Health and Human Services News

Golden Bear leaves a positive impact in education and sports

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Mike Keltner, Missouri State University alumnus and faculty emeritus of kinesiology, always knew he wanted to be a Bear.

This October, he was honored at the Golden Bears Reunion, a celebration for Bears who graduated from or last attended Missouri State 50 or more years ago.

Keltner’s connection to the university began as a child. He recalls coming to McDonald Arena on campus with his parents starting around age 3 to watch the Bears basketball team play.

“My dad went to school here and got multiple degrees, so I was familiar with it,” said Keltner who has called Springfield, Missouri, home his whole life.

A dream comes true

Keltner's Class of 1974 badge with his photo.In 1971, his dream of becoming a Bear became reality when he enrolled at what was then known as Southwest Missouri State University (SMSU).

He chose to pursue a physical education degree, a decision that was both personal and practical. Coming from a family deeply rooted in education, with his father and many relatives in the profession, Keltner felt naturally drawn to teaching and coaching.

“Education has always been a thread that runs through my family,” he said.

During his time at SMSU, Keltner balanced academics with athletics as part of the basketball team.

“I played on a couple of really good teams and had a great experience,” he said. “I always knew I wanted to coach and teach, and my coaches and professors in the kinesiology department prepared me very well for it.”

Reflecting on his college years, Keltner highlights the challenges and growth that came with navigating a tumultuous period marked by the Vietnam War.

“It was a learning experience to see a lot of different sides, which is a strength of education,” said Keltner, who completed his bachelor’s degree in 1974.

Educating generations

Post-graduation, he dedicated 31 years of his life to Springfield Public Schools. He worked as a teacher and men’s basketball coach at Glendale High School for 25 years and an administrator for six years.

According to Keltner, the two things he values most from that experience were memories and relationships.

“Those are the strengths of any endeavor. If you walk away with both, then it has been worthwhile and beneficial,” he said. “I was fortunate to have those with my teams and also other students, teachers, parents and the community.”

In 2005, Keltner got an offer he could not refuse – to return to his alma mater and teach in the kinesiology department. He did that for 14 years.

“I was very excited about coming back and I was able to contribute my practical experience to help create a more well-rounded department,” said Keltner, who also received a Specialist in Educational Administration from Missouri State in 1999.

“I had a great experience and again, those memories and relationships made it more rewarding.”

Sharing his love for basketball

Beyond teaching, Keltner has been a color commentator for Missouri State’s Bears basketball since the 2004-05 season. It is a role he cherishes, and he credits the opportunity to stay connected to the game he loves.

“Basketball is like gospel to me. Being able to talk about the game at the Division I level and work with people like Art Hains, Corey Riggs and the coaches has been wonderful. I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” he said.

A family affair

The Bear legacy runs deep in Keltner’s immediate family. His wife, Bev, is a 1973 graduate and has served on both the MSU Foundation Board of Trustees and the Board of Governors.

Keltner (right) and his wife, Bev, with John Goodman.

His son, Connor, also graduated from MSU in 2016. This year, he returned to campus as the director of development for the foundation.

“We’re proud of being part of a university that’s very welcoming,” Keltner said. “Maintaining our connections and giving back are the right things to do and because of that, they’re easy to do.”

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From service to scholarship

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In honor of veterans this November, the McQueary College of Health and Human Services shines a light on two of its veteran students: Andrew Falk and Samuel Durham. 

Both have transitioned from military service to academic pursuits. Falk is in the kinesiology graduate program and Durham is pursuing a Master of Public Health.

Find out more about them and their journey.

Andrew Falk
Andrew Falk

Where are you originally from?  

Falk: I’m from Strafford, Missouri.

Durham: I’m from DeRidder, Louisiana.  

When did you start your studies at Missouri State and when will you graduate? 

Falk: I began my undergraduate degree in exercise and movement science in August 2019 and graduated in fall 2023. I then started my master’s in kinesiology, focusing on sport and human performance. I’ll graduate in spring 2025. 

Durham: I started the public health program in fall 2023 and will graduate in spring 2025. 

Why did you choose to study at Missouri State? 

Falk: Springfield feels like home, making it a great place to start my academic career. MSU’s support system for veteran students was also a strong attraction. 

Durham: I was drawn to MSU while at Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC). Expanding my education and staying in Springfield were major benefits for my career. 

What motivated you to pursue your area of study?

Samuel Durham with his family.
Samuel Durham with his family

Falk: I’ve always loved health, wellness and exercise. They provide discipline and consistency, which carry into other areas of life. 

Durham: While pursuing a nursing degree at OTC in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic shifted my perspective. I realized I could better serve by focusing on population health and wanted a career dedicated to protecting public health. 

How long have you served in the military and which branch?  

Falk: I served in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years on active duty and 10 months in the reserves. 

Durham: I served in the U.S. Army for four years. 

Why did you decide to join the military? 

Falk: It was something I always wanted to do. My dad was in the Marines during the Vietnam War, which inspired me to enlist. 

Durham: My family has a history of military service and I saw my enlistment as my way of protecting our rights and liberties. 

What were your key responsibilities and rank?    

Falk: My responsibilities included looking after my Marines’ well-being and ensuring they met all required standards. When I left active duty, I was a platoon sergeant with the billet of squad leader. 

Durham: I served as a signal intelligence analyst. My responsibilities included focusing on collecting, analyzing and reporting military intelligence. 

What did you find most meaningful or rewarding about the experience?    

Falk: Leading Marines and preparing them to one day lead others and give back to the Corps was incredibly rewarding. 

Durham: From basic combat training to technical intelligence training, this experience was transformative. I was always learning and growing, which was rewarding to me.  

Andrew Falk and his fellow service members.
Andrew Falk and his fellow service members.

What military skills best help you in your studies?  

Falk: Discipline, accountability and attention to detail have been most helpful in my studies. 

Durham: My role required solving complex issues, which aids in my studies. The integrity, respect and dedication I developed in the military also help me succeed academically. 

What resources at MSU have helped you most as a veteran student?   

Falk: The Oldham Family Veteran Student Center has been a great help. While on active duty in Hawaii, they guided me in using my benefits. Working there for over two years also helped me find a supportive community. 

Durham: Public health software is costly. But I can use the open-access computer labs at MSU. So, access to software and technology has been invaluable here. 

What challenges did you face transitioning to student life and how did you overcome them?  

Falk: As a non-traditional student, I initially felt isolated, but reaching out to classmates helped me overcome it. 

Durham: Military culture differs greatly from university culture, which encourages exploration and independent thinking. I learned to think outside the box and challenge norms. 

What do you enjoy most about being a Missouri State Bear? 

Falk:  MSU has always been home for me. I get support here like a family member.  

Durham: One of the best parts of being an MSU Bear is the professional and personal relationships I’ve built within the community. 

What types of things are you involved in on campus? 

Falk: I’m an intern strength and conditioning coach with the MSU football team and a graduate assistant in the School of Health Sciences. I instruct labs in KIN-465 (Strength and Conditioning) and KIN-362 (Exercise Physiology). 

Durham: While I’m not involved in campus activities currently, I enjoy attending MSU sporting and seasonal events like Homecoming. 

What’s your future career aspiration?   

Falk: In the next two to five years, I plan to continue coaching football, combat sports and tactical athletes at the college or professional level. I aim to pursue a doctorate in sports psychology or strength and conditioning and eventually teach or conduct research in the field. 

Durham: I aspire to work as a public health specialist in epidemiology and research, ideally with a federal agency. My dream job is to serve as a health services officer in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, contributing to public health on a larger scale. 

What tips or advice can you share with future veteran students?   

Falk: Be proactive with your academic goals. You may not know your exact career path, but setting goals can guide you forward. Find like-minded people and a supportive community. 

Durham: Military skills like organization, timeliness and pride in one’s work are invaluable in academics. Apply the motivation and dedication that helped you succeed in the military to your studies. 

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Combining a love for service, teaching and research

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Missouri State University’s Dr. Kip Thompson skillfully juggles responsibilities in two distinct areas.  

He has served in the U.S. Army Reserve for more than 23 years. He has also worked as an associate professor of public health in MSU’s McQueary College of Health and Human Services for nearly a decade.

Since commissioning as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves in 2001, Thompson has been deployed five times to various countries during his military career. 

Helping in the Middle East  

His most recent deployment was to the Middle East from October 2022 to April 2024. While stationed in Kuwait, Col. Thompson served in multiple roles, including chief of staff for the 3rd Medical Command Forward, based out of Fort Gillem, Georgia. 

“I managed a team of 50 soldiers, responsible for ensuring the delivery of essential health services across the Middle East region,” Thompson said. 

While stationed in Qatar, Thompson was the medical liaison officer between the U.S. Army and the U.S. Department of State. In this role, he was responsible for the successful handover of the medical mission to support beneficiaries leaving Afghanistan from the Army to the Department of State.

“We gave basic medical and dental care to local communities and Afghan refugees in Qatar to help them prepare to move to their new countries of residence,” Thompson said. 

For him, military service has never been just about conflict, weapons and uniforms. What matters most is the humanitarian work. 

“Yes, I’ve had to carry weapons, but as a public health professional, I focus on providing health care to those in need,” he said.

Roots of passion and purpose  

Thompson grew up in Springfield, Missouri. He graduated from MSU with a bachelor’s in biology and secondary education in 1989 and a master’s in zoology/animal biology in 1993.

Dr. Thompson with Army colleagues in Jordan.
Dr. Thompson with Army colleagues in Jordan.

In 2000, he completed his PhD in Marine Science from the University of South Alabama and joined the U.S. Army Reserve shortly after.  

“I felt a sense of duty to give back, so joining the military seemed like the right thing to do,” he said.  

While Thompson focused on fish and aquatic ecosystems early on in his career, he developed a passion for human and public health during his military service. Because of this, he returned to MSU and completed his second master’s in public health in 2014.   

At this time, he connected with faculty members, who inspired him to consider teaching. 

In May 2015, MSU offered him a faculty position in the public health program. He accepted and the rest is history. 

“It’s rewarding when students graduate and return to share how my support benefited them in their careers,” he said. “I believe every faculty member wants to know their efforts truly make a difference in students’ lives.” 

While deployed, he continues to teach online courses using Zoom and MSU’s learning management system. 

He notes it is easy to forget everything else while stationed overseas due to his hectic work schedule. Moreover, different time zones create challenges for staying in touch with students and the university.  

“But my goal is to stay connected with them even from far away,” Thompson said.  

Healing across borders  

Thompson’s commitment to serve goes beyond military duties. His dedication to improving health care reflects his belief that health is a fundamental human right. 

During his deployment to Kosovo from 2007-08, Thompson was responsible for offering a one-day clinic twice a month to different communities in need.  

During one such clinic, he and his team provided optical care to nearly 200 children in a local elementary school who struggled with blurry vision and chronic dry eyes due to heavy metal exposure in the area.

Dr. Thompson (center) with Saudi National Guard.
Dr. Thompson (center) with Saudi National Guard.

To address this, Thompson and his team provided eye lubrication to the affected children. They also gave them customized glasses, which helped them to see clearly for the first time. 

“Helping those children to regain their vision is one of my proudest accomplishments,” Thompson said. “It always reminds me why I do what I do!” 

Data-driven change in health care 

In addition to his military and teaching duties, Thompson conducts research that affects public health. 

He is currently working on two projects. The first is with Dr. Robert Niezgoda, a visiting assistant professor in the School of Health Sciences.  

The project focuses on assessing the true error rate for emergency calls based on medical emergency types at CoxHealth. 

“I’m assisting with data analysis to identify the gaps and propose a solution,” Thompson said.  

For the second project, Thompson is collaborating with the Southwest Missouri Drug Poisoning Coalition team for a drug overdose study. He helps analyze data on rates of drug overdose calls and related deaths. 

“Using data to see the pattern and find prevention methods is key to lowering overdose risks and saving lives,” he said. 

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How MSU helped alumnus realize his medical ambitions

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Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Missouri State University alumnus Dr. Carlton Homan graduated in May 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in cell and molecular biology (CMB) and  a minor in chemistry.  

Four years later, he has completed medical school at the University of Missouri School of Medicine (SOM). He has also begun his first-year plastic surgery residency at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Match Day for Homan (back row, fourth from left) and his course mates.

“My faculty and co-residents here are amazing people, friends and mentors. I’ve only been here for a few months, and they already feel like family,” Homan said. 

Since starting medical school, surgery — particularly plastic surgery — interested him.  

“I enjoyed the operative complexity and diversity ranging from excision of small skin lesions to large free tissue transfer using microsurgical principles to reconstruct various parts of the body,” Homan said. “My mentors also motivated me to pursue this competitive and challenging field.” 

Homan notes he chose Emory for his training because he wanted to train at a center with “high operative volumes and a reputation of clinical excellence.” 

“Emory has an outstanding reputation and a long history of innovation in the field of plastic surgery,” he said.  

From PA to MD 

When Homan, who is from Florence, Missouri, started college, his goal was to pursue a career as a physician assistant (PA). The outstanding PA program in the McQueary College of Health and Human Services drew him to Missouri State. 

 But he soon realized he wanted to be a physician instead. 

“The quality of education and mentorship within the CMB department is what inspired my decision,” Homan said.  

A strong foundation 

He credits his time at Missouri State for laying the foundation for his success at medical school. This in turn laid the groundwork for his current residency. 

While several people offered valuable guidance and positively impacted his life, Homan names a few faculty members who stood out — his advisor Dr. Amanda Brodeur (a former assistant professor), faculty emeritus Dr. Richard Garrad and former faculty member Dr. Lyon Hough. 

Homan (front, center) on his last day as a medical scribe at Mercy Hospital.

“Dr. Hough shared his love for anatomy and encouraged me to be an anatomy teaching assistant, which was a great experience. My anatomy class was one of the first times I felt strongly that I might want to be a surgeon,” he said. 

As a student, Homan participated in several clubs and organizations, and held leadership roles. These included the Pre-PA Society (treasurer), Pre-Medical Society (community service chair and president) and Physicians Without Borders Student Chapter (social secretary).  

Homan also had the opportunity to work as a medical scribe in the emergency departments at both Mercy Hospital and CoxHealth.   

“It was some of my greatest experience and preparation for medical school,” he said. “My co-workers were great people who were interested in my success as a future physician.”  

Taking on medical school

Graduation day from Mizzou SOM for Homan (third from left).
Graduation day from Mizzou SOM for Homan (third from left).

At Mizzou, Homan engaged in basic science and clinical research, exploring areas ranging from endocrinology and trauma surgery to ear, nose and throat (ENT) and ophthalmology. 

During his third and fourth year of the program, he chose to attend the Springfield Clinical Campus. His positive experiences at MSU, Mercy and Cox influenced the decision. 

Besides excelling in his academics, Homan was actively involved in other endeavors. Among them were leadership roles in the ENT interest group and surgery interest group. He also served as a student ambassador, Liaison Committee on Medical Education site visit volunteer and curriculum board representative for the Springfield Clinical Campus.

“I’m very grateful for the time and experience afforded to me during my time at Mizzou SOM,” he said.  

Committed to learning and growing 

According to Homan, he has learned more than he thought possible since MSU until now. 

“With each new phase of training, that feeling continues,” he said. “At each stage of this career path, you have an extremely steep learning curve followed by a brief period of confidence where you think you almost have it figured out. Then, you find yourself right back at the bottom when you reach that next phase. It keeps you constantly pushing toward improvement.”

For those following in his footsteps to pursue a career in medicine, Homan stresses the importance of dedication. 

“It’s a long and difficult path. You must be willing to delay gratification and be in it for the long haul,” he said. 

He advises students to shadow in various specialties throughout college to find their area of interest and work in a hospital. This will expose them to various patient conditions and help them discover what they enjoy in medicine, as well as the challenges involved. 

“Do everything you can to set yourself up for success and network as much as you can,” Homan said. “Overall, it’s an extremely rewarding career and well worth the struggles of training to make a difference for your patients!” 

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