Health and Human Services News

Faculty spotlight: Dr. Ryan Gordon and Dr. Michelle Jackson

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Get to know Dr. Ryan Gordon and Dr. Michelle Jackson, faculty members in the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS).

Gordon is an assistant professor in the School of Health Sciences and Jackson is an assistant professor in the School of Health Care Professions.

Let’s learn more about them.

Where are you from?

Gordon: I’m from Litchfield, Illinois. I also lived in Edwardsville, Illinois, for seven years and Denton, Texas, for four.

Ryan Gordon
Dr. Ryan Gordon

Jackson: I’m originally from Monte Vista, Colorado.

What brought you to Missouri State?

Gordon: I worked at Drury University for two years before moving over to Missouri State. The exercise science program was looking for a new faculty member in spring 2023. I applied and am so glad I did. It’s been a fantastic transition for me.

Jackson: The amazing reputation of the occupational therapy program and the wonderful faculty and staff who work within the program.

How many years have you been at Missouri State?

Gordon: I’m starting my second year here.

Jackson: I’m beginning my second year at Missouri State.

What’s your favorite memory here so far?

Michelle Jackson
Dr. Michelle Jackson

Gordon: I have two. The first would be bringing both of my sons (they’re 4 and 2 years old) to campus to see where I work, my office and the lab spaces we use. The second would be taking several exercise science students to a research and education conference this past March. It’s awesome to introduce students to new experiences and learning content they don’t normally get to see in a typical classroom

Jackson: My favorite memory is Merry Friendsgiving — a celebratory tradition in the occupational therapy program that includes the faculty, staff and students.

What do you enjoy most about working here?

Gordon: I enjoy my co-workers and colleagues, the energy and excitement a larger university and campus bring and the Midwest vibes the Springfield area has.

Jackson: It’s great to collaborate with so many different departments and disciplines. I also love the atmosphere of a university — it just feels so alive.

What do you look forward to at the beginning of the school year?

Gordon: I look forward to the energy and excitement the first week of class brings on campus and in the classroom.

Jackson: I enjoy meeting new students and reconnecting with returning students. Fall semester always feels like a fresh start and the beginning of a new adventure.

What do you do for leisure/relaxation?

Gordon: For leisure, I exercise (resistance training, cycling, walking/hiking, yoga), read and make coffee (I roast my own). I have two young boys, so I don’t really relax!

Jackson: I enjoy restoring antique furniture, reading, weight training, traveling and hiking. I’ve been able to combine hiking and travel a few times, including when I went to Colorado, Arizona, Iceland and Mt. Kilimanjaro. I’m currently planning my next hiking/travel adventure.

Explore MCHHS

Faculty and staff spotlight

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Get to know Dr. Naomie Corro and Rebeca Reut-Robinson better.

Corro is an assistant professor of occupational therapy (OT) and Reut-Robinson is an executive assistant II for the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS).

Let’s find out more about them!

What brought you to Missouri State?

Corro: I was drawn to teaching at MSU because of its strong reputation for academic excellence, student-centered learning and its commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment and community engagement. Prior to joining as a full-time faculty for MSU’s OT department, I was an OT pediatric clinical fieldwork educator working in an outpatient hospital setting for many years. I worked with MSU OT graduate students as they completed their fieldwork experiential learning. Collaborating with them solidified my pursuit of teaching for the MSU OT department. I love being part of a vibrant academic community and making a meaningful impact on the lives of students here at MSU.

Reut-Robinson: I was a previous student at MSU. I received my bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in international relations. I knew it was a great place to work after my student experiences! I also knew I would enjoy working in an academic setting.

What’s your favorite memory here so far?

Corro: I’ve not been here too long yet, but my favorite memory was from a Halloween costume event our OT faculty and students took part in. Another favorite memory was from the team building and faculty retreat our department had prior to commencing the fall semester last year. Lastly, I couldn’t forget my first semester of teaching, where I had to ask one of my grad students for logistics on campus as I wasn’t very familiar with the locations. To me, all these experiences fostered a sense of culture, family and camaraderie among faculty and students, both in and out of the classroom.

Reut-Robinson: I love seeing our student workers graduate and achieve their academic goals.

How long have you been at Missouri State?

Corro: One year.

Reut-Robinson: I started working in the communication sciences and disorders academic office in March 2016 and moved to the dean’s office in September 2019. I can’t believe it’s been that long!

What’s your favorite part about working here?

Corro: My favorite part of working at MSU are the faculty colleagues I work with and the cohort of students I get to teach. There’s a sense of community, genuine respect and collaboration that I cherish even from day one. Knowing that I’m part of a community that values collaboration and mutual support makes coming to work each day a truly enjoyable experience.

Reut-Robinson: All of the people! We have great staff in our college who go above and beyond. MCHHS admins, technology support and advising staff are all amazing. I also enjoy working with Mark, Letitia, Hillary, Ian and Sarah.

Where are you from?

Corro: I’m from Joplin. I lived there for 15 years prior to moving to Springfield a year ago. But if you ask me about ethnicity, I’m a Filipino and was born and raised in the Philippines. I immigrated to the U.S. over two decades ago as an OT. I was a first-generation student back then and the first in my family to immigrate. While I had my career working as an OT in multiple clinical settings, I continued to pursue my doctoral degree to fulfill my desire for learning and my goal to teach in higher education.

Reut-Robinson: I’m originally from Romania. My family and I immigrated to the U.S. when I very young. I grew up in the U.S. for most of my life, but the Romanian culture has always been a part of my upbringing. My parents still speak Romanian as their primary language and they’re always making delicious Romanian food.

How are you keeping yourself motivated as the semester is wrapping up?

Corro: As the semester is winding down, I find motivation as I break down my remaining tasks into manageable chunks and check items off my list of to-do’s. I also draw motivation from the students. Seeing their dedication to their studies and genuine desire to learn inspires me to give my best. Engaging with them in class discussions, providing support and encouragement, and witnessing their growth and development throughout the semester serve as constant reminders for my role as an educator. I also try to make sure to take breaks and engage in activities that recharge my energy and creativity. Whether it’s going for a walk, spending time with loved ones or pursuing hobbies, taking time for self-care helps me maintain a positive mindset, stay focused on the tasks at hand and finish strong.

Reut-Robinson: It’s a very busy time, but I’m great at keeping organized! I’m a pre-planner and am task-oriented, so this is my time to shine. We also have fun events coming up, which are always motivating. These include the MCHHS Student Research Symposium and MCHHS Awards Banquet.

CTA: Learn more about MCHHS https://mchhs.missouristate.edu/

 

Staff appreciation

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We are pleased to recognize Kimberly Randol, accounting specialist for the Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic at Missouri State University.

Let’s learn more about her!

What’s your favorite memory here so far?

Attending the white coat ceremonies of our third-year audiology students. They have worked so hard to get to that day, and I love watching each of them be recognized and celebrated.

What brought you to Missouri State?

Before being hired, I had two teenage daughters who were getting ready to start their college journey. I had always heard wonderful things about working at Missouri State University; and having a portion of their college tuition paid for, and knowing that would be less stress for them, were two of the many reasons that brought me here!

Where are you from?

Springfield, Missouri.

How many years have you been at Missouri State?

It will be seven years in May.

What’s your favorite part about working here?

My favorite part about working here is the amazing people I get to work with – our faculty and staff, graduate students, student workers and all the patients who call or come into the clinic every day. I love the variety that each day brings working with so many different people!

What is your fondest Spring Break memory? ­

Going to Florida with my family and getting away from the cold Missouri weather.

Learn more about the Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic

MSU student participates in Missouri Governor’s Student Leadership Forum

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Cadence Arnold, an exercise and movement science junior, was one of 80 collegiate students nominated to represent Missouri State University during the annual Missouri Governor’s Student Leadership Forum on Faith and Values.

It took place Feb. 16-18, 2024, in Jefferson City, Missouri.

The forum started in 1988 under the leadership of former Missouri Governor and 79th U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft.

It challenges students’ character development by encouraging them to reflect on their own decision-making skills, values and belief systems. Students learn about how to reconcile relationships, stand for truth and love others as they love themselves. The forum’s guiding principle is teaching students to embrace altruism rather than egotism.

“Through the forum, I was able to reflect on my own decision-making skills, values and belief system. The forum provided a space for me to connect with student leaders at various universities around the state, exposing me to many new ideas. I was also able to collaborate with many leaders at the state level, including Gov. Parson!” said Arnold, who’s from Hillsboro, Missouri.

I’m excited to bring the knowledge I learned back to Missouri State and share it with others.”

Forum highlights

Gov. Mike Parson welcomed students of the forum with a meet and greet in his office, followed by an inspirational message from Rebecca Welsh, founder of Halo, a mission that provides housing, healing and education to at-risk and homeless children. Students ended their time at the Capitol hearing from Missouri State Sen. Travis Fitzwater.

Students also heard from several speakers who lead by example. A question-and-answer panel including Youssef Abdou, Natalia Chaing Breña, David Johnson, Bailey Stephen and Sadie Williams discussed the importance of community and relationships. Judge Pat Joyce shared a message on redemption after the students’ tour of the Jefferson City Correctional Center.

Kyrell and Michaela Newell, directors of St. Nicholas Academy, shared a message on servant leadership. Justin Campbell, regional director of YoungLife, concluded the forum, challenging students to consider their purpose in what they are aiming at.

Explore exercise and movement science at MSU