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Month: July 2022

Baseball Program Earns National Academic Award

July 29, 2022 | Athletics Campus News

The American Baseball Coaches Association is recognizing the East Central College baseball program with an ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award.

The award is given to programs from every level of college — from NCAA Division I to Junior College — and high school baseball teams throughout the nation.

The award highlights programs coached by ABCA members that posted a GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale for the entire 2021-22 academic year.

“I am proud of the guys and their dedication in the classroom,” said ECC Baseball Coach Johnathon Mills. “A core fundamental of our philosophy is to the careers of our student athletes off the field.”

Over 250 high school programs and more than 420 collegiate programs were recognized with this year’s award. The Team Academic Excellence Award is presented by Sports Attack, which manufactures sports training equipment.

Coaches nominated their teams for the ABCA Award following the conclusion of their spring semesters by the July 14 deadline. To be honored, teams had to meet the following criteria:

  • Must be a high school or college team
  • Head coach must be a current ABCA member
  • Team must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.0 scale during the 2021-22 academic year

The American Baseball Coaches Association has a long tradition of recognizing the achievements of baseball coaches and student-athletes.

The ABCA/Rawlings All-America Teams are the nation’s oldest, founded in 1949, and the ABCA’s awards program also includes the ABCA/Rawlings All-Region Awards, the ABCA/ATEC Regional & National Coaches of the Year and several other major awards such as the ABCA Hall of Fame and the Dave Keilitz Ethics in Coaching Award.

Professional Staff Appointments, Rank Changes at ECC

July 28, 2022 | Campus News

Seven East Central College employees in the college’s Professional Staff Association (PSA) recently were approved for new roles or changes in rank.

The changes were approved by the ECC Board of Trustees during its June meeting. In addition, a new professional staff member, Carrie Myers, was hired. Myers is the new Director of Human Resources.

“The officers of the Professional Staff Association would like to recognize the accomplishments of our staff who were selected for their new roles or reclassifications, and we welcome our newest PSA members to East Central College,” said Carson Mowery, Campus Life & Leadership Coordinator, and PSA President.

Listed below are the employees who received new appointments or rank changes:

  • Kathy Luther — appointed to Financial Aid Specialist from her previous position as Student Services Specialist. Kathy was a member of the Classified Staff Association but is now a member of the Professional Staff Association.
  • Steffani McCrary — named Assistant Director of Advising and Counseling from her previous role as an Academic Advisor/Career Services.
  • Alison Tucker — appointed to be the STEM Recruitment and Success Coordinator. She previously was the Retention Coordinator.
  • Dee Gibbs — named Technical Support Coordinator. She previously was an IT Technician. Dee was a member of the Classified Staff Association and is now in the Professional Staff Association.
  • Chad Baldwin — Director of Online Learning & Educational Technology, reclassified as higher rank and compensation.
  • Annette Moore —Director of Financial Services/Comptroller, remained in her position with reclassification to a higher rank and compensation.
  • Lindsay Riegel — is the new was Retention Coordinator. Previously she served as the Advisor for Early College & Admissions.

ECC Grad Switches Programs, Changes Career Trajectory

July 25, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla

French is called the language of love, and many say Spanish and Italian languages are the most “romantic,” but for East Central College graduate Emily Stevens, her love language is SQL.

In fact, Stevens said, Structured Query Language — a computer language used in coding — completely changed her trajectory at ECC and he career.

Stevens, who lives in Columbia, was introduced to SQL during a class in the Health Information Management (HIM) program. She was taking the course online.

“I’m really grateful for the single intro to SQL assignment at the end of the Microsoft Access course,” she said. “That one assignment was so fun and interesting that I told my fiancé, ‘I wish that had been the whole class.’ His reply was, ‘well it can be.’ ”

Stevens took that advice and switched programs to ECC’s Computer Information Systems (CIS) — she graduated from the program in May with an associate of science degree.

Initially, Stevens was attracted to ECC’s HIM program because of the college’s affordability and the program is fully online. When she learned the CIS program also is fully online, Stevens had no doubt it was the program for her.

“The need for affordable classes is what drew me to ECC,” she said. “I am really grateful that I found ECC, and I ended up in the online CIS program.”

Stevens added that Anna Schwein, recently retired CIS faculty member, went above and beyond when teaching students in her CIS classes.

“She clearly cares about student learning and was so encouraging and motivating along the way,” Stevens commented. “She’s a perfect model of a teacher and I am so grateful for the experience of being her student.”

Website Build

According to Jason Durbin, assistant professor of CIS and business, Stevens enrolled in a “CIS Internship class,” which is not required for the degree but afforded her the opportunity for real-life experience.

Durbin noted that a new business in the Union area, Empowered Health Advocacy, reached out to him in need of assistance building a website.

“They were starting a new business and they needed a website, at the same time, Emily was looking for an internship — it worked for both of them,” Durbin said. “Emily was an outstanding CIS student, and she built the website from scratch.”

Empowered Health Advocacy provides doula services, and advocates for patients while bridging the gap with providers.

Stevens said she met with the company owners to learn what they wanted out of a webpage, and then she got to work designing and making the site user friendly.

“We talked about what they had in mind, and what type of content they wanted on the site,” she said. “We discussed options, what website designs they liked and what they were not fans of.”

After meeting with the owners, Stevens developed framework for the site, then began to build the site and make edits along the way.

She began work on the project in December 2022 and completed work in March, adding that she stopped counting the hours of work on the site after 300.

“That includes a lot of self-learning and research,” Stevens said. “I have always been confident working alone and figuring things out.”

She added that she will use that confidence and ability to self-teach to launch her career.

Stevens’ website, www.showmeemily.com, features her work and explains where she is taking her career.

“Turning ideas into creations describes a majority of my interests,” she wrote on the site. “Whatever that is I’ll jump in letting my mind and hands create something new, fun, better, or even just different.”

CIS Program

ECC offers both a certificate and degree in CIS, as well as a new “IT Helpdesk: Certificate of Specialization.”

In addition, ECC has a 2+2 agreement with the University of Missouri-Columbia where students can ultimately earn a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.

It is designed for students to complete two years, or four semesters, of classes at ECC, and then two years of courses at the University of Missouri.

To learn more about ECC’s CIS program, people can visit https://www.eastcentral.edu/career-technical-education/ and click the CIS options.

LPN-RN Bridge Program Deadline Extended

July 20, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla

The East Central College Nursing Program has extended its deadline for the LPN-RN Bridge program, located at our Rolla North location.

The Licensed Practicing Nurse to Registered Nurse Bridge program is an opportunity for LPNs to gain the skills and knowledge to continue their education and become RNs.

The deadline for applications has been extended to Sept. 1, and classes will begin January 2023 and finish in December 2023.

The evening and every-other-weekend format will allow for LPNs to continue working while taking courses toward an Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing.

LPNs considering the move toward an RN can see the program-specific criteria and find a printable application at https://www.eastcentral.edu/allied-health/nursing/#1486613442402-6db17562-b2aa.

For more information, contact Nancy Mitchell at 636-584-6616 or Nancy.Mitchell@eastcentral.edu; or call the Rolla North Nursing office at 573-202-6950.

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ECC Student Athletes Excel in the Classroom

July 15, 2022 | Athletics Campus News

The East Central College Athletic Department continues to excel on the field and in the classroom.

The department boasted the second highest Grade Point Average of teams in the Missouri Community College Athletic Conference (MCCAC). ECC’s all-team GPA was 3.021 for the past academic year.

In addition, the Falcon Baseball, Softball, Men’s and Women’s Soccer teams all were named All-Academic Teams of the Year with a 3.0 or higher team GPA.

Individually, there were 16 National Junior College Athletic Association Academic All-Americans.
Listed below are the All-American players, followed by the team they are on at ECC and then which All-American team they were named to:

Morgan Green              Softball – 2nd Team                            Stephen Akot               Men’s Soccer – 1st Team

Taylor Hanger                Softball – 1st Team                             Julio Gonzalez             Men’s Soccer – 3rd Team

Addie Konkel                 Softball – 2nd Team                             Aidan Ottens               Men’s Soccer – 3rd Team

Madelyn Ruszala          Softball – 1st Team                             Pierocarlo Previte      Men’s Soccer – 3rd Team

Emma Weston              Softball – 3rd Team                             Santiago Sanchez       Men’s Soccer – 2nd Team

Shane Kearbey              Baseball – 3rd Team                           Charley Leonard         Women’s Soccer – 3rd Team

Ethan Lindemann         Baseball – 3rd Team                           Gabrielle Mattli           Women’s Soccer – 3rd Team

Nathan Turner               Baseball – 2nd Team                           RaeLeigh Miller           Women’s Soccer – 1st Team

Listed below are the ECC student athletes, followed by the sport they play, named to the Academic All-Region with a minimum 3.25 GPA:

Morgan Green                  Softball                                     Stephen Akot                      Men’s Soccer

Taylor Hanger                    Softball                                     Sam Gentges                       Men’s Soccer

Hannah Jarvis                    Softball                                     Julio Gonzalez                     Men’s Soccer

Addie Konkel                     Softball                                     Joe McInnes                         Men’s Soccer

Emma Riegel                      Softball                                     David Morais Kerejian      Men’s Soccer

Madelyn Ruszala              Softball                                     Aidan Ottens                       Men’s Soccer

Nicole Truitt                       Softball                                     Pierocarlo Previte              Men’s Soccer

Emma Weston                  Softball                                     Santiago Sanchez               Men’s Soccer

Logan Baker                       Baseball                                   Charley Leonard                 Women’s Soccer

Grant Beck                          Baseball                                   Rebekah Lewis                    Women’s Soccer

Tyson Dent                         Baseball                                   Gabrielle Mattli                   Women’s Soccer

Houston Henry                  Baseball                                   RaeLeigh Miller                   Women’s Soccer

Andy Hueste                      Baseball                                   Samantha Starling              Women’s Soccer

Shane Kearbey                  Baseball                                   Avery Street                         Women’s Soccer

Ethan Lindemann             Baseball                                   Kayleigh Willman                Women’s Soccer

Trey Orman                        Baseball                                   Isabella Allgeyer                 Volleyball

Trevor Packan                    Baseball                                   Trinity Clark                          Volleyball

Nathan Turner                   Baseball                                   Olivia Spanley                      Volleyball

The following ECC student athletes were named to the All-Conference team with at least a 3.0 GPA:

Aubree Eaton                    Softball                                     Will Sisk                                 Baseball

Morgan Green                  Softball                                     Nathan Turner                     Baseball

Taylor Hanger                    Softball                                     Blake Whitlock                    Baseball

Hannah Jarvis                    Softball                                     Stephen Akot                      Men’s Soccer

Addie Konkel                     Softball                                     James Baxter                       Men’s Soccer

Emma Riegel                      Softball                                     Jacob Buhr                            Men’s Soccer

Madelyn Ruszala              Softball                                     Sam Ennis                              Men’s Soccer

Nicole Truitt                       Softball                                     Sam Gentges                       Men’s Soccer

Emma Weston                  Softball                                     Julio Gonzalez                     Men’s Soccer

Logan Baker                       Baseball                                   Bailey Hoehne                     Men’s Soccer

Grant Beck                          Baseball                                   Joe McInnes                         Men’s Soccer

Levi Betts                            Baseball                                   David Morais Kerejian      Men’s Soccer

Mario Colombo                 Baseball                                   Aidan Ottens                       Men’s Soccer

Patrick Dale                        Baseball                                   Pierocarlo Previte              Men’s Soccer

Tyson Dent                         Baseball                                   Santiago Sanchez               Men’s Soccer

Will DesHotels                  Baseball                                   Andrea Hernandez            Women’s Soccer

Josh Gardner                     Baseball                                   Charley Leonard                 Women’s Soccer

Houston Henry                  Baseball                                   Rebekah Lewis                    Women’s Soccer

Andy Hueste                      Baseball                                   Gabrielle Mattli                   Women’s Soccer

Shane Kearbey                  Baseball                                   RaeLeigh Miller                   Women’s Soccer

Ethan Lindemann             Baseball                                   Sommer Schneider            Women’s Soccer

Austin McKim                    Baseball                                   Samantha Starling              Women’s Soccer

Sam Oermann                   Baseball                                   Avery Street                         Women’s Soccer

Trey Orman                        Baseball                                   Kayleigh Willman                Women’s Soccer

Trevor Packan                    Baseball                                   Isabella Allgeyer                 Volleyball

Jack Reynolds                    Baseball                                   Makayla Case                      Volleyball

Justin Rogers                     Baseball                                   Trinity Clark                          Volleyball

Tony Schwartz                   Baseball                                   Macy Morehead                Volleyball

Seth Shannon                    Baseball                                   Olivia Spanley                      Volleyball

Register Now for a Chance at Free Gas for the Fall Semester

July 13, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College is offering a new incentive to encourage students to register for the Fall semester.

The Fall Gas Giveaway is under way now to motivate students to sign up for classes at the College by Saturday, Aug. 13, and become eligible for a free tank of gas each week during the semester.

The incentive program is an effort to reach potential students who may have begun the registration process but have not completed the process.

There will be five winners for one fill of gas each week, estimated to equal $1,600 each. Students in Union, Rolla and ECC Online are eligible.

The Fall Gas Giveaway isn’t just for students who have yet to sign up for classes. Those who already have registered also are eligible to win, and they don’t have to do a thing — they are already signed up for the giveaway.

Winners must still be enrolled on or after Sept. 22 to be eligible for one of the five awards.

ECC is encouraging students to take the next step and register now for the Fall 2022 semester by emailing an advisor or calling 636-584-6588.

New students can visit www.eastcentral.edu/admissions and apply for Fall classes.

 

ECC Awarded $100,000 Through Metallica Scholars Initiative

July 13, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College was selected from a competitive field of community colleges across the country to receive $100,000 to transform the future of students in the community.

Since establishing the Metallica Scholars Initiative in 2019, All Within My Hands (AWMH) has been working with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) to provide direct support for career and technical education programs across the U.S.

Having grown from a concept to a thriving educational strategy that focuses on enhancing skills while providing services to students looking to enter a traditional trade or other applied learning program, the Metallica Scholars Initiative has generated a proven and measurable impact. AWMH will replicate the program further by adding ten more schools to the roster, investing $1.8 million to expand in year four.

“Our goal for the Metallica Scholars Initiative is to shine a light on workforce education and support the next generation of tradespeople. With the addition of the 2022-2023 Metallica Scholars program, our grants will reach over 2,000 men and women in 32 community colleges across 27 states. We are honored to support these students of all ages and backgrounds and look forward to growing the program even farther in the future,” said Pete Delgrosso, Executive Director, All Within My Hands.

Direct impact on job and wage growth drives the Metallica Scholars Initiative. On average, students who complete the program see new job opportunities and increased salary potential up to three times higher than pre-program.

East Central College will focus its efforts on awarding student scholarships in Advanced manufacturing programs, including Welding, HVAC, Precision Machining and Manufacturing.  The college’s goal is to elevate students’ skill sets by meeting industry standards and raising the level of academic programs offered.

ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer said the Metallica Scholars Initiative will provide clear paths to rewarding careers for students who stand ready to put in the “sweat equity” needed to move from under-skilled to highly skilled in an intense period of time, without the cost barrier.

“Metallica will demolish that barrier with the financial resources from the Scholars Initiative. With the path ahead cleared, participants will commit countless hours of intense, hands-on training and studying,” Bauer said.

Funded by Metallica’s All Within My Hands (AWMH) and led by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), the Metallica Scholars Initiative is designed to directly support students while elevating the importance of career and technical education. Metallica continues to use its global platform to speak out on the dignity of professional trades and community colleges that prepare students.

Joel Doepker, vice president of external relations, believes the program can greatly help those currently working in the manufacturing industry.  “Many area manufacturers have current workers who need to enhance their work skills and this program is the way for them to do that.”

Working closely with the AACC, a Washington D.C.-based advocate for not-for-profit, public-serving institutions, AWMH has selected ten schools to receive $100,000 each to transform the future of students in their communities. The extensive proposal process received an incredible amount of interest, and the applications were of the highest quality. Each of the ten institutions chosen intends to prioritize students interested in the skilled trades as a pathway to economic development.

“The Metallica Scholars program has proven to provide significant resources for community college students looking to learn the skills needed for today’s workforce,” said Walter G. Bumphus, AACC’s president and CEO. “We are honored to partner with the All Within My Hands Foundation to continue to expand this opportunity for community colleges and their students.”

The ten schools are:

The newly added community colleges are joining an already established core of 22 schools that have been invited to continue as a Metallica Scholars school. Each year the returning colleges play an integral role in onboarding, to help the new schools hit the ground running.

The 32 colleges across the country are encouraged to use the AWMH grant as the local industry dictates in terms of program and training.

To learn more about the Metallica Scholars Initiative, please visit AllWithinMyHands.org/Metallica-Scholars.

Students interested in the program can visit https://www.eastcentral.edu/Metallica  or email Kathy Luther or call 636.584.6571.