The Department of Physician Assistant Studies would like to congratulate Beth Elliott on her retirement after nine years of service to Missouri State University. Mrs. Elliott has been a key component to making the Department and Program a success, especially as it relates to the clinical phase of training for PA students. Mrs. Elliott would often work after hours and occasional weekends to make sure that all paperwork had been received by the credentialing office at healthcare facilities where students were assigned. She is a team player, great colleague to work with, and a good friend.  We will miss Beth very much but are so happy that she has reached this milestone in life.

In honor of Beth’s service to the department, we would like to feature her in a PAS Spotlight. Beth’s last day in the office will be Friday, February 26th.

What is your role in PAS?

I am the administrative assistant for the clinical year portion of the Program.  Once Kim Cook, the Director of Clinical Education, assigns student rotations, I make sure that all the requirements of the site are met, the students have all the information they need, reserve housing if appropriate, etc.

How long have you worked in PAS?

I started in May of 2012 so I have worked here for almost 9 years.

What is your favorite part of your position?

In all my jobs prior to this one, I didn’t have many opportunities to work with students.  And this is my favorite part of my job.  I really enjoy the chances to interact with and get to know students through the two years they’re in the program.  I enjoy seeing them grow in knowledge and confidence.  I want to hear about what and how they’re doing after graduation.

Just as important, I feel blessed to work with a great group of individuals.  I will really miss each of you!

What is your most memorable experience?

When I worked at the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City in the International Relations Department, I had the good fortune of being responsible for creating itineraries for diplomats who were travelling under the auspices of various federal programs such as the United States Information Agency.  I enjoyed this part of my job immensely.  When three young journalists travelling with the German Marshall Fund visited Kansas City, I found the confidence to accept their offers to come to Germany and visit and travel with them.  I bought a Eurail Pass and travelled on my own after staying with them.  It was my first experience outside of North America and the experience broadened my perspective and outlook of the world in a huge way.

What brought you to Missouri State University?

I’m from Kansas City, and was working at the Kansas City Art Institute when I met my husband, Guy, who lived in Springfield.  I relocated here.  After working for 10 years at OTC in Public Relations, Institutional Development and the Advancement department, I moved to MSU.

How do you like spending your time away from work?

My husband and I own a 34 ft. Hunter Sailboat docked at Stockton Lake.  We spend a lot of weekends there.  I’m also a big reader of fiction novels.  In the summer I like tending a vegetable garden.

What are you most looking forward to after retirement?

Travel.  First on my list is visiting my sister in Houston, TX.  I hope that now I’ll have all the time in the world at my disposal, I’ll finally get into cooking (probably not going to happen).  We plan on clearing out things we don’t need and use, to feel free to go whenever the opportunity strikes.