Health and Human Services News

Fostering inclusivity at MCHHS

by

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

Faculty and staff spotlight

by

We are excited to recognize Clinical Assistant Professor Morgan Nemeth and Simulation Center Coordinator Jessica Matney . 

Nemeth is a faculty member in the School of Nursing, while Matney is a staff member in the McQueary College of Health and Human Services. 

Let’s get to know them! 

What is your favorite memory here so far?  

Nemeth: I’ve had an enriching experience working at MSU, but one standout memory is from this semester’s (spring ‘24) Skills Fair for senior nursing students. We transformed the event into a lively carnival, dressing up in costumes, decorating the Simulation lab and providing treats for the students. This allowed the faculty to enjoy themselves and helped ease the nervousness among students as they demonstrated hands-on skills. 

Matney: Attending the Staff Awards Luncheon and celebrating the dedicated faculty and staff who have contributed to the success of Missouri State is my fondest memory. 

What brought you to Missouri State?  

Nemeth: Prior to joining MSU, I held a position in nursing education at a local hospital. While I enjoyed education, my passion led me to the pre-licensure side, where education wasn’t a mandatory yearly event. Working with students at the beginning of their nursing careers and contributing to the preparation of future nurses have been incredible opportunities I feel fortunate to be a part of. 

Matney: I began as a part-time employee, assisting in the Simulation Center and embracing the people and atmosphere. 

Where are you from?  

Nemeth: I was born and raised in Springfield, Missouri, with both my dad and sister graduating from Southwest Missouri State University (SMSU). After moving to Phoenix, Arizona, in 2002, I obtained my nursing degree there. I moved to Seattle, Washington, in 2015 due to my husband’s job. However, the distance and weather led us back to Springfield in 2017— a journey that truly feels like coming home.

Matney: I currently reside in Ozark, Missouri, and I was raised in the surrounding area. 

How many years have you been at Missouri State?  

Nemeth: I started working at MSU in August 2021. 

Matney: I’ve been with Missouri State for a little over a year now, working both part time and full time. 

What’s your favorite part about working here?  

Nemeth: The most rewarding aspect of working at MSU is the vibrant community of individuals I interact with daily. From fellow faculty and students to administrators and clinical partners, everyone shares a collective focus on continuous growth and improvement. The university’s commitment to student success not only aligns with my values, but also makes my role more fulfilling, as their success translates into mine. 

Matney: My favorite part about working for Missouri State is the camaraderie and the fulfillment of adding value to my community.   

What are you most looking forward to this semester? 

Nemeth: Each semester brings a new cohort of students, and I’m particularly excited about getting to know my current students and accompanying them on this phase of their nursing journey. Learning from my students and constantly evaluating how I present and apply my knowledge in the nursing profession is an ongoing process — the learning doesn’t cease just because I’m the instructor! 

Matney: I’m eager to contribute to the creation of engaging experiences for students and faculty, assisting in overcoming challenges in simulation and providing a beneficial resource to the college. 

Learn more about MCHHS

Unveiling the latest research at the MOABA conference 

by

Missouri State University students and faculty attended the annual Missouri Association for Behavior Analysis (MOABA) conference on Nov. 9-10 in St. Louis. 

Speakers were invited from all over the country to present at the conference on topics ranging from services for autistic learners to time and nutrition management. 

Dr. Jordan Belisle, president of MOABA and associate professor for the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, began his term as the organization’s president with the goal of expanding its scope and outreach to underserved communities.  

The Institute for Dynamic Behavior Science 

A total of 10 student posters were accepted to the conference from MSU by students in the Institute for Dynamic Behavior Science (IDBS).  

Belisle and Dana Paliliunas co-founded IDBS; it includes students from the Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BAT) program and the new Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program.  

Posters presented at the conference 

A mix of BAT students, PsyD students and undergraduate student researchers from the undergraduate lab (BEAR Lab) participated in the research presented at the conference. 

“MOABA challenged my thoughts about the behavior analysis field. It helped me consider how I want to grow in behavior analysis and what contributions I hope to make as a professional,” said Katelyn Frahm, a first-year graduate student in the BAT program.  

“I loved seeing all the students and professionals come together for the common goal of serving others.” 

Poster topics included: 

  • Language and cognitive training for autistic children, presented by Frahm. 
  • Laboratory research on human cognition and behavior, presented by Amanda Middleton. 
  • Supporting unhoused people in the community, presented by Bentley Elliot. 
  • Willingness to engage with international students on campus. 
  • Values-based skills training for adults with disabilities. 

Four doctorate-level researchers who were also conference speakers judged the competition independently.

“All student presenters represented the institute and the department exceptionally well,” Belisle said. Attendees were incredibly enthusiastic about this work and its impact on the field of ABA and communities served.” 

Explore the school of mental health and behavioral sciences

Shaping future nurses with the Mid-America Transplant Scholarship

by

The Mid-America Transplant (MAT) Scholarship funds 10 nursing students annually with $1,000 each. Beyond financial aid, the scholarship’s mission is to spread awareness about organ donation and transplantation.  

According to Dr. Kathryn Patterson, director of the School of Nursing at Missouri State University, the focus is on educating nursing students about organ donation. 

“It’s about introducing students to a specialized field within nursing, making them realize the significance of organ donation,” Patterson said.  

A transformative experience 

The scholarship extends beyond textbooks and lectures, offering an immersive tour of the Mid-America Transplant facility in St. Louis.  

“The tour opened our eyes to the intricacies of organ procurement and the advancements in medical technology,” Patterson said. “It was an educational encounter that gave the students’ perspective on this domain of nursing.” 

The tour showcased the facility’s comprehensive setup, from the operational rooms and laboratories to the protocols and equipment.  

“The experience wasn’t just about seeing the facility,” Patterson said. “It was about witnessing the empathy of the staff, the respect for donors and their families and the cutting-edge technology driving this life-saving mission.” 

Scholarship information 

The Mid-America Transplant Scholarship stands as a testament to the transformative power of educational initiatives.  

By blending financial support with hands-on experiences, the scholarship not only helps students, but also shapes their understanding of the profound impact nurses can have in the world of organ donation and transplantation.  

Nursing students interested in applying must submit an essay. It must include:   

  • A discussion of organ donation.  
  • The role nurses play in the organ donor process, including the impact of grief on donor families.   
  • The role MAT plays in southwest Missouri communities.   

Learn more about the School of Nursing