Health and Human Services News

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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Putting learning into action

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During the spring semester, several groups of students from McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) strengthened their education through community engagement. 

Students from several programs applied their classroom knowledge in local schools, clinics and even abroad. They partnered with faculty and staff to serve communities and share vital expertise. Through every effort, they lived out Missouri State’s public affairs mission. 

Teaching children about healthy eating

Natalie Allen, clinical associate professor of nutrition and dietetics, led an outreach program that shared nutrition lessons in a fun way.

Natalie Allen and Boomer engage with kids through playful learning.
Natalie Allen and Boomer engage with kids through playful learning.

Between Feb. 27 and April 3, Allen and her 17 nutrition and dietetics students brought lessons on healthy eating to young learners at Field Elementary School in Springfield and Republic Early Childhood Center. Over 85 children, ranging from preschoolers to fifth graders, participated in interactive and age-appropriate activities. 

“This project gave me a new appreciation for community nutrition,” said senior Brielle Wilhelm. “Seeing the kids’ excitement made it all worthwhile.” 

Students designed each lesson from scratch, aligning with Missouri learning standards for health and physical education. The focus was on nutrition, wellness and healthy habits. Hands-on activities included planting seeds, sorting food groups and exploring food labels. 

“Our students developed their skills in public speaking, creativity and compassion,” Allen said. “They taught nutrition in engaging and purposeful ways. That’s what lasting service-learning looks like.” 

Immersing in care and culture

Jaime Gnau, clinical assistant professor of nutrition and dietetics, led two meaningful community engagement efforts – one local and one international.  

From Jan. 22 to May 3, she guided her nutrition and dietetics graduate students as they served patients at the MSU Care Clinic.  

3. Professor Jaime Gnau (center) enjoys local cuisine with students during their study abroad in Italy.
3. Professor Jaime Gnau (center) enjoys local cuisine with students during their study abroad in Italy.

Students provided one-on-one nutrition counseling, hosted food demonstrations and created take-home wellness packets. Their efforts reached about 80 patients, many of whom were low-income and uninsured. They also collaborated with pharmacy and physician assistant studies students to deliver well-rounded, team-based care. 

“I was most engaged when another student and I led a nutrition session for a patient from another culture,” said graduate student Samantha Selsor. “Professor Gnau offered support, stepped in to guide us when needed and helped us learn by doing.” 

From May 21-29, Gnau led an education abroad program in Naples, Italy. Eleven MCHHS students participated in cooking workshops, farm visits, food system tours and cultural experiences. 

They also explored the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet centered on fresh, seasonal and minimally processed foods. The experience helped foster cultural humility and awareness of global food practices. 

Gnau notes that both local and international experiences broaden students’ understanding of how culture, foodways and dietary patterns intersect.  

“These opportunities help future health professionals build cross-cultural competence and better serve diverse communities,” she said. 

Building leadership through food and sustainability

Nutrition and dietetics graduate students share the power of protein during a Teaching Kitchen session.
Nutrition and dietetics graduate students share the power of protein during a Teaching Kitchen session.

Stephanie Urich, clinical instructor in nutrition and dietetics, guided students through impactful community initiatives. One of them was a teaching kitchen, led by five faculty members and student volunteers, reaching more than 30 students on campus.

“The program provides leadership opportunities for students while improving food access and nutrition literacy,” Urich said.

“My involvement with teaching kitchens encouraged me in my profession as I saw students take away nutrition lessons from just an hour-long session,” said graduate student Madison Kaufman. “Students bonded over preparing a meal while learning what the food does for their bodies.” 

Students visited SGC Foodservice, a Springfield-based company serving institutions since 1865. At SGC, they saw the challenges of school nutrition, such as meeting menu guidelines on a $4 daily budget.  

Students also joined a sustainable food systems group on campus to learn about reusable supplies and applied for funding to install a composter. Besides that, they partnered with the Community Partnership of the Ozarks Food Collaborative to explore shared solutions for food access. 

Inspiring rural health careers 

Biomedical Sciences students engage in hands-on AHEC workshop
Biomedical Sciences students engage in hands-on AHEC workshop.

Trisha Riggs, director of Southwest Missouri Area Health Education Center (AHEC), led hands-on recruitment programming to engage high school students in health care exploration. 

AHEC students delivered skill-based workshops in Fordland, Monett, Nevada and Buffalo, covering suturing, phlebotomy, microbiology, public health and dissection. These sessions took place during the school day and reached 183 high school students. 

In addition, 20 graduate-level AHEC scholars joined a weekend panel speaker event focused on caring for individuals with special needs. These events were scheduled on evenings or weekends to accommodate the scholars’ work and academic commitments. 

“Most of our programs aim to increase students’ interest in health care careers or support learning beyond the classroom,” Riggs said.  

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Physical education teacher named 2025-26 Teacher of the Year for SPS

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Since 2021, Missouri State University alumna Danielle O’Neil has led engaging physical education classes at Springfield Public Schools (SPS) Sherwood Elementary. 

At the Celebrate SPS event on May 2, she was named the 2025-26 Teacher of the Year for SPS.  

Growing up, O’Neil played multiple sports. She got her first taste of teaching in high school, when she worked with elementary students through the A+ Scholarship Program in Missouri. 

“From a young age, I loved working with kids in active and fun places,” she said. “I want every student to feel safe, seen and valued.” 

A calling rooted in connection 

Danielle O’Neil (second from right) joins fellow Missouri State PE alumni and faculty
O’Neil (second from right) joins fellow Missouri State PE alumni and faculty.

A native of Houston, Missouri, she went to community college, then transferred to Missouri State in 2012 to study physical education.  

According to O’Neil, Springfield felt like home. It was just the right size for her – not too big, but rich with opportunity. 

“MSU gave me the foundation I needed. I was part of a close-knit program and the professors truly cared,” she said. “We were placed in schools early on and that real-world experience built my confidence and shaped my path.” 

O’Neil keeps in close touch with her former academic advisor, Kirsten Hatz. Hatz, who is a senior instructor in physical education at the School of Health Sciences, continues to guide and support her. 

“She treated us like her own children. Even today, we attend conferences together. I still go to her for advice,” O’Neil said. 

Through a practicum, O’Neil was paired with Kevin Baker at Pershing Middle School. He later played a key role in helping her secure teaching positions at Eldon High School and Pershing. 

Teaching beyond the textbook 

O’Neil earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education from Missouri State in 2014. After graduation, she stayed at her student teaching site in Strafford, Missouri. She began her education journey by substitute teaching across elementary, middle and high schools. 

O’Neil guides students through a scooter safety course.
O’Neil guides students through a scooter safety course.

O’Neil, who also has a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas, later accepted a teaching and coaching job in Eldon, Missouri. While hired to teach family and consumer sciences, she stayed close to her passion by coaching basketball. 

In 2016, she started her career at SPS, working at Pershing. Then in 2018, she got her first PE teaching job at Watkins Elementary School. She taught there for four years before moving to Sherwood. 

“It’s incredible to watch students grow from kindergarten through fifth grade – not just in physical skills, but in confidence, character and personality,” she said. “I love being a steady, positive part of their school journey.” 

O’Neil’s classroom is more than movement. It’s a space where every child, regardless of background or ability, has a chance to succeed. 

“I design activities that are developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive and adaptable,” she said. “My goal is to build relationship and trust first, so students feel safe trying new things, failing and learning together.” 

She brings creativity into every lesson, using storybooks, team challenges and hands-on problem-solving.  

Teaching with heart and purpose  

O’Neil regularly mentors practicum students and hosts student teachers in her PE classes. She enjoys guiding future educators and helping them gain real classroom experience.  

“Lead with your heart. Stay rooted in your ‘why’ even if it evolves,” she said. “Teaching is more than delivering lessons. It’s about consistently showing up for your students and creating a space where they feel capable.” 

She encourages future teachers to never forget the little things.  

“A smile, high five or kind word can change a student’s whole day.” 

Recognition that reflects her impact

O’Neil in action with a kid at Girls on the Run.
O’Neil in action with a kid at Girls on the Run.

Being named SPS Teacher of the Year is gratifying for O’Neil, not just as an individual, but as a physical educator. 

“Sometimes, PE is misunderstood as just play or extra recess. But what we do matters,” she said. “We teach life skills – teamwork, resilience and confidence. This recognition affirms that our role in shaping each student’s growth and well-being is worth celebrating.” 

O’Neil’s dedication to her profession and students has been honored at the state, district and national levels.   

In 2022, she was named the Missouri SHAPE Elementary PE Teacher of the Year. Three years later, she earned the same honor at the regional level, becoming the 2025 SHAPE America Central District Elementary PE Teacher of the Year. 

This award covers Missouri and eight surrounding states, placing her among the best in the region. It also made her one of only five finalists for the 2025 National PE Teacher of the Year.

Learn more about the physical education program

Celebrating excellence in teaching, research and service

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This year’s Missouri State University Foundation Awards for Excellence recognized six standout faculty members and three of them were from the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS). 

Natalie Allen, Dr. Amy Hulme and Dr. Randi Ulbricht received awards for their outstanding contributions in teaching, research and service, respectively. 

Teaching with purpose 

From left to right: MSU President Dr. Richard B. Williams, Natalie Allen and Dr. Tamera Jahnke, College of Natural and Applied Sciences dean and former interim provost.
From left to right: MSU President Dr. Richard B. Williams, Natalie Allen and Dr. Tamera Jahnke, College of Natural and Applied Sciences dean and former interim provost.

Allen, a clinical associate professor of nutrition and dietetics, received the Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching. 

For her, teaching isn’t just a task, it’s the most fulfilling part of her role. 

“I love bringing nutrition to life through stories, Simulation Lab visits, interprofessional experiences and real-world applications,” she said. Her goal is to help students grow into competent health care professionals. 

Her classroom is a place where learning is practical and student well-being comes first. She encourages students not only to grow in knowledge, but also to lead with empathy and kindness. 

At graduation, Allen gives each student a handwritten card with her favorite quote: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”   

Once, she ran into a former student, now a practicing dietitian, who pulled that card from her wallet.

“It was a great reminder that the little things can stick,” Allen said. “I’m lucky to do this work alongside a fantastic team of dietetics faculty who support each other and care about our students’ success.” 

Research that inspires 

Dr. Amy Hulme (center)
Dr. Amy Hulme (center)

Hulme is an associate professor and co-director of the biomedical sciences program. She received the Foundation Award for Excellence in Research for her impactful HIV work and student-led research. 

Her lab focuses on the basic biology of how HIV replicates. Understanding this process is essential for developing new treatments, vaccines or even a cure, especially given the complexity of viruses like HIV. 

“HIV is a ‘rulebreaker’ virus. It behaves in unexpected ways, which makes studying it both challenging and fascinating,” Hulme said. 

With support from a three-year National Institutes of Health R15 grant, her lab is examining the role of the cell protein SPTBN1 in the early steps of HIV replication in a microglial cell model. She actively mentors 41 undergraduate and nine graduate students, who contribute to the research process.  

“I really enjoy working with students and love seeing them gain confidence in the lab. Even those who pursue health care instead of research leave with a better understanding of science, critical thinking and the power of curiosity,” Hulme said. 

Service that shapes community 

Ulbricht, an associate professor and co-director of the biomedical sciences program, received the Foundation Award for Excellence in Service.  

For Ulbricht, service is rooted in action and purpose. She leads through faculty governance, mentoring students and junior faculty, and serving on committees that support equity, access and academic opportunity.  

“If you want to change or value something, you have to be willing to work toward that change and prioritize what you value,” she said. 

She also participates in a range of campus activities that allow her to connect with students in meaningful ways. 

Dr. Randi Ulbricht (center)
Dr. Randi Ulbricht (center)

“Some of the most inspiring moments come from scholarship interviews and science fairs, where students share their stories and dreams,” she said. “That kind of connection gives me hope.” 

Ulbricht emphasized the responsibility faculty have in educating the next generation of health care professionals.  

“Our first responsibility is to make our academic mission accessible to all students,” she said. “As faculty, we need to intentionally engage with service activities that facilitate a culture of humility, belonging and support.” 

The accomplishments of Allen, Hulme and Ulbricht highlight the strengths across MCHHS, where teaching, research and service shape student success. Their efforts reflect the spirit of Missouri State’s public affairs mission and leave a lasting impact on students, colleagues and the larger community.

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