Alumni Archives - Health and Human Services News

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.

Explore the public health program

From speech pathologist to state representative

October 24, 2024 by Sewly Khatun

For more than a decade, Missouri State University alumna Melanie Stinnett has been making a difference in health care, not only in the Ozarks, but also in Missouri.

After completing her bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders in 2008 and master’s degree in speech-language pathology in 2010 at MSU, Stinnett began her career as a speech pathologist. In 2014, she opened her private practice, TheraCare, a speech, occupational and music therapy clinic.

“The best part of my job as a speech pathologist and health care executive is seeing daily lives change,” she said. “Witnessing children who once had no speech now communicate effectively is incredibly rewarding.”

In 2022, Stinnett sold TheraCare to the Arc of the Ozarks, a Springfield-based nonprofit organization that provides disability services. She works there as vice president of therapy services.

Her job involves managing speech, occupational, physical and music therapy services while overseeing the center’s overall operations. She also collaborates with therapists to create personalized plans for children with speech delays and assists them in improving their movement.

“I find it rewarding to watch children make progress, like when a child who couldn’t speak starts forming sentences. These moments show the real impact we’ve made in their lives,” Stinnett said.

Her journey from Texas to Missouri

Before moving to Missouri, Stinnett spent much of her youth in the Houston, Texas, area.

“While studying in Houston, I had the chance to visit MSU and I was impressed by the speech-pathology program and its strong curriculum, which included hands-on experience that perfectly suited my needs,” she said.

Stinnett credits her time at Missouri State for effectively preparing her for a career in health care. The academic curriculum combined theory with practical application, enabling students to apply

classroom knowledge through externships in both schools and health care settings.

She also appreciated the opportunity for mentorship and collaboration with experienced supervisors. It helped her to build confidence and develop essential skills in areas like speech assessment, personalized treatment planning and communication enhancement for children.

“I cherished my time in the on-campus Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, where I helped children find their voices and improve communication,” she said. “These transformative experiences reinforced my passion for being a speech pathologist.”

In 2020, Stinnett received her third degree from MSU – a master’s in health administration.

Giving back to her alma mater

Stinnett and her two sons cheer on the Bears at a football game.

She joined the McQueary College of Health and Human Services Advisory Board in 2021. Her role involves serving as a bridge between the college and the community.

“As a board member, I enjoy collaborating with diverse groups of individuals, which broadens my understanding of different perspectives,” she said. “I aspire to ensure community needs are effectively communicated to the university while helping students prepare for future challenges.”

Stinnett gives back to Missouri State because it prepared her for her career and helped her build valuable community connections. She wants to support the next generation, just as many professors and alumni supported her during her educational journey.

She stresses the importance of getting involved for students.

“Engage with your state and national organizations to advocate for change and make your voices heard,” she said. “Focus on building meaningful relationships with your peers and mentors and take the time to understand the needs of your community. This will help you make a real impact in your field.”

Representing Missourians

Stinnett in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Stinnett’s advisory board experience has expanded her perspective beyond her profession. Her advocacy work for children’s therapy access led to a bill being passed in 2019. This inspired her to run for state office in 2022.

She was elected to her first term in the state legislature, representing District 133 in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Her notable accomplishments include helping to:

Pass the Ticket to Work Health Assurance Program. It assists adults with disabilities to find jobs while preserving their health care benefits.
Secure funding for private duty nurses in daycare centers to support children with medical needs.
File and pass a bill that extends postpartum health care coverage from 60 days to 12 months, ensuring low-income women receive essential care after giving birth.

Navigating challenges

Stinnett recognizes that health care is a complex issue.

“I know not everyone understands the importance of addressing critical health care needs. The lack of knowledge about the system and its complexities makes it difficult to drive necessary changes in health care policy,” she said.

She worries about the slow progress of legislation as it creates challenges and requires significant time and effort to address issues. However, she believes this thorough process ensures health-related laws and policies are well-reviewed and minimizes unintended consequences.

Despite the hurdles, she continues to advocate for change. In the upcoming November election, she hopes to earn a second term representing the southwest Springfield district.

Explore programs in the School of Health Care Professions

How MSU helped alumnus realize his medical ambitions

September 16, 2024 by Ella Reuter

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Missouri State University alumnus Dr. Carlton Homan graduated in May 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in cell and molecular biology (CMB) and a minor in chemistry.

Four years later, he has completed medical school at the University of Missouri School of Medicine (SOM). He has also begun his first-year plastic surgery residency at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

Match Day for Homan (back row, fourth from left) and his course mates.

“My faculty and co-residents here are amazing people, friends and mentors. I’ve only been here for a few months, and they already feel like family,” Homan said.

Since starting medical school, surgery — particularly plastic surgery — interested him.

“I enjoyed the operative complexity and diversity ranging from excision of small skin lesions to large free tissue transfer using microsurgical principles to reconstruct various parts of the body,” Homan said. “My mentors also motivated me to pursue this competitive and challenging field.”

Homan notes he chose Emory for his training because he wanted to train at a center with “high operative volumes and a reputation of clinical excellence.”

“Emory has an outstanding reputation and a long history of innovation in the field of plastic surgery,” he said.

From PA to MD

When Homan, who is from Florence, Missouri, started college, his goal was to pursue a career as a physician assistant (PA). The outstanding PA program in the McQueary College of Health and Human Services drew him to Missouri State.

But he soon realized he wanted to be a physician instead.

“The quality of education and mentorship within the CMB department is what inspired my decision,” Homan said.

A strong foundation

He credits his time at Missouri State for laying the foundation for his success at medical school. This in turn laid the groundwork for his current residency.

While several people offered valuable guidance and positively impacted his life, Homan names a few faculty members who stood out — his advisor Dr. Amanda Brodeur (a former assistant professor), faculty emeritus Dr. Richard Garrad and former faculty member Dr. Lyon Hough.

Homan (front, center) on his last day as a medical scribe at Mercy Hospital.

“Dr. Hough shared his love for anatomy and encouraged me to be an anatomy teaching assistant, which was a great experience. My anatomy class was one of the first times I felt strongly that I might want to be a surgeon,” he said.

As a student, Homan participated in several clubs and organizations, and held leadership roles. These included the Pre-PA Society (treasurer), Pre-Medical Society (community service chair and president) and Physicians Without Borders Student Chapter (social secretary).

Homan also had the opportunity to work as a medical scribe in the emergency departments at both Mercy Hospital and CoxHealth.

“It was some of my greatest experience and preparation for medical school,” he said. “My co-workers were great people who were interested in my success as a future physician.”

Taking on medical school

Graduation day from Mizzou SOM for Homan (third from left).

At Mizzou, Homan engaged in basic science and clinical research, exploring areas ranging from endocrinology and trauma surgery to ear, nose and throat (ENT) and ophthalmology.

During his third and fourth year of the program, he chose to attend the Springfield Clinical Campus. His positive experiences at MSU, Mercy and Cox influenced the decision.

Besides excelling in his academics, Homan was actively involved in other endeavors. Among them were leadership roles in the ENT interest group and surgery interest group. He also served as a student ambassador, Liaison Committee on Medical Education site visit volunteer and curriculum board representative for the Springfield Clinical Campus.

“I’m very grateful for the time and experience afforded to me during my time at Mizzou SOM,” he said.

Committed to learning and growing

According to Homan, he has learned more than he thought possible since MSU until now.

“With each new phase of training, that feeling continues,” he said. “At each stage of this career path, you have an extremely steep learning curve followed by a brief period of confidence where you think you almost have it figured out. Then, you find yourself right back at the bottom when you reach that next phase. It keeps you constantly pushing toward improvement.”

For those following in his footsteps to pursue a career in medicine, Homan stresses the importance of dedication.

“It’s a long and difficult path. You must be willing to delay gratification and be in it for the long haul,” he said.

He advises students to shadow in various specialties throughout college to find their area of interest and work in a hospital. This will expose them to various patient conditions and help them discover what they enjoy in medicine, as well as the challenges involved.

“Do everything you can to set yourself up for success and network as much as you can,” Homan said. “Overall, it’s an extremely rewarding career and well worth the struggles of training to make a difference for your patients!”

Lean more about cell and molecular biology