Health and Human Services News

Celebrating the next generation of health care professionals

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

Nearly 400 students will graduate this December. Many participated in department or school ceremonies, where they were hooded, pinned and/or received a white coat. 

“William Shakespeare once said, ‘It is not in the stars to hold our destiny, but in ourselves.’ This reminder feels especially meaningful as we celebrate the accomplishments of our students,” said Dr. Letitia White Minnis, MCHHS associate dean. 

She added that each graduation ceremony reflects a moment of transition.  

“On behalf of the MCHHS, I want to congratulate all students celebrating important milestones, whether it be a white coat ceremony, a pinning ceremony or graduation. These achievements reflect your dedication and hard work. We look forward to the positive impact you’ll make in your profession and the communities you serve.” 

These ceremonies mark key academic milestones for students at different stages in their programs. Hooding and pinning recognize progress toward degree completion, while white coat ceremonies represent the transition into clinical rotations.  

The programs 

Occupational Therapy  

Nursing 

Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) 

  • Twenty-six SLP students were pinned this December. The ceremony recognizes their readiness to begin clinical rotations ahead of spring graduation. 

Physician Assistant Studies (PAS) 

  • Thirty-three PAS students received white coats as they transitioned into clinical training, while another cohort of 33 students graduated this fall. 

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) 

  • DNAP CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) students celebrated their program completion at a graduation ceremony, with 21 graduates this year – 15 in August and six in December. 

Counseling program 

Psychology 

MCHHS remains committed to supporting students as they move from classroom learning into professional practice. These new graduates and trainees will strengthen communities and contribute to the future of the health and human services workforce. 

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Welcome new faculty and staff 

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This year, McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) welcomed 36 new faculty and staff members.  

“We’re thrilled they’ve chosen to share their talent, expertise and passion for teaching, research and service with our community,” said Dr. Letitia White Minnis, associate dean of MCHHS.

“At MCHHS, your success is our focus. Welcome aboard! We can’t wait to see the positive impact you all will make in the months and years ahead.”  

Who they are 

The new faculty and staff are joining various schools and departments in MCHHS:  

School of Anesthesia  

School of Health Care Professions  

School of Health Sciences  

School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences  

School of Nursing  

Ozarks Public Health Institute 

Student Success and Advisement Center 

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Taking his nursing career to the next level

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This May, Missouri State University’s Danny Vlasin’s goal of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) will come to fruition.  

After coming to Missouri State in 2022 to pursue the CRNA program, Vlasin will graduate with his Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice. 

The path to MSU 

Originally from Romania, Vlasin’s family won the Diversity Visa Lottery and immigrated to the United States when he was five years old. They settled in Seattle, Washington, where Vlasin studied nursing at Seattle University. 

“Nursing started as a backup plan, but during my senior rotation in the pediatric intensive care unit, I was captivated by the challenge of caring for critically ill babies,” Vlasin said. “That experience completely changed my path and solidified my decision to continue working as a registered nurse after graduation.” 

He started his career in March 2015 in the pediatric Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) at Seattle Children’s Hospital. After that, he moved to an adult ICU where he worked as a CVICU registered nurse and mixed ICU.  

While working in the ICU, Vlasin learned about CRNAs. Their depth of knowledge, skills and responsibility in the operating room fascinated him. He knew he wanted to pursue this specialty area in nursing. 

After almost seven years as an ICU nurse, he chose to pursue a CRNA program. A friend recommended Missouri State’s program, so he checked it out, applied, got accepted and moved to Springfield with his wife and two children. 

Learning by doing 

For Vlasin, his time at Missouri State and in the McQueary College of Health and Human Services has been a positive one.   

“I think the program has prepared me exceptionally well,” said Vlasin, who has been involved in the Student Council for the graduating class in the School of Anesthesia.

“As students, we’ve had the opportunity to practice anesthesia techniques to the best of our ability. The coursework, simulation labs and regular labs gave me everything I needed to practice real-world skills in a safe, controlled environment.” 

He notes his favorite part about the program has been getting to know all his classmates. 

“The anesthesia program is very daunting and requires a lot of work. So, having good friends to study with, especially during those late nights and to support each other throughout the journey is something I’ll always cherish,” Vlasin said.

Competition success

Danny Vlasin (center) won first prize at the 3MT Competition in fall 2024.
Danny Vlasin (center) won first prize at the 3MT Competition in fall 2024.

In fall 2024, Vlasin participated in and won the 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition with help from his teammates. Hosted by Missouri State’s Graduate College annually, the competition showcases graduate students’ research. They have to present their research orally in three minutes or less.   

His research highlighted the potential of a new drug called Remimazolam. For winning, he got to represent Missouri State at the regional competition during the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools conference in Indianapolis on April 4.   

“It was a great experience. I found it inspiring to hear from so many different types of researchers and see their passions on display,” Vlasin said.  

The next chapter 

After graduation, Vlasin will move to Charlotte, North Carolina, to work as a CRNA at Atrium Health.  

“I want to grow as a CRNA, make the most of my time as an anesthesia provider and then potentially get into some real estate investing,” he said. 

 To current and future CRNA students, Vlasin offers this advice: take your learning seriously. 

“One thing I’ve learned from my preceptors and providers I’ve worked with in the last three years is this: ‘Study like your life depends on it, because someday, somebody’s life will depend on all you’ve studied,’” Vlasin said. 

“Take the time to learn everything because when you’re providing anesthesia for surgery, a patient’s life is in your hands.”

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Sharing research with excellence

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Four graduate students represented McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) with pride and poise at this year’s 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition. 

The Missouri State Graduate College hosted the competition on Nov. 8, showcasing graduate students’ research. They had to present their research orally in three minutes or less. 

Danny Vlasin, a Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice student, won first place. His research highlighted the potential of a new drug called Remimazolam.  

His ability to simplify complex research while highlighting the drug’s transformative potential made his work stand out.  

“This win reflects the dedication and effort of my entire team, including Christian Thomas and Jenna Scheer, in this project,” Vlasin said. “We’re excited to share our research and provide valuable insights into new findings in anesthesia care that affect many lives.” 

For winning, he gets to represent Missouri State at the regional competition during the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools conference in April next year. 

Modernizing anesthesia 

Vlasin’s winning thesis title is “Remimazolam: A New Medication for Procedural and General Sedation.” Remimazolam (Byfavo) is a safer sedation with faster recovery times. It is a more effective alternative compared to traditional anesthesia medications.  

He chose to research this drug for his doctoral project to address critical gaps in anesthesia safety and improve patient care. His research involved a comprehensive literature review of clinical trials. His study revealed highly favorable results for using Remimazolam in both procedural sedation and general anesthesia.  

“I want to educate the public and health care professionals about this awesome new medication,” Vlasin said.  

In his presentation, he stated: “The next time a doctor asks how to proceed with the care of a loved one, respond with this question: ‘Hey doc, have you heard of Remimazolam?’”

The other presentations by MCHHS Bears

From left to right: Ako Rostampour, Olivia Johnson and Emma Liimatta.
From left to right: Ako Rostampour, Olivia Johnson and Emma Liimatta.

These MCHHS students also delivered commendable presentations at the competition: 

  • Emma Liimatta, cell and molecular biology: “How Does the Protein RAD23 Aid in Repairing DNA?”
    Her research explored critical molecular mechanisms that may advance cancer treatments and genetic therapies. 
  • Olivia Johnson, biomedical sciences: “The Similarities Between Viruses and Vampires: Approaches to Triumph over Them”
    She drew fascinating parallels between infectious diseases and vampire folklore, offering a fresh perspective on combating emerging health threats. 
  • Ako Rostampour, cell and molecular biology: “Let’s Run to Outrun Alzheimer’s”
    His work shed light on innovative strategies for understanding and addressing Alzheimer’s disease. 

Congratulations to all four students for their outstanding achievements and contributions to advancing knowledge in health-related areas. 

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