Health and Human Services News

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

Celebrating the future of audiology

by

On April 27, 2024, Missouri State University celebrated the White Coat Ceremony for the Doctorate of Audiology class of 2025. This momentous occasion marked the transition of 11 dedicated students as they prepare to embark on their externship year, the final step toward earning their doctorate degree. 

A day of celebration 

Surrounded by family, friends, peers and faculty, the ceremony was a joyous occasion.  

“This is a wonderful celebration and acknowledgement of the students’ hard work and dedication,” said Dr. Sarah Jones, clinical associate professor. “The white coat is indicative of their preparedness and a foundation in audiology to advance to this final stage.” 

Looking ahead 

While the university community will miss seeing these students on campus, there is great excitement for their future endeavors.  

“It’s likely the next time we will see them together as a group will be when they walk at graduation next spring and receive their hooding,” Jones said. 

Support and encouragement 

The White Coat Ceremony not only celebrates the achievements of the students, but also reflects the support and encouragement from those who have been integral to their journey.  

“One thing that makes the ceremony special is the students get to share this event with their family and friends whether in-person or virtually,” said Dr. Edith Bobbit-Boyce, faculty advisor for the MSU Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) organization. 

Missouri State looks forward to the continued success of these future audiologists as they step into their professional roles and make a positive impact in the field of audiology. 

Explore degrees in communication sciences and disorders   

MSU students shine at MSHA convention

by

Missouri State University students recently showcased their talents and skills at the Missouri Speech Language Hearing Association (MSHA) 2024 Convention.  

Themed “MSHA Momentum,” this year’s convention took place from April 11-14 at Tan-Tar-A resort in Osage Beach, Missouri. The MSHA convention is an annual gathering of speech pathologists, audiologists and students from across the state. It provided an enriching experience for practitioners, faculty and students. 

The convention welcomed undergraduate students in communication sciences and disorders (CSD), as well as graduate students pursuing degrees in speech-language pathology (SLP) and audiology.    

MSU’s Dr. Dee Telting and Jennifer Pratt, clinical associate professor and clinical professor of CSD, respectively, played a pivotal role in organizing the event. It drew hundreds of attendees and featured seminars, workshops and academic competitions.  

A big win for students 

MSU made waves at the convention, particularly in the academic contest, the Quest for the Cup. To win the contest, university teams must answer questions related to speech, language, swallowing and hearing knowledge.  

The MSU SLP graduate students secured the top spot, surpassing rival programs across the state like the University of Missouri and St. Louis University. This was the first time MSU won the cup in eight years. 

“It was really cool they won after so many years. The students were so excited they slept with the trophy that night!” Telting said.  

At the convention, MSU had the honor of nominating one of its CSD graduate students, Avery Brooks, for the title of the top graduate student in Missouri. This nomination recognized her outstanding academic achievements and exceptional performance. 

Additionally, MSU’s graduate students showcased their research projects, offering valuable contributions to the evolving landscape of CSD. 

The convention gave MSU students many learning opportunities and exposure to the latest advancements in their field. It was a chance for them to network with professionals, gain practical insights and hone their skills.   

“One thing I enjoyed most about the MSHA Convention was the unity and camaraderie that resulted when our team won the Quest for the Cup trophy,” Brooks said. “It always feels good to win something as a team, and it was such an electrifying moment to bring the beloved trophy back home to MSU after an eight-year hiatus. It was such a special way to wrap up my graduate experience at MSU.” 

Faculty involvement 

The convention also highlighted the expertise of MSU’s faculty members, who presented on a diverse array of topics. These ranged from integrating specialty services into speech therapy to leveraging artificial intelligence in therapy sessions.  

“I was proud to represent the CSD program,” Telting said. 

Learn more about communication sciences and disorders  

Alumna’s journey from MSU to entrepreneurship

by

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