Health and Human Services News

Staff spotlight: Ian Alaimo

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Our featured McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) staff member is Ian Alaimo, director of information technology and operations for the college. 

From IT planning and budgeting to facilities coordination and project management, he helps ensure MCHHS students, faculty and staff are supported with the right tools and spaces. 

Let’s get to know more about him. 

Where are you originally from? 

I was born in Enfield, Connecticut, but I spent most of my childhood in West Plains, Missouri. 

What led you to join Missouri State and how long have you been here? 

My Missouri State journey began in 1996, when the university was known as Southwest Missouri State University (SMSU) and I worked part-time as a computer lab assistant. One step led to the next, and now it’s been more than 30 years of growth, learning and taking on new roles. I’ve loved moving forward with new responsibilities and finding better ways to support the people who make the college run.  

Where else have you worked beside Missouri State? 

I’ve worked a variety of jobs, from construction to warehouse and grocery stores. Those experiences taught me a lot about teamwork, problem-solving and getting things done. 

What’s your educational background? 

I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a focus on computer animation in 2001 and a Master of Science in Educational Technology in 2015, both from Missouri State. 

What does your role in MCHHS entail? 

My role covers a mix of technology and operations for the college. I oversee IT, including budgeting, policies, procurement and standards, as well as the MCHHS Simulation Center that supports many of our programs. I also manage facilities-related work like work orders, renovation projects and space planning.  

How does your work support MCHHS students, faculty and staff? 

My goal is to make sure students, faculty and staff have the technology and spaces they need to do their work without unnecessary roadblocks. Whether it’s supporting classrooms and labs, keeping systems running and improving workflows, the focus is always on making things work better. A big part of the job is also fixing issues in a way that prevents them from coming back. 

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

I really enjoy the variety. I get to work with a wide range of people, and no two days look the same. Every day brings a new challenge and a chance to make things a little better than they were before. 

Technology and operations often happen behind the scenes. Why is this work critical to an academic environment? 

When technology and operations run well, it makes everything else easier. Some of the work happens behind the scenes, but a lot of it is very visible. Large IT and facilities projects involve many people and have a real impact on how the college functions daily. Just as important are the smaller fixes and process improvements that help prevent problems from happening repeatedly. 

What’s one tech tip or tool you wish more students and employees knew about? 

Learning how to recall email messages can be really helpful. Also, the advanced clipboard feature in Windows (Windows key + V) is a great timesaver that not enough people use. 

How do you spend your free time? 

I like restoring classic older Mercedes, working on house projects, spending time outdoors and reading. 

What’s a surprising thing about you that most people would not guess? 

I used to be really into endurance running and completed many marathons and ultramarathons. I’m also a lifelong vegetarian, which usually surprises people. 

Explore MCHHS

Staff spotlight: Eric Shively

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Our featured McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) staff member is Eric Shively, the information technology coordinator for the college.

He keeps classrooms, labs and offices running by ensuring faculty and staff have the tools and support they need to serve students well.

Let’s get to know more about him.

Where are you originally from?

I grew up in Indiana on a farm about a mile outside a small town and roughly 30 minutes from downtown Fort Wayne, the second-largest city in the state. I’m a proud Hoosier and Colts fan.

Why did you decide to join Missouri State and how long have you been here?

I started as a part-time employee with MCHHS Technology in 2010 and quickly realized how much I enjoyed supporting the university community. I moved into a full-time IT role in 2012.

Where else have you worked before joining Missouri State?

Before joining here, I’ve worked in different companies as an agriculture research assistant, a loss prevention manager and a construction foreman.

What’s your educational background?

Eric Shively on vacation with his family.
Eric Shively on vacation with his family.

I earned an associate degree in computer networking from Ozark Technical College in 2008. I’m a proud Missouri State alumnus. I completed my bachelor’s degree in criminology in 2011 and my master’s degree in educational technology in 2015.

What does your role in MCHHS entail?

As a technology coordinator, my role is to support faculty and staff, so they have the tools, support and assistance they need to succeed.

How does your work support MCHHS students, faculty and staff?

I believe we’re all here for the students; without students, we don’t exist. With that in mind, my goal is to support faculty and staff so they can best serve our students.

What do you enjoy most about working at MCHHS?

I truly love my job. Every part of it is a privilege and I enjoy the variety and opportunities it brings.

Technology can be challenging for some people. What advice do you give to those who feel intimidated by it?

Technology can be incredible and powerful, but it can also be so frustrating. Always start with the simplest fix; you’d be amazed at what a quick restart can solve.

What’s one tech tip or tool you wish more students and/or employees knew about?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions or search for answers. There’s no shame in not knowing something or trying something different. Failing is just another way to learn; just try not to repeat the same mistake that caused the issue in the first place. Also, make use of the resources around you.

How do you usually spend the holiday season?

Enjoying the moments and spending time with friends and family. We decorate both inside and outside the house; so much so that it looks like a Hallmark Christmas movie.

Explore MCHHS

Staff spotlight: Hillary Mayes

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A Missouri State University alumna, Hillary Mayes has been the director of the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) Student Success and Advisement Center (SSAC) since 2019.

Let’s get to know her more.

Hillary Mayes headshot.
Hillary Mayes

Where are you originally from?

I’m from Webb City, Missouri.

Why did you decide to join Missouri State and how long have you been here?

I began working for Missouri State as a graduate assistant in the fall of 2006. Upon earning my graduate degree, I transitioned to an instructor role in MCHHS. I served in that capacity until I transitioned to a staff role in 2019. This academic year is my 19th year on campus.

What do you enjoy most about working at the university?

Finding ways in which we can effectively work with and support our students while they navigate their academic journeys is most important to me.

What’s your educational background?

I earned my BA in Psychology from Mizzou and my MS in Psychology – industrial-organizational track from Missouri State.

What does your current role at the university entail?

Am I allowed to just say “a lot of different things” and leave it at that? Like every position, my role and the role of the Student Success and Advisement Center is multi-faceted. I feel like my job must continuously evolve so that the focus of my work always aligns with the objectives of the college and university. First and foremost, our office supports student success-related activities and initiatives within the college. We work to ensure students feel as though our office can serve as a safe space and as an informational hub that can help them navigate their time at Missouri State. A lot of what we do centers upon communication, collaboration, problem-solving and building relationships.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from this job so far?

Forming and maintaining positive relationships with the team of people you work closely with is paramount to success. I’ve learned I can tolerate a lot when the team that surrounds me is strong and supportive (our SSAC team is amazing, by the way).

Why did you choose this area of work?

I didn’t intentionally seek out this pathway, so I can’t say there was this “a-ha moment” when I decided this is the career I want to pursue.  As a graduate assistant, I had the opportunity to learn about and engage with various aspects of college/university operations. It was this experience that helped me better understand the different roles on campus and how my interests, skills and abilities could fit within. I most enjoy work that makes me feel challenged and engaged.

What type of work did you do prior to Missouri State?

I’ve had some prior experience related to admissions, recruitment and career services in higher education. I’ve also worked for an attorney, as well as in retail and food service.

What’s your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?

I enjoy what many would consider “traditional” Thanksgiving foods/flavors (particularly the side dishes, not so much the turkey), but I don’t follow any specific “traditions” in my household.

How do you spend your leisure time?

I enjoy shopping, particularly online, or at boutiques, antique stores/flea markets and specialty stores. I like to find fun and unique items, especially those that I can gift to others.

Learn more about the MCHHS Student Success and Advisement Center

How RStats turns data into direction

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Research can feel overwhelming when you don’t know where to start. 

That’s why the RStats Institute within the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) exists — to make the process easier, less intimidating and even enjoyable. 

Here, students and faculty work with experts who guide them with clear directions, simple tools and steady support. 

Guiding research at every stage 

The RStats Institute is a free resource dedicated to supporting faculty and students in MCHHS.  

Services include choosing the right design, finding the best measures, selecting proper statistical tests, developing surveys, collecting data and analyzing them using software like JASP, SPSS and Qualtrics. 

“We want students and faculty to feel confident at every step,” said RStats Director Jessica Willis. “Whether they’re designing research or interpreting complex results, we’re here to make the process easier.” 

Most support goes to graduate students working on capstone projects, theses or community-based research. Faculty can also receive help, usually up to three hours per project. 

A history of growth 

The RStats story began in the early 2000s, when Dr. Chantal Levesque, professor in psychology from 2002-2012, and Dr. Wayne Mitchell, faculty emeritus, started helping colleagues with statistical needs.  

They joined forces with the Ozarks Public Health Institute and Dr. Frederick Maxwell, faculty emeritus, to propose a dedicated consulting center. In 2006-07, RStats officially launched within MCHHS.  

During COVID-19, RStats expanded through online consultations, connecting students and faculty from more than 15 programs. Over time, it has grown from basic support to a full-service research hub. 

From student to RStats leader

Jessica Willis
Jessica Willis

A proud Missouri State alumna, Willis earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology in 2015 and 2017, respectively. She also holds a graduate certificate in statistics and research design.  

Before joining RStats, she worked as a health care data analyst for the Missouri Primary Care Association. 

She joined RStats in September 2018 as coordinator and was promoted to director on July 1, 2024. Since then, her focus has shifted more toward overseeing RStats while still teaching ANE 700 each fall. 

In recent years, Dr. Caitlin Masterson, assistant professor in the School of Health Care Professions joined the team to teach research and statistics courses while also providing RStats consultation support. 

Together with two graduate assistants, they form the core team supporting RStats clients. 

The impact in action 

RStats doesn’t just ‘do the stats.’ It teaches students how to use them. They learn to run analyses, interpret their findings and share results with confidence. 

“Toward the end of the project, we often see that ‘light bulb’ moment where everything clicks,” Willis said. “They make the connection between theory and practice, and their learning goes beyond just the classroom.” 

Willis shared an example of a project led by Dr. Ashlea Cardin, professor and Master of Occupational Therapy program director.  

She and a few of her OT students studied 150 infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Mercy Hospital to understand factors affecting hospital stay and oral feeding progress.  

RStats handled the data analysis, explained the results and assisted in the publication process. The study was published in the Journal of Neonatal Nursing in 2023, a big accomplishment for the team involved. 

“What made this project so impactful was how it showed students the real-world relevance of research and statistics,” Willis said. 

Explore RStats Institute