Health and Human Services News

Staff spotlight: Hillary Mayes

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A Missouri State University alumna, Hillary Mayes has been the director of the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) Student Success and Advisement Center (SSAC) since 2019.

Let’s get to know her more.

Hillary Mayes headshot.
Hillary Mayes

Where are you originally from?

I’m from Webb City, Missouri.

Why did you decide to join Missouri State and how long have you been here?

I began working for Missouri State as a graduate assistant in the fall of 2006. Upon earning my graduate degree, I transitioned to an instructor role in MCHHS. I served in that capacity until I transitioned to a staff role in 2019. This academic year is my 19th year on campus.

What do you enjoy most about working at the university?

Finding ways in which we can effectively work with and support our students while they navigate their academic journeys is most important to me.

What’s your educational background?

I earned my BA in Psychology from Mizzou and my MS in Psychology – industrial-organizational track from Missouri State.

What does your current role at the university entail?

Am I allowed to just say “a lot of different things” and leave it at that? Like every position, my role and the role of the Student Success and Advisement Center is multi-faceted. I feel like my job must continuously evolve so that the focus of my work always aligns with the objectives of the college and university. First and foremost, our office supports student success-related activities and initiatives within the college. We work to ensure students feel as though our office can serve as a safe space and as an informational hub that can help them navigate their time at Missouri State. A lot of what we do centers upon communication, collaboration, problem-solving and building relationships.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from this job so far?

Forming and maintaining positive relationships with the team of people you work closely with is paramount to success. I’ve learned I can tolerate a lot when the team that surrounds me is strong and supportive (our SSAC team is amazing, by the way).

Why did you choose this area of work?

I didn’t intentionally seek out this pathway, so I can’t say there was this “a-ha moment” when I decided this is the career I want to pursue.  As a graduate assistant, I had the opportunity to learn about and engage with various aspects of college/university operations. It was this experience that helped me better understand the different roles on campus and how my interests, skills and abilities could fit within. I most enjoy work that makes me feel challenged and engaged.

What type of work did you do prior to Missouri State?

I’ve had some prior experience related to admissions, recruitment and career services in higher education. I’ve also worked for an attorney, as well as in retail and food service.

What’s your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?

I enjoy what many would consider “traditional” Thanksgiving foods/flavors (particularly the side dishes, not so much the turkey), but I don’t follow any specific “traditions” in my household.

How do you spend your leisure time?

I enjoy shopping, particularly online, or at boutiques, antique stores/flea markets and specialty stores. I like to find fun and unique items, especially those that I can gift to others.

Learn more about the MCHHS Student Success and Advisement Center

Staff spotlight: Tia Schneider

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Our featured McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) staff member is Tia Schneider. She serves as an administrative specialist in the MCHHS Student Success and Advisement Center (SSAC). 

From welcoming students with warmth to ensuring programs run smoothly, Schneider plays an important role in helping students and advisors thrive. 

Let’s get to know her better. 

Where are you originally from? 

I was born in Anchorage, Alaska, but raised mostly in Springfield, Missouri. 

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

I joined MSU in January 2025. I chose to work here because I enjoyed my time as a student and knew I wanted to keep working with students in some capacity. 

Can you share your educational background?

Tia Schneider
Tia Schneider

I was an adult student who graduated from MSU in December 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in higher education and advisement support? 

After my student teaching experience in Alaska, I needed a break from the classroom, but I still plan to return one day. I knew I wanted to keep working with students, though I wasn’t sure how until I found this position. From my interview, I could tell the people in SSAC were exactly the type of team I wanted to join. Even though I’m not in the classroom right now, I get daily interactions with students and the opportunity to help and guide them. 

What are your main responsibilities as an administrative specialist? 

My responsibilities vary depending on the time of year. In the summer, I help with SOAR (Student Orientation, Advisement and Registration). In the fall and spring, I help admit students into their programs, assign advisors, process override requests and answer student questions. Every day at work is different and that’s what makes it exciting. 

What do you find most rewarding about your role? 

Working with students is the best part. I see students come in stressed and leave with smiles. Some stop by just to say hi. I also enjoy seeing the collaboration between staff and faculty to ensure smooth running of the college’s programs. 

What was your job before joining Missouri State? 

Before joining MSU, I worked at the local assessor’s office, where I reviewed legal documents and input them into the system. 

What has been your most memorable or meaningful moment so far? 

Two moments stand out to me. One was hiding Easter eggs around the office and watching the pure joy on everyone’s faces as they searched for them. The other is admitting students into their programs. I celebrate their hard work in silence and feel proud to be part of their journey. 

What do you enjoy most about the fall season? 

The weather! I don’t like sweating, so fall is perfect. Give me 70 degrees every day and I’d be happy.  

What is one surprising thing about you? 

I’ve been a military wife for 15 years. Our family has moved twice, gone through two deployments and navigated many schools along the way. 

Explore the MCHHS Student Success and Advisement Center

Welcome new faculty and staff 

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This year, McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) welcomed 36 new faculty and staff members.  

“We’re thrilled they’ve chosen to share their talent, expertise and passion for teaching, research and service with our community,” said Dr. Letitia White Minnis, associate dean of MCHHS.

“At MCHHS, your success is our focus. Welcome aboard! We can’t wait to see the positive impact you all will make in the months and years ahead.”  

Who they are 

The new faculty and staff are joining various schools and departments in MCHHS:  

School of Anesthesia  

School of Health Care Professions  

School of Health Sciences  

School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences  

School of Nursing  

Ozarks Public Health Institute 

Student Success and Advisement Center 

Explore MCHHS

A nod to excellence

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Passionate faculty and staff are at the heart of McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS), making an impact every day through their dedication and service.  

On April 24, the college came together to celebrate these exceptional individuals at its 2nd Annual Awards Banquet. 

Their contributions go beyond personal achievement — they enrich the learning environment and strengthen support systems that define the MCHHS community. Each honoree embodies the college’s core values, serving as an inspiring example for others to follow.  

“The banquet was such a fun way to connect with colleagues and recognize the hard work happening across our college,” said Dr. Sarah Murray, assistant professor and program director of nutrition and dietetics.  

List of awards 

 Foundation Recipients Award 

Office Orchestrator Award

This award recognizes a staff member who goes above and beyond to create a welcoming, supportive college environment. 

Community Impact Award

This award recognizes a faculty or staff member for impactful community engagement that reflects the public affairs mission. 

Outstanding Academic Advisor 

This award recognizes a staff member for excellence in advising. 

Outstanding Faculty Advisor 

This award recognizes a faculty member for excellence in advising. 

Bearwise Education Excellence Award 

This award recognizes a faculty member for innovative, inclusive teaching and outstanding mentorship that inspires student engagement and learning. 

Outstanding Service Award 

This award recognizes faculty or staff for exceptional service that goes beyond expectations and positively impacts the workplace. 

  • MCHHS information technology department 

Teamwork Trailblazers Award 

This award recognizes a group that demonstrates exceptional collaboration, teamwork, idea-sharing and commitment to a common goal. 

Dean’s Awards 

  • Dean’s Recognition for Service: Dr. Sarah Murray, assistant professor and program director of nutrition and dietetics 
  • Outstanding Service to MCHHS: Dr. Letitia White Minnis, MCHHS associate dean 
  • Outstanding Student Engagement: Nicole Gorley, senior instructor and lab coordinator, biomedical sciences 
  • Outstanding Support to MCHHS: Teri Trickey, director of catering, Chartwells 
  • Outstanding Community Partnership: Burrell Behavioral Health 

Roy D. Blunt Life Science Professorship 

This endowed award, established through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, supports faculty in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) disciplines. It recognizes excellence in teaching, research and scholarship advancing the life sciences. 

  • Dr. Amy Hulme, associate professor, biomedical sciences   

Research Fellow 

This new appointment provides support and mentorship to new faculty, centered on the development of a scholarly agenda. 

“I was so surprised and honored to receive the Dean’s Recognition for Service, especially since I helped plan the event and thought I knew the program inside out!” Murray said. “Serving as the Dean’s Fellow for the past two years has been an incredible opportunity to learn about leadership and the administrative side of our college.” 

For White Minnis, receiving the Outstanding Service to MCHHS Award fills her with both gratitude and humility.  

“It affirms my efforts to support others and contribute to our college community. I’ve had the good fortune of working with people who inspire me to serve with purpose and carry that commitment forward with the same dedication that brought me here.” 

Retirements

Besides recognizing outstanding contributions from faculty and staff, the banquet also offered a heartfelt moment to honor those whose long-standing dedication helped advance the college. This year’s retirees honored for their dedication and years of service included: 

Explore MCHHS