Health and Human Services News

Unlocking the weight loss benefits of protein shakes

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Protein shakes have long been celebrated for their benefits in muscle building, but they can also play a crucial role in weight loss.  

Registered dietitian Natalie Allen, who is also a Missouri State University clinical associate professor of nutrition and dietetics, recently shared insights on how protein shakes can help you stay full longer, maintain muscle mass and stick to your calorie goals. 

To learn more about the benefits of protein shakes and how they can support your weight loss journey, check out the full article, 3 Ways Protein Shakes Can Help You Lose Weight.

Explore programs in public health and sports medicine 

Recognizing excellence in dietetics

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For her contributions to dietetics and dedicated community service, registered dietitian Jaime Gnau received the Emerging Dietetic Leader award at the Missouri Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (MOAND) 2024 annual conference.  It took place April 12-13 in St. Louis, Missouri.   

Gnau is a clinical assistant professor of nutrition and dietetics in the department of public health and sports medicine at Missouri State University. 

A true honor 

Gnau’s journey with the MOAND began early in her career when she served as the regional director for the southwest region.  

“It was a true honor for me to receive the award,” said Gnau, who is also a Missouri State alumna. “I’m very proud of the work I’ve been able to do.” 

She is also chair of the 2025 MOAND annual conference planning committee and a member of the southwest region MOAND planning committee for continuing education events. 

Award criteria 

To receive the Emerging Dietetic Leader award, nominees must be a registered dietitian with five to 10 years of experience and show active participation in professional associations.  

Gnau’s extensive involvement and leadership roles demonstrated her qualifications for this honor. 

Persistent nomination 

The award nomination process highlighted Gnau’s impact and the admiration she earned from her peers. 

“The dietitian who nominated me kept reaching out year after year until I finally reached my five-year mark,” Gnau said. 

Overcoming challenges 

Gnau’s time as regional director from 2019-2021 coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This period demanded creativity and resilience.    

“Navigating continuing education projects and opportunities for dietitians through COVID was a significant challenge,” Gnau said.    

Her approach to maintaining engagement and professional development for dietitians in the region was crucial during these unprecedented times. 

Transition to academia 

After her term as regional director, Gnau transitioned to a full-time academic role at Missouri State.   

But her commitment to the dietetics community remained unwavering as she continued to contribute to the southwest region’s planning committee. 

A nod to Missouri State 

Gnau attributes much of her success to her role at the university.  

“My role at Missouri State helped me to get this award,” Gnau said.   

Her engagement in research, collaboration with students and colleagues and active participation in national conferences have been instrumental in her professional growth and recognition.  

Learn more about the department of public health and sports medicine

Stellar staff

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We are pleased to recognize academic administrative assistants Tammy Shelton and Missi Lafarlette. Shelton works in the School of Nursing and Lafarlette works in the department of public health and sports medicine. 

Let’s learn more about them! 

What brought you to Missouri State? 

Shelton: I recently moved from the Kansas City metro area (a small town south of the city called Harrisonville, Missouri) when my husband returned to Springfield for his work.

Lafarlette: I’ve always known it was a great place to work.

What is your favorite memory here so far? 

Shelton: I love walking around the campus, especially in the fall. MSU has beautiful trees and landscaping, as well as buildings (both really old and some brand new) that are designed so interestingly. You can’t beat a beautiful fall day with leaves swirling and the crisp air blowing as you walk back from the Plaster Student Union. 

Lafarlette: My favorite memory has been volunteering for the United Way Day of Caring as a staff senator for the public affairs committee. Working at the Midtown Springfield Community Garden was very fulfilling. We learned the purpose of the gardens. We packaged freshly made fruit rollups for children’s programs. They explained that they donate veggies to local food banks and grow seeds for the public library’s giveaway. Did you know you can check out seeds at the library? It was very memorable and a great group of people to work with. 

Learn more about the department of public health and sports medicine 

What are your favorite Thanksgiving foods? 

Shelton: Pecan pie. My husband makes the best pie EVER! He worked his way through school as a baker for the Heritage Cafeteria here in Springfield (before it closed down). Pecan is his specialty! 

Lafarlette: Pie, any kind of pie. 

Where are you from? 

Shelton: I grew up in Springfield, graduating from Parkview High School. My family moved around some. I received my bachelor’s degree in communication science disorders from the University of Texas at Austin.

Lafarlette: I’m a local. I was raised in Fair Grove, but now live in Ash Grove. 

What are you most thankful for? 

Shelton: My family. We’re blessed to have two wonderful kids (twin boys) who have grown up into amazing men, married sweet wives and had great kids of their own.

Lafarlette: The health and wellbeing of my family of course. I’ve worked with some wonderful people during my time here and got to know people all over campus. MCHHS staff and faculty are the best. It’s a fun place to work. 

How many years have you been at Missouri State? 

Shelton: I started working at MSU in July of this year, but I’m an alumna from the SMSU (Southwest Missouri State University) days. I graduated with my master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders back in 1994.

Lafarlette: As of October, I’ve been at Missouri State for eight years.  

What’s your favorite part about working here? 

Shelton: I love supporting students who are pursuing their dreams to help others.  The School of Nursing has great people who are all committed to making this world better!

Lafarlette: We have some awesome students, and working with them is the best. Helping and encouraging them to reach their goals is very fulfilling.  

Learn more about the School of Nursing  

 

Faculty fan-favorites

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As a special treat for Women’s History Month, we’re sitting down with three strong women in MCHHS. 

Sarah Bowman, clinical instructor for public health and sports medicine, in addition to Kelly Dudley and Salina Bollinger, both clinical instructors in the School of Social Work, are three fun members of our impressive MCHHS faculty.  

Let’s get to know all three of them! 

What’s been the wildest thing to happen in your classroom?  

Bowman: I teach online, so the crazy things that happen are editable! Students are video recorded when they take exams. I received an alert once because a student was in and out of the frame during her exam. Turns out, she was letting her dog in and out.  

Dudley: Watching students feel safe enough in my classroom to be vulnerable and take risks – that might be the wildest thing to happen in my classroom. I’m always inspired by the courage and passion they demonstrate. 

Bollinger: I attempted to use balloons for a group activity once. It was quite noisy and distracting, but we still managed to learn a few things. 

Where are you from?   

Bowman: Fair Grove in Springfield, Missouri. 

Dudley: You might think this is an easy answer, but I moved 12 times before turning 18 years old. I’ve lived in six states and four countries. Springfield is the longest place I’ve ever lived (12 years now) and even though I love it, I still can’t bring myself to say I’m from here. 😉 

Bollinger: Granite City, Illinois, across the river from St. Louis. I often visit family there, but Springfield has been home for 25 years now.    

What’s your favorite part about working here?  

Bowman: I enjoy interacting with my coworkers. I feel a sense of belonging and community at work. Additionally, I love advising students and helping them think about the next step.   

Dudley: Obviously the schedule. Ha! Kidding. Sort of. 

In all honesty, it’s challenging myself and others. Our society is becoming increasingly dichotomized. Having the freedom to challenge myself and my students to think beyond the prominent rhetoric around any given topic is my favorite thing. Learning to hold and – hopefully teaching others to hold – perceived contradictions is thrilling. 

Bollinger: I love spending time with students. They energize me and give me hope for the future. I also work with an incredible crew of people!   

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Do you have a favorite class to teach?  

Bowman: Health Literacy. I have the most expertise, experience and passion for this subject. 

Dudley: I love teaching Human Behavior in Social Environment to juniors. In that class, we learn why we are the way we are. Sitting front row and watching all the lightbulb moments as students consider different perspectives is too much fun. 

Bollinger: Social Justice is probably my favorite. I love open discussions. We learn about ourselves while learning how to support marginalized individuals, groups and communities. 

Peer into the world of public health and sports medicine