McQueary College of Health and Human Services Archives

MCHHS awards 742 degrees during spring commencement

May 23, 2022 by Jonah Rosen

The McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) awarded 742 degrees at the spring 2022 commencement.

“Congratulations to all of our MCHHS graduates,” said Dr. Mark Smith, dean MCHHS. “I am proud of all the hard work you have done and wish you all luck in your future endeavors.”

Department graduation numbers

- School of Anesthesia conferred 23 graduate degrees.
- Biomedical sciences department conferred 59 undergraduate degrees.
- Communication sciences and disorders department conferred 59 undergraduate degrees and 42 graduate degrees.
- Department of kinesiology conferred 95 undergraduate degrees and 13 graduate degrees.
- School of Nursing conferred 46 undergraduate degrees and 24 graduate degrees.
- Department of physical therapy conferred 42 graduate degrees.
- Psychology department conferred 182 undergraduate degrees.
- Department of public health and sports medicine conferred 15 undergraduate degrees and 25 graduate degrees.
- School of Social Work conferred 39 undergraduate degrees and 78 graduate degrees.

MCHHS leadership changes

May 17, 2022 by Jonah Rosen

Some changes are coming to Missouri State University’s McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) leadership team this fall.

Dr. Sarah McCallister, department head of kinesiology, will retire at the end of the year. Dr. Colette Witkowski, department head of biomedical sciences (BMS), will move back to a faculty position.

“Both Sarah and Colette have been amazing leaders and advocates for the college, their respective departments and most importantly, MSU students,” said Dr. Mark Smith, MCHHS dean.

“In my short time at MSU, I have learned from them both tremendously and am exceptionally grateful to have had them be part of an excellent college leadership team as we navigated the many challenges caused by COVID-19.

“Their experience, insights and honesty will be hard to replace. I wish them all the best as they take on new challenges and opportunities.”

Dr. Sarah McCallister

McCallister is retiring from Missouri State after 22 years of service, which included 15 years as department head of kinesiology.

McCallister contributed to the kinesiology department, the college, university and community in many ways. In 2018, she was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame by the Springfield-Greene County Park Board.

She was recently described by the kinesiology faculty as a servant leader who supported faculty and staff and cared deeply about her department and students.

Dr. Colette Witkowski

Witkowski has decided to return to faculty after serving as BMS department head for 15 years. She contributed to the department, the college, university and community in a lot of ways over the years.

She is a strong role model and advocate for women and girls in the sciences. She serves as the lead organizer of the Expanding Your Horizons conference. The conference brings middle school girls to campus to learn about science with hands-on activities, exposing them to related career opportunities.

The bittersweet end to an eight-year journey

May 16, 2022 by Olivia R. Fowler

Usually, the stereotype is that if students take a break from school, they’ll never come back.

Sarah Rowland, health services student, made it her mission to be the exception and defy the odds that tried to keep her from graduating.

Rowland shares the struggles she’s endured over the past eight years and why walking across the stage will be so special to her in May’s podcast episode.

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

Structure Update

May 16, 2022 by Jonah Rosen

Although the MCHHS Student Success and Advisement Center might still look unfinished, the work is nearing completion.

The wood slat ceiling was recently completed, and the rest of the ceiling was painted dark grey. Keeping the ceiling exposed adds an industrial look and the high ceilings make the space look more open.

The door frames are currently being installed and the glass will follow soon after. Once that’s complete, the rest of the flooring can be laid in the waiting area. The suite should be ready to move into by late June.

Furniture is on order and once that’s delivered, the Student Success and Advisement Center will be a wonderful welcoming spot for students across the college.