Health and Human Services News

Shining a spotlight on student research

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Innovation, discovery and a spirit of exploration were on full display at this year’s McQueary College of Health and Human Services’ (MCHHS) 29th Annual Student Research Symposium.  

The event took place on April 24 in the Plaster Student Union. It featured 53 abstracts with contributions from 147 student researchers across undergraduate and graduate programs. 

Participants represented a wide range of disciplines, including athletic training, biomedical sciences, dietetics and nutrition, exercise science, physical therapy, psychology and speech-language pathology. 

“Our Student Research Symposium is a long-standing tradition that highlights our commitment to academic excellence,” said Dr. Letitia White Minnis, MCHHS associate dean. “The symposium provides students with valuable opportunities to share their research findings, engage with faculty mentors and other community members and contribute to knowledge that advances their field of study.” 

The research projects presented explored current issues across the health and human services spectrum. They included injury prevention, women’s health and performance, nutrition education, clinical innovation and the application of emerging technologies in health care. 

The symposium also recognized the dedication of faculty mentors, whose encouragement and insights help students turn their ideas into impactful research.  A special recognition goes to the MCHHS Student Research Symposium Committee for organizing and sustaining this important academic tradition. 

Learn more about MCHHS

Exploring the art and science of dementia care

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Over the recent spring break, a group of Missouri State University students and faculty traveled to the Netherlands to explore a person-centered approach to aging and dementia care. 

From hands-on lectures to cultural tours, the program blended art, science and human connection – all inspired by the groundbreaking The Hogeweyk® Dementia Village near Amsterdam. 

An eye-opening experience 

The week-long interdisciplinary study abroad program took place from March 15-21. 

Jennifer Pratt, clinical professor of communication sciences and disorders (CSD), and Dr. Traci Garrison, clinical associate professor of occupational therapy (OT), led this program. 

Twelve undergraduate and graduate students from CSD, gerontology, health sciences, nursing and pre-OT participated in the program. They prepared through weekly pre-departure sessions, guided readings and guest lectures. 

The program itinerary blended academic lectures with cultural exploration. Pratt and Garrison expressed sincere gratitude to Missouri State’s office of education abroad and McQueary College of Health and Human Service for supporting and funding this program. 

“We designed this program to show students what’s possible,” said Pratt. “We wanted them to look at dementia not just through a medical lens, but through the lens of quality of life.” 

Students got the chance to visit the internationally recognized The Hogeweyk®. Unlike traditional institutional models, The Hogeweyk® empowers individuals with severe dementia to live as normally as possible in a secure community setting. Residents live in shared homes based on lifestyle interests, with access to grocery stores, cafés and open green spaces. Their focus is on living well, right until the end.

The Dutch model emphasizes that dignity, autonomy and well-being are just as essential as medical treatment – a philosophy that deeply resonated with students.  

“Learning through travel is just something the classroom cannot replicate,” said Pratt. 

A new perspective on care

MSU students explore historic Amsterdam during their education abroad experience.
MSU students explore historic Amsterdam during their education abroad experience.

According to Garrison, this study abroad program emphasized more than treatment.

“It encouraged students to consider how care environments can empower people to live fully, no matter their diagnosis.”

Students also learned from leading experts at the Leyden Academy on Vitality and Aging and Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience about the science behind dementia. At the institute, the group toured a brain bank and explored the latest dementia research, making classroom theories come alive. 

“We studied something we see every day, but in a completely new way. It challenged us to rethink traditional care approaches,” said Natalie Hampsten, a senior CSD major. “It opened my eyes to what care really looks like when you center it around people.” 

Abby Rudd, a senior gerontology major, was struck by The Hogeweyk’s® philosophy.  

“They taught us to focus on possibilities, not disabilities. That mindset changes everything,” she said. 

Besides the learning opportunities, the program offered cultural immersion. Students explored Amsterdam’s history through walking tours and visits to the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum. These experiences contributed historical and emotional depth to their academic exploration, encouraging empathy and reflection. 

“This was my first time studying abroad and visiting the Netherlands and it was amazing!” said Hannah Todd, a speech-language pathology graduate student. “What I enjoyed most was how the program blended Dutch culture with dementia care in such a meaningful way.” 

A focus on compassion and empathy 

For Karly Soden, a Doctor of Nursing Practice student, traveling to a new country, learning with new people and seeing dementia care through a global lens was an unforgettable experience.  

“It shifted my perspective of human connection and its importance in health care,” she said. 

In class or on the streets of Amsterdam, students learned that true care means honoring lives, not just managing symptoms. Their experiences brought theory to life and reshaped their understanding of compassion in practice. 

“Students didn’t just learn about dementia,” said Garrison. “They learned to think differently, lead with empathy and carry those values into their future careers.” 

Explore degree options in MCHHS

Celebrating rising stars in health care

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

A total of 167 students were hooded, pinned and received a white coat within a department or school ceremony for the fall 2024 semester. 

“These culminating ceremonies provide opportunities for faculty and staff to celebrate the academic milestones of students,” said Dr. Letitia White Minnis, MCHHS associate dean.  

Students who have been hooded or pinned are on track to graduate this fall, while those who received white coats are ready to advance to their clinical rotations. 

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Twenty-two Master of OT students were hooded. 

Nursing

Forty-five Bachelor of Science in Nursing students were pinned. 

Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)

Twenty-six SLP students were pinned. 

Physician Assistant Studies (PAS)

Thirty-three PAS students received white coats, while another cohort of 30 students graduated. 

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)

Eleven DNAP CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) students celebrated their program completion at a graduation ceremony. 

MCHHS congratulates these emerging health care leaders and is committed to supporting them as they embark on their professional journeys. They play a vital role in strengthening communities and advancing the health care sector. 

 Explore MCHHS programs

From speech pathologist to state representative

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For more than a decade, Missouri State University alumna Melanie Stinnett has been making a difference in health care, not only in the Ozarks, but also in Missouri. 

After completing her bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders in 2008 and master’s degree in speech-language pathology in 2010 at MSU, Stinnett began her career as a speech pathologist. In 2014, she opened her private practice, TheraCare, a speech, occupational and music therapy clinic.  

Stinnett with Boomer.
Stinnett with Boomer.

“The best part of my job as a speech pathologist and health care executive is seeing daily lives change,” she said. “Witnessing children who once had no speech now communicate effectively is incredibly rewarding.” 

In 2022, Stinnett sold TheraCare to the Arc of the Ozarks, a Springfield-based nonprofit organization that provides disability services. She works there as vice president of therapy services. 

Her job involves managing speech, occupational, physical and music therapy services while overseeing the center’s overall operations. She also collaborates with therapists to create personalized plans for children with speech delays and assists them in improving their movement. 

“I find it rewarding to watch children make progress, like when a child who couldn’t speak starts forming sentences. These moments show the real impact we’ve made in their lives,” Stinnett said. 

Her journey from Texas to Missouri  

Before moving to Missouri, Stinnett spent much of her youth in the Houston, Texas, area. 

“While studying in Houston, I had the chance to visit MSU and I was impressed by the speech-pathology program and its strong curriculum, which included hands-on experience that perfectly suited my needs,” she said. 

Stinnett credits her time at Missouri State for effectively preparing her for a career in health care. The academic curriculum combined theory with practical application, enabling students to apply

Stinnett with her family.
Stinnett with her family.

classroom knowledge through externships in both schools and health care settings. 

She also appreciated the opportunity for mentorship and collaboration with experienced supervisors. It helped her to build confidence and develop essential skills in areas like speech assessment, personalized treatment planning and communication enhancement for children. 

“I cherished my time in the on-campus Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, where I helped children find their voices and improve communication,” she said. “These transformative experiences reinforced my passion for being a speech pathologist.” 

In 2020, Stinnett received her third degree from MSU – a master’s in health administration. 

Giving back to her alma mater 

Stinnett and her two sons cheer on the Bears at a football game.
Stinnett and her two sons cheer on the Bears at a football game.

She joined the McQueary College of Health and Human Services Advisory Board in 2021. Her role involves serving as a bridge between the college and the community. 

“As a board member, I enjoy collaborating with diverse groups of individuals, which broadens my understanding of different perspectives,” she said. “I aspire to ensure community needs are effectively communicated to the university while helping students prepare for future challenges.” 

Stinnett gives back to Missouri State because it prepared her for her career and helped her build valuable community connections. She wants to support the next generation, just as many professors and alumni supported her during her educational journey. 

She stresses the importance of getting involved for students.  

“Engage with your state and national organizations to advocate for change and make your voices heard,” she said. “Focus on building meaningful relationships with your peers and mentors and take the time to understand the needs of your community. This will help you make a real impact in your field.” 

Representing Missourians 

Stinnett in the Missouri House of Representatives.
Stinnett in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Stinnett’s advisory board experience has expanded her perspective beyond her profession. Her advocacy work for children’s therapy access led to a bill being passed in 2019. This inspired her to run for state office in 2022.  

She was elected to her first term in the state legislature, representing District 133 in the Missouri House of Representatives. 

Her notable accomplishments include helping to: 

  • Pass the Ticket to Work Health Assurance Program. It assists adults with disabilities to find jobs while preserving their health care benefits.
  • Secure funding for private duty nurses in daycare centers to support children with medical needs. 
  • File and pass a bill that extends postpartum health care coverage from 60 days to 12 months, ensuring low-income women receive essential care after giving birth. 

Navigating challenges 

Stinnett recognizes that health care is a complex issue.  

“I know not everyone understands the importance of addressing critical health care needs. The lack of knowledge about the system and its complexities makes it difficult to drive necessary changes in health care policy,” she said. 

She worries about the slow progress of legislation as it creates challenges and requires significant time and effort to address issues. However, she believes this thorough process ensures health-related laws and policies are well-reviewed and minimizes unintended consequences. 

Despite the hurdles, she continues to advocate for change. In the upcoming November election, she hopes to earn a second term representing the southwest Springfield district. 

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