Southeastern Missouri Area Health Education Center

02/26/2026

Thank you Dr. Alexander-Frey for being a champion for rural health and AHEC! Also, thank you to Missouri Highlands Health Care for being an amazing local partner!

Continuing our celebration of outstanding healthcare leaders, we’re proud to highlight another nominee for the 2025 AHEC Alumni/Advocate of the Year Award.

Today, we recognize Kristen Alexander-Frey, DMD, for nearly two decades of dedication to the Southeastern Missouri Area Health Education Center pipeline.

Her journey began as a high school participant in the ACES program and has come full circle as a practicing dentist, mentor, and trusted partner in strengthening dental career pathways across southeast Missouri.

After completing dental school, Dr. Alexander-Frey returned home to serve her community, where she is known for exceptional care and positive patient experiences, especially with children.

Her path from AHEC student to alumni leader to advocate reflects the lasting impact of the rural health pipeline and the power of investing in future professionals close to home.

Congratulations, Dr. Alexander-Frey, on this well deserved recognition!

12/02/2025

Something exciting is coming in February... Educators, don't miss out! 🥼🩺🩻🔬💉🧬🧪
*Save the Date* February 21, 2026- MAHEC Virtual Health Educator Conference! More details and registration link coming soon.

08/06/2025

Congratulations to our TWO staff members who were accepted into this prestigious program! We're so proud of you Jessie and Ashley!

Congratulations to the outstanding leaders accepted into the Inaugural 2025 Southeast Bootheel Cohort of Neighborhood Leadership Fellows! NLF is an advanced leadership training program provided by MU Extension Business & Communities in collaboration with the University of Missouri-Saint Louis. NLF's mission is to increase the voices of Southeast Missouri residents at the civic decision-making tables to produce more impactful regional policies for neighborhoods. Their journey begins August 13th — we can't wait to see the impact they will make!

Shout out to the amazing NLF Facilitation Team ...
Taylor Clark, Claire Rippel Dwayne T. James, P.E., Ed.D. Christina L. Dancy, M.A., CFEI Charlin Hughes, LaTonya R Jackson, MBA, & Jessica Lake

MU Extension - Business and Communities
&Communities

07/17/2025

Area Health Education Centers (AHECs) are transforming healthcare in rural and underserved communities through education, training, and real-world experience.

A glimpse of the AHEC impact from 2023-2024:

✅ 685,095 individuals engaged in healthcare training programs

✅ 7,738 current AHEC Scholars (13,409 total since 2019)

✅ 376,322 continuing education participants

✅ 300,947 clinical rotations facilitated

AHECs are helping to build a stronger health system from the ground up.

But this vital program is at risk.
The AHEC program is in danger of losing federal funding.

To advocate for AHEC and help protect its future, visit:
https://www.nationalahec.org/page/AHECAdvocacy

07/03/2025

We are so excited to welcome in a group of new 3rd year medical students to the region later this month! They are some of the brightest and most caring professionals in training and we're lucky to have them here!

06/26/2025

STUDENT HIGHLIGHT!

Braelyn A. -
I enjoyed the cadaver lab the most. Seeing the inside of all the body systems and learning everything I'm interested in.
Also, learning how to intubate was also really interesting. This was by far the most informative and fascinating school trip.

06/23/2025

STUDENT HIGHLIGHT!

Lilli L (Kennett High School) - My favorite part of the trip was the cadaver lab. The medical students were very smart and answered all of my questions. The whole trip was so fun and informational and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

06/19/2025

Our director, Megan Murray, is at the this week! We are excited for this great time and great experience!

06/19/2025

06/18/2025

STUDENTS HIGHLIGHT!

Kennett Tech School at NYIT SFT Day

06/16/2025

Happy Monday!

06/12/2025

STUDENTS HIGHLIGHT!

Spring JAG Career Day in high school JAG

Our final presenter of the day was Ms. Jesse Polk.
Ms. Jesse shared with the students the qualifications necessary to become a phlebotomist.
She told the students that you can go to college to become a phlebotomist or you can receive on the job training. The highlight for the students was getting to practice drawing blood/starting an IV on a mannequin.