Joyce Yates is the Director of Health Education and Wellness for University Health Services. She has served in higher education for over 29 years. After being a Professor of Health at Wood Junior College and Mississippi University for Women (MUW), Dr. Yates joined the student health center team at Mississippi State University (MSU) in January of 2009. She has served as Past Coordinator of Graduate Studies in Health Education and past Emma Ody Pohl Endowed Chair at MUW, Past President of the MS Alliance for Health and Physical Education, Past Co-Chairman of MS Action for Healthy Kids, and has received various state and local awards in the health education field. Dr. Yates has made presentations on health and wellness in over 100 settings and on various health topics and issues. Dr. Yates along with Mandy Conrad authored the health and fitness book, Simple Fitness for the Body, Mind and Spirit. Her passion at MSU is for every student to be healthy, fit and academically successful.

Leah Pylate is the Assistant Director of Health Education and Wellness and Sexual Assault for University Health Services. She holds a master's degree in both Health Promotion and Business Administration and has experience working in a number of health education settings including schools, worksites, community and university settings. She also has experience working with grant funded projects and is currently a Certified Health Education Specialist. She enjoys educating students on the importance of practicing healthy lifestyle behaviors.

JuLeigh Baker is a Health and Wellness Educator for University Health Services. Over the years she gained experiences in the fields of Alcohol and Drug Education, Tobacco Cessation, Cardiac Rehabilitation and General Health and Wellness. JuLeigh is a trained Tobacco Treatment Specialist and a Certified TIPPS Alcohol Intervention Trainer. She enjoys developing new and exciting programs, campaigns and programs for Mississippi State University’s students to become more knowledgeable about their health.

Michelle LaFleur's professional career began in public relations and marketing, and she has always had a passion for college students and the campus environment. While working on her master's degree, she served the department of Health Education and Wellness as a graduate assistant with the Stay Dry! Mississippi Coalition of Partners in Prevention Grant. She received her master's degree in Counselor Education with an emphasis in Student Affairs in 2010 and began her staff position as Grant Support Specialist focusing efforts on alcohol and drug education/prevention work in the fall of 2011. Her goal is to provide students with factual information about their health habits, so they can set positive goals and have a successful college experience.

Mandy Conrad's professional career began as a fitness counselor at a hospital-based wellness facility. Experiences in the health field ranged from helping collegiate athletes to cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation patients. Mandy gained an eye-opening awareness that individuals from all ages and backgrounds shared the common goal of improved health. Her interest in nutrition grew as she observed the relationship it had to overall health and wellness. After furthering her education in the area of nutrition and health promotion, Mandy worked in the healthcare setting prior to working as a fitness and nutrition consultant. Mandy more recently ventured into online/phone nutrition counseling, specializing in food allergies and sensitivities. Her individualized approach allows her to successfully help others take current nutrition recommendations and apply them to real life.

Kim Kavalsky is the coordinator of mental health outreach. She received her master's degree in Counselor Education with an emphasis in Community Counseling in 2003. Her past experience includes residential treatment facilities addressing chemical dependence and community mental health focusing on a vast array of mental health concerns. She received her professional licensure in 2005 and became a board qualified supervisor in 2008. Her goal is to bring awareness to issues of mental health and promote effective services to students.

John is the Coordinator of the Collegiate Recovery Community. He received his Master's degree in Counselor Education from Mississippi State University and has worked in the mental health and chemical addiction fields as both administrator and therapist. John hopes to share his passion for recovery with the MSU campus and help those recovering from addiction and other mental and emotional issues to achieve their goals and maintain a successful recovery.

Working in the Department of Health Education and Wellness allows me the opportunity to interact and assist the most important group at MSU, the students. I have a passion for working with people in the spirit of excellence with warmth and kindness. When I am not assisting students, faculty and staff, I enjoy being very active in my church, singing, reading, taking in movies and most of all administering love and compassion to all.

LeAnn Alexander is a native of Starkville, MS. She is a 2011 graduate of Mississippi University for Women, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Studies. She is a proud Spring 2009 initiate of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Currently, LeAnn is a second year graduate student at Mississippi State University pursuing a master's degree in Counseling Education with an emphasis in Student Affairs. As a Health Education and Wellness graduate assistant, LeAnn will be working primarily in the area of Sexual Health. She has aspirations of pursuing a career in Campus Recreation or Admissions and scholarships. When not working, LeAnn enjoys listening to music, shopping, and meeting new people. She believes strongly in the old saying from Eleanor Roosevelt, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

Ashley is a Starkville native and is currently working on obtaining her Master's degree in Health Promotion. She graduated from MSU in May of 2012 with a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology. Ashley is now working as a Graduate Assistant with the Health Education and Wellness Department. After graduation, she plans to work on her PhD in Health Promotion and ultimately pursue a career as a college professor. Ashley enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her dog Oreo as well as traveling and shopping.

Kimberly Fletcher is a graduate student working on her Master's in Educational Psychology with emphasis in Student Affairs. She graduated from The University of Alabama in Huntsville with her B.S. in Biological Sciences. Once finished with her Master's degree, she plans on working on her PhD in Educational Psychology. In the future, Kimberly would like to work in the science department of a University. She spends more of her free time keeping up-to-date with the latest science and health publications.

Katie Garth is a graduate student at Mississippi State University working on her PhD in Elementary Education. She received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Mobile. Her hobbies include: playing tennis, playing the piano, reading, creating art and experiencing new adventures. For three years, Katie taught kindergarten and second grade in inner city schools in Mobile, Alabama. It was during this time that her interest in health education grew. In the future, Katie hopes to educate teachers, children and parents about ways to reduce stress in the classroom thereby providing a more conducive atmosphere for learning. Her passion is to change and improve the world, one life at a time.

Bowen Lancaster is from Columbus, MS and is currently working on obtaining his Master's Degree in Public Policy and Administration with an emphasis in health. He graduated from Mississippi State University with his B.A. in Political Science. Bowen is now working as a Graduate Assistant with the Health Education and Wellness Department. After graduation, he plans on pursuing a career in Hospital Administration. In his free time, Bowen likes to visit with family and friends as well as playing the occasional round of golf.

Kayla Roden recently joined the Health Education and Wellness team at Mississippi State University as a graduate assistant. A native of Batesville, Mississippi, Kayla completed her B.S. in Criminology at Mississippi State in May of 2012. She will be working mostly with programs dedicated to bringing awareness to campus on topics such as sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and stalking. After completing her graduate work, Kayla plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Criminology with a concentration in Victimology. Kayla enjoys traveling, reading, and attending concerts and shows with family and friends in her free time.

David Shrock is from Philadelphia, MS and is currently working on obtaining his Masters of Science in Kinesiology - Exercise Physiology Concentration here at Mississippi State University. David graduated in May of 2011 with a B.S. in Kinesiology from Mississippi State, and is now working as a Graduate Assistant with the Health Education and Wellness Department. Following completion of his graduate degree, David plans to attend medical school with aspirations of becoming a General Surgeon. David enjoys spending his time in the outdoors as well as with his family and friends.

A native of Eupora, Mississippi, Elizabeth Hall is a former member of the Mississippi State Women's Tennis Team. She is currently working on her Master's degree in Sport Pedagogy at Mississippi State University, and recently became a Graduate Assistant in Health Education and Wellness. She graduated from MSU in May 2012 with a B.S. degree in Sport Pedagogy. After completing her graduate work, Elizabeth looks to pursue a career as a college professor. Elizabeth works with Mandy Conrad promoting nutrition health on campus at Mississippi State.

Heather Richardson recently joined the Health Education and Wellness team at Mississippi State University as a graduate assistant. A native of Collinsville, Mississippi, Heather completed her B.S. in Kinesiology at Mississippi State in December of 2011. She will be working with Juleigh Baker to promote cancer awareness and tobacco cessation on campus. Heather is an avid supporter of health promotion, and in the future she hopes to pursue a career as a physical therapist.

Zack Vosen is a Starkville native and has been a life-long Bulldog fan. He graduated from Mississippi State with a B.S. degree in Sport Pedagogy in May 2012, and is now working toward the completion of his Master's degree in Sport Administration. Zack recently joined Health Education and Wellness as a graduate assistant, and will be working primarily with GAIN and other alcohol-related education programs on campus at Mississippi State. In his free time, Zack enjoys traveling, attending sporting events, hunting and other outdoor activities, and helping out with area youth groups. In the future, Zack hopes to hopes to obtain a position helping young people to set goals and better themselves through sports and other healthy activities.