Introduction
On behalf of the School of Nursing and Health Professions faculty and staff I would like to express the warmest congratulations to our graduates and wish you the best of luck as you prepare for your next journey. You have excelled and overcome many obstacles. I have no doubt that you will continue to represent the Murray State University School of Nursing and Health Professions well. No matter what career or educational path that you choose to follow, you will have the educational ability and skills to positively impact the communities, families and individuals you come in contact with. In this newsletter, you will be able to tell from the faculty and leadership team how proud we are of you.
During this time, we want to join our graduates and their families and friends in recognizing and celebrating your many accomplishments. I know that being recognized in a newsletter is not the same as walking across the graduation stage. I hope that you will find satisfaction in knowing that we recognize your hard work and are very proud of your accomplishments. Congratulations to all our graduates and thank you for choosing Murray State University.
Dr. Dina Byers, dean
School of Nursing and Health Professions
Commencement
For the health and safety of our campus and broader community, the fall 2020 commencement was held virtually on Nov. 21. To view the ceremonies, and for additional details, visit murraystate.edu/commencement.
Pictured are fall 2019 graduates.
Congratulations
Congratulations graduates! It has been a pleasure being a part of your academic journey. We are so proud of your hard work and accomplishments. We are especially proud of your perseverance during the recent trying times the pandemic created.
As you begin the next part of your life beyond your bachelor's degree, please drop us a line and a picture of you in your new endeavor. Whether the next part of life is your first professional position or putting on that white coat, we want to see you. Always remember to share your successes and allow us to proudly celebrate with you. We also hope that you will join us annually for Homecoming.
Wishing you the best with your next adventure!
Dr. Amelia Dodd
Program director, exercise science
Assistant dean, School of Nursing and Health Professions
Outstanding exercise science graduate
Congratulations to Callie Pearl for being named as the outstanding exercise science graduate for December 2020. Pearl worked 25 plus hours a week as a tutor and as a behavioral guide for children with autism, and completed her physical therapy internship, all while going to classes full time. After graduation she plans to gain some local work experience before moving to Chattanooga to complete the University of Tennessee Chattanooga’s doctor of physical therapy program.
“I am very proud of and thankful for my exercise science cohort,” said Pearl. “This major requires group work and reliance on others to help us practice our interprofessional skills and cultivate a teamwork mindset. My cohort really pulled together to lend helping hands to each other in tutoring one another and in preparing for our presentations. All the late nights studying in the library for our practicals, skill checks and exams will be a part of my memory forever. I couldn’t have wished for better people to learn and grow with.
“I selected exercise science accidentally and I’m so thankful that I did. I was feeling really lost in trying to pick a career that I would be passionate about that also paid well and had job opportunities. I wanted to be in the healthcare profession, but I wasn’t in love with the idea of prescribing medication as a primary treatment option to help patients. Other majors barely touch on the human body and revolve around classes focused on memorizing cell components and chemistry formulas. Although these are great courses, I feel that no other major prepares you for a future career as a health care professional as well as exercise science. Although the first semester of labs can be tearful, everyone who comes out on the other side is well prepared to be successful in their graduate program. Knowing that I have the foundational knowledge makes me feel less anxious about my transition into a DPT program.”
Outstanding graduate in nutrition and dietetics
The 2020 outstanding graduate in nutrition and dietetics is Cassie Blandford. Congratulations Cassie! Cassie plans to work with the food services manager at the Mayfield Independent School District as well as at Hickory Woods Senior Living Community as a cook during the spring. She hopes to complete her dietetic internship and master’s degree with Murray State. Cassie enjoys bariatric and community nutrition and hopes to pursue a career as community dietitian in an outpatient facility. With the position she plans to facilitate nutrition counseling sessions as well as create preventative programs that can be implemented in the surrounding areas.
Outstanding public and community health graduates
Congratulations to these outstanding students:
- Sydney Beaupre – outstanding student in public and community health, health and fitness management
- Tia Tucker – outstanding student in public and community health
We’d also like to spotlight Jacklyn Rideout and Emmanuel Apeh.
Jacklyn Rideout works full time as a paramedic and chose the public and community health program to advance her career. She also recently had her first child while working on her degree.
“Since I already work in the community helping people, public and community health seemed like the perfect choice for me,” said Rideout. “At times it was hard. I had to find creative ways to attend classes while working 24-hour shifts and having a new baby. I had a lot of help from my family, friends, co-workers, advisor and instructors along the way. The advice I would give future students would be to just stick with it and to make a schedule for yourself.”
Emmanuel Apeh chose public and community health to better prepare himself to protect the health and improve the quality of life for others. After graduation he plans on looking for work, ideally in Calloway county, as well as pursuing a graduate degree sometime in the future.
“It is by God’s grace I am here at Murray State and about to graduate,” said Apeh. “My college journey has had more highs than lows and I am thankful for both because all things have worked together for good. My advice to future students is to stay focused and seek things that have value beyond this life, and to pray and give thanks in every situation. The public and community health program has great professors that want to see you succeed and I would encourage future students to build professional relationships with them.”
Pictured right is Sydney Beaupre. Pictured below, left to right, are Tia Tucker, Jacklyn Rideout and Emmanuel Apeh.
Congratulations
Congratulations nursing graduates! Even while faced with a pandemic, your determination, flexibility and persistence have been evident. You all have demonstrated the Murray State University nursing characteristics of hope, achievement and endeavor. Allow these characteristics to continue to guide your practice as you leave Mason Hall.
Although we are not celebrating your accomplishment the way we would like, please know that the nursing faculty are so proud of you. We are honored to have been a small part of your nursing journey and look forward to seeing the great contributions each of you will provide to the nursing profession. We take pride in your achievements and celebrate with you!
When the time allows, please come back to Murray State and Mason Hall. The Murray State University Nursing Alumni Association welcomes you to participate in Homecoming activities of the future. That will allow us the opportunity to give you the proper handshake and hug that this semester prohibits.
We wish you all the best!
Dr. Dana Todd
BSN program director
To view the virtual Bachelor of Science in nursing recognition ceremony go here.
Nursing Neighborhood
Nursing Neighborhood continued this fall semester with a few differences from last semester. This semester community health students met with nursing students in the lobby of Mason Hall allowing them to interact with students coming in and out of classes. Community health students also used QR codes to provide surveys, information and more to their fellow classmates. Topics varied from focusing on physical and mental health to current topics like Covid-19. We are very proud of them for handling this semester with such independence and creativity!
Caroline Szczepaniak
Nursing faculty
School of Nursing & Health Professions
Our school offers many different health careers that offer you the opportunity to influence the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
Website: http://www.murraystate.edu/sonhp
Location: 120 Mason Hall, Murray, KY 42071
Phone: 270-809-2193
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MSU-School-of-Nursing-Health-Professions-100228168258965
Twitter: @MsuSonhp