Provost Dr. John Jasinski says that as he thinks back on the recent work of faculty, staff and students, he’s struck by how often they chose research, service and learning opportunities that embody the university’s community engagement pillar. “I’m inspired by and thankful for the impact that Missouri State has on our region,” Jasinski says. “It all goes back to our people, who understand the role this institution plays in our community, make choices that reflect the character of our region and represent those values to the broader world.”

The impacts of faculty, staff and students show up in the ways they advocate for important causes, build relationships and share expertise that enhances the public good.

Advocating for Causes that Matter

• The MSU Care Clinic, which serves patients whose income falls below 200% of the federal poverty line, recently collaborated with its clinic partner, Mercy Springfield Communities, and renowned photographer Randy Bacon to shed light on its patients’ experiences. The “Renewed Hope Exhibition” featured powerful portraits and stories from 12 patients.
• A mutual desire to raise awareness of composting brought biology major Abby Bennett and design major Vaeya Nichols together. They met when they were working with staff at Springfield Community Gardens as part of a service-learning course. They teamed up to create a brochure that encourages composting in our community. Nichols notes that Bennett was already researching the topic “and I had a skill I could offer to the project too! It turned out better in the end because we both did something different. There is always a place where something that you’re good at is going to help someone else accomplish their goals.”

“There is always a place where something that you’re good at is going to help someone else accomplish their goals.”

—Vaeya Nichols, Design Major

Building Community Connections

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  Tamar Adler, a graduate student in child life studies, created a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing hospitalized children with craft bags. As part of her child life studies curriculum, she completed a practicum at a children’s hospital. This experience deepened her understanding of the population her nonprofit serves. “One of the most valuable things I learned was to match the energy in the room and of the patient,” she says. “This helps build rapport and makes the child feel more comfortable.”

• Faculty in the department of languages, cultures and religions hosted a Día de los Muertos festival last month.  Dr. Vanessa Rodriguez de la Vega, associate professor of languages, cultures and religions, says the event, which has become a fall tradition at Missouri State, is designed “to connect our department with the local community and to make this cultural practice more visible among members of the university.”

Sharing Expertise

• Dr. Josh Coleman, associate professor of marketing, researches socially conscious business practices. He recently offered up tips for identifying the social impacts of the businesses and brands you support. Coleman says that because it’s a season when many people shop more than they normally do, “There’s this idea: ‘If you’re going to spend the money anyway, [you] might as well spend it in a socially conscious way.’”
• Dr. Ashlea Cardin, associate professor of occupational therapy, recently spoke to Missouri State Journal about the new Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) programs. Cardin says that the positive impact of these programs goes beyond Missouri State — with the potential to benefit rural communities. “We’re seeing more occupational therapists specialize in rural health,” she says. “Oftentimes in emerging practice areas [like rural health], we’re asking those who are leading to be change agents.” The OTD helps position occupational therapists to meet this need.

Around Campus…

Missouri State Outreach, which supports off-campus delivery methods for learning, has a new home. In January, Outreach programs, staff and budget will join the College of Education (COE). A study team led by Dr. Barri Tinkler, COE dean, has worked to ensure that this transition sets Outreach up for future success.

“As education continues to evolve in response to the changing needs of our world, Outreach’s innovative programs and staff are a natural fit for COE,” says Tinkler. “We’re delighted to welcome them into the college.”