Health and Human Services News

Introducing new faculty and staff

by

For this new academic year, an impressive group of 22 new faculty members and six new staff members have joined the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) family.  

“I’m excited to welcome such a talented group to the college,” said Dr. Mark Smith, MCHHS dean. “It’s a testament to the amazing work and culture that faculty and staff in MCHHS create.” 

New faculty members 

Physical therapy program 

School of Anesthesia 

School of Health Care Professions
 

School of Health Sciences
 

School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences 

School of Nursing 

New staff members 

  • Andrew Cole, academic technology support administrator 
  • Rebecca Damron, coordinator, Missouri Pathways Internship Program – Public Health and Sports Medicine 

Welcome to the MCHHS and Bears family! 

Learn more about MCHHS

Health shares the spotlight at 2024 Public Affairs Conference

by

Missouri State University is gearing up for its 21st Public Affairs Conference, set to take place Sept. 24-26.  

This year’s theme is “Between the One and the Many: Considering Community and Individualism.” 

Schedule highlights 

The conference includes a mix of in-person and live-streamed sessions: 

Among the 18 panel sessions are two focused on health. One is about the power of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care and the other is on the importance of mental health.  

Dr. Yating Liang, a former kinesiology professor, contributed to organizing these sessions. She represented the McQueary College of Health and Human Services on the Public Affairs Conference advisory committee, but recently moved to the Darr College of Agriculture. 

“The Public Affairs Conference is a cornerstone of our university,” Liang said. “It reflects our commitment to engaging with topics that resonate with both the academic community and the public.”  

More about the sessions 

“Harnessing the Power of AI in Healthcare” will take place from 1:25-2:15 p.m. Sept. 25 via Zoom. This session will discuss how AI can enhance patient outcomes and revolutionize health care delivery.  

The session will highlight successful examples of AI applications that have improved patient and community health. It will also cover ethical considerations, such as ensuring fair access and protecting patient privacy. 

“AI technology has emerged as a game-changer in health care,” said Liang. “It offers opportunities to personalize health care interventions and tackle population health challenges.  This session will bring together experts from academia and the field to show AI’s impact and future health care prospects.”  

The second session, “Nurturing Community Support for Individual Resilience,” will be from 11-11:50 a.m. Sept. 26 via Zoom. It will explore the complex and multifaceted relationship of the group and the self in mental health.  

This session is timely and important due to mental health challenges that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“Mental health is a critical issue that affects everyone, not just those within our university,” Liang said. “By bringing together experts who can share their knowledge and experiences, we hope to offer valuable perspectives that can benefit individuals and communities alike.” 

Attend the conference  

The Public Affairs Conference is free and open to the public.  

“The conference is structured to accommodate our university community while also being open to a wider audience,” Liang said. “We want to ensure our sessions attract and benefit as many people as possible.”  

Mark your calendars for Sept. 24-26 and join in the conversation on how to balance individualism with shared commitments.  

Learn more about the Public Affairs Conference

Dietetics student takes on new challenges overseas

by

From sharpening her Spanish language skills to volunteering and visiting Machu Picchu, Missouri State University junior Kate Hayes recently embarked on a transformative study abroad experience in Peru.  

This three-week trip was made possible by a study away scholarship from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest, most selective and most prestigious all-discipline honor society. 

During her time in Peru, Hayes, a double major in nutrition and dietetics and Spanish, not only enriched her academic pursuits, but also immersed herself in the local culture. This adventure fostered personal growth and resilience, equipping her with a global perspective and a renewed passion for her studies.  

To learn more about study abroad opportunities, visit the office of education abroad.

Immersed in learning and cultural exploration   

Hayes seized the opportunity to enhance her language skills and explore Latin American culture firsthand. Based in Cusco, she took intensive Spanish language courses taught by native speakers. The small class size allowed Hayes to deepen her understanding of grammar and conversational fluency.   

“The classes were my favorite part, which sounds kind of nerdy, but it was different because everyone was there to learn and hungry to get all this new information,” said Hayes, who is from Raymore, Missouri. 

Beyond the classroom, she actively engaged with the local community through volunteer work. She initially taught English then transitioned to manual labor. This was a surprise that highlighted the dynamic nature of international experiences.   

Hayes embraced the experiences, recognizing them as opportunities for personal and cultural discovery.   

Seeing Machu Picchu in real life 

A highlight of Hayes’ adventure was the five-day trek to Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trip included a strenuous yet exhilarating journey through the Andes Mountains. This experience offered breathtaking views and insights into Incan culture and spirituality.   

“We hiked the Salkantay Trek, which was a 50-mile hike from our starting point all the way to Machu Picchu,” Hayes said. “We even hiked through the Amazon rainforest, which was crazy to think about.” 

Personal growth and future goals   

Reflecting on her experience, Hayes noted personal growth in her overall confidence, Spanish language skills and cultural awareness.   

“The study abroad trip deepened my academic knowledge and fueled my passion for global engagement and cross-cultural understanding,” Hayes said.   

After she completes her bachelor’s degree, she wants to attend graduate school. In the future, she hopes to integrate her passion for nutrition and Spanish into a career path. She sees potential in being a translator, dietitian for a sports team or a role bridging health care and cultural exchange.   

Learn more about nutrition and dietetics

Faculty member honored as PFLAG Advocate of the Year

by

Dr. Shurita Thomas-Tate’s commitment to support fair education has earned her the Kathryn J. Munzinger Advocate of the Year Award from Parent, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Springfield/SWMO.  

This award recognizes her tireless efforts to promote access for members of the LGBTQ+ community in the Springfield Public Schools (SPS) District.  

“As a SPS board member, I’ve been vocally advocating for access, equity and basic human rights for our LGBTQ+ students, teachers and families in the district,” said Thomas-Tate, a Missouri State University associate professor of communication sciences and disorders. 

“I believe PFLAG gives this award annually, but this was the first time I was nominated and won.” 

Advocacy amid challenges 

Thomas-Tate’s work has been significant in light of local and statewide challenges to LGBTQ+ rights.  

“We serve the public, all of the public, not some of the public,” she said. “My advocacy is for every student — not some students, not the students who meet this criteria or that criteria, but for every student.”  

Continuing the fight 

Thomas-Tate plans to continue her advocacy work through various initiatives. She encourages others to speak up for those who cannot.  

“Advocacy means speaking up. It doesn’t have to be antagonistic; it’s speaking up and saying, ‘Hey, see this group, see these people, hear their voices,’” she said.  

Thomas-Tate’s nonprofit, Ujima Language and Literacy, embodies this philosophy by supporting children’s literacy and fostering community connections. She founded the organization in 2015. 

“Ujima is a Swahili word,” Thomas-Tate said. “It means collective work and responsibility. And it’s about ‘you help me, I help you and together we can help each other.’” 

Staying engaged 

Thomas-Tate remains active in the Springfield community. She participates in Ozarks Pridefest and facilitates Ujima’s summer camp.  

“We have an event called Ujima Language and Literacy Summer Camp, which starts in July. We’ll have students from Missouri State helping with language literacy activities with our kids,” Thomas-Tate said.  

Additionally, she is planning a book drive on campus this fall to collect diverse children’s literature. 

Acknowledging the support 

According to Thomas-Tate, receiving the Advocate of the Year award is a meaningful validation of her work.  

“I feel very honored. Unfortunately, I sometimes get negative feedback and attacks because of my support for marginalized students and groups,” she said.  

But the positive recognition from PFLAG and her community reinforces her commitment to advocacy.  

“It’s always appreciated when I get positive feedback from people who see and value what I’m doing,” Thomas-Tate said. 

Explore degrees in communication sciences and disorders