Health and Human Services News

PAS students are high achievers

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To add another success to the list at McQueary College of Health and Human Services, the Missouri State Physician Assistant Studies (PAS) Class of 2022 has exceeded expectations, yet again.  

Students achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). This is above the 2022 national first-time pass rate of 92%.  

“Congratulations to the Class of 2022! Their hard work and dedication paid off,” said Dr. Roberto Canales, PAS department head.  

“Our deepest thanks go to the PAS department faculty, staff and clinical preceptors who helped guide students throughout their PAS training.” 

Learn more about the physician assistant studies department

Taking time for continuing education

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MCHHS is committed to providing professional development opportunities for faculty and staff.

Last fall’s professional development event centered on de-stigmatizing mental illness.

This spring, the focus is on engaging GenZ students in higher education.

On March 3, the college will shut down in the afternoon and students will receive alternative assignments.

Faculty from across the college will gather at the Darr Agricultural Center to participate in an interactive workshop with researcher and author Dr. Meghan Grace.

“I’m looking forward to an engaging afternoon with Dr. Grace and MCHHS faculty as we seek to support student retention within MCHHS,” said Dr. Letitia White Minnis, MCHHS associate dean.

About Grace

Grace is a researcher, consultant, international speaker and author.

She’s also host of the podcast #GenZ, and co-author of the books, “Generation Z Goes to College” and “Generation Z: A Century in the Making.”

Studying Generation Z since 2014, she and her research partner, Dr. Corey Seemiller, lead the Institute for Generational Research and Education.

As a senior consultant with Plaid, LLC, Grace supports clients in their pursuit of “being better” through designing and implementing research, assessment and evaluation solutions, along with curriculum development, program design and organizational development.

Learn more about MCHHS

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

Restructuring: Conversations with the dean

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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