Health and Human Services News

Welcome new faculty and staff

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This year, McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) hired 15 new faculty and staff members. 

“I’m excited to welcome another amazing group of faculty and staff to the college. It’s a testament to the faculty and staff that we are able to attract and hire such a great group of individuals,” said Dr. Mark Smith, Dean of MCHHS. 

New members 

 The new faculty and staff will join eight areas of MCHHS:  

Nursing 

School of Social Work 

MCHHS Student Success and Advisement Center 

Physician Assistant Studies 

Research Statistical Training and Technical Support (RSTATS) 

Psychology 

  • Dr. Brad Powers (faculty). 

Kinesiology 

Occupational Therapy 

Learn more about MCHHS  

Faculty fan-favorites

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Keith McShan, assistant professor in the department of kinesiology, and Kati Morgan, clinical assistant professor in the School of Anesthesia, are two valuable faculty members in our McQueary College of Health and Human Services. 

Let’s learn more about them during this last month of the academic year! 

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

McShan: In my ethics and diversity in American sports class, students ran a youth sports meeting in groups and discussed how they’d run a sports league. They had to address issues related to how they’d integrate refugee students into sports, deal with racism within their sports league and get girls involved in sports, among other topics. Students also had role-playing sessions where they acted as parents, athletes and coaches. The students and I had to leave the room because of the outrageously painful laughing we had during this activity. You had to be there! 

Morgan: My classroom is mostly in hospitals during students’ clinical rotations, but we also help them through rigorous simulation labs at the end of each semester. During simulations, it can get a little crazy. We create intense scenarios where the simulation patient is close to dying and the student needs to step in and resuscitate the person.  Some of these situations can get very interesting! 

Where are you from?   

McShan: Windsor, Ontario, Canada. 

Morgan: I’m a Springfield native and went to Hillcrest High School. 

What brought you to Missouri State? 

McShan: I finished my PhD in summer 2022. When looking for a faculty position, I wanted to teach courses in the areas of sport and exercise, psychology and sports management. MSU had these opportunities. 

During the interview process, I was enthused to see Missouri State’s focus on teaching. I was excited to create a club where students could develop their talents and I’ve been afforded that opportunity in creating the Kinesiology Research and Career Club. Finally, and most importantly, I felt God wanted me and my wife here at MSU. We sold everything we owned and moved here in faith, not knowing anyone or having ever even been to Missouri before. Since making that decision, my wife has received a job here at MSU and our daughter will be attending school here in the fall. It’s been the best leap of faith we’ve taken in our marriage. 

Morgan: I completed the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program at MSU. I loved the program and the faculty. 

What’s your favorite part about working here?  

McShan: The students; they’re Godly, kind and respectful. I honestly enjoy coming to work every day. I pinch myself sometimes at how lucky I am to work with these students here at MSU. 

Morgan: I love watching our students grow and become confident providers working at the top of their game. Our students and alumni have a huge impact on our community through their anesthesia care. It feels good to be a small part of that.  

My other favorite part of being a member of MSU School of Anesthesia is the opportunity to work with an amazing team. Our department has always made me feel like a valued member of the team, which makes it a happy place to come to work each day. 

Explore the School of Anesthesia

Do you have a favorite class to teach?  

McShan: I love all my classes. It’s like having children—you’re not supposed to have favorites! One of my highlights so far was taking a group of 22 students to the NFL Draft in Kansas City, MO. Between an emergency room visit with a student, having Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers for the first time and having my first KC barbeque, it certainly was a fun and memorable time.     

Morgan: Time spent with students in clinicals is always my favorite!  It’s wonderful to observe how much they grow and the impact they have on their patients. 

Dig into the department of kinesiology

A once in a lifetime opportunity

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Twenty-two student members of the Kinesiology Research and Career (KRC) Club had the opportunity to work a paid, 12-hour shift at the NFL draft on April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. 

The students included both exercise and movement science and psychology majors. 

Grace Landewee, the 2022-23 Star Outstanding Senior Award winner and KRC Club president, and faculty advisor Dr. Keith McShan led students throughout the event where over 300,000 fans were in attendance. 

Students had the chance to work the field goal station, 40-yard dash station and more during the three-day NFL Draft. 

“This was a memorable experience. Being able to support young fans successfully making field goals and hearing the crowd cheer them on is one of many highlights at this year’s draft,” said Blake Hamelink, an exercise and movement science major and the club’s community relations director and treasurer. 

Students’ shifts started at 6 a.m. April 29 and lasted until 6 p.m., with other duties such as photo taking and VIP security. 

A successful trip 

The KRC Club greatly appreciates Jacob Robertson from the Kansas City Sports Commission and the McQueary College of Health and Human Services for allowing students to have this experience.  

“From the nighttime bus ride to the 4:30 a.m. wake-up call in the hotel, students were in great spirits the whole trip. I loved how students from both the psychology and kinesiology departments who had never met before this trip became friends through this experience,” McShan said. 

All in all, the trip was a major success. NFL staff praised Missouri State students for their hard work and dedication. The KRC Club looks forward to attending additional career development events in the next academic year.    

Learn more about the department of kinesiology 

Adapting to all abilities

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Ensuring everyone can participate in physical activity is something very important to Dr. Rebecca Woodard, MSU professor of kinesiology — even individuals who may not have the same abilities.

For more than a decade, Woodard has educated students on the importance of adapted physical education, also known as adaptive physical activity.

“These two terms refer to the ability to adapt and individualize physical activities to meet the needs of those with disabilities,” Woodard said.

“This can include an individual with autism, someone who may be in a wheelchair or any other disabilities.”

The goal of adapting these activities is to allow these individuals to be successful in their own way.

Real world experiences

MSU students majoring in physical education and exercise and movement science are enrolled in Woodard’s adapted physical education course to gain hands-on experience.

They attend lectures three days a week and then work with adapted PE teachers in the Springfield Public Schools district.

On Fridays, these students provide physical activity programs for students at Rivendale Institute of Learning and Center for Autism.

Every week, Woodard invites individuals from  Arc of the Ozarks to come to campus and participate with students in some physical activity.

“It’s important for these students to get this hands-on experience before graduating because in their future professions, they may work with individuals with disabilities,” Woodard said.

“I love seeing the relationships that form between students and the individuals who participate in these programs.”

Learn more about the kinesiology department