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  • McQueary College of Health and Human Services

Best friends work together to write another psychology textbook

March 31, 2023 by Olivia R. Fowler

What if you had the opportunity to write a textbook for your university, alongside your best friend? 

Drs. Danae Hudson and Brooke Whisenhunt, clinical professors within the department of psychology, did just that. 

Hudson (left) and Whisenhunt (right) pose with their first textbook, “Psychology.”

Not their first rodeo 

Hudson and Whisenhunt’s first joint-textbook was “Psychology,” written specifically to be used for introductory psychology classes. 

Both implementing redesigns within their respective courses, Hudson and Whisenhunt built a relationship with Pearson. This led to them being approached to write their first textbook. 

While initially hesitant, Hudson and Whisenhunt saw the benefits of taking on this major project. 

Sole authors, Hudson and Whisenhunt put in many hours and long nights putting together this extensive textbook and swore they’d never do it again. 

Little did they know they’d be collaborating again, just a few years later. 

Inside “Psychological Disorders” 

“Psychological Disorders” is written for the “Abnormal Psychology” course.

Whisenhunt (left) and Hudson (right) pose with their second textbook, “Psychological Disorders.”

Hudson and Whisenhunt were already using this textbook for their classes when they were approached by Pearson to write the fifth edition.

While usually textbooks go through a revision process every two-to-three years, “Psychological Disorders” hadn’t been updated in almost 10 years by the time it was handed off to Hudson and Whisenhunt. 

The biggest change that they made was the title, which was originally “Abnormal Psychology.”

“It was incredibly important to us that the textbook reflected the best tone and voice for today’s students and educators,” Whisenhunt said. 

“Even changing the title was a huge overhaul because the entire first chapter was devoted to identifying what’s abnormal and what’s not.” 

Standing out 

Both “Psychology” and “Psychological Disorders” are integrated digital textbooks, meaning that they have interactive elements to create a richer learning experience for students. 

“It was important for us to consider how a student would best learn and understand the material,” Whisenhunt said. “Students don’t tend to read their textbooks or come to office hours, so we tried to find a way around that.” 

To Hudson and Whisenhunt’s knowledge, their textbooks are the only ones in the country that have “adapted pathways,” which are based around known, difficult concepts. 

If a student is confused on a topic, they’re then directed to a video created and authored by Hudson and Whisenhunt to better explain the topic. This is done through using novel examples to simulate a discussion between a student and their professor. 

Roughly 90% of students who’ve been in class with Hudson and Whisenhunt have expressed that they had a positive learning experience with the integrated digital textbooks and would like to see more in their future classes.  

Best friends for over 24 years 

Hudson and Whisenhunt have twin careers and have always had a special bond. 

“Doing life and professional work together has been unreal, I can’t imagine doing it with anyone else,” Whisenhunt said. “We have cherished the opportunity to write these two books together.” 

“This is intense work, I don’t think I could’ve done it without my person,” Hudson said. 

They were lucky enough to be side-by-side throughout graduate school, being employed by Missouri State at the same time and even having offices that are next door to each other. 

Bringing back an old tradition 

A long-standing tradition in graduate school was getting fried chicken from Raising Cane’s and watching must-see television every Thursday night.  

Hudson and Whisenhunt have decided that they’ll celebrate their second textbook’s publication by going to the Cane’s in Springfield and revitalizing their tradition, nearly 20 years later. 

“None of our families or children are invited,” Whisenhunt said. “We’re just going to hang out, eat chicken and watch television together.” 

Learn more about the psychology department

Filed Under: Psychology Tagged With: Dr. Brooke Whisenhunt, Dr. Danae Hudson, MCHHS Spotlights, McQueary College of Health and Human Services, Psychology

Shining a spotlight on student research

March 30, 2023 by Jonah Rosen

MCHHS research symposium

Over the course of the last year, Missouri State University students have  spent time researching a topic of choice in their respective disciplines.

Now, it’s time for these students to showcase their successful research work.

Missouri State will host three research events April 27-29, 2023, on campus to highlight what the students have done.

“My favorite part of these events is their interdisciplinary nature,” said Dr. Letitia White-Minnis, associate dean of MSU’s McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS).

“It’s  a chance to talk to students from  different areas about their work. Every year, I learn new things.”

Event details

This event is free and open to the public.

April 27

27th Annual MCHHS Student Research Symposium, 3-5 p.m., Plaster Student Union Grand Ballroom

This symposium is open to all graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in programs within MCHHS.

Learn more about the event

Filed Under: MCHHS Events Tagged With: MCHHS Spotlights, McQueary College of Health and Human Services, students

Adapting to all abilities

February 28, 2023 by Jonah Rosen

Adapted Physical Education students work with Arc of the Ozarks summer camp kids. Photos by Kevin White/Missouri State university

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

Filed Under: Kinesiology Tagged With: Kinesiology, MCHHS Spotlights, McQueary College of Health and Human Services, Spotlights

Restructuring: Conversations with the dean

February 27, 2023 by Olivia R. Fowler

The MCHHS departments are in for some major restructuring in the coming years – but what does that mean for students and faculty?

Dean of the McQueary College of Health and Human Services, Dr. Mark Smith, explains why restructuring is a good thing and why changes moving forward are needed.

“We must get people into areas where we can grow our community as a whole,” Smith said. “I firmly believe that by the end of this two-year plan we’re going to look different. One way or another we’re going to be better equipped to prepare students moving forward.” 

“Organizational change and improvement don’t happen by doing nothing and not talking about it. My door is always open for anyone with comments, questions, or concerns about this next chapter.” 

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

Filed Under: Health Queries Podcast, MCHHS News, Spotlights Tagged With: Mark Smith, MCHHS Spotlights, McQueary College of Health and Human Services

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