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  • McQueary College of Health and Human Services

Outstanding mentor in MCHHS

September 21, 2023 by Olivia R. Fowler

Dr. Ashley Payne, assistant professor of psychology, mentors in multiple capacities at Missouri State University. This has earned her recognition in the form of the Bear Bridge Outstanding Faculty-Student Mentoring Award. 

Bear Bridge places an important emphasis on creating mentoring programs for faculty and students; diversity, equity and inclusion are central to its mission. 

Learn more about Bear Bridge

Black Girl Talks 

As an advocate for Black voices, Payne is the creator and lead researcher of the Black Girl Talks Mentoring program. This identity-affirming program pairs Black high school girls in Springfield with Black college women at MSU.  

Students enjoy space to discuss issues related to Black girl and womanhood, education, identity and relationships with their mentor.  

This program is also a research site for students interested in learning about the experiences of diverse populations, youth participatory action research and program development.  

Additionally, Payne is the faculty advisor of five student organizations:  

  • Sister Circle. 
  • Psychology Club and Psi Chi. 
  • Sigma Lambda Gamma. 
  • Association of Black Collegians.  
  • MSU NAACP. 

Mentor philosophy  

Payne is passionate about being a mentor to Black girls and women who participate in the program or research, as she provides guidance in education, identity or other psychosocial needs. 

“I feel a drive to be the representation and change students need to grow and evolve,” Payne said.  

“As a woman and faculty member of color, I strive to make sure students see themselves in ways they may never have dreamed and support them to reach new heights.” 

Payne tries to equip all her students with the knowledge and expertise to get where they want to go and to push themselves to reach what may feel like impossible levels.  

By being heavily involved on campus and spending one-on-one time with students, Payne has the opportunity to build relationships and share her journey. 

“It’s important for me to let my students know that anything is possible, if you use your resources and put the work in.” 

Explore psychology

Filed Under: Psychology, Spotlights, Uncategorized Tagged With: Ashley Payne, McQueary College of Health and Human Services, Psychology

Welcome new faculty and staff

August 31, 2023 by Avery E. Adkins

MCHHS staff stands together

This year, McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) hired 15 new faculty and staff members. 

“I’m excited to welcome another amazing group of faculty and staff to the college. It’s a testament to the faculty and staff that we are able to attract and hire such a great group of individuals,” said Dr. Mark Smith, Dean of MCHHS. 

New members 

 The new faculty and staff will join eight areas of MCHHS:  

Nursing 

  • Yvonne Callahan (faculty). 
  • Helena Cox (faculty). 
  • Alexis Curran (faculty). 
  • Lori Taula (faculty).
  • Tammy Shelton (staff). 

School of Social Work 

  • Stacy Johnson (faculty). 

MCHHS Student Success and Advisement Center 

  • Julie Jones (staff). 
  • Emma Watkins (staff). 

Physician Assistant Studies 

  • Crystal Powell (faculty). 
  • Garrett Jackson (staff). 

Research Statistical Training and Technical Support (RSTATS) 

  • Dr. Caitlin Masterson (faculty). 

Psychology 

  • Dr. Brad Powers (faculty). 

Kinesiology 

  • Dr. Ryan Gordon (faculty). 

Occupational Therapy 

  • Naomi Corro (faculty). 
  • Michelle Jackson (faculty). 

Learn more about MCHHS  

Filed Under: MCHHS News Tagged With: Kinesiology, McQueary College of Health and Human Services, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, Psychology

The creation of the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences 

August 21, 2023 by Olivia R. Fowler

Hill Hall

On July 1, the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) underwent some changes as a part of the campus wide academic realignment plan.  

One of the most prominent changes is the addition of a new school to MCHHS. 

The School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences will group together programs within psychology, social work and counseling. 

The counseling department will move over from the College of Education (COE). 

A range of options 

Within the new school, there will be many degree options available for students, from a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) to Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Science in Counseling to Doctor of Psychology (PsyD).   

“While the programs have different philosophies, training models and accrediting agencies, they all share a common educational objective,” said Dr. Paul Deal, associate professor of psychology and director for the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences.  

In the new school, psychology will continue to offer non-clinical options at the undergraduate and graduate levels for those interested in behavioral sciences. 

The difference for faculty and students 

This is a large change for all within MCHHS. 

Faculty will see opportunities for increased collaboration related to teaching and research concerning the interdisciplinary approach to mental health and behavioral science. This transition provides a more coordinated approach to discussing development of the next health care workforce. 

Students can utilize this space for a central academic unit in one college to prepare the next workforce for the world of mental and behavioral health. With these new resources, they can take advantage of clearer and more connected academic pathways.  

Leaders of the new school 

As the creation of the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences marks a new chapter in MCHHS history, it’s imperative to have strong faculty at the forefront. 

Deal will serve as school director and the program directors will be: 

Psychology 
  • Dana Paliliunas – PsyD.
  • Michael Clayton – Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT). 
  • Thomas Kane – MS Psychology: Industrial-Organizational Option (MS-IO). 
  • Wayne Mitchell – MS Psychology: Experimental Psychology Option (MS-EXP). 
Counseling 
  • Karrie Swan – Master of Mental Health (MS-Mental Health). 
Social Work 
  • Natalie Curry – BSW coordinator. 
  • Regina Russell – BSW field coordinator. 
  • Amanda Keys – MSW coordinator. 
  • Tiffany Havlin – MSW field coordinator. 

Learn more about other changes within MCHHS

Filed Under: MCHHS News, Psychology, Social Work Tagged With: McQueary College of Health and Human Services, Psychology, Social Work

A once in a lifetime opportunity

May 16, 2023 by Olivia R. Fowler

Students gathered in the Kinesiology Research and Career (KRC) Club

Twenty-two student members of the Kinesiology Research and Career (KRC) Club had the opportunity to work a paid, 12-hour shift at the NFL draft on April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. 

The students included both exercise and movement science and psychology majors. 

Grace Landewee, the 2022-23 Star Outstanding Senior Award winner and KRC Club president, and faculty advisor Dr. Keith McShan led students throughout the event where over 300,000 fans were in attendance. 

Students had the chance to work the field goal station, 40-yard dash station and more during the three-day NFL Draft. 

“This was a memorable experience. Being able to support young fans successfully making field goals and hearing the crowd cheer them on is one of many highlights at this year’s draft,” said Blake Hamelink, an exercise and movement science major and the club’s community relations director and treasurer. 

Students’ shifts started at 6 a.m. April 29 and lasted until 6 p.m., with other duties such as photo taking and VIP security. 

A successful trip 

The KRC Club greatly appreciates Jacob Robertson from the Kansas City Sports Commission and the McQueary College of Health and Human Services for allowing students to have this experience.  

“From the nighttime bus ride to the 4:30 a.m. wake-up call in the hotel, students were in great spirits the whole trip. I loved how students from both the psychology and kinesiology departments who had never met before this trip became friends through this experience,” McShan said. 

All in all, the trip was a major success. NFL staff praised Missouri State students for their hard work and dedication. The KRC Club looks forward to attending additional career development events in the next academic year.    

Learn more about the department of kinesiology 

Filed Under: Kinesiology, MCHHS Events, Psychology, Student organization spotlight Tagged With: exercise and movement science, Keith McShan, Kinesiology, McQueary College of Health and Human Services, Psychology, students

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