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Marking a pivotal transition

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Oct. 4 was a momentous day for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Missouri State University. 

The program made history with its inaugural White Coat Ceremony for a group of DPT students. This event recognized 76 students from the classes of 2025 and 2026 as they transitioned from academic learning to clinical application.   

In the presence of their faculty members and loved ones, the students celebrated with joy and pride as they advanced to the professional phase of the program. 

A class of 2025 student gets his white coat.
A class of 2025 student gets his white coat.

A symbol of commitment and compassion  

The white coat is not just a uniform. It symbolizes the student’s commitment to care for others as a health care professional.  

“As you don your white coat, you’re embracing compassion, responsibility, maintaining the highest ethical standards and continually striving for excellence in your practice,” said Dr. Marcia Himes, program director and associate professor of physical therapy.  

Faculty advice and insights  

The physical therapy faculty and staff took pride in their students’ growth, dedication and hard work.  

As the students embark on their clinical rotation, they are no longer just students, but practitioners ready to help and heal. 

Oath recitation
Oath recitation

Dr. Kim Ennis, assistant professor of physical therapy, gave the students valuable advice.  

“Always actively listen to your patients with empathy. Their stories will guide you. Feedback is a gift. Receiving it with an open mind and without defensiveness will help you to grow.” 

Dr. Scott Wallentine, associate professor of physical therapy, added: “With your hearts, you’ll learn to feel what your patients are feeling. With your hands, you’ll learn how to heal. With your minds, you’ll know why and when to use the other two.” 

Transforming knowledge into action 

Celebration with family
Celebration with family

The White Coat Ceremony is an iconic tradition that represents students’ readiness to apply the knowledge gained from the academic program. Their path requires both scientific acumen and deep empathy, as success comes from truly understanding their patients. 

 For the students, this ceremony was a meaningful moment as it validated their hard work and efforts to reach this milestone. It also honored their family and friends who have been part of their journey.  

“The White Coat Ceremony is more than just an occasion; it marks the culmination of a tough journey,” said Abigail Stoy from the class of 2026. “The support of my family, friends and professors made all the difference. Now, I feel ready to step into the clinic and begin my career.” 

Explore the PT program

Dietetics student sets off for a bright future in health care

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Missouri State University graduating senior Rochelle Etienne is ready to make her mark in health care after she graduates this May.

With a degree in nutrition and dietetics, she is committed to spreading her knowledge about the value of being aware of the foods you consume.

A student-athlete

From the island of Saint Lucia, Etienne came to MSU in 2017 on an athletic scholarship thanks to her athletic abilities, specifically in track and field.

She notes she is grateful for the opportunity to represent MSU in a sport she loves while pursuing her degree.

“MSU has produced several exceptional athletes from my home country, including a renowned female Olympian Verneta Lesforis,” Etienne said. “I even got the chance to train alongside one of Canada’s Olympic sprinters during my time here.”

In addition to being a part of MSU’s track and field team, she was also a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. It supports and encourages student-athletes toward achieving their best performance academically, athletically and socially.

Passion for nutrition

Etienne has found her niche in advocating for the health of others.

“I’m passionate about promoting overall health and wellness, and I aspire to enlighten people on the significance of nourishing their bodies,” she said.

This passion came from some of her personal experiences.

“Growing up, I noticed how my grandmother struggled with diabetes and high blood pressure despite consuming fruits and vegetables,” she said. “Also, as an athlete, I used to concentrate solely on training hard and long without realizing that my performance would suffer if I didn’t eat right.”

According to Etienne, the nutrition and dietetics program at MSU has helped to prepare her well for a health care career.

“The program fosters close faculty connections, with supportive and helpful professors. I’m truly grateful for all their guidance,” she said.

While in the program, she was part of the Student Dietetic Association, which brought together students to share their interests in dietetics, nutrition and wellness. She got to present foods from her culture and take part in social gatherings.

The next chapter

After graduation, Etienne will move to Orlando, Florida, to embark on a new journey.

“I’ll be working with Nutritious Lifestyles as a consultant dietitian for four facilities, including three long-term care facilities and one behavioral health facility,” she said.

She is excited and ready for this next chapter in her life.

Learn more about nutrition and dietetics

Exercise and movement science student ready for graduation

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Soon-to-be Missouri State University graduate Malia Vazquez is off to make her mark on the world.

This May, she will earn a degree in exercise and movement science, a minor in psychology and a Foundations of Nutrition undergraduate certificate. Her goal is to become a physical therapist (PT).

Why physical therapy?

Vazquez’s inspiration for her degree choice resulted from her dad having to undergo physical therapy. She would take him to his appointments and immediately fell in love with the profession.

“It combined my interests in science and assisting others. Being able to use exercise as medicine and improve the lives of others in my community is extremely rewarding,” she said.

This led her to pursue the pre-professional track in PT.

Her academic journey

Within her major, minor and certificate, she has taken many courses that have expanded her knowledge and understanding. Her favorites were Kinesiology (KIN 360) and Strength and Conditioning (KIN 465).

“Kinesiology focused on analyzing movement and how forces go into the movement of stabilization and joints, which will be a focus in my future as a PT,” Vazquez said. “Strength and Conditioning taught me how to create exercise programming that would be specific to the needs of individuals.”

Two faculty members — assistant professor of kinesiology Dr. Ryan Gordon and professor of kinesiology Dr. Rebecca Woodard — stood out to Vazquez for their diligence and attention given to students.

Getting involved at MSU

Vazquez, who is from Blue Springs, Missouri, chose MSU for its affordability and the opportunities and experience provided here. She has been actively involved on campus over the past four years.

She has served as president of the Pre-Physical Therapy Society since May 2023. This society focuses on creating a community for students interested in going into PT. Vazquez has been a part of this organization all four years at MSU, serving as social chair in her sophomore year and vice president in her junior year. As president, she plans and runs the society’s monthly meetings monthly.

With her interest in being outdoors and helping others enjoy it, she also works for the Foster Recreation Center on campus in the outdoor adventures department as a lead staff and trip leader.

Additionally, she is part of University Ambassadors, the official student public relations team of Missouri State. As an ambassador, she gives campus tours to prospective students and their family members, as well as represents MSU at on- and off-campus events.

Future plans

After graduation, Vazquez plans to move to Flagstaff, Arizona, to get her Doctor of Physical Therapy at Northern Arizona University.

Her dream job is to work in PT for a professional women’s sports team.

Learn more about exercise and movement science

Empowering student researchers

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Mark your calendars and get ready to learn. The McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) is gearing up for its 28th Annual Student Research Symposium. 

Scheduled for 3-5 p.m. April 26 in the Plaster Student Union Grand Ballroom, this event promises to be a showcase of scholarly excellence from our students. The symposium will feature innovative projects of both graduate and undergraduate students in the college. 

Promoting scholarly endeavors 

The symposium serves as a platform for students to present projects they have diligently researched over the past year. From groundbreaking discoveries to insightful analyses, the symposium will reveal the diverse research endeavors taken by students across various programs.  

Guidelines for presentations 

Participating students can kickstart their journey by submitting abstracts starting Feb. 12 through Qualtrics. With a submission deadline of March 18, students are encouraged to craft concise abstracts, adhering to a 1,250-character limit.  

For those opting to present their research through posters, attention to detail is vital. Posters must fit within a 4’ x 6’ space on a poster board, with the standard size recommended at 56” x 42”.  

To assist students in creating posters, templates and tutorials are available on the MCHHS RStats page. These resources elevate the visual storytelling aspect of student research. 

Bringing ideas to life 

To ensure student posters receive the attention they deserve, the MCHHS technology office (KMPT 440) offers printing services. Students can submit their posters for printing through the MCHHS poster printing request form.  

It is crucial to adhere to the submission deadline, as posters submitted after 5 p.m. April 17 may not be guaranteed for printing. Once ready, students will be notified to collect their printed posters from the technology office. 

Celebrating academic ingenuity 

The 28th Annual MCHHS Student Research Symposium is more than just an event; it is a celebration of academic ingenuity and scholarly pursuit.  

As students prepare to showcase their research, the symposium stands as a testament to the college’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation. So mark your calendars, submit your abstracts and join us in applauding the next generation of research trailblazers at the symposium. 

Learn more about the research symposium