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  • McQueary College of Health and Human Services

Turning passion into action

April 7, 2025 by Sewly Khatun

Athletic training students with Dr. Richard Biff Williams (far left) and Dr. W. David Carr (far right) at the Missouri Capitol.

For many students, advocacy may seem distant and reserved for professionals, but Missouri State University students are learning to make their voices heard — in class and at the state Capitol. 

Two recent events gave social work and athletic training students a chance to engage with Missouri’s legislative process.  

A big day for social work students 

Social work students and faculty members at the Capitol
Social work students and faculty members at the Capitol.

On March 4, around 50 social work students attended the Behavioral Health Professions Rally at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City. During the event, they heard inspiring messages from Rep. Aaron Crossley and Rep. Melanie Stinnett.

Students got to sit in both the House and Senate sessions. They watched lawmakers in action during the legislative process.   

“We want students to see that their voice matters,” said Salina Bollinger, clinical assistant professor in the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences. “We want them to leave knowing they can make a difference.” 

Besides Bollinger, three other faculty members, Natalie Curry, Stacy Johnson and Heather Eckhart  supported the students at the Capitol.   

The faculty encouraged students to choose issues they care about, such as mental health and child safety. Since many of the students are involved in practicum placements, they understand the real needs of the people they serve. 

“This was my third time attending and each year brings something new and powerful,” said Victoria Kleene, a social work graduate student. “It’s inspiring to see advocacy in action and understand how our classroom learning can drive real policy change.” 

For Kersten Shuler, also a social work graduate student, asking questions and hearing directly from lawmakers helped her better understand how the legislative process really works. 

“The experience was empowering, and it sparked a deeper interest in advocacy,” she said. 

A surprise moment on the Senate floor

Senator Maggie Nurrenbern (left) and Ketsia John (right)
Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern (left) and Ketsia John (right).

One special moment stood out during the visit. Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern introduced Ketsia John, a Bachelor of Social Work student and Social Work Club president, to the Senate. 

The moment was even more meaningful because of their past connection. Nurrenbern was once John’s high school teacher in Kansas City.  

The recognition reminded everyone in the room that advocacy often begins with relationships and a strong sense of community. 

Athletic training students get their turn 

On March 5, 15 Master of Athletic Training students participated in the advocacy day for health care-related issues.  

Dr. W. David Carr, professor in the School of Health Care Professions, and Dr. Michael Hudson, professor in sports medicine and athletic training, led this event. Both encouraged students to focus on relationship building rather than pushing for new legislation.  

“This visit was about gratitude and connection with lawmakers who support our profession,” said Carr. “We wanted students to see how advocacy works, not just by asking for change, but by showing appreciation.” 

The group also had the opportunity to speak with university President Dr. Richard Biff Williams, who was at the Capitol for the university and to show support for athletic training (he is an athletic trainer). 

Students met with six lawmakers who supported bills related to school safety and athletic health. They thanked each legislator and handed them a “Friend of Athletic Training” certificate in appreciation. 

“Talking to legislators helped me see how policies directly impact what we do,” said graduate student Kate Forward. “It reminded me we’re not just practitioners; we’re part of the larger conversation in our field.” 

Why advocacy matters

To prepare for the Capitol visit, social work students joined online sessions with National Association of Social Workers resources. Athletic training students received guidance in class and reviewed materials from the Missouri Athletic Trainer’s Association.  

“This experience helps students overcome fear and step into advocacy with confidence,” said Bollinger. “It helps them see that advocacy is part of their professional responsibility.” 

Both programs plan to continue these annual advocacy events for students to find their voice and lead change. 

“Students gain more than knowledge; they gain courage,” Carr said. “This is how leadership begins.” 

Explore degree options in MCHHS

Filed Under: MCHHS News Tagged With: Athletic training, David Carr, Michael Hudson, Salina Bollinger, School of Health Care Professions, School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, Student Success, students

Learning how to be advocates

March 31, 2023 by Strategic Communication

Students celebrate Advocacy Day in Jefferson City at the capitol

Two clinical instructors for the School of Social Work, Salina Bollinger and Kelly Dudley, accompanied 38 students to attend Social Work Advocacy Day in Jefferson City on March 1.   

Advocacy Day has not been celebrated since before the pandemic, which made this event extra special.  

Earning the MSSIP grant 

It wasn’t an easy feat getting everyone to the event.  

Bollinger, Dudley and Wendy Jackson, fellow clinical instructor for the School of Social Work, worked hard to apply for the MCHHS Student Success Innovation Projects (MSSIP) grant to receive well-earned funding. 

Funding was used to reimburse traveling expenses and provide a free meal for students. 

A truly immersive experience 

Bollinger and Dudley hoped students would learn much more in a hands-on environment. 

The day began bright and early. The pair, along with a few students, attended the education committee meeting of the House of Representatives at 8 a.m. 

Students then had the opportunity to go on tours and speak to elected legislators. 

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) hosted lunch. Several elected officials were brought in who also studied social work.  

“It was helpful for students to connect with people who studied the exact same thing,” Dudley said. 

Among the officials was Crystal Quade, #BearGrad from Missouri State’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program and representative for Greene County in the Missouri House of Representatives. 

The day wrapped up as students and faculty listened to the Senate and the House of Representatives sessions. 

“Apparently, students didn’t realize how much their voices matter,” Bollinger said. “Going to Advocacy Day showed students that giving their feedback to legislators does matter.” 

Jolie Keeney, a junior in the BSW program, is a testament to this powerful event. 

“Not only did I learn how to set up a meeting with a representative, but I also had the joy of exploring the Capitol with my fellow social work peers,” Keeney said.  

“Anyone can watch committee hearings on television, but experiencing it in real-time is so much better! I know that I can make a difference. This experience renewed my desire to become a social worker in the realm of policy reform.” 

An impressive turnout 

Of the 38 students, there were 32 undergraduate students and six graduate students. 

“We had no idea how many students would show up because the event hadn’t happened in several years,” Dudley said. “It was thrilling to see how many students decided to come.” 

Bollinger and Dudley will be back next year to accompany students to Advocacy Day. 

“We might recruit a few extra faculty members to help and hopefully we’ll be able to get the MSSIP grant again too,” Bollinger said. “Regardless, the opportunity will be there for students.” 

Explore the School of Social Work

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Kelly Dudley, Master of Social Work, McQueary College of Health and Human Services, Salina Bollinger, School of Social Work, Social Work, students

Faculty fan-favorites

March 28, 2023 by Strategic Communication

Campus

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!   

Explore the School of Social Work

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

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Kelly Dudley, Public health and sports medicine, Salina Bollinger, Sarah Bowman, Social Work, Spotlights

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