Health and Human Services News

The creation of the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences 

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On July 1, the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) underwent some changes as a part of the campus wide academic realignment plan.  

One of the most prominent changes is the addition of a new school to MCHHS. 

The School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences will group together programs within psychology, social work and counseling. 

The counseling department will move over from the College of Education (COE). 

A range of options 

Within the new school, there will be many degree options available for students, from a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) to Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Science in Counseling to Doctor of Psychology (PsyD).   

“While the programs have different philosophies, training models and accrediting agencies, they all share a common educational objective,” said Dr. Paul Deal, associate professor of psychology and director for the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences.  

In the new school, psychology will continue to offer non-clinical options at the undergraduate and graduate levels for those interested in behavioral sciences. 

The difference for faculty and students 

This is a large change for all within MCHHS. 

Faculty will see opportunities for increased collaboration related to teaching and research concerning the interdisciplinary approach to mental health and behavioral science. This transition provides a more coordinated approach to discussing development of the next health care workforce. 

Students can utilize this space for a central academic unit in one college to prepare the next workforce for the world of mental and behavioral health. With these new resources, they can take advantage of clearer and more connected academic pathways.  

Leaders of the new school 

As the creation of the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences marks a new chapter in MCHHS history, it’s imperative to have strong faculty at the forefront. 

Deal will serve as school director and the program directors will be: 

Psychology 
Counseling 
  • Karrie Swan – Master of Mental Health (MS-Mental Health). 
Social Work 

Learn more about other changes within MCHHS

Faculty fan-favorites

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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

Ready for big opportunities

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When Mary Finzel of West Plains earned her undergraduate degree in psychology, she never considered social work.

In her mind, social work majors were case workers.

But when she decided to pursue a master’s degree, Finzel realized that a master’s in social work could open so many doors.

“I could do so many things. I could be a clinical manager, a program director. I can work in any kind of advocacy for people, social justice advocacy. I could go into industrial facilities, factories and help with human resources,” she said.

Finding support in an online program

As an untraditional student returning to school, Finzel was attracted to the fact Missouri State offers a Master of Social Work that can be earned 100% online.

She had trepidations because she’d never completed a degree online, but felt she had the discipline to do it.

“Then I realized I really liked it because it was very convenient for work and personal life. I didn’t have a set schedule that I had to go by, other than when my assignments were due,” she said.

“I don’t like being restrained to one position, I want to be able to do multiple positions and wear multiple hats, and so that’s what really pulled me to the degree in social work.”

The mother of two chose Missouri State because of its accreditation, history and stellar reputation.

The professors were supportive and provided a lot of feedback.

“Professors were always available for communication through email, Zoom, phone calls, just whatever I needed. I had some personal family issues going on in the beginning … and I communicated that to my professors and they were more than willing to give me some grace. Since it’s all online, that feedback from the professors is really important because it lets you know what you’re doing well in, what you need to improve on,” she said.

Another strength of the program was the diverse lineup of classes — there’s a broad spectrum of information.

Driven to help others

The 44-year-old graduated in May 2022 with her Master of Social Work.

A Mountain View native, for the past few years she has worked as an Integrated Co-Occurring Disorder specialist. She works in a substance abuse treatment center for adolescents.

Upon graduation, her title changed to diagnostician. She received a promotion and pay raise. The degree had already paid off.

Finzel has always wanted to work in some capacity helping others.

“I had a lot of trauma in my childhood and mental health runs in my family,” she said. “I have two sons with special needs. … I decided I wanted to be available to help people in the way that I needed help whenever I was younger. Because I’m from a small town, there just wasn’t those services available in my area, and so I wanted to be able to have that positive impact on others the way I didn’t have those resources when I was younger.”

Explore social work at Missouri State