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Staff spotlight: Elizabeth Burrough

March 9, 2026 by Ella Reuter

Elizabeth Burrough headshot.

Our featured McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) staff member is Elizabeth Burrough. She is the admissions coordinator for the School of Nursing.

Let’s get to know more about her.

Where are you originally from?

I’m from the area! I grew up in the middle of the country west of town, so my family and I came to Springfield very often. I went to school in Miller, Missouri, and moved to Springfield for college.

What brought you to Missouri State University and how long have you been here?

I came to Missouri State as a non-traditional student to complete my bachelor’s degree in 2018. I started working as a student worker in the School of Nursing and loved it so much I never left! This next year will be my seventh year at Missouri State.

What’s your educational background?

I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Missouri State in 2019. I’m still considering what graduate programs I’d like to pursue.

What do you do in your role at MCHHS?

As the admissions coordinator for the School of Nursing, I support students as they prepare to apply to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. I have the opportunity to connect with prospective students and their families who are exploring Missouri State and nursing by providing tours, hosting meetings and answering questions. Once students are accepted, I guide them through the next steps of the admission process and help them transition smoothly into the program.

Why did you choose your area of work?

This path kind of found me. I had always imagined I would go into counseling, but early in my career, I was still figuring out exactly what I wanted to do. After working in the School of Nursing, I discovered how much I enjoy being in an educational setting and connecting with students. I strongly believe in the power of education and in helping people achieve their goals, so I feel incredibly grateful to have found a role that aligns so well with that.

What do you enjoy most about your job in MCHHS?

Elizabeth Burrough and her daughter
Burrough and her daughter.

The people. I work with some of the kindest people who are passionate about education and nursing. I also really enjoy interacting with our students and helping them with their goals of becoming a nurse.

What’s your favorite thing to do in the spring?

Spring is one of my favorite times of year! I try to spend as much time outdoors as possible. One of the things I love to do is planting and tending my flower garden with my daughter.

What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

I love mini golf! It’s my very favorite thing to do anytime the weather is nice. My family and I go often, and are always looking for interesting, new courses to visit.

Learn more about the School of Nursing

Filed Under: School of Nursing, Staff spotlights Tagged With: Elizabeth Burrough, staff spotlight

Nursing social turned connection into momentum

November 10, 2025 by Sewly Khatun

Lighted up letters that spell "MSU Nursing."

On Oct. 4, the School of Nursing hosted its first ever student social for pre-nursing and current nursing students with support from Foster Recreation Center staff. 

“We wanted to create a networking opportunity among students, faculty and health partners while also having a relaxed and fun environment,” said Dr. Kathryn Patterson, school director. 

She added the social helped pre-nursing students connect with current students and faculty. They also learned more about the curriculum and career options.  

About 60 students and 18 nursing faculty attended the event. Representatives from BJC HealthCare, CoxHealth and Mercy hosted information tables and giveaways. They shared insights about employment opportunities, tuition reimbursement and educational resources. 

Nursing student engagement at the social event.
Moments of connection at the nursing social.

A fun afternoon with purpose 

Students participated in games, including ping pong, cornhole, spike ball, washers, giant Connect 4 and giant Jenga. They also explored hands-on stations such as moulage demonstrations, where realistic mock injuries are created for medical training, and a make-your-own first aid kit table. 

The first 25 students received School of Nursing swag bags. Raffles took place every 30 minutes, giving students the chance to win prizes like gift cards, nursing scrubs and Littmann stethoscope kits. 

For nursing student Megan Hartman, the most memorable part for her was meeting the hospital recruiters. One of those meetings led to an ICU interview with a St. Louis hospital the following week. 

“It was so amazing to build that rapport ahead of time. I don’t think I would have had that connection without this event,” she said. 

According to Elizabeth Burrough, nursing admissions coordinator, the school hopes to organize this event annually. 

“The main goal of the event was to give students an informal space to connect outside the classroom with faculty and other students and it turned into a strong community building event,” she said. 

Explore the School of Nursing

Filed Under: MCHHS Events, School of Nursing Tagged With: Elizabeth Burrough, Kathryn Patterson, students

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