East Central College   

Month: July 2016

Athletic Department Claims Conference Academic Award

July 29, 2016 | Campus News

Success in athletics starts with hard work in the classroom at the intercollegiate level. The East Central College Athletic Department has proven this to be a fact again this year as all three teams collected academic awards and winning records.

The overall athletic department grade point average was 3.16 and the school set another record winning the Missouri Community College Athletic Conference Harold Oetting Academic All Sports Award for an unprecedented seventh consecutive year.  Since the 2009-10 academic year, the ECC Athletic Department has held the highest overall GPA among conference schools. Individual teams and athletes have received numerous accolades. All three teams were honored by the NJCAA as All-Academic teams with grade point averages of 3.30 for volleyball, 3.24 for softball, and 3.0 for soccer.

Twelve student athletes were also recipients of NJCAA Academic Student-Athlete Awards for their exceptional classroom performances with GPAs of 3.6 or better.   Kayla Borcherding and Sarah Borgerding (women’s volleyball) received the Pinnacle Award for Academic Excellence for achieving a 4.0 grade point average.  Chelsea Delay (women’s volleyball) and softball players Dayla Gruenloh, Eden Henry, and Karissa Hoffman earned Superior Academic Achievement Award for overall GPAs of 3.80-3.99.   Taylor Davis and Virginia Ward (women’s volleyball) were recognized for Exemplary Academic Achievement as were Kayla Kelly and Monica Kelley (women’s softball) and Zeke Little and Umoh Ufot (men’s soccer).  Those six students achieved GPAs of 3.60-3.79.

Twenty-six students received Academic All-Conference honors for attaining grade point averages of 3.0 or high, while 23 ECC student athletes achieved Academic All-Region honor by earning GPAs of 3.25 or higher.

Gruenloh (2)
Dayla Gruenloh, center, infielder for the East Central College softball Falcons the past two seasons, was named the 2015-2016 Scholar Athlete at ECC. She is pictured with Debra Mann-Kurka, assistant softball coach, and Brad Wallach, head coach.

Gruenloh, a sophomore infielder for the Falcons, maintained a grade point average of 3.88 and was named ECC’s Scholar Athlete.  Little was co-recipient of the Outstanding Student Award at ECC’s May commencement ceremony.

The softball team compiled a 28-22 record in 2016.  The ECC soccer Falcons finished their season 16-4-1, advancing to the Region 16 final where they fell to Jefferson College.  The volleyball team ended the season with a record of 24-20, losing to Northeastern Oklahoma A & M in the Region 16/District O semifinals.

“The consistency of team performance is truly dependent upon the work ethic of the coaches and players on the field and court along with their dedication to their studies,” noted Dr. Jay Mehrhoff, ECC athletic director.

National Junior College Athletic Association Honored Student Athletes 

Kayla Bocherding — Women’s Volleyball      Pinnacle Award for Academic Excellence

Sarah Borgerding — Women’s Volleyball      Pinnacle Award for Academic Excellence

Dayla Gruenloh — Women’s Softball             Superior Academic Achievement

Eden Henry — Women’s Softball                   Superior Academic Achievement

Karissa Hoffman — Women’s Softball           Superior Academic Achievement

Chelsea Delay — Women’s Volleyball            Superior Academic Achievement

Monica Kelley — Women’s Softball                Exemplary Academic Achievement

Kayla Kelly — Women’s Softball                     Exemplary Academic Achievement

Taylor Davis — Women’s Volleyball               Exemplary Academic Achievement

Virginia Ward — Women’s Volleyball             Exemplary Academic Achievement

Zeke Little — Men’s Soccer                             Exemplary Academic Achievement

Umoh Ufot — Men’s Soccer                             Exemplary Academic Achievement

 

Region 16 Academic All-Region (3.25 GPA or higher)

SOFTBALL

Shelby Friend, Dayla Gruenloh, Eden Henry, Karissa Hoffman, Monica Kelley, Kayla Kelly, and Lizzy Swindell

VOLLEYBALL

Kayla Borcherding, Sarah Borgerding, Taylor Davis, Samantha Deason, Chelsea DeLay, Alexis Olney, Olivia Strode, Mackenzy Vedder, and Virginia Ward

SOCCER

Andrei Ciot, Archibald Darko-Boateng, Matt Hampton, Jindu Israel-Bolarinwa, Zeke Little, Gavyn Prsha, and Umoh Ufot

 

Missouri Community College Athletic Conference

Academic All-Conference (3.0 GPA or higher)

SOFTBALL

Shelby Friend, Dayla Gruenloh, Eden Henry, Karissa Hoffman, Monica Kelley, Kayla Kelly, Lizzy Swindell, and  Makala Trail

VOLLEYBALL

Kayla Borcherding, Sarah Borgerding, Taylor Davis, Samantha Deason, Chelsea DeLay, Samantha Kolo, Alexis Olney, Olivia Strode, Mackenzy Vedder, and Virginia Ward

SOCCER

Andrei Ciot, Archibald Darko-Boateng, Darren Hamilton, Matt Hampton, Jindu Israel-Bolarinwa, Zeke Little, Gavyn Prsha, and Umoh Ufot

 

Trustees Extend Contract for President Bauer

July 28, 2016 | Campus News

East Central College trustees voted unanimously to award a one-year contract extension to College President Dr. Jon Bauer.  The new contract, approved following an executive session at the board’s July 21 meeting, will run through June 30, 2019.

Bauer recently completed his fourth year as ECC president.

Ann Hartley, president of the board of trustees, stated that Dr. Bauer has provided outstanding leadership since taking over as president in 2012. “His many years of experience at the college prior to becoming president have been invaluable in the smooth operation of the organization and the administration of the college budget,” Hartley said.  “Dr. Bauer is respected by his peers across the state and is very  active in the community on behalf of the college.”

“Serving as president is a privilege and I am pleased that the board has decided to extend my contract,” Bauer said.  “The next three years will be important for the college as we carry out construction, go through our accreditation process, and celebrate our golden anniversary.”

Bauer is the college’s sixth president, succeeding Donald Shook, Charles Novak, Dale Gibson, Karen Herzog and Ed Jackson.  On two occasions Fred Davis served as interim president of the college.

$1 Million Rural Economic Development Loan Awarded to ECC

July 28, 2016 | Campus News

East Central College has been awarded a $1 million zero-interest loan through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program.

The funds will be used to offset costs associated with renovations to a property ECC purchased in 2015 that will house a Business and Industry Center. The Center will bring under one roof East Central’s advanced manufacturing programs which include Industrial Engineering Technology and Industrial Maintenance, Precision Machining, and Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning/Refrigeration.  ECC’s Center for Workforce Development will also occupy the facility.

The REDLG program provides funding to rural projects through eligible local utility organizations across the nation. Crawford Electric Cooperative, a not-for-profit, member-owned electric utility, serves as the intermediary for this Rural Economic Development loan.

As part of a national competition for USDA loan funds, ECC and Crawford Electric submitted a joint application to support creation of a facility for advanced manufacturing and workforce development. The REDLG program is designed to support projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas. East Central College, as the ultimate recipient of the loan, will repay Crawford Electric directly.

LogoForCWB“East Central College’s project was a perfect partner for us to facilitate financing through USDA,” said Tony Mallory, Crawford Electric Cooperative’s CEO/general manager. “As a rural electric co-op, we’re well acquainted with the benefits of working together to enhance the quality of life in our area. Our commitment to our wider community includes support for education and training that will spur economic development.”

When completed this September, the Business and Industry Center will total 28,388 square feet. The facility will allow ECC to expand the Industrial Engineering Technology and Precision Machining programs which are currently housed in space ECC leases in Washington.  The HVAC program will relocate from the main campus, and a lab will be set up for short-term welding classes. The college paid $1.2 million for the facility and is spending another $3.8 million to renovate and expand the building.

According to ECC President Jon Bauer, “Partnering with Crawford Electric is an important piece in making this project possible.  We were fortunate to be awarded a $1.2 million Economic Development Administration grant through the U.S. Department of Commerce as well as up to $600,000 in tax credits from the Missouri Development Finance Board.”  Bauer noted that the East Central College Foundation also has a capital campaign underway to raise funds with the goal of transforming the building into a first class center for workforce training.

“This project is a prime example of partnerships between key stakeholders,” stated Bauer. “Funding includes college, state, federal, and private dollars. All of these resources are being directed toward a facility that will train people for jobs right here in our region.”

Crawford Electric Cooperative is a member of Touchstone Energy, a national alliance of locally owned, community-minded electric co-ops with high standards of service. Crawford Electric serves almost 20,000 meters along more than 3,300 miles of distribution lines in Crawford, Franklin, Gasconade, Washington and Dent counties. This is the first Rural Economic Development loan the co-op has facilitated.

Grimes Returns as Head Men’s Soccer Coach

July 27, 2016 | Campus News

East Central College has hired Benji Grimes as the head men’s soccer coach heading into the 2016-17 academic year.  Grimes had a two year stint as the head coach at ECC in 2007 and 2008,

Originally from Union, Grimes brings a level of experience from a number of different coaching and playing areas.  Last year he served as a volunteer assistant with the St. Francis Borgia boys’ soccer team which finished 19-4-1, falling to Kansas City O’Hara in the Class 2 state semifinal match.

After graduating from Union High School where he played under Coach Bob Brotherton, Grimes attended Lindenwood University in St. Charles,  He suited up all four years for the Lions and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

His college coaching career began as an assistant coach at his alma mater under Coach Carl Hutter.  In 2004 Lindenwood finished as NAIA National Champions.

As head coach of the Falcons in 2007 and 2008, Grimes lead his team to winning seasons finishing 8-7-5 and 17-5-1 respectively. In 2008, the team won the Midwest Community College Athletic Conference by winning both the home and away matches against Jefferson College, St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley and SLCC-Forest Park.   ECC split their contests with SLCC-Meramec that year.  In that stretch run, Grimes had eight players named to the NJCAA All-Region teams, 10 MCCAC All-Conference players and two NJCAA All-Americans: Seymour Williams and Nickardo Blake.

Williams continued his playing career at Lindenwood University while Blake played at the University of Connecticut for two years and was selected by Toronto FC in the MLS Superdraft.  Blake and ECC and UConn teammate Lionel Brown played professionally in the NASL for the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers.

“Coach Grimes is a student of the game and has the communication and leadership skills to guide the Falcons to prominence in the Missouri Community College Athletic Conference and NJCAA Region 16,” stated ECC Athletic Director Jay Mehrhoff.  “Coach knows how to recruit and put together a squad capable of winning championships.”

Grimes replaces Kean Barclay who recently accepted a position as assistant coach at Northern Kentucky University, a NCAA Division I school in Highland Heights, KY.

Contractor Approved for Hansen Hall Renovation

July 21, 2016 | Campus News

East Central College trustees approved awarding a bid for renovation of the 300 and 400 levels of Hansen Hall to K & S Associates of St. Louis.  Action came at the board’s July 21 meeting.

The K & S bid of $1,256,000 was the only one received.  The project will be funded through the $1.8 million capital improvement bond ECC received from the State of Missouri in 2014. Work will start this summer with the project completed by June, 2017.

Jon Bauer, college president, noted that the renovation enhances safety and security by providing better emergency lighting and security cameras.  “By design, cost savings will be introduced into the environment through the use of occupancy sensors and green technologies,” Bauer said.

Bauer noted that the bid includes replacement of the handicap accessible chair lift to accommodate wheelchairs used today that are larger and heavier than what people used when the building was completed in 1985.  The project also includes demolition work and subsequent upgrades to computer information system classrooms and labs, enhancement of the HVAC and electrical/data infrastructure, and replacement of emergency lighting infrastructure. Flooring, ceilings, and paint will be refreshed in the hallways, a computer lab and nine classrooms on  both levels.  Lighting will also be refurbished in both hallways.

A student lounge and open study area will be added, along with a conference/break room and additional faculty offices.

K & S is currently renovating the Business and Industry Center, formerly known as the Gala Center, adjacent to ECC’s main campus in Union.  K & S also served as the general contractor for the 2010-11 renovation of Buescher Hall.

Trustees also approved the bid of $65,147 from Modern Business Interiors for classroom and office furniture in the Business and Industry Center.  Pricing is based off of the Cooperative Purchasing Network competitive bid contract. That facility should be completed in mid-September.

Personnel 

Board members approved the hiring of several full-time employees, a part-time head soccer coach, one resignation and a retirement.

With the start of the 2016 fall semester, Jenifer Goodson will teach emergency medical services classes.  A Missouri licensed paramedic, she earned her associate degree in paramedic technology from ECC and will begin work this fall towards a BSN.  She has 14 years of experience as a paramedic and has worked for the St. Clair Ambulance District since 2002.  Goodson served as a preceptor for paramedic students completing internships while employed with St. Clair Ambulance.

Jeremy Goss will serve as the new business development and training coordinator.  Since April of 2015 Goss has been coordinator of the Missouri-STEM/CIS grant program at ECC.  After earning an applied science degree in avionics systems technology from Community College of the Air Force, he went on to receive a bachelor of arts in creative writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University.  He also holds a bachelor’s degree in technical management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.  Goss obtained a master’s degree in educational technology from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Justin Shane Dawson has accepted the position as manager of the John Edson Anglin Performing Arts Center.  For the past eight years he has been the technical director and facility manager of the Greer Auditorium at Central Christian College in McPherson, KS.  Dawson earned his B.S. in psychology from Central Christian College and an associate degree in music from Seward County Community College.

Windy Souders, a part-time employee in the Learning Center for more than a year, has been promoted to coordinator of testing services at the college. She received a bachelor’s degree in English from Missouri Baptist University, and is currently working toward a master of fine arts degree at Lindenwood University.

Benji Grimes will return to ECC to serve as the head men’s soccer coach.  He held that same position for the 2007 and 2008 seasons. Grimes attended Lindenwood University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Trustees accepted the resignation of Alex Miller, physics/physical science instructor.  They also approved the retirement of custodial supervisor Drew Guenther effective August 19.

In other personnel matters, trustees approved changes to the adjunct faculty list for the 2016 summer session.

Missouri Community Colleges Team up with CMT to Present Free Concert

July 18, 2016 | Uncategorized

Rising CMT artist Courtney Cole will bring her unique musical style to Missouri on Wednesday, August 10, for a free concert in Sedalia, Missouri.  The concert is presented by the Missouri Community College Association and CMT’s Empowering Education initiative, which aims to inspire viewers to further their education.

Cole’s recent single hit #1 on Taste of Country’s Top 10 Countdown. She opened for Miranda Lambert on the 2015  Roadside Bars and Pink Guitars Tour.

“I’m excited to partner with CMT on their Empowering Education initiative,” Cole said. “Music and education are a powerful combination. Having the opportunity to meet students and hear their stories is something I am looking forward to!”

The event will take place at State Fair Community College’s Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center the night before the opening of the Missouri State Fair.  The evening’s activities will begin at 5:30 with a resource fair where visitors can learn about Missouri’s community colleges. The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. and feature an opening performance by the group BlueStem. The lead singer of BlueStem, Trenton Scott, is a graduate of State Fair Community College and recently completed his bachelor’s degree at  the University of Central Missouri.

Tickets to the concert are free and can be picked up at Student Services at ECC locations in Union and Rolla. They can also be reserved online at www.missouricolleges.org. For more information on the CMT initiative, visit www.cmtempoweringeducation.com.

CMT’s Empowering Education is a comprehensive educational campaign that provides an online resource: CMTEMPOWERINGEDUCATION.COM, to aid CMT viewers in overcoming the most common perceived obstacles to furthering education. The site collects existing information in one easy-to-navigate, central location, creating an individualized education action plan for each user.

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About Courtney Cole: Courtney Cole is introducing her unique brand of fun-filled, energetic sound to fans with her new self-titled EP, now available on iTunes and Spotify. Her latest single, “Ladylike,” co-written with Shane McAnally and Jimmy Robbins, has been added to Spotify’s New Boots playlist. She was named a Spotify Spotlight Artist and one of Huffington Post’s Country Artists to Watch in 2015.

With a new publishing deal at Warner/Chappell and named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country, Cole is only just getting started. Gearing up in 2016 to hit the road opening for acts such as Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, and Thomas Rhett, she is bringing her hometown spirit of New Orleans into her music, her empowering lyrics and her live show. Check out Courtney at CourtneyColeMusic.com, Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.

About MCCA: The Missouri Community College Association is a statewide organization through which Missouri’s community colleges work together to advance common agendas.  MCCA provides advocacy, education, information, and networking opportunities in service of the state’s 5,700 community college faculty, staff, administrators, and trustees.