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  • McQueary College of Health and Human Services

Experience shapes learning into purpose

May 28, 2025 by Sewly Khatun

Maci Wilson visits Belize for her level I fieldwork.

From a young age, Maci Wilson was drawn to careers that combined compassion, creativity and purpose — and occupational therapy’s (OT) client-centered approach sparked her interest in the field. 

“I love that OT is all about helping people live meaningful lives,” Wilson said. “It allows for creativity in problem-solving while focusing on each person’s unique goals.” 

Now a graduate student in the Master of Occupational Therapy program at Missouri State University, Wilson will complete the program this December. 

While at Missouri State, she extended her learning beyond the classroom by leading community initiatives and participating in fieldwork.  

These experiences deepened her understanding of care through real-world application and cultural engagement. They also shaped her approach to OT, emphasizing adaptability, cross-cultural awareness and experiential learning. 

Building a strong foundation 

Originally from Sand Springs, Oklahoma, Wilson chose Missouri State for its strong career preparation, comprehensive OT curriculum and practical learning environment. She began her studies in fall 2023.

Maci Wilson
Maci Wilson

“The program helped me grow in many ways, academically and personally,” she said. “I’ve developed strong clinical thinking skills, learned to collaborate across professions and built confidence in how I support clients.” 

One of her most influential mentors has been Dr. Traci Garrison, clinical associate professor of OT. Garrison’s mentorship and guidance positively impacted Wilson’s learning throughout the occupational therapy program. 

“Dr. Garrison played a pivotal role in my development,” Wilson said. “She coordinated the opportunity for me to travel to Belize for my level I fieldwork.” 

Wilson currently serves as president of the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) for the 2024–25 academic year. She considers this experience as one of the most rewarding parts of her time at MSU. 

Through community initiatives, peer mentorship and advocacy, she collaborated closely with the SOTA executive team to support and engage OT students.  

“Working with the SOTA team has been the highlight of my leadership journey,” Wilson said. “Their creativity and dedication pushed me to grow as a communicator and collaborator. This experience helped me lead with confidence while supporting others in their journey.” 

Engaging in global learning  

From April 5-12, Wilson joined four classmates on a level I pediatric fieldwork rotation in Belize. In partnership with Therapy Volunteers International, the program allowed students to explore OT in a global and cross-cultural context. 

They provided supervised occupational therapy services to children in the local special education school, outpatient pediatric clinic and developed activity plans for both school and clinic settings. 

“Traveling to Belize deepened my understanding of how cultural, economic and systemic factors influence access to and delivery of care,” Wilson said.  

“Observing therapy in a resource-limited setting challenged me to think creatively and reinforced the importance of adaptability, empathy and culturally responsive practice.” 

Outside the clinic, the group stayed at the Tropical Education Center, which supports environmental education and conservation. This experience added valuable cultural immersion to the trip. 

Maci Wilson (front) with her classmates
Maci Wilson (front) enjoys the outdoors with classmates in Belize.

Advocating for others 

Wilson will complete her final level II fieldwork rotations back in Oklahoma before graduation in December 2025. 

Her long-term goal is to work in the adult setting, primarily neurorehabilitation while advocating for inclusive, person-centered care, where every individual is met with dignity, respect and compassion. 

“I want to help people regain their independence, improve their quality of life and participate in activities that are important to them,” she said. 

She notes the MSU OT program helped her connect classroom knowledge to real-world care.  

“It showed me how to lead with purpose and support people through meaningful, personalized care,” Wilson said. 

Wilson encourages aspiring OT students to be creative, collaborative and open to learning how to help others.  

“Be ready to explain the difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy — it’s a common question!” 

Explore occupational therapy programs

Filed Under: Student spotlights Tagged With: Occupational Therapy

A nod to excellence

May 14, 2025 by Sewly Khatun

A Make Your Missouri Statement banner on campus.

Passionate faculty and staff are at the heart of McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS), making an impact every day through their dedication and service.  

On April 24, the college came together to celebrate these exceptional individuals at its 2nd Annual Awards Banquet. 

Their contributions go beyond personal achievement — they enrich the learning environment and strengthen support systems that define the MCHHS community. Each honoree embodies the college’s core values, serving as an inspiring example for others to follow.  

“The banquet was such a fun way to connect with colleagues and recognize the hard work happening across our college,” said Dr. Sarah Murray, assistant professor and program director of nutrition and dietetics.  

List of awards 

 Foundation Recipients Award 

  • Teaching Award: Natalie Allen, clinical associate professor, nutrition and dietetics 
  • Research Award: Dr. Amy Hulme, associate professor, biomedical sciences 
  • Service Award: Dr. Randi Ulbricht, associate professor, biomedical sciences 

Office Orchestrator Award

This award recognizes a staff member who goes above and beyond to create a welcoming, supportive college environment. 

  • Missi Lafarlette , academic administrative assistant II 

Community Impact Award

This award recognizes a faculty or staff member for impactful community engagement that reflects the public affairs mission. 

  • Kelly Dudley, clinical assistant professor, social work 

Outstanding Academic Advisor 

This award recognizes a staff member for excellence in advising. 

  • Jessica McShan, academic advisor II 

Outstanding Faculty Advisor 

This award recognizes a faculty member for excellence in advising. 

  • Dr. Robert Niezgoda, visiting assistant professor, public health 

Bearwise Education Excellence Award 

This award recognizes a faculty member for innovative, inclusive teaching and outstanding mentorship that inspires student engagement and learning. 

  • Dr. Traci Garrison, clinical associate professor, occupational therapy 

Outstanding Service Award 

This award recognizes faculty or staff for exceptional service that goes beyond expectations and positively impacts the workplace. 

  • MCHHS information technology department 

Teamwork Trailblazers Award 

This award recognizes a group that demonstrates exceptional collaboration, teamwork, idea-sharing and commitment to a common goal. 

  • MCHHS Student Success and Advisement Center staff 

Dean’s Awards 

  • Dean’s Recognition for Service: Dr. Sarah Murray, assistant professor and program director of nutrition and dietetics 
  • Outstanding Service to MCHHS: Dr. Letitia White Minnis, MCHHS associate dean 
  • Outstanding Student Engagement: Nicole Gorley, senior instructor and lab coordinator, biomedical sciences 
  • Outstanding Support to MCHHS: Teri Trickey, director of catering, Chartwells 
  • Outstanding Community Partnership: Burrell Behavioral Health 

Roy D. Blunt Life Science Professorship 

This endowed award, established through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, supports faculty in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) disciplines. It recognizes excellence in teaching, research and scholarship advancing the life sciences. 

  • Dr. Amy Hulme, associate professor, biomedical sciences   

Research Fellow 

This new appointment provides support and mentorship to new faculty, centered on the development of a scholarly agenda. 

  • Dr. Leslie Echols, associate professor, psychology 

“I was so surprised and honored to receive the Dean’s Recognition for Service, especially since I helped plan the event and thought I knew the program inside out!” Murray said. “Serving as the Dean’s Fellow for the past two years has been an incredible opportunity to learn about leadership and the administrative side of our college.” 

For White Minnis, receiving the Outstanding Service to MCHHS Award fills her with both gratitude and humility.  

“It affirms my efforts to support others and contribute to our college community. I’ve had the good fortune of working with people who inspire me to serve with purpose and carry that commitment forward with the same dedication that brought me here.” 

Retirements

Besides recognizing outstanding contributions from faculty and staff, the banquet also offered a heartfelt moment to honor those whose long-standing dedication helped advance the college. This year’s retirees honored for their dedication and years of service included: 

  • Dr. Roberto Canales, faculty emeritus 
  • Dr. Susan Dollar, faculty emeritus 
  • Dr. Anne Marie Hunter, faculty emeritus 

Explore MCHHS

Filed Under: MCHHS Events Tagged With: Biomedical Sciences, faculty, Letitia White-Minnis, MCHHS Student Success and Advisement Center, Nutrition and Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, Psychology, public health, Sarah Murray, Social Work

Exploring the art and science of dementia care

April 28, 2025 by Sewly Khatun

MSU students and faculty at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience.

Over the recent spring break, a group of Missouri State University students and faculty traveled to the Netherlands to explore a person-centered approach to aging and dementia care. 

From hands-on lectures to cultural tours, the program blended art, science and human connection – all inspired by the groundbreaking The Hogeweyk® Dementia Village near Amsterdam. 

An eye-opening experience 

The week-long interdisciplinary study abroad program took place from March 15-21. 

Jennifer Pratt, clinical professor of communication sciences and disorders (CSD), and Dr. Traci Garrison, clinical associate professor of occupational therapy (OT), led this program. 

Twelve undergraduate and graduate students from CSD, gerontology, health sciences, nursing and pre-OT participated in the program. They prepared through weekly pre-departure sessions, guided readings and guest lectures. 

The program itinerary blended academic lectures with cultural exploration. Pratt and Garrison expressed sincere gratitude to Missouri State’s office of education abroad and McQueary College of Health and Human Service for supporting and funding this program. 

“We designed this program to show students what’s possible,” said Pratt. “We wanted them to look at dementia not just through a medical lens, but through the lens of quality of life.” 

Students got the chance to visit the internationally recognized The Hogeweyk®. Unlike traditional institutional models, The Hogeweyk® empowers individuals with severe dementia to live as normally as possible in a secure community setting. Residents live in shared homes based on lifestyle interests, with access to grocery stores, cafés and open green spaces. Their focus is on living well, right until the end.

The Dutch model emphasizes that dignity, autonomy and well-being are just as essential as medical treatment – a philosophy that deeply resonated with students.  

“Learning through travel is just something the classroom cannot replicate,” said Pratt. 

A new perspective on care

MSU students explore historic Amsterdam during their education abroad experience.
MSU students explore historic Amsterdam during their education abroad experience.

According to Garrison, this study abroad program emphasized more than treatment.

“It encouraged students to consider how care environments can empower people to live fully, no matter their diagnosis.”

Students also learned from leading experts at the Leyden Academy on Vitality and Aging and Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience about the science behind dementia. At the institute, the group toured a brain bank and explored the latest dementia research, making classroom theories come alive. 

“We studied something we see every day, but in a completely new way. It challenged us to rethink traditional care approaches,” said Natalie Hampsten, a senior CSD major. “It opened my eyes to what care really looks like when you center it around people.” 

Abby Rudd, a senior gerontology major, was struck by The Hogeweyk’s® philosophy.  

“They taught us to focus on possibilities, not disabilities. That mindset changes everything,” she said. 

Besides the learning opportunities, the program offered cultural immersion. Students explored Amsterdam’s history through walking tours and visits to the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum. These experiences contributed historical and emotional depth to their academic exploration, encouraging empathy and reflection. 

“This was my first time studying abroad and visiting the Netherlands and it was amazing!” said Hannah Todd, a speech-language pathology graduate student. “What I enjoyed most was how the program blended Dutch culture with dementia care in such a meaningful way.” 

A focus on compassion and empathy 

For Karly Soden, a Doctor of Nursing Practice student, traveling to a new country, learning with new people and seeing dementia care through a global lens was an unforgettable experience.  

“It shifted my perspective of human connection and its importance in health care,” she said. 

In class or on the streets of Amsterdam, students learned that true care means honoring lives, not just managing symptoms. Their experiences brought theory to life and reshaped their understanding of compassion in practice. 

“Students didn’t just learn about dementia,” said Garrison. “They learned to think differently, lead with empathy and carry those values into their future careers.” 

Explore degree options in MCHHS

Filed Under: MCHHS News, School of Nursing, speech-language pathology Tagged With: Communication Sciences and Disorders, Gerontology, Jennifer Pratt, Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, students, Traci Garrison

Celebrating rising stars in health care

December 17, 2024 by Sewly Khatun

Fall 2024 Graduate Celebrations

The McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) proudly celebrates students’ achievements.  

A total of 167 students were hooded, pinned and received a white coat within a department or school ceremony for the fall 2024 semester. 

“These culminating ceremonies provide opportunities for faculty and staff to celebrate the academic milestones of students,” said Dr. Letitia White Minnis, MCHHS associate dean.  

Students who have been hooded or pinned are on track to graduate this fall, while those who received white coats are ready to advance to their clinical rotations. 

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Twenty-two Master of OT students were hooded. 

Nursing

Forty-five Bachelor of Science in Nursing students were pinned. 

Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)

Twenty-six SLP students were pinned. 

Physician Assistant Studies (PAS)

Thirty-three PAS students received white coats, while another cohort of 30 students graduated. 

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)

Eleven DNAP CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) students celebrated their program completion at a graduation ceremony. 

MCHHS congratulates these emerging health care leaders and is committed to supporting them as they embark on their professional journeys. They play a vital role in strengthening communities and advancing the health care sector. 

 Explore MCHHS programs

Filed Under: MCHHS Events, MCHHS News, School of Nursing, speech-language pathology Tagged With: commencement, Letitia White-Minnis, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, Student Success, students

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