The hybrid, 76-credit-hour program combines online coursework, hands-on training in Missouri Valley College’s state-of-the-art simulation laboratories, and supervised clinical experiences at approved healthcare facilities. Graduates will be prepared to pursue certification through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) and enter the workforce as skilled diagnostic medical sonographers.

This launch reflects the continued growth of our health sciences programs and our commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers that directly impact the lives of others. The healthcare industry continues to face significant workforce needs, and this program creates another pathway for students to enter a rewarding profession while serving communities across Missouri and beyond.

The program will be led by Kelley McDonald, a veteran sonography educator and practitioner with more than two decades of experience in diagnostic imaging, healthcare management, and sonography education. McDonald previously served as Clinical Coordinator for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at Washburn University, where she played a key role in curriculum development, clinical education, accreditation efforts, and student success. She holds credentials as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT), and a Registered Radiologic Technologist. Her extensive experience in both clinical practice and higher education positions her to provide students with a strong foundation in sonography and patient-centered care.

The curriculum is intentionally designed to balance classroom instruction, laboratory training, and real-world clinical experience. Students will study sonographic physics and instrumentation, abdominal sonography, obstetric and gynecological imaging, vascular sonography, cross-sectional anatomy, and advanced clinical practice while developing the technical and critical-thinking skills required in modern healthcare settings.

The program represents an important addition to Missouri Valley College’s growing portfolio of healthcare degrees. Diagnostic medical sonography is one of the fastest-growing professions in healthcare, and employers continue to seek highly trained professionals who can provide accurate diagnostic imaging and exceptional patient care. Graduates will be well-positioned to meet that demand through a curriculum focused on both technical proficiency and clinical excellence.

Diagnostic medical sonographers play a vital role in patient care by using ultrasound technology to assist physicians in diagnosing and monitoring a wide range of medical conditions. Sonographers may work in hospitals, physician offices, outpatient clinics, specialty imaging centers, and other healthcare environments. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for diagnostic medical sonographers are projected to grow significantly over the coming decade, driven by increased demand for non-invasive diagnostic procedures and advances in medical imaging technology.

The program also reflects Missouri Valley College’s continued investment in healthcare education and workforce development. Through partnerships with healthcare providers, students will gain practical experience and industry-relevant training that prepares them to excel in an evolving healthcare landscape.

The combination of advanced simulation training, clinical experiences, and faculty mentorship will provide students with an exceptional educational experience. Graduates will leave the program prepared to pursue professional certification, enter the workforce with confidence, and make a meaningful difference in patient care throughout the region and beyond.

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They are:

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The fully online, 30-credit-hour program is built to prepare graduates for high-demand careers in the health, fitness, and performance industries, including roles as exercise physiologists, fitness and wellness coordinators, strength and conditioning specialists, exercise trainers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and more.

“This launch reflects months of thoughtful planning, collaboration, and dedication from an outstanding team,” said Dr. Joe Parisi, President of Missouri Valley College. “We are excited to launch a degree that not only reflects the strengths of our institution, but also meets a growing need in today’s workforce.”

According to Dr. Tom Bertoncino, Associate Dean of Health Sciences, the curriculum was intentionally designed to combine scientific knowledge with practical, career-focused application. Courses include advanced exercise physiology, advanced sports nutrition, advanced conditioning, exercise and sport psychology, exercise as medicine, tactical strength and conditioning, and much more.

“This program will be an outstanding addition to MVC’s graduate offerings,” Bertoncino said. “Exercise science has consistently been one of the most popular and fastest-growing areas of study at MVC, and this degree creates an exciting pathway for students to continue their education and advance their careers.”

Bertoncino added that the program arrives at an important time, as demand continues to rise across the sports performance, fitness, wellness, and healthcare industries. With a growing emphasis on preventative health, rehabilitation, and human performance, the new master’s degree is designed to equip graduates with workforce-relevant skills and real-world expertise that will help them stand out in a competitive and rapidly evolving field.

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They were inspired by a deeply personal message from the speaker, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who received an honorary doctorate of laws degree. Mullin was a student-athlete at Missouri Valley College in his younger years, but had to leave college to take over the family business when his father became ill.

Mullin is a dedicated public servant, having also served as a U.S. senator and member of the house of representatives in Oklahoma. He is known for finding common ground across the aisle on behalf of the American people.

Also honored at the commencement ceremony were the winners of the Charles L. Bacon Distinguished Service Award, Julius Kruger and Isabela Harp Gonzalez.

Kruger completed his degree in Computer Information Systems and Business Administration. He has been a member of the Honors College, spent seven semesters on the Dean’s List, been named an NAIA Scholar Athlete, and was a four-year starter on the MVC soccer team.

Gonzalez graduated with a double major in marketing and business administration. She was on the Dean’s List from Fall 2022 through spring 2025, and was a player on the MVC softball team. She worked as a student ambassador and was an intern in the athletic department.

The John McCallum Excellence in Teaching Award was presented to Dean Kelley McKay Fuemmeler, and the Staff Excellence Award went to Brandy Schulte.

“Graduation is like the Super Bowl,” said President Joe Parisi. “We’re sending these graduates out into the world to get jobs after our faculty and staff has worked to inspire them, shape them, mold them, and encourage them. It’s the best day of the year.”

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The commencement speaker is a special guest who will be introduced at the ceremony.

Dr. Cynthia Bice, vice president of academic affairs, will present two students with the Charles L. Bacon Distinguished Service Award. The awards are given annually to a senior man and woman. The awards are voted on by the senior class.

The Missouri Valley College ceremony will be livestreamed on the Viking Sports Network. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the Burns Athletic Center.

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The event culminates with the presentation of four $500 scholarships to the Excellence in Student Research Winners. They are:

Best Poster: Ellie Gutcher for “Does Alcohol Use and Sleep Quality Impact Stress Levels Among College Students”

Best Presentation: Lexi Leeper for “The Long-Term Health Consequences of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the Role of Trauma Informed Nursing Care”

Best Creative Works: Azul V. Hernandex for “Ofrenda” & ‘Hearts and Brains”

Best Graduate Research: Julia Vidallon for “Healing Through IFS and Empty Chair Technique”

“The Symposium was incredible,” said President Joe Parisi. “Kudos to all of our students who worked so hard to prepare. And I can’t say enough about the staff and volunteers who made it happen.”

Daniel Palomares Domingo received the People’s Choice Award for “Creating a Winning Identity: A Comprehensive Game Model for Collegiate Soccer”

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“This is such an exciting time on campus,” said Jen Livengood, Associate Professor of Psychology and co-chair of the Student Research Symposium Committee. “The students are buzzing with energy and anticipation to share the work that they’ve been creating all semester. We’re so thankful for the support that our campus community always shows them at the symposium!”

The four top student presenters will receive $500 scholarships, a tradition established by President Joe Parisi.

The Student Research Symposium is sponsored by the Missouri Valley College Office of Academic Affairs, the MVC Office of the President, Alpha Chi, the School of Business and Technology, the School of Arts and Humanities, the School of Education, the MVC Honors Program, the MACC Program, the School of Science and Agriculture, the MVC Libraries, and the School of Nursing and Health Sciences.

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The agreement, signed this month by the dean of the MU School of Law and MVC Vice President for Academic Affairs Cynthia Bice, allows qualified Missouri Valley Honors students to be considered for admission to the School of Law’s 3+3 program, finishing their undergraduate degree while they complete their first year of law school.

“At Missouri Valley, we envision and create pathways with intention to align our students’ ambition with opportunities, allowing them to move faster, further, and with purpose,” Bice said.

MU Law will consider qualified MVC Honors applicants with at least 60 hours of credit. They will have to complete at least 90 credit hours of undergraduate study prior to entering the School of Law.

According to the agreement, after completing the first year of law school the student will be allowed to participate in commencement at Missouri Valley College.

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His presentation is titled “Resumes Are Weird” How to Make Yours Work. He will focus his workshop on resources available to get hired fast in the real world.

If you’ve ever felt unsure how to describe your experience, been frustrated by sending applications and hearing nothing back, or wondered whether your resume is effective, this workshop is for you. All are welcome.

If you’re open to it, send your resume ahead to hello@woodardweb.com and “we’ll take a look at it together (in front of everybody-yikes) during this live session.”

Woodard was born less than a mile from Missouri Valley College.

Since that time, he’s traveled or worked in over 70 countries and served more than 25 years at the White House, on Capitol Hill, in the U.S. State Department, and at the Smithsonian Institution. Eric has designed and led internship programs across the full spectrum of the working world – from government and business to nonprofits, higher education, cultural institutions, and international organizations. He’s written several books about internships and conducted extensive research on the nature of internships that develop soft skills.

Over the course of his career, he’s helped professionals at every level – presidents and princes, senators and scientists, deans and diplomats, and leaders across business, technology, and government – navigate challenges and create meaningful paths forward. Today he is the CEO of Win at Work, a high-performance career and leadership coaching practice that helps people break through barriers in their work and life so they may better serve a world in need.

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The welcome and introductions each day begin at 8:45 a.m.

This year’s speakers include: V. Gina Tocco, senior partner at the Law Offices of Tocco, Connelly & Associates; Israel Natividad, Consulting Operations Analyst with John Dee Warwick Pty, Ltd; Jarrod Sanderson ‘04, CEO of The Way Home; Simon Siebert and Dr. Sean Siebert, Director of AI and Founder of 50 By Friday AI; Darci Ward ‘01, Founder and CEO of DK Dance Productions LLC, Ward Enterprises, Inc., Allstar Fieldhouse LLC, Dancer’s Closet, and Spotlight by DK Dance Productions; and Phil Kassel ‘00, Founder/CEO of 365 Grit.

The Maastricht Institute is named after the city of Maastricht, The Netherlands, and is an outgrowth of experiences and friendships among residents of Maastricht and several cities in the United States.

The goal of the Maastricht Institute is to foster an atmosphere of receptiveness and creativity toward comparative entrepreneurial processes. The Institute compares and contrasts the entrepreneurial business environment within the United States with that of other countries, highlighting domestic and international philosophies.

The Institute’s format includes lectures, seminars, and roundtable discussions.

For additional information on the 18th annual Maastricht Institute of Entrepreneurship, please contact Institute Director and Dean of the School of Business and Technology Milena Simic at simicm@moval.edu.

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Other MVC participants included psychology major James Phillips, president of MVC’s Sigma Nu chapter of Sigma Tau Delta; Senior English major Toni Randle; junior special education major Kaya Gorrow, chapter treasurer; and chapter advisor Claire Schmidt, discussant for two student sessions.

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