College of Allied Health and Nursing News

Dental Hygiene hosts 5K fundraiser for service learning in Belize

Join Minnesota State University, Mankato Dental Hygiene students for "Miles for Smiles", a 5K Walk/Fun Run, to help raise funds for their upcoming service learning trip to Belize.

Visiting Student from Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University

Kotomi Kammi from Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, visited Minnesota State University for two weeks in an effort to increase global collaboration between undergraduate nursing students.

New Partnership with Austrian University

The Glen Taylor Nursing Institute for Family and Society is partnering with Kärnten University of Applied Sciences in Austria! We've signed a three-year partnership agreement focused on community health and nursing education.
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Improving Immigrant Families Health: Screening for Adverse Childhood Experiences

Nursing doctoral student Felicia Zimmerman presented her DNP project, Improving Immigrant Families Health: Screening for Adverse Childhood Experiences at the SIGMA Creating Healthy Work Environments Conference March 8-10 in Washington DC.

Fall 2023 Dean's List!

Congratulations to our students who made the Dean's List during the last semester!

Totally Stoked! How one PE-DAPE student's future got rolling

It may not have been the direction Mallory Stiff, a Physical Education and Developmental Adapted Physical Education (DAPE) student was headed, but with support from faculty, an open mind and a skateboard, she was able to "alley-oop" resulting in some rad real-world experiences.

Social Work alumni finds her voice

Meet Jackie Wilson, a Social Work graduate who was able find her personal and professional voice during her time at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Dental Education graduate helps fill a need

Meet Rachel Wangen, a Dental Hygiene and Advanced Dental Therapy graduate who is now working to increase access to oral health care.

Stepping up to the plate: Dietetics graduate returns to MSU as campus dietitian

Taylor Nixt '22, dishes on her first full-time job in this Q&A.

Minnesota State Mankato welcomes Kansai Medical University delegation

In an effort to foster international collaborations and broaden its global presence, Kansai Medical University embarked on a visit to Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Glen Taylor Institute announces 2023 Becky Taylor Fellows

The Glen Taylor Institute is delighted to introduce the recipients of the 2023 Becky Taylor Fellowships, a program designed to provide financial support to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students at Minnesota State University, Mankato, for their education and research.

College to Provide Free Dental, Health Services to Active, Reserve, Retired Military

The College of Allied Health and Nursing is honoring active, reserve and retired military members by offering a variety of dental, hearing and health services for free on Thursday, Nov. 9 in the University’s Clinical Sciences Building.
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Alumni Q&A: How two Recreation and Parks Leadership Studies grads are creating space for fun

Dan Lee ‘12 and Martie Kaus ‘08 - alumni of the Recreation and Parks Leadership Studies program at Minnesota State Mankato - started an organization to bring worldly views to Greater Mankato—and to bring attention to the connection between mental health and recreation.

Taylor Nursing Institute welcome students from Austria

Minnesota State Mankato welcomed four nursing students from Austria who shared their global insight with Mankato nursing students while gaining a deeper understanding of family and societal nursing.

Getting out there: Athletic Trainers make all the difference in getting players back on the field

Learn more about the MS in Athletic Training program at Minnesota State University, Mankato in this article from our student newspaper, the Reporter.

You Heard Correctly: Communication Sciences and Disorders professor on African American English

Danielle Scott, a speech-language pathologist and professor in Speech, Hearing and Rehabilitation Services at Minnesota State Mankato, shares her path on how Black people communicate and her research on the topic of African American English.

Nick Allen Scholarship: Supporting nursing students who aspire to work with people with special needs

The endowment makes it possible for the scholarship that Wendy and Sandy Allen had funded after to Nick’s death to continue supporting nursing students who want to work with people with special needs in perpetuity.

Sport Management major emerges as an esports star

Alysha Strunk, a Sport Management major at Minnesota State Mankato, has been accepted into the world's first professional all-women "Call of Duty" team.

Virtually Beneficial: New equipment gives Social Work students a new perspective

Social Work students at Minnesota State University, Mankato are complementing their academic and community training through virtual reality/simulated experiences that can be used in real-world settings.

Minnesota State Mankato, Mayo Clinic Health System Announce Collaboration

Minnesota State University, Mankato and Mayo Clinic Health System in Southwest Minnesota have announced a new collaboration between the two organizations intended to advance the region and focus on educational experiences; health and well-being; and research.

RPLS program taps nearby Rasmussen Woods for teaching and learning

Recreation and Parks Leadership Studies (RPLS) students will continue to gain real-world experiences in the nearby Rasmussen Woods, thanks to a renewed agreement between the University and the City of Mankato.

Compeer Financial Pledges $300,000 to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Center for Rural Behavioral Health at Minnesota State Mankato

Minnesota State University, Mankato President Edward Inch announced today that Compeer Financial has pledged $300,000 over three years to establish the operational structure and advance the growth of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Center for Rural Behavioral Health at the University.

Now available: the latest issue of Pulse Magazine

Check out the latest issue of Pulse, a publication highlighting faculty, students, activities and alumni with the College of Allied Health and Nursing at Minnesota State Mankato.
Minnesota State Mankato Student Nurses' Association student and faculty leaders.

Student Nurses' Association named a national “Stellar School”

The Minnesota State University, Mankato chapter of the Student Nurses’ Association (SNA) received Stellar School recognition during a recent National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) conference.

Spring 2023 Dean's List!

Congratulations to our students who made the Dean's List during the last semester!
Several Athletic Training students standing together at conference

Athletic Training students, faculty, and alumni recognized

Congratulations to Mankato MS Athletic Training students, faculty and alumni who have been recognized for research and outstanding work.

Q & A with a moulage artist

The Maverick Family Nursing Simulation Center at Minnesota State University, Mankato, answers a few questions about moulage -- the art of applying mock injuries for the specific purpose of training emergency response teams.

RPLS announces 2023 Hall of Fame

Recipients will be recognized during the April 14 Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Day, which celebrates the contributions of students, alumni, faculty and professional partners.

Health Equity focus of March 29 Summit

The College of Allied Health and Nursing at Minnesota State University, Mankato will hold its annual Health and Biomedical Sciences Summit from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, with this year’s topic being “Communities in Action: Pathways to Health Equity.”

Registration open: FACS to the Max, April 14

FACS to the Max is designed for FCS educators (grades 5-12), interested high school students, and FCS college students focusing on skills to maximize FCS classrooms.
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'23-'24 scholarship applications open

Scholarship applications for the upcoming academic year are now open!

RPLS faculty weighs in on health impact of PFAS

Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services professor Dr. Jonathan Hicks shared his thoughts about the health impacts of PFAS in this Mankato Free Press article.
a logo for a children's charity

Minnesota State Mankato to Offer Free Dental Care for Kids on Feb. 2

Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Dental Education Program is offering free dental care to area children 18 years and younger.
Physical Education faculty at Minnesota State University, Mankato hosting the Minnesota Society of Health and Physical Educators (MNSHAPE) Southern Regional Workshop

Physical Education faculty host workshop for current and future educators

Physical Education faculty at Minnesota State Mankato hosted a regional workshop for current and future health and physical educators.
David Hood on the left side, Minnesota State University, Mankato's provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, and Rolando Garcia on the right side, North Hennepin Community College's president, are pictured at a Jan. 11, 2023 ceremony in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota

Minnesota State Mankato and North Hennepin Community College Announce Maverick Advance Plan for Nursing Students

Mankato, Minn. – Minnesota State University, Mankato and North Hennepin Community College have collaborated on a partnership known as the Maverick (Nursing) Advance (Transfer) Plan, or “MAP.
Photos of five community health interns

Nursing interns support area school nurses

Meet five Minnesota State Mankato nursing students who are serving as Community Health Interns, supporting school nurses across Southern Minnesota.
Haylee Blauert and Jason Jasperson in front of artwork from The book their authored and illustrated called "The Stars in the Sky"

Processing Grief Through Art

Experiential Education Master of Science alumni Haylee Blauert and Jason Jaspersen authored and illustrated a children's book about grief and loss called "The Stars in the Sky".

MSU students teach physical education to homeschoolers

Through Minnesota State Mankato's Health and Physical Education program, students have the opportunity to teach PE to area homeschool students. Learn more in this Mankato Free Press article.

Social Work newsletter available

Check out the latest news and updates from Social Work.
Equity Engagement Space from hallway.

Equity Engagement Space opens

To serve as a place for people of color, LGBTQIA+, and historically excluded groups, the College of Allied Health and Nursing has opened the Equity Engagement Space. The Space was intentionally designed to create a place where unapologetic, healing, and transformative conversations can take place.

College to provide free dental, health services during Health for Heroes

The College of Allied Health and Nursing is honoring active, reserve and retired military members by offering a variety of dental, hearing and health services for free on Thursday, Nov. 10 in the University’s Clinical Sciences Building.

Lacrosse Lesson: Sport Management students welcome Native Lacrosse, HAN University

Students from the Minnesota State Mankato Sport Management program and HAN University in the Netherlands welcomed Twin Cities Native Lacrosse as part of a 10 day sport sciences exchange. (Mankato Free Press article)
A large group of students from HAN University and Minnesota State University doing the horns up with their hands and holding a Minnesota State University, Mankato Sport Management banner in Myers Field House

Students coordinate team building event for international Sport Management exchange

Students in an "Event Management in Sport" class designed a team-building event to help set a positive and welcoming tone for a 10-day Sport Management exchange between Minnesota State Mankato and HAN University, Netherlands.

Minnesota State Mankato and Minnesota North College Announce Partnership for Nursing Students

Representatives from Minnesota State University, Mankato and Minnesota North College sign a nursing partnership plan on Oct. 24, 2022.
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Inspired to help heal: How alumni Kelsey Joines is helping "revive the spirit"

A required drug education class introduced Kelsey Joines to her calling -- helping people leave their addictions behind.

Health Science faculty receives grant to increase tobacco-free signage

Thanks to a grant written by Health Science faculty, updated signs are being installed at Minnesota State University, Mankato to help remind students, staff and visitors that the campus is 100% tobacco free.
Purple and gold banner that says "Congratulations to the 2022-2023 Scholarship Recipients!"

2022-2023 College of Allied Health and Nursing scholarship recipients

Congrats to this year's College of Allied Health and Nursing students who received scholarships!

University collaborates to improve care for sexual assault survivors

Minnesota State Mankato School of Nursing and the University of Minnesota, through a $1.5 million grant, are increasing the number of nurses trained as Adult/Adolescent Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs).
Two Dietetics students wearing aprons at kitchen counter with food on it.

Dietetics majors Chance and Payton dish about their summer internship and career goals

Chance Washburn and Payton Dosan, both Dietetics majors with minors in Sports Medicine, took a few minutes to give us the scoop about their major, their internship, and career goals. 

Community invited to get behind-the-scenes look during Scholar Walk

Seven stops within the College of Allied Health and Nursing to be featured.

Minnesota State Mankato offers nursing assistant course to help alleviate shortage

KEYC News Now spent time with Minnesota State University, Mankato's nursing faculty and students to learn more about free CNA trainings, designed to help alleviate the shortage of health care workers while giving participants real-world experience.

Retiring dean reflects on a decade of service

Kristine Retherford leaves a lasting impact on the health of campus and the community.

Nursing partnership with Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe College announced

Minnesota State Mankato and Lac Courte Oreilles College have announced a partnership that will allow students to complete their BSN in a 100% online program.
Banner hung between trees in a park that says Play Day with boxes and blankets on the ground

FCS hosts Play Day, Adventure Playground

Family Consumer Science students and faculty are hosting Play Day, an opportunity for children of all ages and abilities to engage in risk, nature and free play.

University names Patricia Marincic dean of the College of Allied Health and Nursing

Minnesota State University, Mankato announced that Patricia Marincic has been named dean of the University’s College of Allied Health and Nursing, effective July 1, after a national search.
Purple and gold backdrop with "Congrats" banner

Recap: May 2022 Commencement

Congratulations to the recent graduates of the College of Allied Health and Nursing! Here are few helpful links for our spring 2022 graduates.

Center awarded Parkinson Voice Project grant for third year

The grant will provide training for graduate students and speech-language pathologists who will learn the latest approaches for helping people with Parkinson’s to improve their speech and voice.

Recap: Senior Smiles event

The inaugural "Senior Smiles" event provided free dental care to 72 area senior citizens.
Large group of Rec N' Read campers posing outside in-front of clinical science building

Rec N’ Read open house April 9

Rec N’ Read is hosting an open house for children in grades K-5 who want to boost their reading and writing skills on Saturday, April 9 from 10am - Noon in the Clinical Sciences Building on the campus of Minnesota State Mankato.
RPLS Day header with Recreation, Parks and Services wordmark

Inaugural "RPLS Day" to be April 8

The Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services (RPLS) program will present the Inaugural RPLS Day on April 8, 2022, in the Centennial Student Union. The Day will feature networking, professional development and an awards ceremony.

Social Work alum Jamie Rigling helps released prisoners launch new lives

When Jamie Rigling, a 2006 graduate of Social Work helps formerly incarcerated people, she does so from a unique place of empathy.
Mental Health is Health Health Summit graphic purple, gold and green

"Mental Health is Health" topic of March 30 Summit

Best-selling author and speaker Johann Hari to deliver keynote address.

Minnesota State Mankato to Establish Center for Rural Behavioral Health

The Center for Rural Behavioral Health will achieve its mission through research, workforce development and continuing education, such as providing licensure board required trainings in outstate Minnesota.

Advanced Dental Therapy accepting applications

The Department of Dental Education at Minnesota State University, Mankato is accepting applications for the Master of Science in Advanced Dental Therapy (ADT MS).

Training explores historical trauma's role in health outcomes

More than 700 people registered for this training, exploring the link between historical trauma and health disparities in communities of color. Learn more in this Mankato Free Press article.

School of Nursing receives grant

Minnesota State University, Mankato School of Nursing faculty are partnering with University of Minnesota through a ~$1.5 million grant to increase the number of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) in rural Minnesota, sovereign nations, and underserved areas in the United States.
Public Dental Clinic student with Stomper

Recap: 2022 Give Kids A Smile event

The 2022 event provided free dental care to 70 area children.
a logo for a children's charity

Minnesota State Mankato to Offer Free Dental Care for Kids on Feb. 3

Minnesota State University, Mankato's Dental Education program is offering free dental care to area children 18 years and younger Thursday, February 3 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Appointments are required - please call 507-389-2147.
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PE-DAPE students support inclusive hockey match

Students and faculty with the Physical Education-Developmental Adapted Physical Education (DAPE) major volunteered, cheered, and learned about creating inclusive environments during an adapted floor hockey match. Learn more in this Mankato Free Press article.
A nursing student in scrubs provides care to another student who is playing the role of someone with a head injury

Nursing students participate in mock disaster drill

School of Nursing students at Minnesota State University, Mankato participated in a mock disaster drill that had first-semester nursing students role playing as tornado victims and third-semester nursing students responding at the scene.

Opening eyes—and ears—to allied health careers

The Health Care Career Exploration Program gave these high school students the opportunity to learn more about allied health careers through clinic rotations, shadowing, observations and networking.

College to provide free health, hearing and dental services to military members

The College of Allied Health and Nursing is honoring active, reserve and retired military members by offering a variety of dental, hearing and health services at no charge during the "Health for Heroes" event, November 11.

Nursing faculty support research behind compassion

School of nursing faculty contributed to research behind Mankato and North Mankato being named Compassionate Communities. Learn more in this Mankato Free Press article.
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Mankato Opens Nation's Fourth School to Train Dental Therapists

Minnesota State Mankato's Dental Therapy programs is highlighted in this article from the Pew Charitable Trusts as one way to help meet the demand for access to affordable, oral health care.
A Minnesota State University's Kids Day at the public dental clinic poster

Minnesota State Mankato Dental Clinic to Provide Free Dental Care for Kids on Oct. 21

Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Dental Hygiene Program is offering free dental care to area children 18 years and younger Thursday, Oct. 21 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Event highlights diversity gap in mental health care

This article in the Mankato Free Press talks about the gap between providers and providers of color - especially in rural Minnesota - and one of the ways the University is working to support a more diverse workforce.
a building with a glass wall

Grant received to introduce health careers to diverse students

KEYC News Now shared this story about a series of events hosted by Minnesota State University, Mankato designed to recruit a more diverse student body to the field of behavioral health careers

Health Science professor provides data for community about flavored tobacco

During a Mankato City Council meeting, Health Science faculty were asked to provide data on flavored tobacco use in youth. Get the research, meeting recap and details in this Mankato Free Press article.
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2021-2022 College of Allied Health and Nursing scholarship recipients

Congrats to this year's College of Allied Health and Nursing students who received scholarships!

Alcohol and drug studies students help fill need for more mental health leaders

As part of an occasional series focused on mental health, this Mankato Free Press article features the alcohol and drug studies program students and faculty and how they are responding to the need for mental health care leaders, especially in rural Minnesota.
Physical Education-Developmental Adapted Physical Education students assisting kids with disabilities play in the gym with a beach ball

New PE-DAPE major helps fill need for future educators

Responding to the demand for more Physical Education-Developmental Adapted Physical Education (PE-DAPE) educators, Minnesota State University, Mankato is now the first University in the Upper Midwest to offer a PE-DAPE undergraduate major.
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Social Work moves forward with a legacy of best practices

When looking for a new home, buyers are often told to focus on one thing: location, location, location.That same focus has guided the leaders of the Minnesota State University, Mankato Department of Social Work.
Kirsten Abbott Anderson, a School of Nursing associate professor at Minnesota State University, giving an interview for KEYC News Station

Mankato garden provides peaceful retreat for seniors with memory loss

College of Allied Health and Nursing faculty were interviewed by KEYC News Now about their work creating meaningful experiences for those with dementia.
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When worlds collide: FCS and nonprofit leadership alum taps commitment to inclusion

Lydia Jagodzinski, '20 turned her passions for community, diversity, and working with youth into her dream job.
a person in a hat and glasses

Back in the Bullpen

Maurer's hours of practice paid off with success on the amateur competitive billiards circuit and—some 30-plus years after he last clocked in—an invitation to work in the Bullpen once again.
a person in a uniform

RPLS alumna makes most of time outdoors

An increase in outdoor recreation means an increase in engagement opportunities for Conservation Officer Chelsey Bechel '17.
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Summer services at Health Commons at Pond

The summer program helps fill a gap for families while providing real-world experiences for students.
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Volunteers, patients with memory loss share experiences through gardening

Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) joined our student volunteers, faculty, and those with memory challenges in a place that makes a lasting impression - a community garden.
College of Allied Health and Nursing building

Clinical Sciences Building receives architecture award

Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Clinical Sciences Building was one of six buildings recognized with a Merit Award from the American Institute of Architects Minneapolis.

Dental student receives Gilman scholarship for study abroad

Morgan Rud, a pre-dental major from Mondovi, Wisconsin, received the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.

Minnesota State Mankato, South Central College Announce MAP Plan for Nursing Students

Minnesota State University, Mankato and South Central College (SCC) announced a partnership known as the Maverick (Nursing) Advance (Transfer) Plan.
Four family consumer science students with information about healthy living

FCS students host "Living Mindfully" event

Phi Upsilon Omicron (Phi U), the oldest national honor society in Family and Consumer Sciences, created and hosted a mindfulness exhibit for students, staff and faculty.

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