Health and Human Services News

Faculty fan-favorites

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Anna McWoods, instructor and lab coordinator in the department of biomedical sciences, and Dr. Cody Smith, assistant professor in the department of kinesiology, are two members of our MCHHS family.  

Let’s get to know them better! 

What’s been the funniest or craziest thing to happen in your classroom?  

McWoods: Several years ago, I was working in my office and my undergraduate lab assistant came running in. Turns out, a wild turkey had flown in the third-floor window of our lab and was wreaking havoc. Everyone gathered around the door with their jaws dropped, staring at this bird prancing around. Security kindly escorted her off campus, but that is something I will truly never forget. 

Smith: I think it is funny when we get to the urine analysis lab protocol and see students’ reactions when they realize they provide the class samples. Or they’ll be analyzing their classmate’s pee.  

I don’t think they think it’s as funny as I do though… 

Where are you from?   

McWoods: Kansas City! Born and raised. 

Smith: I grew up in El Dorado, Arkansas. 

What brought you to Missouri State?  

McWoods: I was interested in biomedical science graduate degrees, so that’s why I graduated with one—GO BEARS! 

A BMS research faculty member spoke with my senior undergraduate class, and I was super interested. Missouri State does a great job to cultivate supportive and cooperative relationships between faculty and graduate students. 

Smith: After completing my doctorate, I was a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Nebraska for two years when I found this opportunity to be an assistant professor of kinesiology. 

I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to teach content I’m passionate about while continuing my research interests in science teaching and learning. It’s been a full-circle experience doing what I set out to accomplish and what I enjoy immensely. 

What’s your favorite part about working here?  

McWoods: The STUDENTS! They are so eager to learn everything they can. Taking them to clinical settings and watching them apply what they have learned in skills lab and the classroom is incredibly rewarding.     

Smith: I just love working with students. Whether it be in the classroom, advising or on thesis projects, it’s truly the most rewarding aspect of my job. I remember being a student and having difficulties with navigating academics and life at the same time. My goal is to continually improve students’ educational experiences. 

Brush up on the department of biomedical sciences

Do you have a favorite class to teach?  

McWoods: One of my favorite classes to teach is my BMS 100: Essentials in Human Biology. This class is for nonscience majors, and we have a blast. We look at a wide array of things from the processes of our organ systems to the fundamentals of healthcare genetics. 

Smith: I love the challenge of making Applied Human Physiology a student-centered classroom. Students can build upon their understanding of anatomy and dive deeper into systems to learn what makes our bodies tick. By the time they get to physiology, students seem to be more willing to engage in classroom discussion with peers who they have become more familiar with. 

Keep it real with the department of kinesiology 

Balancing athletics with academics

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Can student athletes juggle their sports in addition to academics? 

Alyssa Buchheit, cell and molecular biology student with a minor in chemistry and on the pre-med track, always knew that she’d play soccer at the college-level. 

“I’m so blessed to be a student athlete,” Buchheit said. “Instead of having to get a job during the school year, I get to play the sport I love with my best friends.” 

Buchheit shares the cool opportunities she’s experienced because of being on the Missouri State women’s soccer team in this month’s podcast episode. 

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

MCHHS leadership changes

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Some changes are coming to Missouri State University’s McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) leadership team this fall.

Dr. Sarah McCallister, department head of kinesiology, will retire at the end of the year. Dr. Colette Witkowski, department head of biomedical sciences (BMS), will move back to a faculty position.

“Both Sarah and Colette have been amazing leaders and advocates for the college, their respective departments and most importantly, MSU students,” said Dr. Mark Smith, MCHHS dean.

“In my short time at MSU, I have learned from them both tremendously and am exceptionally grateful to have had them be part of an excellent college leadership team as we navigated the many challenges caused by COVID-19.

“Their experience, insights and honesty will be hard to replace. I wish them all the best as they take on new challenges and opportunities.”

Dr. Sarah McCallister

McCallister is retiring from Missouri State after 22 years of service, which included 15 years as department head of kinesiology.

McCallister contributed to the kinesiology department, the college, university and community in many ways. In 2018, she was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame by the Springfield-Greene County Park Board.

She was recently described by the kinesiology faculty as a servant leader who supported faculty and staff and cared deeply about her department and students.

Dr. Colette Witkowski

Witkowski has decided to return to faculty after serving as BMS department head for 15 years.  She contributed to the department, the college, university and community in a lot of ways over the years.

She is a strong role model and advocate for women and girls in the sciences. She serves as the lead organizer of the Expanding Your Horizons  conference. The conference brings middle school girls to campus to learn about science with hands-on activities, exposing them to related career opportunities.