Matthew Allen
Join with us as we congratulate Matthew Allen on passing his Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam. Allen passed his exam April 16. The CHES exam measures possession, application and interpretation of knowledge in the seven areas of responsibility for health education specialists.
Tess Henderson
Congratulations to Presidential Research Fellow and public and community health student, Tess Henderson, on her poster presentation acceptance to the Kentucky Public Health Association 2021 conference. Her research project, “COVID-19 Campus Response Survey,” explores the effects of COVID-19 policies on mental health. Her research was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Miranda Terry.
Hanna Irvin crowned Ms. Murray State University
Congratulations to Hanna Irvin who was recently crowned Ms. Murray State University. Irvin is an exercise science major at Murray State.
“I am so honored to have received the title of Ms. Murray State University,” said Irvin. “Being from Murray, Murray State has always been an important part of my life as it has given me many opportunities over the years. I am beyond excited to be a representative of this amazing university and serve the campus and Murray community. Ever since I was a little girl, I have looked up to Ms. MSU, and being titled the 2021 Ms. Murray State University has turned the dream I had as little girl into a reality. I am so excited to see what this experience has in store for me as I represent the best university!”
When asked why she chose to study exercise science, Irvin replied, “I chose to study exercise science in college as I have always believed in the concept of exercise as medicine. This major allowed me to pursue my dream career as an occupational therapist, a career I have always admired. After my grandfather passed away from Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, I knew I wanted to become an occupational therapist to help others, like my grandfather, improve their quality of life by enhancing their execution of daily activities. The exercise science program has allowed me to expand my knowledge on exercise intervention, and it has recently led me to being accepted into the Master of Science in occupational therapy program at Murray State!”
More information about the Ms. Murray State University Scholarship Pageant can be found here.
Dr. Sherri Powers receives Faculty Innovation Initiative grant
Join with us as we congratulate Dr. Sherri Powers for receiving a Faculty Innovation Initiative grant for $1000. Committee members were impressed by Dr. Powers’ innovative approach and the level of community integration outlined in her proposal. The grant money will be used to fund the course outlined in her proposal.
As part of the course, students in the graduate occupational therapy program will work with a local children’s facility, Sensory Solutions, along with Dr. Powers to implement the Learning Without Tears handwriting program for the children who utilize the facility for occupational therapy services. This will be done as part of Dr. Powers’ OTR 667 community-based practice class.
“We will be working directly with the therapists in the facility and will provide an educational in-service to the therapists, parents and teachers involved to assist children with special needs to become more successful with handwriting tasks,” said Dr. Powers. “This is a unique ‘occupation’ required in the educational classroom. We will also work directly with the children using fun and interactive activities that address all learning styles – tactile, auditory, visual and kinesthetic – to help them understand various concepts of handwriting.”
The activities are developmentally-based and promote healthy habits related to handwriting including using writing tools such as crayons and pencils; visual perception and knowing where letters should be placed within the lines on the paper; visual motor skills, used to visually track information from the board to their paper; handedness, including preference and dominance; fine motor control; and gross motor control. Sensory Solutions will benefit from the donated supplies, which can be used over and over again by their therapists thanks to the funds provided by the grant.
Pictured right is Dr. Sherri Powers.
Pictured below is Isabelle Bumpus, Dr. Powers’ granddaughter, demonstrating “Mat Man,” one of the activities in the Learning Without Tears program. Mat Man focuses on body awareness, how different shapes fit together, and understanding difficult concepts such as in, under, middle, top and bottom.
Commencement
Commencement for spring and summer 2021 degree candidates and 2020 graduates will be held at the CFSB center. Ceremonies will also be streamed live the day of the ceremony.
- Friday, May 7, 7 p.m. – Masters, specialist, and doctoral graduates
- Saturday, May 8, 8 a.m. – Undergraduate ceremony I
- Saturday, May 8, 11 a.m. – Undergraduate ceremony II
- Saturday, May 8, 2 p.m. – Undergraduate ceremony III
Commencement ceremonies are RSVP only events. Only those students who have submitted an online registration and been notified via Murray State email regarding attendance will be allowed to participate in a ceremony. For the most recent information on commencement visit murraystate.edu/commencement.
Pictured are fall 2019 graduates.
Applied Health Sciences graduation reception
The Applied Health Sciences graduation reception will be held Friday, May 7 at 3 p.m. in the Curris Center Theater. RSVP is required to ensure social distancing measures can be adhered to. Other COVID safety measures, including mask usage, will be followed. Dessert refreshments will be offered during the reception.
Pictured are faculty and graduates from the 2018 and 2019 graduation and award receptions.
Nursing recognition ceremony
Spring 2021 recognition, previously the pinning ceremony, for nursing students will take place on Friday, May 7 at Hardin Baptist Church at 2:30 p.m. This semester’s ceremony honors recent BSN, RN to BSN, and DNP nursing graduates. Each graduate will be allowed to invite up to four friends or family members to attend the ceremony as we celebrate their accomplishments.
The nursing recognition ceremony has been in existence for over 50 years. Every nursing program in the U.S. has a unique pin for their graduating students. The Murray State nursing pin is in the shape of the shield of Murray State. The colors on the pin are blue and gold, the colors of Murray State. In the center of the pin is a red cross signifying the health profession. On the pin are the words Hope, Endeavor, and Achievement.
Pictured right are nursing students at a previous recognition. Pictured below is a Murray State nursing pin.
Hardin Baptist Church is located at 6867 US Hwy 641 S., Hardin, KY 42048. Attendees are asked to wear masks and practice social distancing during the event.
Morgan Anderson receives Tri-Cities Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics scholarship
The nutrition program would like to recognize Morgan Anderson on her receipt of the Tri-Cities Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics scholarship. Please join us in congratulating her on this achievement! Anderson is a graduate student in the Master of Science in nutrition, non-internship track program.
The award recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding scholastic ability and professional potential. Applicants are judged on their: grade point average; ability to follow directions; ability to organize information and complete the application; writing skills; references; participation and leadership in professional activities; well-rounded lifestyle (e.g., involvement in part-time jobs, volunteerism, and extracurricular activities); and financial need. Recipients must be enrolled in an ACEND-accredited dietetic education program, be a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and have not been previously awarded any Tri-Cities Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics scholarships.
Courtney Copeland
Congratulations to Courtney Copeland on being accepted into the doctor of physical therapy program at the University of Evansville. She will start the program May 2021.
“While at Murray State University, I had the opportunity to join several clubs and organizations, work as a physical therapy technician, assist a professor as a teacher’s assistant and volunteer within the community, all of which helped to shape me into the upcoming professional I am today,” said Copeland. “I believe that my time at Murray State has prepared me academically and professionally to be successful throughout my graduate program and throughout my career.”
Emily Bell
Congratulations to Emily Bell on being accepted into the Murray State University Master of Science in occupational therapy program. As an undergraduate Bell served as the president of Residential College Association (RCA) at Murray State. While in that position she helped to host a regional leadership conference for South Atlantic Affiliate of College and University of Residence Halls (SAACURH) where she served on the planning committee and as volunteer chair.
“My favorite class was EXS 480 in the fall of 2020 with Dr. Dodd,” said Bell. “In that class we learned all about the various specialties we could pursue in our professions including some I did not even realize were applicable to me. It opened up a whole new world for me once I finish my degree.”
Nathan Nolan
Congratulations to Nathan Nolan on being accepted into the doctor of physical therapy program at Harding University.
“Working with a patient under direct supervision of my internship supervisor during my internship and suggesting a treatment plan for them was such a nerve-racking experience,” said Nolan. “It was also engaging and educational at the same time. Challenging yourself is crucial in order to one day become the best practitioner you can be.”
Brian Wilhelm
Brian Wilhelm was accepted into the doctor of physical therapy program at Bellarmine University. As an undergraduate, Wilhelm also received the Applied Health Sciences Outstanding Student Award for Leadership. Congratulations!
“My favorite class that shaped my perception on my academic journey was Kinesiology,” said Wilhelm. “It allowed me to fully dive deep into the muscles in the human body and learn about each one and how they perform movements. It furthered my interest in the program and field of physical therapy.”
Tom Blum
Congratulations to Tom Blum. He was accepted into the doctor of physical therapy program at the University of Evansville.
“The class that really helped me achieve success was EXS 351,” said Blum. “Although one of the more difficult classes within the program, this class really brought to light how much time and effort it would take to get into the healthcare profession. Compared to other classes, this class had an increased workload that helped me change the way I approached my schoolwork. This helped me utilize my time more efficiently and change the way I studied in order to succeed. Now, going into graduate school, I feel comfortable with the excessive workload that will be placed onto me because of my experience in EXS 351.”
LuFei Harder
Congratulations to LuFei Harder on being accepted into the doctor of physical therapy program at Bellarmine University.
“My favorite memory during the exercise science program was working with the young athletes,” said Harder. “That experience is what solidified my decision to pursue physical therapy.”
Gage Ashby
Congratulations to Gage Ashby on being accepted into the Tennessee Wesleyan University Master of Science in occupational therapy program. Ashby applied to and was accepted into six different graduate schools.
“Any class with Dr. Dodd will always be one I consider to be a highlight of my academic career at Murray State,” said Ashby. “It was always made crystal clear that Dr. Dodd not only cared about her students’ learning, but also went above and beyond when it came to ensuring we learned in her classes. However, when it comes to pivotal moments I can’t go without mentioning Matt Robbe. Everyone who knows anything about the two of us knows that we’ve been connected at the hip over the past three years. Meeting Matt in Kinesiology made, and has continued to make, an impact on my life inside and outside of school, and has led to a lifelong friendship. I wouldn’t be where I am now had I not met him.”
Madison McClure
Congratulations to Madison McClure on being accepted into the doctor of physical therapy program at the University of Missouri.
“Dr. Dodd has to be my favorite instructor in the exercise science program, and was partly the reason I wanted to be an exercise science major at Murray State University,” said McClure. “I first met Dr. Dodd in high school when she came to our senior interviews, and talked to me about physical therapy and all the opportunities I would have at Murray State. Because of that talk, I took the leap. It was possibly the best decision I have made. Dr. Dodd allowed me to learn and expand upon other information we learned throughout the program, and taught in such an in-depth way that I was always leaning in to hear what she said next. I truly believe that Dr. Dodd is what has kept me in exercise science, and why I constantly want to learn new information and become the best healthcare professional possible.”
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