Alumni Archives - Health and Human Services News

Homecoming at the heart of MCHHS

November 17, 2025 by Sewly Khatun

On Nov. 15, BearFest Village once again came alive for Homecoming as maroon and white shirts, the Pride Band, families, alumni and friends filled Missouri State University with energy.

The celebration highlighted Missouri State’s first year in Conference USA.

“Right in the middle of it all, the MCHHS Homecoming Tent marked its fourth year as a signature gathering spot,” said Dr. Mark Smith, dean of McQueary College of Health and Human Services.    

What began in 2022 as one more potential stop in the Homecoming lineup has grown into something more. It developed into a place where alumni, students, faculty and staff reconnected, told their stories and renewed their sense of shared purpose. 

Belonging in action and advancing the strategic plan 

Throughout the fall, MCHHS has emphasized “belonging in action,” focusing not just on talking about community but creating it. This commitment has taken shape through real, face-to-face experiences.

The Homecoming tradition brought that commitment to life while supporting the university’s new strategic plan. The plan calls for increased participation in campus events, stronger alumni engagement and deeper connections between students and graduates. 

Over the course of the celebration, the MCHHS tent: 

Created a welcoming, informal space where alumni, students, faculty and staff could reconnect outside the structure of meetings, classes and email. 
Showcased the value of an MCHHS education through personal stories and real-world outcomes. 
Strengthened college spirit and pride through a visible presence.

In a time when higher education can feel weighed down by challenge and change, the tent offered a hopeful counter-story. It was a space where members of the MCHHS family showed up for one another regardless of roles, departments and generations. 

Looking ahead 

As this issue of the McQueary Minute published, Homecoming 2025 was already a memory. However, its importance continues to ripple forward in new connections, renewed relationships and a stronger sense of community. 

With four years of the MCHHS tent now behind us, the college continues to build a Homecoming tradition rooted in togetherness, belonging and Bear pride.

Those who visited left with more than popcorn or a photo. They carried with them shared stories and memories that will continue to shape the MCHHS community long after Homecoming ended.

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Gaining experience across borders

September 11, 2025 by Sewly Khatun

In May 2025, Arwa Abdelhakiem graduated from Missouri State University with a major in cell and molecular biology and a minor in chemistry.

Earlier this year, she received the U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship (CLS), one of the nation’s most competitive awards.

The program supports fully funded study abroad in critical languages through intensive coursework and cultural immersion, which are vital to global engagement.

As a scholarship recipient, she spent the summer studying Korean in Busan, South Korea.

Finding her path at Mo State

Abdelhakiem grew up in Springfield, Missouri. Since childhood, she was surrounded by science. Her mother, Dr. Wafaa Kaf, once a doctor in Egypt, has been an audiology professor at Missouri State since 2003. Her two older siblings, who are also doctors, inspired her to study biology and chemistry.

Abdelhakiem began as a biochemistry major when she came to Missouri State in fall 2021 but soon, she wanted more focus on biology. With support from her advisor, Dr. Gary Meints, professor in chemistry and biochemistry, she switched majors and found courses that fueled her curiosity.

“That advice changed everything,” she said. “I started choosing classes that interested me, not just checking boxes.”

Outside the classroom, she served as vice president of the Muslim Students Association and competed on the university’s debate team. She also advocated for bringing a permanent halal menu to campus dining halls and organized intercultural events across campus.

“Those roles taught me leadership, collaboration and time management,” she said. “They shaped me as much as my courses.”

Learning in Busan

Her Korean language classes during her freshman and sophomore years opened the door to the CLS program.

In Busan, she spent two months in intensive study. Her days included lessons, cultural excursions and practice with locals.

“Living in Busan pushed me out of my comfort zone,” she said. “As a Muslim woman in hijab, I stood out, but people welcomed me. I built amazing friendships that made the experience unforgettable.”

One of Abdelhakiem’s favorite memories came from spending time at a small café. The woman who worked there encouraged her to practice Korean at every visit and celebrated her progress.

“That support reminded me how language can bring people together,” she said.

Abdelhakiem (front) takes a selfie with classmates and teacher at the CLS final ceremony.

Carrying lessons forward

This fall, Abdelhakiem moved on to her next chapter at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry to become a dentist.

Her childhood dentist first sparked her interest for the field. That spark grew stronger through her time at Missouri State and her experience in South Korea.

“Missouri State gave me a strong science foundation and CLS gave me the confidence to connect across cultures. Both will guide me as I begin dental school,” she said.

She believes empathy and communication will be central to her work as a dentist.

“I want to serve patients with respect and compassion,” she said.

Abdelhakiem encourages other students to seize the opportunity to study abroad.

“Go for it,” she said. “Studying abroad changes you. You’ll come back with new skills, new memories and a new outlook on life.”

Learn more about cell and molecular biology

Promoting balanced nutrition

March 12, 2025 by Sewly Khatun

For many people, grocery shopping is usually just a routine — create a list, fill the cart and go.

But for dietitians like Madison Clemens, Noelle Mennen and Audrey Williams who graduated from Missouri State University, it is an opportunity to make informed, health-conscious choices that support overall well-being.

All three work as corporate registered dietitians at Hy-Vee, Inc. They play a key role in promoting health and wellness for customers and employees.

Finding their path in nutrition

Clemens, who grew up in Springfield, Missouri, knew she wanted a career in health care but did not see herself in nursing or other fields.

“Then, I found dietetics and never looked back,” she said.

Mennen hails from the small mountain town of Westcliffe, Colorado. She moved to Springfield in fall 2022 to pursue her master’s degree. She became passionate about nutrition after realizing how small dietary changes can have a big impact.

“Food isn’t just fuel — it’s a powerful tool for health,” she said.

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Williams used to help her mom in the kitchen as a child.

“That’s where my love for food started,” she said. “I realized food had power and I wanted to help others feel better through what they eat.”

To pursue a career in nutrition and dietetics, each of them found their way to Missouri State. They explored this field of study in depth through courses like Population Health Nutrition, Advanced Nutrition Counseling and Health Promotion Planning. They also engaged in a real-world work environment through several practicums.

“The practicums gave me hands-on experience in community nutrition and patient care, building my confidence in counseling and public speaking,” said Clemens.

The trio credited Dr. Sarah Murray, assistant professor and nutrition and dietetics program director, for her guidance and mentorship in shaping their careers.

“Dr. Murray’s guidance helped me grow in research and critical thinking, skills that I now use daily,” Mennen said.

Williams added, “She truly cares about her students and pushes them to be the best dietitians they can be.”

Clemens and Mennen earned their Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics in 2024, while Williams graduated from the same program in 2023. They also completed their dietetic internship in 2023 and 2022. In addition, both Clemens and Williams hold Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Missouri State.

Turning knowledge into impact

As corporate registered dietitians, Clemens, Mennen and Williams provide nutrition counseling, help with meal planning and support communities in many other ways.

“Nutrition isn’t just a subject; it’s a calling,” said Mennen, who is based in Kansas City, Missouri. “Our bodies are designed to work well when properly nourished.”

She enjoys seeing the “aha” moments that result from one-on-one counseling.

“When clients realize food isn’t about restriction but balance, that’s when real change happens,” she said.

According to Clemens, who works at the Hy-vee on East Sunshine in Springfield, she starts her day with emails and charting.

“Then, I work with businesses, leading grocery store tours or preparing for media segments.”

Based at the Hy-vee on West Battlefield in Springfield, Williams balances patient counseling with corporate wellness programs.

“One day, I’m in the store. The next, I’m leading a nutrition seminar,” she said.

Helping clients find answers

One area where Clemens and Williams have made a big impact is raising awareness and providing support for Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS). This is a rare allergy caused by a tick bite.

People with AGS must avoid foods and products containing alpha-gal, a sugar molecule found in red meat and some ingredients from animals. Many struggle to find safe foods to eat and need help making the right choices.

Clemens recalls hosting an alpha-gal food demonstration last fall, where people traveled hours to learn how to make AGS friendly meals.

“They left crying and hugging me because they finally had answers,” she said.

Williams, who created an online AGS class with a Missouri State intern, was amazed by the response.

“People joined from California to Virginia,” she said. “It was incredible to see how many lives we could touch.”

Battling myths with science

With nutritional misinformation everywhere, these dietitians work hard to debunk myths and promote evidence-based advice.

“A big myth is that healthy eating is expensive,” Clemens said. “In reality, smart planning makes nutritious meals budget friendly.”

Williams stays informed by tracking food trends in grocery aisles.

“What customers ask about is usually what’s trending,” she said. “Hearing their questions helps me understand what nutrition topics need more clarity.”

Mennen follows research, webinars and industry updates.

“The more I learn, the better I can help people,” she said.

By continuously learning and challenging myths, Clemens, Mennen and Williams help people make healthier, more confident choices about their food every day.

Explore the nutrition and dietetics program

Combining a love for service, teaching and research

November 11, 2024 by Sewly Khatun

Missouri State University’s Dr. Kip Thompson skillfully juggles responsibilities in two distinct areas.

He has served in the U.S. Army Reserve for more than 23 years. He has also worked as an associate professor of public health in MSU’s McQueary College of Health and Human Services for nearly a decade.

Since commissioning as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves in 2001, Thompson has been deployed five times to various countries during his military career.

Helping in the Middle East

His most recent deployment was to the Middle East from October 2022 to April 2024. While stationed in Kuwait, Col. Thompson served in multiple roles, including chief of staff for the 3rd Medical Command Forward, based out of Fort Gillem, Georgia.

“I managed a team of 50 soldiers, responsible for ensuring the delivery of essential health services across the Middle East region,” Thompson said.

While stationed in Qatar, Thompson was the medical liaison officer between the U.S. Army and the U.S. Department of State. In this role, he was responsible for the successful handover of the medical mission to support beneficiaries leaving Afghanistan from the Army to the Department of State.

“We gave basic medical and dental care to local communities and Afghan refugees in Qatar to help them prepare to move to their new countries of residence,” Thompson said.

For him, military service has never been just about conflict, weapons and uniforms. What matters most is the humanitarian work.

“Yes, I’ve had to carry weapons, but as a public health professional, I focus on providing health care to those in need,” he said.

Roots of passion and purpose 

Thompson grew up in Springfield, Missouri. He graduated from MSU with a bachelor’s in biology and secondary education in 1989 and a master’s in zoology/animal biology in 1993.

Dr. Thompson with Army colleagues in Jordan.

In 2000, he completed his PhD in Marine Science from the University of South Alabama and joined the U.S. Army Reserve shortly after.

“I felt a sense of duty to give back, so joining the military seemed like the right thing to do,” he said.

While Thompson focused on fish and aquatic ecosystems early on in his career, he developed a passion for human and public health during his military service. Because of this, he returned to MSU and completed his second master’s in public health in 2014.

At this time, he connected with faculty members, who inspired him to consider teaching.

In May 2015, MSU offered him a faculty position in the public health program. He accepted and the rest is history.

“It’s rewarding when students graduate and return to share how my support benefited them in their careers,” he said. “I believe every faculty member wants to know their efforts truly make a difference in students’ lives.”

While deployed, he continues to teach online courses using Zoom and MSU’s learning management system.

He notes it is easy to forget everything else while stationed overseas due to his hectic work schedule. Moreover, different time zones create challenges for staying in touch with students and the university.

“But my goal is to stay connected with them even from far away,” Thompson said.

Healing across borders

Thompson’s commitment to serve goes beyond military duties. His dedication to improving health care reflects his belief that health is a fundamental human right.

During his deployment to Kosovo from 2007-08, Thompson was responsible for offering a one-day clinic twice a month to different communities in need.

During one such clinic, he and his team provided optical care to nearly 200 children in a local elementary school who struggled with blurry vision and chronic dry eyes due to heavy metal exposure in the area.

Dr. Thompson (center) with Saudi National Guard.

To address this, Thompson and his team provided eye lubrication to the affected children. They also gave them customized glasses, which helped them to see clearly for the first time.

“Helping those children to regain their vision is one of my proudest accomplishments,” Thompson said. “It always reminds me why I do what I do!”

Data-driven change in health care

In addition to his military and teaching duties, Thompson conducts research that affects public health.

He is currently working on two projects. The first is with Dr. Robert Niezgoda, a visiting assistant professor in the School of Health Sciences.

The project focuses on assessing the true error rate for emergency calls based on medical emergency types at CoxHealth.

“I’m assisting with data analysis to identify the gaps and propose a solution,” Thompson said.

For the second project, Thompson is collaborating with the Southwest Missouri Drug Poisoning Coalition team for a drug overdose study. He helps analyze data on rates of drug overdose calls and related deaths.

“Using data to see the pattern and find prevention methods is key to lowering overdose risks and saving lives,” he said.

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