Health and Human Services News

Advocating for social workers

by

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Missouri Chapter recently appointed Missouri State University social work graduate student Jess Harman to its board of directors.

Harman, who’s from Topeka, Kansas, will join the board as its Master of Social Work Student Chair member. Her appointment begins July 1, 2023.

“There’s only one position available for the entire state of Missouri,” Harman said. “In the field of social work, it’s a notable position to hold.”

About the NASW Missouri Chapter

The chapter was founded in 1975 and is currently the largest professional association of social workers in the state, with over 1,400 members.

The nonprofit professional membership organization is specifically for degreed social workers and students matriculating through Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited schools who collaborate to fulfill the National Association of Social Workers’ National Board’s mission at the local level.

Learning how to be advocates

by

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

Missouri State University stands out

by

Missouri State has been ranked one of the nation’s best schools for online degrees and certificates in the healthcare field for 2023.  

Six percent of regionally accredited colleges and universities earned a ranking position.  

The recognized programs are: 

Missouri State has excelled at producing an outstanding online program for each of these areas, landing high spots on EduMed’s already selective list.  

Top features 

EduMed researched and analyzed more than 7,700 accredited schools. The data science team then applied a proprietary algorithm to rank all qualifying schools for each healthcare discipline.  

Primary data points include:  

  • Academic counseling services 
  • Career placement services 
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 
  • Tuition 
  • Percent of students receiving school-based financial aid 
  • Amount of school-based aid per student 

To be eligible, a school must hold active regional accreditation and have at least one partially online program in the ranking subject. Just 8% of U.S. postsecondary institutions earned a ranking position. 

MCHHS Dean Dr. Mark Smith said that he’s not surprised by the high program placements. 

“We always strive to create the best learning environment for students, whether they’re in person or not,” Smith said. “It’s wonderful to see that our faculty and programs are receiving the recognition they deserve.” 

Explore MSU online degrees

Faculty fan-favorites

by

Dr. Ebony Nicole McCluney, assistant professor in kinesiology and Professor Wendy Jackson, clinical instructor in the School of Social Work, are two members of our stellar MCHHS faculty. 

Let’s get to know them! 

Q: Where are you from?  

McCluney: Union, South Carolina. 

Jackson: Bootheel, Kennett, Missouri. I moved to Springfield in 1997. 

Q: Where did you go to school for undergrad/graduate? 

McCluney: I attended Lander University for my B.S. in physical education. Afterwards, I went to Augusta State University for my M.S. in kinesiology, then finally to University of Georgia for my Ph.D. in kinesiology. Gooooo Dawgs! 

Jackson: I received my bachelor’s in sociology from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas. I received my master’s in social work from Missouri State University. Go Bears! 

Q: What brought you to Missouri State? 

McCluney: I was previously teaching at a university in Atlanta, Georgia. However, when I learned that Missouri State had a tenure-track opening in kinesiology and I would have the opportunity to be a part of the diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, I applied immediately. 

Jackson: In 2011, I began teaching per course in the social work program. I was thrilled to once again be a part of a program that has afforded so many career opportunities. In 2021, I made the leap to a full-time clinical instructor. I love sharing my experiences with social work students. Their energy and excitement are contagious! 

Q: What’s your favorite part about working here? 

McCluney: It’s hard to pick just one, there’s so much I enjoy about working at Missouri State! I love the ability to be creative in my classes, as well as support I’m provided to try innovative teaching strategies. Not to mention, I absolutely love the view in the mornings when I arrive to campus and walk in as the sun rises over the football field. 

Jackson: My favorite part about working at MSU in the MCHHS is the encouragement and opportunities for interprofessional collaboration. I find that this is not only enriching my career but also the education of our students.  

Dive into the department of kinesiology 

Q: Do you have a favorite class to teach? 

McCluney: My favorite class to teach is Social Basis in Physical Activity. This class is all about sociological issues that occur in sport. The class produces a stellar podcast on recent sport trends and issues. 

Jackson: That’s an easy one: Macro Level Social Work- Communities and Organizations. This is my passion. Our department does an excellent job of matching your strengths and passions with the classes you teach.  

My favorite thing that happens in my classroom is when there is a lively debate on a topic, and I can see students open their minds to differing viewpoints.  

Explore the school of social work