Health and Human Services News

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

MCHHS graduate gets ready to do big things

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Abby Grisham is eagerly awaiting her graduation from Missouri State University this fall. 

Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in exercise and movement science, she reflects on her enriching experiences on campus and is excited about her upcoming role as an exercise physiologist at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Grisham’s involvement on campus 

Grisham has been actively involved in various campus organizations, especially the Pre-PA Society and the Exercise Science Society.  

She’s grateful for the positive influence these groups had on her and the supportive networks they provided during her time as a student. 

Cherished academic moments 

In her academic journey, Grisham expresses admiration for professors like Dr. Stacy Goddard and Dr. Ryan Gordon.  

“I’m excited for my future endeavors, but the support and care from professors like Dr. Goddard and Dr. Gordon have been so valuable, not just academically, but personally too,” Grisham said. 

Grisham notes that their influence has been pivotal in shaping her career aspirations and even inspired her to contemplate pursuing a master’s in exercise physiology. 

Classes like KIN569 (health appraisal and exercise testing techniques) and KIN465 (exercise prescription: strength and conditioning) impacted her profoundly. These courses not only fueled her passion for the field, but also directly prepared her for her new job at Saint Luke’s Hospital. 

Stepping into the professional realm 

Grisham who’s from Urbana, Missouri is thrilled to be joining the St. Luke’s team.  

Some of her responsibilities in the cardiovascular imaging lab will include helping with stress testing, EKG (electrocardiogram) interpretation and echo procedures.  

Grisham attributes her confidence during the interview process to the extensive preparation she received from her professors. 

Missouri State’s impact 

Expressing a deep attachment to MSU, she credits the institution for providing essential resources, supportive faculty and fostering lasting friendships.  

While she looks forward to the next phase of her journey, she’ll miss her friends, professors and the vibrant atmosphere at Missouri State. 

Although saying goodbye is bittersweet, she remains grateful for the personal and professional growth that MSU provided. 

“I love Missouri State and I’m really sad to leave,” Grisham said. “I feel like I’ve grown so much here, both as a person and a health care provider.” 

Learn more about exercise and movement science  

Audiology professor elected for American Academy of Audiology board

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Congratulations to Dr. Wafaa Kaf, professor of audiology in the department of communication sciences and disorders at Missouri State University.

Kaf was recently elected to serve as a member-at-large on the 2023-24 Academy Board of Directors for the prestigious American Academy of Audiology (AAA) for a three-year term. Previously, she was appointed to serve as the program chair for the 2022 AAA Conference.

Dr. Wafaa Kaf headshot

Her goal is to advance the audiology profession nationally and internationally through interprofessional collaboration, education, academic service, mentorship and scholarship.

Kaf went through an extensive five-step selection process:

  1. Members of the AAA organization nominated her to submit an application and serve on their board of directors.
  2. After accepting the nomination, she completed a comprehensive application for her vision, objectives and qualities as a leader.
  3. The nomination committee reviewed all submitted applications and made a selection of the final seven nominees to be written on the ballot for election.
  4. Since Kaf was selected to be on the ballot, she also provided a biography and a two-minute recorded speech so voters could get to know her better before the final election.
  5. She was elected alongside two more finalists to serve on the board.

Kaf looks forward to creating real change in the audiology community.

“I’m a hard worker who takes initiative and is eager to take on new challenges,” Kaf said. “I also have a strong desire to serve others, which has been evidenced by my past work in the community.

“Additionally, my cultural background and experience in diversity, equity and inclusion will allow me to help further promote this effort within the audiology community.”

Learn more about the Doctor of Audiology program