities throughout the state.

Additionally, this year brought tremendous success in accreditation efforts. Our programs in anesthesia, audiology, public health and speech-language pathology each completed highly successful accreditation reviews. These accomplishments reflect the dedication, professionalism and tireless work of faculty, staff, students and leadership teams across the college. Accreditation successes like these affirm the quality of our programs and our continued commitment to academic excellence and student success.

Throughout the year, the McQueary Minute highlighted the heart of our college through stories of student achievement, faculty scholarship, innovative teaching, clinical partnerships, outreach efforts and service to communities across Missouri and beyond. These stories consistently reminded me that our work extends far beyond classrooms and clinics. Every interaction, mentorship opportunity, research project and act of service contributes to transforming lives and strengthening communities.

Fostering open communication

In my letters, I also discussed the importance of transparency, dialogue and creating spaces where people feel heard and valued. This year, I have been encouraged by the ways our college community embraced opportunities for collaboration, conversation and relationship building. Whether through formal initiatives or everyday interactions, I have seen people come together with a shared commitment to strengthening our culture and supporting one another.

We saw this spirit reflected in the most attended MCHHS Awards Banquet in college history, where faculty, staff students, and partners gathered to celebrate excellence and community. We saw this when more than 80 MCHHS faculty members attended spring commencement in support of our students and their accomplishments. We saw this at the first ever all college staff retreats, which created meaningful opportunities for collaboration, dialogue and shared problem solving. We saw this as MCHHS faculty and staff collectively welcomed over 1,000 high school students to our spaces, during our monthly Friday high school visits and showcases. To me, it is during moments like these where we clearly demonstrate that our culture continues to grow stronger through shared experiences, recognition and collective pride in one another’s success.

As we prepare for the next academic year, I remain extremely optimistic about the future of MCHHS. The accomplishments we celebrate today are not endpoints … they are foundations for what comes next.

The completion of Phase 2 of Ann Kampeter Health Sciences Hall represents another transformational investment in the future of healthcare education and interdisciplinary collaboration. Next year, we will continue expanding services across our clinics while building upon important milestones, including the 10-year anniversary of the MSU Care Clinic and the 25-year celebration of the Ozarks Public Health Institute. These accomplishments reflect not only our growth as a college, but also our enduring commitment to serving communities, improving health outcomes and creating opportunities for students to learn through meaningful engagement and practice.

Most importantly, this year reaffirmed for me why we do what we do. Education is not only about knowledge. No, education is about people, purpose, compassion and hope grounded in integrity. I passionately believe that MCHHS is a place where we will continue to strive to model collaboration, care and courage in ways that positively impact our students and communities for generations to come.

Thank you for everything you have contributed this year. Because of you, MCHHS continues to demonstrate that education itself can be a living love letter to our students, communities, colleagues and ourselves.

Dr. Mark A. Smith, Dean