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  • McQueary College of Health and Human Services

Best friends work together to write another psychology textbook

March 31, 2023 by Olivia R. Fowler

What if you had the opportunity to write a textbook for your university, alongside your best friend? 

Drs. Danae Hudson and Brooke Whisenhunt, clinical professors within the department of psychology, did just that. 

Hudson (left) and Whisenhunt (right) pose with their first textbook, “Psychology.”

Not their first rodeo 

Hudson and Whisenhunt’s first joint-textbook was “Psychology,” written specifically to be used for introductory psychology classes. 

Both implementing redesigns within their respective courses, Hudson and Whisenhunt built a relationship with Pearson. This led to them being approached to write their first textbook. 

While initially hesitant, Hudson and Whisenhunt saw the benefits of taking on this major project. 

Sole authors, Hudson and Whisenhunt put in many hours and long nights putting together this extensive textbook and swore they’d never do it again. 

Little did they know they’d be collaborating again, just a few years later. 

Inside “Psychological Disorders” 

“Psychological Disorders” is written for the “Abnormal Psychology” course.

Whisenhunt (left) and Hudson (right) pose with their second textbook, “Psychological Disorders.”

Hudson and Whisenhunt were already using this textbook for their classes when they were approached by Pearson to write the fifth edition.

While usually textbooks go through a revision process every two-to-three years, “Psychological Disorders” hadn’t been updated in almost 10 years by the time it was handed off to Hudson and Whisenhunt. 

The biggest change that they made was the title, which was originally “Abnormal Psychology.”

“It was incredibly important to us that the textbook reflected the best tone and voice for today’s students and educators,” Whisenhunt said. 

“Even changing the title was a huge overhaul because the entire first chapter was devoted to identifying what’s abnormal and what’s not.” 

Standing out 

Both “Psychology” and “Psychological Disorders” are integrated digital textbooks, meaning that they have interactive elements to create a richer learning experience for students. 

“It was important for us to consider how a student would best learn and understand the material,” Whisenhunt said. “Students don’t tend to read their textbooks or come to office hours, so we tried to find a way around that.” 

To Hudson and Whisenhunt’s knowledge, their textbooks are the only ones in the country that have “adapted pathways,” which are based around known, difficult concepts. 

If a student is confused on a topic, they’re then directed to a video created and authored by Hudson and Whisenhunt to better explain the topic. This is done through using novel examples to simulate a discussion between a student and their professor. 

Roughly 90% of students who’ve been in class with Hudson and Whisenhunt have expressed that they had a positive learning experience with the integrated digital textbooks and would like to see more in their future classes.  

Best friends for over 24 years 

Hudson and Whisenhunt have twin careers and have always had a special bond. 

“Doing life and professional work together has been unreal, I can’t imagine doing it with anyone else,” Whisenhunt said. “We have cherished the opportunity to write these two books together.” 

“This is intense work, I don’t think I could’ve done it without my person,” Hudson said. 

They were lucky enough to be side-by-side throughout graduate school, being employed by Missouri State at the same time and even having offices that are next door to each other. 

Bringing back an old tradition 

A long-standing tradition in graduate school was getting fried chicken from Raising Cane’s and watching must-see television every Thursday night.  

Hudson and Whisenhunt have decided that they’ll celebrate their second textbook’s publication by going to the Cane’s in Springfield and revitalizing their tradition, nearly 20 years later. 

“None of our families or children are invited,” Whisenhunt said. “We’re just going to hang out, eat chicken and watch television together.” 

Learn more about the psychology department

Filed Under: Psychology Tagged With: Dr. Brooke Whisenhunt, Dr. Danae Hudson, MCHHS Spotlights, McQueary College of Health and Human Services, Psychology

Building bridges with Burrell

November 17, 2022 by Olivia R. Fowler

A photograph of the Burrell sign

Have you heard about the new PsyD program? 

Dr. Adam Andreassen, Chief Operating Officer of Burrell Behavioral Health, and Dr. Paul Deal, psychology department head at Missouri State University, lift the curtain to discuss what the partnership with Burrell entails. 

“We want to develop a workforce that is going to meet a demand that is extremely prevalent at this time. All of us at Burrell are thrilled about this partnership and the creation of this Doctor of Psychology program,” Andreassen said. “It’s going to change the community; it’s going to change the state and it’s going to save lives.”  

Listen to the episode 

Filed Under: Health Queries Podcast, MCHHS Events, Psychology Tagged With: Burrell Behavioral Health, MCHHS Spotlights, Paul Deal, Psychology

Faculty fan-favorites

November 17, 2022 by Olivia R. Fowler

Missouri State campus in the fall

Dr. Maureen Templeman, assistant professor in the department of psychology, and Dee Telting, clinical associate professor in the department of communication sciences and disorders, are two members of our incredible MCHHS faculty.

We are so thankful to have them!

What’s been the funniest or craziest thing to happen in your classroom? 

Templeman: Last year was my first year here and I taught all my courses online. While I haven’t had anything out of the ordinary happen in one of my in-person classes yet, I’ve been happy to get to interact with students face-to-face and to learn about their goals and aspirations. 

Telting: I decided to reward my graduate student class with candy. Each time they answered a question correctly, I would throw a piece of candy to them. It was all fun and games until I hit one of them in the head with a mini Snickers bar!!! 

Where are you from?  

Templeman: Tampa, Florida 

Telting: I’m originally from Oklahoma but have lived in Springfield for 32 years. I’m an Army brat, so we moved a lot when I was young, but I still consider myself an Okie. 

What brought you to Missouri State? 

Templeman: I worked here at the English Language Institute from 2006 to 2011. When I was job searching while finishing up my PhD, the position opened in the gerontology program and I jumped on the opportunity to return. 

Telting: I originally came to Missouri State in the 90s when it was Southwest Missouri State University, and I was hired as a professor in speech language pathology. I left the university to go into clinical practice and remained there until my recent return to MSU. I returned to Missouri State two years ago to teach students speech language pathology. 

Dig into the department of communication sciences and disorders

What’s your favorite part about working here? 

Templeman: I love how student-centered our university is!! It’s fun that faculty can get involved in so many aspects of campus life. 

Telting: The students, definitely! Seeing them grow and learn is the best part. I also love teaching my undergraduate class, Neural Bases in Speech and Hearing and my graduate class, Voice Disorders. 

Learn more about the department of psychology

Filed Under: Communication Sciences and Disorders, Psychology, Spotlights Tagged With: Communication Sciences and Disorders, Psychology, Spotlights

Transforming houses into homes

November 16, 2022 by Olivia R. Fowler

Community members gathered in support of PHP during a fundraising event

Larra Alford believes people deserve to be proud of where they call home.  

“Four white walls with nothing to help you feel dignified is a shelter, not a home,” Alford said. 

Alford is the CEO and founder of the Passion House Project (PHP), a nonprofit that provides household essentials to those in need.  

But they provide more than the bare minimum. PHP helps people turn their houses into homes. 

An uphill battle 

Alford’s journey through life inspired her to create PHP. 

After an unconventional experience with her primary education caused her to stop schooling at age 13, Alford obtained her GED at 28 years old.  

“I spent several years at Ozark Technical College because I had to learn the information everyone else was taught from sixth to 12th grade,” Alford said. 

Alford moved on to Missouri State University to pursue her bachelor’s in psychology with a personalized minor.  

While she was in school full time, she was a mom of three and worked 60+ hours a week. 

“Missouri State saved my life. Coming back to college played a massive role in my journey,” Alford said. 

The beginning of something new 

During her time at Missouri State, Alford worked as a volunteer and mentor for the Drew Lewis Foundation (DLF). She is now employed as a personal development coach, serving on the advisory board for the Northwest Project/RISE.  

“Upon joining [DLF], I was deeply moved to see the work they were doing to support our underserved community. It sparked my passion for working with people.” 

“I graduated from Missouri State in 2019 and now here I am in 2022 opening my own nonprofit,” Alford said. “Goals — big or small — are attainable.” 

PHP’s warehouse and most current inventory have been donated by the Springfield community.  

“Everything has just fallen into place,” Alford remarked. “We have the kindest community.” 

Vandalism that occurred during the break-in of the Passion House Project
Vandalism that occurred at the time of the break-in.

Unfortunately, a devastating break-in and robbery forced PHP to postpone their grand opening from July 2022 to 2023. 

“We won’t give up,” Alford said. “We can’t wait to help people transform their houses into homes.” 

How can you help? 

If you want to help the Passion House Project, you may donate items, time or funds. 

Donations should be new or gently used. In addition to furniture, PHP accepts:  

  • Kitchen supplies. 
  • Cleaning supplies. 
  • Bedding materials. 

PHP is always searching for partners and volunteers. 

Connect with the Passion House Project 

Growing onward and upward 

The current PHP team consists of Alford and wife, Tess Alford, along with their three children. 

“I’m a big dreamer and I want us to grow as quickly as possible,” Alford said.  

Alford wants to set up as many PHP locations throughout southwest Missouri as their resources allow. 

For those who are itching to start their own nonprofit, Alford offers sage advice: 

“Keep dreaming. Keep chasing. Follow your dream. One day soon, your goals will become reality.” 

Explore the psychology department 

Filed Under: MCHHS Alumni, Psychology Tagged With: Alumni, MCHHS, Psychology, Spotlights

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