The Willcoxon Innovation in Health Sciences Summit, hosted by Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, MO, is a premier event focused on the future of healthcare. Designed for professionals in the health and life sciences fields, this summit provides an opportunity to explore the latest advancements in healthcare technology and future trends shaping the industry.
Featuring a blend of expert presentations, interactive breakout sessions, and a keynote address, attendees will engage with nationally and regionally recognized leaders in healthcare from across the country. The event fosters a collaborative environment where participants can ask questions, share ideas, and interact directly with experts. Topics will offer invaluable insights into emerging technologies and innovations that are transforming the healthcare landscape.
This summit promises to inspire and educate both current and future healthcare professionals, as well as the general public, about the groundbreaking changes taking place in the field.
EVENT SCHEDULE:
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
Dr. Garcia-Dia is the program director for Nursing Informatics at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, where she leads enterprise-wide digital innovation within the Institute for Nursing Excellence and Innovation. Her experience spans clinical practice, health information technology, and executive leadership roles across major health systems, including Mount Sinai Health System, Hospital for Special Surgery, Bellevue Hospital Center, and Columbia University’s Faculty Practice Organization.
Her national leadership includes participation in the AARP Public Policy Institute’s CARE Act Roundtable and previous service on the National Advisory Council on Research for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Health. She has advanced minority health equity through initiatives such as Patient-Centered Outcomes Research and All of Us.
Dr. Garcia-Dia is an adjunct associate professor and course developer for the Nursing Informatics MSN program at the City University of New York School of Professional Studies. She also serves as an adjunct assistant professor at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University and as adjunct faculty and clinical preceptor at the New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Saint La Salle College of Nursing, a master’s degree in nursing informatics from New York University, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Case Western Reserve University, where she received the Director’s Award for Outstanding DNP Graduate. She completed the Minority Nurse Leadership Program at Rutgers University College of Nursing and is a graduate of the Coldiron Senior Nurse Executive Fellowship at Case Western Reserve University, where her scholarly project focused on ethical international nurse recruitment and global labor migration.
Dr. Du earned her PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She also holds a Master of Science in mechanical engineering from UCLA and a Bachelor of Science in automotive engineering from Harbin Institute of Technology in China. Her research focuses on developing wearable and implantable sensors for continuous health monitoring and the diagnosis of cardiovascular and neurological diseases, with designs adaptable to diverse populations. She also aims to advance robotics for use in challenging environments such as hospital ICUs.
Prior to joining Vanderbilt, Dr. Du served as a postdoctoral scholar at Northwestern University, where she led interdisciplinary projects on multimodal sensors integrated with edge artificial intelligence. These innovations have been deployed in hospitals internationally, benefiting patients ranging from neonates to older adults in China, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Dr. Crystal Lemmons is the dean of the College of Health, Life Sciences and Education at Missouri Southern State University, bringing more than two decades of academic and leadership experience to the role. Selected following a national search, she began her tenure as dean on July 1.
Lemmons joined Missouri Southern in 2000 as an adjunct professor and became an assistant professor of biology the following year. She earned tenure and was promoted to associate professor in 2006, later rising to full professor in 2012. Throughout her career, she has held multiple leadership positions, including department chair of biology and three years of service as vice provost.
A former practicing veterinarian, Lemmons has taught a wide range of rigorous courses, including human anatomy, radiation biology, pathophysiology, parasitology, histology, and advanced topics in biology such as embryology. Many of her students have gone on to become physicians, researchers, and professionals across the healthcare and science fields.
Deeply engaged in campus initiatives, Lemmons serves on the steering committee for the Blunt Health Science Innovation Center, the planning committee for the Willcoxon Innovation in Health Sciences Summit, the University’s Strategic Planning Task Force, and the Spencer-Bartlett Award selection committee, among numerous other groups. Her leadership and commitment to the campus community were key factors in her selection as dean.
Her experience with the development of the Blunt Health Science Innovation Center—a state-of-the-art facility currently under construction and scheduled for completion in 2026—will play a significant role in her work as dean. When completed, the Center will offer immersive learning experiences including a new cadaver lab, a simulation hospital, and an enhanced welcome center for prospective students. The facility will advance Missouri Southern’s statewide mission and expand opportunities in health and life sciences education.
As dean, Lemmons leads a college that encompasses allied health, biology and environmental health, kinesiology, nursing, psychology, and teacher education. She brings to the role a deep understanding of the university, a strong focus on student success, and a vision aligned with the continued growth of Missouri Southern’s health and life sciences initiatives.
Don McBride, Chief Executive Officer at Access Family Care
Don McBride has served as CEO of ACCESS Family Care since 2006. Previously, he directed two federal migrant programs at Crowder College, was an educator in the Missouri Migrant Education Program, and taught English and Spanish at Neosho and Purdy schools. Don also serves as an adjunct professor teaching Health Policy at Missouri Southern State University, and he serves as a trustee for Crowder College. He has his Master of Science in Education from Missouri State University and his Bachelor of Science in Education from Missouri Southern State University. Don enjoys bicycling, gardening, and travel.
Linda Davis, Business Committee/ Northeastern Tribal Health, Quapaw Nation
Linda Davis is a fifth-generation descendant of George and Minnie (Coldsprings) Redeagle and an enrolled member of the Quapaw Nation. She is Bear Clan.
Davis is currently serving her second term on the Quapaw Nation Business Committee. She also serves on the governing board of the Northeastern Tribal Health System, a tribally owned and operated ambulatory health care facility in northeast Oklahoma.
A former public health nurse, nurse case manager and domestic violence advocate, Davis has spent more than 30 years working in tribal government and tribal health care. She has also served more than 20 years on various subcommittees within the Nation.
Throughout her career, Davis has remained dedicated to improving rural Native American communities. She is known for her servant-leadership approach and her commitment to cultivating meaningful relationships. She is a strong advocate for fairness, consistency and equality.
Davis continues to support initiatives that promote health and well‑being, preserve culture and advance other community priorities. Guided by the principle of “leave it better than you found it,” she brings that philosophy to every aspect of her work.
Sean Guiheen, Nurse Manager ED / Med Surg, Med Surg Barton of Cox-Lamar
Sean Guiheen, RN, is a Nurse Manager for the Emergency Department and Medical-Surgical Unit at Cox Barton County Hospital, a critical access hospital in Lamar, Missouri. He has over a decade of nursing experience across emergency care, inpatient medical-surgical nursing, and long-term care, with progressive leadership responsibilities in rural healthcare settings.
Sean began his career in long-term care, where he concurrently served as a wound care nurse, MDS (Minimum Data Sheet) coordinator, and restorative nursing coordinator, developing a strong foundation in quality improvement, regulatory compliance, and interdisciplinary coordination. He later transitioned to medical-surgical and emergency nursing, spending four years as an emergency department nurse before assuming his current leadership role in August 2023.
In his current role, Sean provides operational and clinical leadership for both emergency and inpatient services, with a focus on safe, efficient inpatient care delivery and improving the patient experience. His work emphasizes staff engagement, workflow reliability, and patient satisfaction while maintaining high standards for quality and safety. His professional interests include rural emergency care, stroke systems of care, inpatient operations, and workforce stability. Sean is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Nursing through Western Governors University, with an anticipated graduation in May 2026.
Renee Denton, Chief Executive Officer of Rural Hospitals Freeman Health System
Renee A. Denton, CEO Rural Hospitals Freeman Health System, began her career in healthcare 38 years ago. Renee holds an Associate Degree in Nursing, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, and a Masters in Healthcare Administration. As a registered nurse Renee has served in clinical and administrative roles, with 13 years in an executive leadership position. Renee is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, serves on Missouri Hospital Association’s finance sub-committee, served on the governor-appointed state advisory council for emergency medical services, and remains actively involved in the community serving on various boards. Renee and her husband Bob enjoy spending time with their 6 children and 9 grandchildren.
David Smith, Administrator for Mercy Pittsburg
Dave Smith is originally from LaSalle-Peru a town in central Illinois and joined Mercy Pittsburg in June of 2025. Dave brings over 25 years of rural healthcare leadership experience. While in Illinois he worked in a 100-bed rural facility as the VP of Support Services, a 44- bed facility as the Director of Specialty Physician Services, a 60-bed facility as the Vice President of Physician Service and as the CEO of a 25-bed critical access hospital in Wisconsin and Illinois prior to joining Mercy. In addition to his college education, he is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. He has three grown children who live in Illinois and he and his wife Audra reside in Pittsburg.
