Health and Human Services News

MSU student participates in Missouri Governor’s Student Leadership Forum

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Cadence Arnold, an exercise and movement science junior, was one of 80 collegiate students nominated to represent Missouri State University during the annual Missouri Governor’s Student Leadership Forum on Faith and Values.

It took place Feb. 16-18, 2024, in Jefferson City, Missouri.

The forum started in 1988 under the leadership of former Missouri Governor and 79th U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft.

It challenges students’ character development by encouraging them to reflect on their own decision-making skills, values and belief systems. Students learn about how to reconcile relationships, stand for truth and love others as they love themselves. The forum’s guiding principle is teaching students to embrace altruism rather than egotism.

“Through the forum, I was able to reflect on my own decision-making skills, values and belief system. The forum provided a space for me to connect with student leaders at various universities around the state, exposing me to many new ideas. I was also able to collaborate with many leaders at the state level, including Gov. Parson!” said Arnold, who’s from Hillsboro, Missouri.

I’m excited to bring the knowledge I learned back to Missouri State and share it with others.”

Forum highlights

Gov. Mike Parson welcomed students of the forum with a meet and greet in his office, followed by an inspirational message from Rebecca Welsh, founder of Halo, a mission that provides housing, healing and education to at-risk and homeless children. Students ended their time at the Capitol hearing from Missouri State Sen. Travis Fitzwater.

Students also heard from several speakers who lead by example. A question-and-answer panel including Youssef Abdou, Natalia Chaing Breña, David Johnson, Bailey Stephen and Sadie Williams discussed the importance of community and relationships. Judge Pat Joyce shared a message on redemption after the students’ tour of the Jefferson City Correctional Center.

Kyrell and Michaela Newell, directors of St. Nicholas Academy, shared a message on servant leadership. Justin Campbell, regional director of YoungLife, concluded the forum, challenging students to consider their purpose in what they are aiming at.

Explore exercise and movement science at MSU

Breaking new ground: the grand opening of the Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center

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On Feb. 9, Springfield celebrated the grand opening of The Arc of the Ozarks’ new Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center.   

Made possible by a partnership among The Arc of the Ozarks, Mercy Hospital and Missouri State University, this facility offers vital resources and support for individuals and families affected by autism and neurodevelopmental concerns.    

Located at 2864 S. Nettleton Ave., the center provides diagnostic evaluations, behavioral analysis, psychological/psychiatric services, and speech, occupational, physical and specialty therapy services. 

“For MSU, this collaboration offers valuable learning opportunities for our students. Through hands-on clinical experiences and professional engagement, students will gain practical skills and contribute to the community,” said Dr. Letitia White Minnis, associate dean of the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS).  

A decade-long journey 

The journey toward establishing the Autism Center began over a decade ago.   

Representatives from Mercy and MSU initiated the discussion on the need for more autism services in the region.   

What started as a modest clinic evolved into a comprehensive center, supported by a $5 million matching grant from the Missouri General Assembly.  

“It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and collective vision,” said Tim Dygon, executive vice president of The Arc of the Ozarks. “Our mission encompasses everything from evaluations to ongoing therapies and other services.”  

Inclusive services 

Beyond addressing autism, the center will cater to a range of neurodevelopmental concerns. Expert driven multidisciplinary assessments ensure thorough and personalized support for everyone.   

“We’re committed to inclusivity and strive to provide services that meet the diverse needs of our community,” Dygon said.  

Envisioning a bright future  

Through innovation and a shared commitment to service, The Arc of the Ozarks, Mercy and MSU are set to redefine the landscape of autism care in the region.  

Beyond evaluation and therapy, the center is a catalyst for research, innovation and community engagement. Together the collaboration will make a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by neurodevelopmental concerns. 

Learn more about MCHHS

Check out updates and initiatives

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The new year brings new opportunities and challenges. Here are some updates and new initiatives for 2024.  

The Alliance for Healthcare Education is a partnership among Missouri State University, Ozark Technical Community College, Springfield Public Schools and CoxHealth, with a vision to improve the health and prosperity of our region by increasing the number of health care professionals in the Midwest. The alliance is currently in the process of hiring an executive director, attaining appropriate accreditations and developing plans to start teaching students at the Cox North location in fall 2025. The alliance places MSU’s McQueary College as a seminal leader in the development of the health care workforce in southwest Missouri.  

Academic Realignment enters final stages in MCHHS. As of July 1, 2024, MCHHS will have transitioned from 11 schools and departments to five schools. In fall 2024, the names of the final two schools were chosen, and their inaugural leaders identified. The new structure of the college is depicted below. School restructuring

Retirements are an inevitable part of the career path. In spring 2024, three members of the MCHHS family transition into retirement:  

“Their expertise, dedication and passion for students, MCHHS and MSU will be missed,” said Dr. Mark Smith, dean of MCHHS. “I’m honored to have worked with each of them!” 

Recognition and celebration are two important qualities within a team. In spring 2024, the college will institute faculty, staff and student awards to celebrate the successes and accomplishments of the MCHHS community. The first annual MCHHS Awards Banquet will be held at The Old Glass Place in early May. MCHHS faculty and staff, along with the MCHHS Advisory Board, are invited to the inaugural event.  

Inclusivity is an important part of sustaining culture and celebrating differences. The MCHHS Inclusive Engagement Committee is sponsoring the first Inclusive Excellence Challenge where members of the MCHHS community can participate in university and community-wide events to celebrate the importance of inclusivity.  

Professorships have been a part of the higher education landscape for centuries. For the first time in the college’s history, thanks to former U.S. Senator Roy Blunt, MCHHS will award two deserving MCHHS faculty members with an endowed professorship, up to $25,000, to support their active research, teaching and service endeavors. A call for applications is currently in development. We expect to announce recipients in May. 

Stay tuned for updates, opportunities and celebrations as MCHHS continues to drive student success and educational excellence, through passion, dedication and teamwork. 

Learn more about MCHHS

Fostering inclusivity at MCHHS

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Missouri State University and the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) are taking strides to promote inclusivity.  

Guided by the inclusivity principles distributed by the MSU president’s office, MCHHS aims to create a more inclusive campus environment. By aligning with MSU’s public affairs mission, MCHHS encourages cultural competence among faculty, staff and students.  

Dr. Randi Ulbricht, assistant professor of biomedical sciences, sheds light on the college’s efforts to embrace inclusivity. 

“If we can provide some tips and tricks that make life easier for just one student or subset of students, that’s when we know it was worth it,” Ulbricht said.  

The Inclusive Excellence Challenge

The Inclusive Excellence Challenge encourages teams of faculty, staff and students to attend events and support inclusive initiatives on campus and in the community.  The challenge is about making participants aware of existing resources that can aid their journey toward inclusivity.  

“Through the Inclusive Excellence Challenge, MCHHS can foster a supportive community at MSU,” Ulbricht said. 

The challenge runs throughout the spring semester, with a showcase event in May. The showcase will allow participants to share what they’ve learned and accomplished, as well as offer them a chance to win prizes.  Apply to join the festivities.  

Workshops and initiatives

MCHHS hosted the Inclusive Syllabus workshop. It gave faculty members tools to make their syllabi more inclusive. Another will be the Inclusive Advising workshop led by MCHHS Student Success and Advising Center, which focuses on exploring ethical frameworks for advising practices. This workshop will take place Feb. 28. 

By encouraging attendance at workshops and participation in student organizations, MCHHS can help to dismiss inclusive misconceptions.  

Targeting specific needs  

As the university’s student population becomes more diverse, it is important to recognize and address the needs of specific student groups. This includes efforts to support first-generation college students as it can be difficult for them to navigate the hidden curriculum. Workshops can help students face new challenges and provide equal opportunities for success.  

“We, the professors, are at the ground of this, but we’re often the barrier as well,” Ulbricht said. “If we can break that down and be the person that invites them into college, then that goes a long way.”  

A call to awareness

MCHHS wants individuals to understand that they care deeply about students and want to make the MSU campus the most welcoming place it can be.  

“We’re always here, but it’s so hard to be heard over the noise sometimes,” Ulbricht said. “This felt like a good way to let people know we care.”  

Learn more about MCHHS