This year’s Missouri State University Foundation Awards for Excellence recognized six standout faculty members and three of them were from the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS).
Natalie Allen, Dr. Amy Hulme and Dr. Randi Ulbricht received awards for their outstanding contributions in teaching, research and service, respectively.
Teaching with purpose
Allen, a clinical associate professor of nutrition and dietetics, received the Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching.
For her, teaching isn’t just a task, it’s the most fulfilling part of her role.
“I love bringing nutrition to life through stories, Simulation Lab visits, interprofessional experiences and real-world applications,” she said. Her goal is to help students grow into competent health care professionals.
Her classroom is a place where learning is practical and student well-being comes first. She encourages students not only to grow in knowledge, but also to lead with empathy and kindness.
At graduation, Allen gives each student a handwritten card with her favorite quote: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”
Once, she ran into a former student, now a practicing dietitian, who pulled that card from her wallet.
“It was a great reminder that the little things can stick,” Allen said. “I’m lucky to do this work alongside a fantastic team of dietetics faculty who support each other and care about our students’ success.”
Research that inspires
Hulme is an associate professor and co-director of the biomedical sciences program. She received the Foundation Award for Excellence in Research for her impactful HIV work and student-led research.
Her lab focuses on the basic biology of how HIV replicates. Understanding this process is essential for developing new treatments, vaccines or even a cure, especially given the complexity of viruses like HIV.
“HIV is a ‘rulebreaker’ virus. It behaves in unexpected ways, which makes studying it both challenging and fascinating,” Hulme said.
With support from a three-year National Institutes of Health R15 grant, her lab is examining the role of the cell protein SPTBN1 in the early steps of HIV replication in a microglial cell model. She actively mentors 41 undergraduate and nine graduate students, who contribute to the research process.
“I really enjoy working with students and love seeing them gain confidence in the lab. Even those who pursue health care instead of research leave with a better understanding of science, critical thinking and the power of curiosity,” Hulme said.
Service that shapes community
Ulbricht, an associate professor and co-director of the biomedical sciences program, received the Foundation Award for Excellence in Service.
For Ulbricht, service is rooted in action and purpose. She leads through faculty governance, mentoring students and junior faculty, and serving on committees that support equity, access and academic opportunity.
“If you want to change or value something, you have to be willing to work toward that change and prioritize what you value,” she said.
She also participates in a range of campus activities that allow her to connect with students in meaningful ways.
“Some of the most inspiring moments come from scholarship interviews and science fairs, where students share their stories and dreams,” she said. “That kind of connection gives me hope.”
Ulbricht emphasized the responsibility faculty have in educating the next generation of health care professionals.
“Our first responsibility is to make our academic mission accessible to all students,” she said. “As faculty, we need to intentionally engage with service activities that facilitate a culture of humility, belonging and support.”
The accomplishments of Allen, Hulme and Ulbricht highlight the strengths across MCHHS, where teaching, research and service shape student success. Their efforts reflect the spirit of Missouri State’s public affairs mission and leave a lasting impact on students, colleagues and the larger community.
