First MHPC Respiratory Care Graduates Ready to Fill Critical Workforce Need
The inaugural class of the (MHPC) Respiratory Care program made history Aug. 10 as the first students completed a program created to help address the need for respiratory care professionals in rural Missouri.
The Class of 2026 was recognized during a pinning ceremony at 91ԭƬ, where nine graduates celebrated earning an Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Care.
The graduates are Kelsey Buxton, Anissa Cox, Benjamin Gutz, Aurora Hubbard, Cody Knutson, Molli Mahalovich, Eden Nelson, Briana Parrott and Logan Pursifull.
The Respiratory Care program was launched to address a shortage of respiratory care professionals in rural Missouri. It is offered through MHPC by 91ԭƬ, Moberly Area Community College, North Central Missouri College, State Fair Community College and Three Rivers College, with 91ԭƬ serving as the fiscal agent and program lead.
The consortium allows the colleges to share resources and student enrollment, making specialized health care programs available in rural areas where individual colleges may not have enough students to sustain a program on their own. Students select a home college where they enroll and ultimately earn their degree.
The inaugural class included graduates from three of the five colleges. Nelson and Hubbard are 91ԭƬ graduates; Gutz is a Moberly Area Community College graduate; and Buxton, Cox, Knutson, Mahalovich, Parrott and Pursifull are State Fair Community College graduates.
The Respiratory Care program was developed with support from a $5.5 million U.S. Department of Labor grant awarded to 91ԭƬ in 2024. The grant supports respiratory care education and workforce development across predominantly rural areas of Missouri. The initiative was designed to reach 70 predominantly rural and low-income counties.
Guest speaker Lori Hubbard, Manager of Respiratory Care Services at Boone Health, addressed the graduates and reflected on the significance of the inaugural class.
“Today we celebrate not only your graduation, but the success of a vision that many believed in and worked tirelessly to bring to life,” Hubbard said. “I have had the privilege of watching many of you grow from uncertain students into skilled, confident professionals, and I could not be prouder of what you accomplished.”
91ԭƬ President Dr. Jon Bauer welcomed those attending the ceremony. Dr. Nancy Mitchell, Dean of Health Sciences, delivered opening remarks, and Dr. Robyn Walter, Vice President of Academic Affairs, provided closing remarks.
Graduate Aurora Hubbard delivered student remarks during the ceremony.
Program Director Valerie Norwood and Director of Clinical Education Denise King presented the graduates with their pins.
Three graduates also received special recognition during the ceremony.
Eden Nelson received the MHPC Clinical Excellence Award, which recognizes a graduate who has demonstrated exceptional clinical skills and excellence in patient care. The award also recognizes evidence-based practice, continued learning and mentorship, and the delivery of safe, effective and compassionate care.
Briana Parrott received the Rising Star Award, recognizing her growth and dedication throughout the program, including excellence in clinical performance, technical skills and commitment to patient care.
Benjamin Gutz received the MHPC Outstanding Respiratory Care Award, recognizing outstanding leadership, academic excellence and clinical achievement.
Norwood serves as program director for the MHPC Respiratory Care program, and King serves as director of clinical education. Michelle Todd and Josh Hickman serve as adjunct faculty.
