Health and Human Services News

Alumna’s journey from MSU to entrepreneurship

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A proud Missouri State University graduate, Elise Mitchell is an example of how determination and hard work leads to success in life.  

Navigating the challenges of a rigorous curriculum while raising a child on her own, Mitchell’s dedication pushed her beyond obstacles, leading to achievements in the field of speech-language pathology. 

Balancing education and parenthood 

At MSU, Mitchell pursued her bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders (CSD) and her master’s degree in speech-language pathology.

Working as a certified nurse’s assistant sparked her passion for the field. Mitchell completed her bachelor’s and master’s in 2011 and 2013, respectively. 

During her college years, Mitchell faced unique challenges as she raised her son. He often accompanied her to classes and clinic sessions, forming lasting bonds with MSU faculty.

“I was a single mom when I went to MSU. Most of the professors, if they’ve been there long enough, know my son Hayden who’s now 17,” Mitchell said. 

It was not easy, but the support she received helped her to earn her degrees while juggling single parenthood. 

Transitioning to professional life

After graduation, Mitchell embarked on a career in speech therapy. She initially worked in skilled nursing, but after having more kids, she joined the school districts. However, she soon realized the demands of working for Missouri schools as a speech therapy employee did not align with her lifestyle.  

Seeking better opportunities, she transitioned to a teletherapy company, where she gained valuable experience in management and entrepreneurship. 

Entrepreneurial journey 

In 2019, Mitchell decided to chart her own path as a speech therapy contractor, leveraging her expertise to help fellow therapists navigate the complexities of school contracts.  

This led to the creation of her business, The Therapist Support Network, where she developed resources to empower therapists nationwide. To date, Mitchell has assisted over 13,000 therapists, offering them support to contract with school districts for their services. 

“I decided I was going to make it my mission to help speech therapists, occupational therapists and physical therapists who were feeling burnt out,” Mitchell said. 

Recognition and reflection 

Mitchell’s entrepreneurial endeavors have not gone unnoticed. She was recently included in Springfield Business Journal’s 2024 “40 Under 40” list. It is an awards program honoring accomplished and fast-rising professionals in southwest Missouri under the age of 40. 

According to Mitchell, this recognition validated her efforts and dedication.  

“It was really exciting to be nominated,” Mitchell said. “It gave me a chance to reflect and take a look at what I’ve accomplished.” 

Impact of MSU

Reflecting on her time at MSU, Mitchell credits the university’s emphasis on service learning and public affairs for shaping her leadership skills and community involvement. In addition, the supportive faculty in the CSD department played a pivotal role in her development, leaving a lasting impression. She continues to inspire and educate others as an adjunct faculty member at MSU. 

“I had some wonderful professors, so I was very blessed to be taught by them,” Mitchell said. 

Learn more about communication sciences and disorders

Former student continues to find success

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Missouri State University alumna Jessica Rhodes was only 15 years old when she began her college career.

Now 20 years old, she will graduate with a master’s degree from Evangel University in spring 2024.

How her college journey started

Jessica Rhodes

Rhodes was born to parents Ron and Connie Rhodes in San Dimas, California, in 2003. She moved with her family to Ozark, Missouri, in 2009.

Her mother, Connie, homeschooled her through Classical Conversations in Nixa, Missouri. Rhodes believes her experience with Classical’s homeschool education helped set the tone for how she approaches education. It gives students the tools of how to learn and how to differentiate what is true with a foundation rooted in Christ. This prepared Rhodes for a college education at a much earlier age.

Her college journey began when she chose to take an English course through Ozarks Technical Community College’s (OTC) Richwood Valley campus when she was 15 years old. She excelled in the course and asked the dean’s office if she could enroll in more courses.

She wound up with 70 credits worth of dual enrollment courses by the time she graduated from OTC with her associate degree in 2021 at the age of 17.

“I never thought I was going to get anything more than an associate degree,” Rhodes said. “But after receiving it, I realized I could continue my studies without going into debt and do it before I turned 20-years-old. Everything just lined up.”

Joining Missouri State

Thanks to Missouri State’s transfer program with OTC, Rhodes came here in fall 2021 to complete her bachelor’s degree. She majored in psychology in with an emphasis in industrial and organizational psychology and minored in marketing.

MSU had the most opportunities through online classes, which ultimately swayed her toward attending.

“I was interested in taking classes online because of my learning style and I like to pace myself,” Rhodes said. “Additionally, since my goal was to graduate debt free and with a resume full of valuable experience, online courses made it so that I had the ability to simultaneously excel in multiple areas of life.”

Her biggest supporter at MSU was her former advisor, Dr. Jeffrey Foster. He is also an assistant professor in the industrial and organizational psychology program.

“He really encouraged me to think beyond a bachelor’s degree, made excellent recommendations for courses to enhance my expertise and overall learning experience as well as welcomed me onto his research team,” Rhodes said.

He also inspired her to apply for the organizational leadership master’s program at Evangel University. She got accepted within 12 hours of applying at the age of 18-years-old.

After graduating with her bachelor’s degree in fall 2022 at age 19, Rhodes moved on to pursue her master’s degree.

Staying strong through the struggles

Rhodes expressed there were many challenges that came with being a college student so young. A main one was the negative perception of her age.

Classmates “would completely pull away” when they found out her age because she was not at the spot everyone thought she should be at.

She notes society puts a lot of pressure on where you should be at a certain age. Despite this, she encourages young people to “pave their own way.”

“It’s important not to stay stagnant. It’s important to experience hardships and difficulties,” Rhodes said.

Words of inspiration

While she does not believe every child has to go to college to be successful in what they are passionate about, she does believe they should “continue to apply their minds” and be a “lifetime learner.”

She hopes to encourage kids to not “feel the pressure just because everyone else is going one specific direction in life.” And if they do join the college world, they “have the authority to say what is right.”

“You can gain respect at a young age by holding on to your truth,” Rhodes said.

The end goal

While attending college at a young age and earning degrees were not what Rhodes had planned for herself, she is grateful for the experience.

“I wouldn’t be the same person I am today without the college experience, without the education, because there’s a sense of knowledge and understanding that allows me to not go into something blindly,” she said.

She has dreams to go into motivational speaking and inspire people through writing books. In fact, she is currently writing a book about her educational journey. She also plans to write future stories about how she got through trials with faith.

Her end goal is to have a family and be a present mother for her future children.

“Family is going to be a priority over everything else,” Rhodes said.

Explore psychology at MSU

Alum gives back to MSU through Giving Day

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At the heart of every university is a network of alumni whose dedication and generosity shape the institution’s future. For Missouri State University, one of these alumni is Scott Purvis. 

Purvis is a psychology graduate. His commitment to giving back and fostering community spirit embodies what it means to be a Bear.   

Purvis’ academic and professional journey

During Purvis’ time on campus from 1984-88, he forged lasting connections with his professors and peers.  

“I didn’t appreciate everything when it was happening, but now I have an appreciation for it,” Purvis said.  

Reflecting on his undergraduate years, Purvis recalls the mentorship he received from his professors. Their guidance, paired with the rigorous academics, laid the foundation for his future success and gave him a deep appreciation for education.  

“I can name every one of my professors and I had a personal relationship with them,” Purvis said. “They not only pushed me, challenged me, corrected me and directed me, but they also cared about me.” 

Purvis was a human resources executive for Lowe’s, Walmart and several other businesses before starting his current role as the chief operating officer for IRI Consultants. 

Staying connected to MSU 

Despite living in North Carolina, Purvis’ bond with Missouri State remains as strong as ever. Throughout the years, he has been actively involved with his alma mater, serving as an advocate for philanthropic initiatives and community engagement.  

Purvis serves on the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) Advisory Board representing the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences. He is also a board member of Bears WIN  and the Foundation Board of Trustees. 

His commitment to MSU extends beyond financial contributions. He actively seeks opportunities to give back, whether through philanthropy programs or fundraising events like Giving Day.  

“I feel it’s worth it to be involved at Missouri State because I see the value and the impact MSU students have across Missouri, the Midwest, the U.S. and even globally.” 

Giving Day 

One highlight of Purvis’ involvement with Missouri State is his role in Giving Day. Giving Day is an annual fundraising event to mobilize support for university initiatives. This year’s Giving Day is scheduled for March 5-6. 

Purvis encourages fellow alumni and friends to contribute to causes that resonate with them, emphasizing every donation, regardless of size, has the power to make a meaningful difference.  

“It’s not about what you give, it’s just about giving,” Purvis said. “You’re giving something to help somebody else and there’s no limit on the impact it can have.”  

His dedication demonstrates philanthropy is not just a duty but a joyous expression of gratitude for the opportunities higher education provides.   

Giving Day provides substantial support and enhances the university experience for current and future generations of students. 

Contribute to MSU Giving Day. 

Legacy of community and generosity 

As Purvis’ journey with Missouri State continues to evolve, he creates a legacy of philanthropy and community spirit. Through his actions and advocacy, he displays the values of compassion, generosity and resilience. 

“As I’ve progressed in life and enjoyed my career and family, it’s caused me to reflect on the influencers who helped shape me to be who I am,” Purvis said. “I always come back to Missouri State where it all began.” 

 Learn more about the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences

MSU alumna thrives at Massachusetts General Hospital

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Studying cell and molecular biology and graduating with her bachelor’s degree in May 2021 and her master’s degree in August 2022 from Missouri State University, Emma Wise has only continued to move onward and upward.  

Positive MoState memories 

For the first few years of college, Wise was a flute and piccolo player for the MSU Pride Marching Band. She had a wonderful experience and met a lot of great people through the music program.

In her free time and while studying, Wise loved to spend time on campus.

“I always enjoyed the fountain and the hammock stations. One of my all-time favorite spots to relax was behind the Plaster Student Union, especially in the spring when the trees are in bloom.”  

Oodles of hands-on research 

Because MSU allows undergraduate students to participate in research, Wise learned proper lab etiquette, how to operate complex equipment and how to properly analyze results. 

Wise started volunteering in Dr. Amy Hulme’s lab in 2019 where they investigated the early steps of HIV-1 replication. Wise continued this research when she transitioned to working on her master’s degree — finally completing her thesis on how the cellular factor Cyclophilin-A interacts with HIV-1.

“Missouri State fully prepared me for my current position,” she said. “Participating in real research early on in my academic career helped me gain the skills I use every day in my current profession.”   

Wise working on cell cultures in a laminar hood.

Life in the Anderson Lab  

Wise now works for the Wellman Center of Photomedicine in the Anderson Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). Her focus is on how lasers and light can help the body.  

The lab’s current project involves studying how specific wavelengths of red light can affect muscle endurance. To do this, Wise treats muscle cells with light and then ‘exercises’ them using electric pulse stimulation to make them contract.   

After the exercise regimen, she analyzes different cellular byproducts, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) or lactate, to see what effect the light has on exercising cells.  

Recently, red light therapy is being considered for patients to help with blood flow and skin conditions, as well as to relieve muscle pain. Wise loves learning exactly how this light can affect the body at a cellular level.

“I’m enjoying my time at MGH and learning a lot from the Anderson Lab, as well as the other labs at the Wellman Center.”

Wise hopes to continue her education and become a research fellow — that way she can conduct her own research on any topic. For the time being, she’s content with exploring the research world and learning more about cell biology.

Explore the biomedical sciences program