The East Central College Board of Trustees Monday, June 14, approved the negotiated collective bargaining agreement with faculty for the 2021-22 academic year.
Two primary changes address sabbaticals and a 4 percent pay increase, according to ECC-National Education Association (NEA) President Aaron Bounds.
“I am very happy with the process and how well the NEA and administrators worked together,” Bounds said.
The one-year deal was approved unanimously by the 29 current ECC-NEA members.
“This was a very collaborative process,” added ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. “This covered a lot of areas, including compensation.”
Under the new agreement, the college and ECC-NEA recognized the importance of maintaining competitive salaries as compared to other community colleges in the region.
The agreement states that ECC commits to increasing faculty salaries to the average of base faculty salaries at the region’s community colleges, including Jefferson College, St. Charles Community College, and St. Louis Community College, within the next four years.
Sabbaticals
Bounds added that under the new CBA, the sabbatical process was refined and fleshed out.
“Sabbaticals were allowed but weren’t consistent over the last few years,” he said. “This cleaned up the process and ensures we could utilize a sabbatical when applicable.
“In fact, since adding this process we have already approved an application for this school year,” Bounds added.
The East Central College Board of Trustees approved a $19.8 million spending plan, that includes a boost in salaries for employees.
The 2022 fiscal year balanced budget projects $19,813,874 in both revenue and expenditures. The college’s fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30. The budget was approved Monday, June 14.
In the 2021 fiscal year, there was $19,457,624 in actual revenue to date, and $16,054,046 in expenditures.
Included in the budget is a 4 percent increase in employee compensation, an area that the college has strived to increase, according to ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer.
“I think this puts us on the right path, but it doesn’t get us to the finish line,” Dr. Bauer said.
There is an anticipated increase in state and local revenue, as well as tuition and fees.
Dr. Bauer noted that the there is an increase in enrollment, so far, for the Fall 2021 semester.
Anticipated revenue for tuition and fees this fiscal year is $6,334,616, an increase of $765,550 over last year’s budgeted tuition and fees revenue of $5,569,066.
“We are seeing strong enrollment growth for the fall cycle,” Dr. Bauer added. “This is still a little bit of a tricky budget year, and we are only halfway into the enrollment cycle.”
Locally, budgeted revenue is expected to increase $534,234 from the previous budgeted amount of $6,977,522 last year to $7,511,756.
State aid is projected to increase to $5,236,024 from the previously budgeted amount of $4,603,701, a total increase of $632,323.
Technology Purchase
Trustees also approved the purchase of 306 personal computers (PCs) and monitors from the state negotiated Dell purchasing contract at a cost of $206,703 that will be funded using technology fees.
“This will replace a generation of computers on campus by the start of the fall semester,” Dr. Bauer said.
East Central College’s efforts to assist students in returning to college to complete their degree was recognized by the state in a “White Paper” report published earlier this month.
ECC’s Finish Your Investment (FYI) degree reclamation program is part of a nationwide initiative — named Degrees When Due. The program is sponsored by the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) and supported by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (DHEWD).
ECC was the only community college recognized in the DHEWD report for its reclamation program during the 2020-21 academic year. The state agency applauded ECC’s communication and outreach during planning and implementation of the FYI program.
DHEWD also credited ECC for creating a well-balanced campus-wide team to support the degree reclamation program, which can be used as a model for other higher education institutes.
‘Life Changing’
ECC’s FYI program was designed to guide students who’ve completed college credits at the College to help them complete a degree.
There were 742 former students targeted, of those, 39 “auto graduated” due to the number of credit hours they already had obtained. Another 31 students applied for admission; 20 enrolled in courses; and five ultimately earned a degree.
Laura Deason, associate registrar, was recognized June 14 by the ECC Board of Trustees for her work in examining student records and then determining that the 39 “auto graduated” students were eligible for degrees.
“We firmly believe for the students that have returned it is life-changing,” Robyn Walter vice president of academic affairs was quoted in the DHEWD publication.
The White Paper recounted a story published by ECC about Mercedes Mangrum, 26, who was motivated to finish her degree after a four-year pause. She was just 12 credit hours away from an associate degree.
“My decision to complete this semester was solely to give myself options for future endeavors. As an older student, I did feel more focused and ready to complete my degree,” Mangrum said.
FYI Team
According to the DHEWD, a key part of successful reclamation programs was building a campus team tasked with cross-campus collaboration strategies to retain current students and support adult reengagement.
ECC’s team was composed of about 15 employees from varying areas of the College.
Plans call for a continuation of the FYI program at ECC, to help meet the needs of a diverse demographic of students, including first-generation college students, low-income students, single parents, and veterans.
The Early College Academy (ECA) at East Central College has already been paying dividends for 11 students in the form of experience and earning college credit.
Cheyanna Bowen
That’s according Cheyanna Bowen and Kevin Donovan, incoming seniors at Union High School, who wrapped up the inaugural year of the Academy in May.
“What I love most about ECA is the experience that I am getting with college, while still being able to be a high school student,” said Bowen.
“I personally like attending ECC and UHS because I’m able to be challenged better academically, but also maintain my high school experience,” she added.
Through the ECA, the students attended classes at UHS and on the ECC campus. The goal of the Academy is for these students to earn an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree, at the same time as their high school diploma.
“Not too many people can say that they graduated high school with an associate’s degree,” Donovan commented. “I appreciate that I was given this opportunity, and this will allow me to earn my bachelor’s degree with two years already paid.”
Donovan said he is looking forward to the slate of classes he’s enrolled in for the upcoming academic year.
“I am excited to have one year down,” he said. “Next year, I get to have more flexibility with my course choices, and I am very excited to pick out some fun electives.”
For Donovan, the ECA is the best of both worlds, combining college credit while maintaining the high school experience.
“I applied to be in the UHS Leadership Class next year, and I was accepted,” he said. “I am looking forward to giving back to UHS and continuing to be involved.”
ECC Director of Early College Programs Megen Strubberg oversees the ECA and she has met regularly with the UHS students since they began attending ECC in August 2020.
“It has been amazing to watch this talented group of students learn and grow this past year — both academically and personally,” she said. “Their hard work is reflected in their grades and their reputation on campus for being some of the best students in the classroom.”
Markie Lampkin, UHS associate principal over sophomores and juniors, has collaborated with Strubberg in spearheading the inaugural year of the ECA.
“Overwhelmingly, it has been meaningful and impactful for the students,” Lampkin said.
More Districts
The success of the ECA is even more evident considering two more school districts — Washington and St. Clair — will join the ranks of the ECA next year.
“The ripple effect that it has had on area schools clearly demonstrates the success and positivity of the rollout at Union High School.,” Lampkin said.
“Other schools want that experience for their students,” she added. “That’s humbling, exciting and shows the unity that many Franklin County schools have in the investment in our kids and their futures.”
Strubberg noted that Lampkin has been an ambassador to the program when speaking with administrators of other school districts.
But it isn’t just Strubberg and Lampkin spreading the message about the Academy — the students enrolled in ECA also are sharing their stories.
According to Strubberg, seven ECA students have talked with prospective students at UHS, encouraging them to take part in the Academy. Additionally, six students participated in a project to provide feedback on the ECA to college faculty.
Above and Beyond
Strubberg said three ECA students, Emily Green, Julie Krull, and Zoe Strassner, have been named to the President’s List with 4.0 grade point averages.
Four more students, Sarah Harris, Sage Sparkman, Kevin Donovan and Jessica Stallman, finished the year with a GPA between 3.5 and 3.84, landing them on the Vice President’s List.
In addition, Harris is in the process of being hired as a supplemental instruction tutor in chemistry by The Learning Center at ECC, and she and Krull have been tutoring other students on their own time.
To learn more about the Early College Academy, email admissions@eastcentral.edu or call 636-584-6723.
East Central College is offering a new slate of Summer Learning Academy (SLA) classes for Rolla area children and teens.
The academy will provide a unique, fun experience for area youth this summer, and this year the classes are free.
SLA is facilitated by the ECC Community Education division. This is the first year there will be classes offered in Rolla.
There are a variety of classes geared toward children ages five to 16. New classes include: Newborn/Pediatric Nursing: How to Care for Baby, Science by Brewer, Fly Tying Fun!, EV3 Robotics, Harry Potter and the Science of Potions, Exploring Egyptology and Learn the Art of Crochet.
SLA classes are designed with curiosity and creativity in mind — letting students develop talents and encourage exploration and personal growth.
Students or parents will be asked to prioritize their interests while registering. After registering for three courses, they will be placed on a waiting list if they choose to sign up for a fourth course. Participants can register for a maximum of four classes.
For more information, people may email Pam.Kaiser@eastcentral.edu or call 636-649-5803.
East Central College graduate Christy Love is the recipient of a Student Achievement Award for Outstanding Performance in Business and Accounting.
Love graduated from ECC with Highest Honors on May 16. She earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business, and an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting.
According to Tanner French, accounting and business instructor, Love is also a member of the Chi Delta Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
“Christy was so excited to put her newly learned skills to work, she accelerated her schedule this past semester by taking eight classes, all the while working and being a mom,” French said.
“Christy deserves this award not only for her academic achievements, but also for her hard work, diligence, and the sacrifices she made during her pursuit of an education and a better life,” he added.
“Congratulations Christy, your journey has just begun, and we cannot wait to see where you go from here.”
The new pre-apprenticeship program at East Central College is purposely designed to provide needed job skills to those interested in a career in manufacturing. The three-week program is provided at no cost to each participant and will prepare them in such areas as welding, HVAC, industrial maintenance and precision machining.
Students will also gain skills that area manufacturers need for their employees, such as decision making, Microsoft Word and Excel, team building, goal setting and workplace quality and safety.
“The curriculum is specifically designed with our area manufacturers in mind.” says Dr. Ed Shelton, executive director of the ECC Center for Workforce Development. “At a time when manufacturers are in desperate need of workers, our program provides the entry level skills for the pre-apprentice to be successful as well as helping the area’s economy remain competitive with a qualified workforce.”
A key to the program’s success is the engagement and involvement of local manufacturers. Clemco Industries. G.H. Tool & Mold, Henniges Automotive, Royal Canin, Silgan Plastics and WEG Transformers will discuss career opportunities with the students. Once the pre-apprentices finish the program, they will be provided the opportunity to continue their education into a registered apprenticeship program at ECC.
The program is offered at no cost due to a state award from the Missouri Office of Workforce Development in the amount of $75,000.
Classes will be held in the ECC Business and Industry Center July 12-July 29. For those without a high school diploma, the program will start July 6.
For those interested, contact Melissa Richards at Melissa.Richards@eastcentral.edu or 636.649.5806. The deadline to register is Friday, July 2.
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation recently awarded the East Central College Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program with a $10,000 grant.
The grant will be used to support literacy by helping to fund a volunteer coordinator for the program, according to AEL Director Alice Whalen.
“There are more than 15,000 adults in the East Central College service district without a high school diploma, and more than 3,000 who solely speak a language other than English at home,” she said.
“The grant will strengthen our partnerships with the East Central Area Literacy Council and the work of the county committees which serve the needs of our students, volunteers and teachers.”
Whalen added that the AEL program is free to everyone.
There are day classes available in Franklin and Phelps counties, including Sullivan, Union, Washington and Rolla.
There are evening classes in Franklin, Crawford, Gasconade, Montgomery and Phelps counties.
For times and locations visit www.eastcentral.edu/ael/.
Dollar General Grant
This local grant is part of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation’s recent award of $10.5 million donation to support family and adult literacy programs, representing the organization’s largest one-day grant donation in its 28-year history.
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports organizations that increase access to educational programming, stimulate and enable innovation in the delivery of educational instruction and inspire a love of reading.
Literacy Foundation
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports initiatives that help others improve their lives through literacy and education. Since 1993, the Foundation has awarded more than $197 million in grants, helping more than 14 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy, a general education diploma or English proficiency.
To learn more about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, visit www.dgliteracy.org.
East Central College Class of 2021 graduate Jenna Meintz recently was awarded the Phi Theta Kappa Distinguished Achievement Scholarship to attend Webster University.
Meintz, Steelville, will use the scholarship while working toward a bachelor’s degree at Webster.
She graduated from ECC with an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in finance. The PTK Distinguished Achievement Scholarship will pay the full amount of Meintz’s tuition during her time at Webster University.
This competitive scholarship is awarded to only two students who are transferring to Webster. To qualify, the students must be members of the PTK international honor society and have a grade point average of at least 3.5.
Meintz graduated from ECC with a 4.0 GPA, demonstrating the highest level of academic excellence.
In addition, she served as the Public Relations Officer for the Chi Delta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, as well as the President of Student Government Association at ECC.
Meintz also is employed full-time in a managerial role.
East Central College graduate Amber Dietrich is the recipient of the Doyle Stricklin Award for Outstanding Performance in Accounting.
Dietrich graduated in December 2020 with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting.
The Stricklin Award is given annually by ECC’s Accounting Program. Dietrich was presented the award by Lisa Hanneken, accounting/business instructor.
“In reviewing her academic performance, as well as all her other accomplishments here at ECC, it is obvious Amber is truly deserving of this award,” Hanneken said.
In addition to being an enthusiastic and inspiring participant in the classroom, Hanneken said, Dietrich was president of ECC’s Phi Theta Kappa Chi Delta Chapter Honor Society and recipient of the honor society’s Distinguished Chapter Member Award.
She also was an ECC student ambassador who volunteered for numerous events such as ECC Beautification Days, Adopt-A-Highway cleanups, All Abilities events, and the Relay for Life fundraiser.
“Congratulations Amber, we look forward to seeing the great things you will do with your degree,” Hanneken said.
