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Health and Human Services News

New directors spotlight

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We are thrilled to introduce our new School of Health Sciences Director Dr. Tona Hetzler and  School of Health Care Professions Director Dr. Michael Bird.

Hetzler is a certified athletic trainer (AT) and first-generation college graduate. She went to college on an athletic scholarship and played softball for two years at a junior college in Oklahoma. According to Hetzler, a highlight of her AT career was working at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games.

Bird’s expertise is in kinesiology and exercise science. He received his MS degree from Purdue University and his PhD from University of North Carolina. According to Bird, his favorite thing to do during his free time is mountain and road biking, as well as trying out new restaurants.

Let’s get to know them more.

What are you looking forward to as a school director?

Dr. Tona Hetzler

Hetzler: I’m looking forward to working with and getting to know all the faculty, staff and students. I’m also looking forward to all the opportunities that will come with this new structure regarding being more accessible for students, collaborating on research projects and working in teams to create new opportunities for students and faculty.

Bird: I’m most looking forward to the challenges that come with a new position. There’s much to learn about the programs in the school, the students who have chosen to pursue the degrees available and the faculty who are teaching the courses that will lead to student success. The School of Health Care Professions has many accredited programs with great students and faculty. My focus will be on making sure I know what I need to do to help them plan for growth to meet the needs of professionals in their respective areas.

What brought you to Missouri State?

Hetzler: The athletic training program and the opportunity the Springfield medical community offered for the profession and students.

Dr. Michael Bird

Bird: I came to Missouri State to lead the kinesiology department. I was impressed with the faculty who were here and wanted to provide leadership for the students, faculty and staff that would help improve the academic experience for all of them.

How long have you been at Missouri State?

Hetzler: It has been 17 years.

Bird: I’ve been here since summer 2022. So, not a long time, but it has been enjoyable professionally and personally.

What’s your favorite thing about working at Missouri State?

Hetzler: The students, the faculty, the support of MCHHS (McQueary College of Health and Human Services) and the university’s public affairs focus.

Bird: My favorite thing about MSU is definitely the people. The students, faculty and staff take so much pride in the university and work hard to make their experiences worthwhile.

What’s your number one goal going into this new role?

Hetzler: To learn, to innovate and to elevate.

Bird: My biggest goal is to learn about the programs and the people involved. I’ll need this understanding as one of the first steps to helping them achieve their goals.

What’s your dream summer vacation?

Hetzler: Time on the beach, no cooking and no emails.

Bird: I enjoy time with family and friends where we balance some physical activities like hiking and biking with good food and time to relax. There’s no ideal location as long as it’s interesting and shared with others.

Learn more about MCHHS

Kinesiology professor featured on international podcast

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Dr. Keith McShan, assistant professor of kinesiology at Missouri State University, recently made a guest appearance on The Sport Psych Show. 

The Sport Psych Show is an international podcast hosted by Dan Abrahams, a sports psychologist from Europe. On the episode titled “The Coach-Athlete Relationship from the Coaches’ Perspective,” McShan talks about the coach-athlete relationships. 

“I was very excited to share my knowledge of the coach-athlete relationships with international coaches,” McShan said. “I believe having a quality coach-athlete relationship enhances both the coach’s and the students’ sporting experience.” 

Listen to the podcast. 

Learn more about the department of kinesiology

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