Month: November 2022


EMS Program Director Receives Emerson Excellence Award


November 28, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College EMS Program Director Jenifer Goodson incorporates innovation and technology to fully prepare EMT and paramedic students to serve their communities.

That’s just one reason of why Goodson is being recognized with the 2022 Emerson Excellence in Teaching award.

“She is extremely devoted to her EMT and paramedic students and their academic success,” said one ECC employee who nominated Goodson.

The Excellence in Teaching Awards program, sponsored by Emerson, annually recognizes educators in the St. Louis metropolitan area who are examples of excellence in their field. Recipients are selected by the chief administrators of their school districts or employing educational institutions.

Goodson has been an instructor at ECC for six years. She was named the EMS Program Director earlier this year. Since then, she has introduced computer adaptive testing and clinical documentation/tracking software to her program to better prepare and assess students in the program.

“Jenifer works tirelessly to create engaging learning experiences to build better connections between the theory material and what the student will need to know for both field experience and national licensure testing,” her nominator wrote.

Goodson has expanded the EMT/paramedic program to ECC’s Rolla location where she

utilizes technology to capture her students at both ECC in Union and Rolla synchronously for lecture, but she also travels between the two locations regularly, so she can engage with all students one-on-one.

In addition, Goodson is leading a redesign of the curriculum between the EMT and paramedic courses to allow for ease of progression from one program and course to the next.

“She is her student’s biggest cheerleader and mentor as they study and prepare for their state and national licensure exams,” the nominator said. “Jenifer is a tremendous asset to ECC and community. She deserves to be recognized for her outstanding effort educating and preparing new first responders to serve our communities for future decades.”


CWD Assists Local Industries Receive $677,000 in State Training Funds


November 22, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Volpi Foods is one of 19 local industries working with the East Central College Center for Workforce Development (CWD) to secure and utilize state funds totaling $677,000 that is earmarked for training and development.

According to Kathy Price, director of human resources at Volpi foods, the Union meat processing plant is benefiting from $45,000 in the Missouri One Start program, which is funding leadership, safety and industrial maintenance training for its employees.

Price said she learned about the Customized Training funds through an informational meeting for area HR representatives hosted by the CWD; and ECC staff, Cindy Brinker, CWD grant and program administrator, and Melissa Richardson, CWD apprenticeship and business training program coordinator, were essential in assisting Price with completing required documents prior to submission.

“I was not aware that the grant fund opportunity existed until I went to the presentation,” she said. “They also followed up individually with me to see how they could assist Volpi in completing the application and made an in person visit to review the key steps in applying.”

Volpi Foods has been handcrafting artisan cured meat since 1902. The female-operated manufacturer has been run by the same family for 120 years. Chief Executive Officer Lorenza Pasetti is the great niece of Volpi’s founder. She has been in charge of Volpi since 2002.

Customized Training awards through Missouri One Start range from $10,000 to $100,000 this year with awards averaging around $41,000. That’s compared to an average award in 2021 of $23,000. The increase in average awards is primarily due to Missouri One Start more than doubling its budget for workforce projects in Missouri.

Training for the industries ranges from leadership development, safety training, introductory welding programs, project management to LEAN and Six Sigma training.

“We are still finalizing exactly how we intend to spend the money, but our focus will be on leadership training for our managers, safety training for all employees and some specialized industrial maintenance technical training for our maintenance team members,” Price added.

Royal Canin

Royal Canin, Rolla — a leading producer of science-based cat and dog health nutrition — is receiving $30,000 in Missouri One Start program funding that will be utilized for several areas of training.

According to Derric Fane, Royal Canin Technical Manager, the manufacturer produces over 200 unique formulas of pet food, and each formula uses different ingredients.

“That means there is a high-level of variability — some are high in starch, some are high in protein — there are no two jobs alike,” Fane said.

He added that the Missouri One Grant will fund advanced training for Royal Canin employees for both machine operations and maintenance.

“It will include advanced training for our employees so they can train others,” Fane said, “It will be training to sharpen their skill level so in the future, they can pass along that knowledge.”

Founded by a veterinarian in 1968, Royal Canin has more than 50 years of experience in delivering individualized nutritional solutions. The Royal Canin product line offers a range of diets based on size, age, breed, lifestyle and therapeutic requirements.

Manufacturers Awarded Funds

Through the Missouri One Start Customized Training program the following manufacturers, listed by their locations, were awarded matching training grants:
Paramount Apparel, Bourbon; Homeyer Precision Manufacturing, Marthasville; Henniges Automotive, New Haven; Walker Products and Klauber Machine & Gear, Pacific; Royal Canin, Rolla;
Atro Engineering and Performance Engineering & Manufacturing Racing, St. Clair; Ace Manufacturing and Enjet Aero, Sullivan; Linmark Machine and Volpi Foods, Union; and Clemco Industries, Computech, Enjet Aero, Hodges Badge, Frick’s Meats, WEG Transformers and Parker Hannifin, Washington.

Learn more about the program by contacting the CWD team at training@eastcentral.edu or visit missourionestart.com/.

To learn more about CWD industry training and consulting visit www.eastcentral.edu/cwd/.


ECC Chief Academic Officer Named to State Transfer Committee


November 17, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla Inspiring Excellence

East Central College Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Robyn Walter will help shape how transfer and articulation agreements among Missouri colleges and universities are developed and maintained.

Walter was appointed last month to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) Committee on Transfer and Articulation (COTA). She was appointed by interim Commissioner of Higher Education Leroy Wade to serve through June 30, 2024.

“At ECC, we rely on good transfer partners to provide quality pathways for our students, so I understand the importance of transfer agreements, and how greatly they can benefit students,” Walter said. “It’s crucial to develop collaborative transfer and articulation strategies to serve students and advance our goals for degree completion.”

COTA’s primary responsibilities are to review and make recommendations on transfer issues and study and develop transfer guidelines for traditional and non-traditional credits. That’s in addition to reviewing and recommending resolutions on cases of appeal from institutions or students.

“It is important that students throughout the state are prepared for upper-level coursework when they transfer, and that they receive credit for the courses they have completed,” Walter added.

COTA is comprised of 12 members who are appointed by the Commissioner of Higher Education, and it includes four representatives from public two-year colleges and four representatives from public four-year colleges and universities, one of which must be from the University of Missouri and one which must be from another public four-year institution.

COTA also includes one representative from independent two-year colleges or proprietary institutions, two representatives from independent four-year colleges and universities and one at-large position. Additionally, the commissioner or a designated representative sits as ex-officio voting member of the committee.

Walter has been with ECC since 2003, serving as a faculty member, director of nursing, nursing and allied health program chair, dean of health sciences and vice president of academic affairs since 2020.

She received her Bachelor of Nursing degree from the University of Missouri and her Master’s in Nursing Service Administration from Saint Louis University. She earned her Ph.D. in Nursing at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

 


Prairie Dell Road Closed Wednesday, Detour to Union Campus


November 15, 2022 | Campus News

Prairie Dell Road will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 16, between Highway 50 and the roundabout for repairs to a water main break. The closure requires a detour to Progress Parkway for all Highway 50 traffic to campus.

East- and westbound Highway 50 traffic to East Central College’s Union campus will be detoured to Progress Parkway (east of Prairie Dell Road), to Denmark Road.

Take a right on Denmark Road to access the roundabout and campus. It is not known how long Prairie Dell Road will be closed. The community will be notified when Prairie Dell Road reopens.

The closure does not impact traffic northbound on Prairie Dell Road from College Road.


Open House Wednesday at ECC’s Falcon Career Center


November 14, 2022 | Campus News

There will be an opportunity for community members to tour and meet the staff of the new East Central College Falcon Career Center (FCC).

The open house will be Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 4-6 p.m. at the FCC located in Hansen Hall 270 on the ECC campus in Union. There will be snacks and refreshments available.

The Falcon Career Center opened earlier this year to provide a specialized space for learning and connecting with career counseling and social services to support the whole student.

Through the FCC, students will gain confidence knowing that their time and money is a solid investment because they will graduate prepared and connected to their community and job market.

During the open house, Occupational Navigator Sarah Haines and the Wellness Navigator Abbie Unnerstall will discuss the resources available to students for learning and connecting with career counseling and social services.

In addition, representatives of the Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program and short-term health care careers will be available to answer questions.


International Education Week banner

International Education Week Guest Speaker in Filipino American Artist


November 11, 2022 | Art Campus News

A Filipino American artist living in St. Louis will be the guest speaker Tuesday, Nov. 15, for International Education Week.

Ria Unson portrait

Ria Unson will present on “Filipinos at the 1904 World’s Fair: A Legacy of Race and Empire” at 3 p.m. In Hansen Hall 286 lecture hall. This presentation is open to the public.

Unson was born in the Philippines and emigrated to the U.S. at age 13. Unbeknownst to her, Ria’s great grandfather was brought to the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis after the American colonization of the Philippines.

By sheer coincidence (or destiny) she moved to the historic neighborhood that once housed the Philippine Exhibit at the fair. Her work explores the continuing legacies of imperialism on identity, migration, and culture. Unson’s art will be in the permanent collection of the History Museum for the 120th anniversary of the Fair.

One of the most popular attractions at the 1904 World’s Fair was the Philippine Exhibit, a 47-acre site that for nine months became home to over 1,000 people on display.

Unson traces the legacy of the fair as a descendant of, her great grandfather, one of those people.

Through this presentation, attendees will learn about how the image of Filipinos constructed at the fair was a method used to gain support for American imperialism and to domesticate the immigrant workers of St. Louis.

 


ECC and Missouri Baptist Strengthen Transfer Agreement


November 9, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College and Missouri Baptist University have bolstered the transfer agreements between the institutions.

For the past 20 years, the partnership between ECC and MBU has resulted in highly prepared educators within the community, according to Dr. Robyn Walter, vice president of academic affairs at ECC. This year, ECC and MBU revised the agreement update all of the courses that transfer from ECC to the University.

MBU, with a location in Union, allows for students to attend in-person classes without leaving the area. In addition, the University offers many online options and transfer students can attend classes from home.

Walter noted that it is important for the community that educators from this area remain here due to nationwide teacher shortages.

“We appreciate Missouri Baptist’s commitment to teacher education in our community,” Walter said. “We know that when students start at ECC and then complete their teaching degree locally, they are more likely to stay and teach locally — this approach is needed now more than ever.”

According to Thea Abraham, MBU director of records, ECC and MBU have had a strong relationship since the early 2000s.

She said, although MBU is a private university, it accepts all CORE 42 courses that state public colleges and universities accept.

“For two decades we had a strong relationship, and the transferability of courses at ECC has always been very high,” Abraham said.

Abraham echoed the importance of MBUs accessibility to residents of ECC’s district.

“Students can stay in town, taking classes at home or in-person at MBU’s Union facility, and they don’t have to drive into the main campus,” she said.

Students transferring from ECC to MBU typically are seeking teaching degrees or business-related degrees. MBU also offers a variety of other degree programs.

To learn more about transfer agreements between ECC and colleges and universities, visit www.eastcentral.edu/transfer/articulation-agreements/.

 


Nine Students Inducted into ECC Rolla Honor Society


November 4, 2022 | Alumni Spotlight Campus News ECC Rolla Inspiring Excellence

Pictured are seven of the nine inductees into the Beta Omicron Phi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at East Central College in Rolla. From left, are Madison Brown, Serena Macey, Hayden Loeb, Mary Romine, Elise Jeffers, Alicia Ramirez and Kelsea Smith. Not pictured are Gabriel E. Killian and Elysia D. Frayer.

The Beta Omicron Phi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at East Central College in Rolla inducted nine new members into the honor society during its annual Fall ceremony.

Carson Mowery, an alumna of the chapter and the ECC Campus Life & Leadership coordinator, was the keynote speaker during the in-person ceremony held Oct. 9 when the following students were inducted:
Madison G. Brown, Elysia D. Frayer, Elise M. Jeffers, Gabriel E. Killian, Hayden E. Loeb, Serena C. Macey, Alicia A. Ramirez, Kelsea E. Smith and Mary B. Romine.

Jeffers was installed as chapter president, and Ramirez was named chapter vice president.

At the ceremony, ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer presented ECC Rolla PTK sponsor Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema with a 15-year PTK advisor pin.

PTK is an international honor society for two-year colleges. Members pursue activities that fall under the direction of the society’s hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship.

 

The Beta Omicron Phi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at East Central College in Rolla installed Alicia Ramirez, left, as vice president of the honor society, and Elise Jeffers, center, as chapter president. Pictured on the right is Carson Mowery, an alumna of the chapter and the ECC Campus Life & Leadership coordinator.To be eligible for induction, students must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.4 for one semester and maintain a 3.2 GPA after their induction. Students can be pursuing any major, degree or certificate.

For more information about PTK in Rolla, contact Rozema at 573-466-4084 or elizabeth.rozema@eastcentral.edu.

East Central College East Central College in Rolla Phi Theta Kappa Advisor Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema, left, was presented a Phi Theta Kappa 15-year advisor pin by ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. Rozema, an assistant professor of biology, was recognized during the installation ceremony of new PTK members held in October.


‘Late Bloomer’ Uncovered his Passion at ECC — Music Education


November 3, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla Inspiring Excellence Music

Nathaniel Sater has always had a passion for music. But it wasn’t until he was in his 40s when he realized he could have a career doing what he loves the most.

And like so many in the community, East Central College was where he turned to pursue his dream.

Sater, of Pacific, graduated from ECC with an Associate Degree in Music In 2015. He already earned a business degree from Fontbonne University in 2007, but music is in his bones and that drove him toward a second go at college.

“I am a bit of a late bloomer. I had piano lessons as a child, and bought a guitar when I was 28, but I didn’t start what I considered seriously studying music until the fall of 2013,” he said.

Sater enrolled at ECC that year after meeting with Dr. Jennifer Judd, music program coordinator, who he credits with recognizing is talent, encouraging him, and pointing him in the right direction.

“Dr. Judd asked me some questions and I think that she saw I had realistic goals of just being a better musician than I was the day before, and that I was willing to spend the time in the practice room in order to get better,” he said.

“I was eager to learn and be taught. It was like walking through a gate. I was treated like a serious musician at the very beginning of my training and from day one — it was exciting.”

Once he started in the program, Sater learned from Dr. Judd, Dr. Timothy Sexton, choral director; Aaron Bounds, band director; as well as music adjunct Bill Hopkins and former music instructor Sue Chu.

“Nate was an energetic and enthusiastic music student,” Judd said. “He was always willing to work on new concepts and was great at working with other students in the Jazz Combo groups.”

Bounds added that Sater was eager to learn and share what he already knew about music.

“He was a joy to work with, adding much passion and life experience to many of our discussions,” he said.

Sater noted that ECC fits his desire to and grow as a musician perfectly.

“Dr. Judd knew exactly where to place me for (music) theory, instrumental study, history and ensemble study,” he said. “She is amazing.”

First Time Around

In 2008, a year after graduating from Fontbonne, tragedy struck Sater and his family. His mother died from pancreatic cancer after a year-long battle.

“After that I had no direction. I had a good job, but it wasn’t filling my soul,” he remembered. “I had a talk with myself, recalled doing well in classes that weren’t fulfilling for me, like business management, and I guess my focus shifted back to realizing the power of hard work.

“I decided that I should have studied music starting back in my youth,” Sater continued. “I just didn’t believe that I could be good as a child. It is a huge part of my personal identity to be a musician and an instructor.”

It was those thoughts that guided Sater back to higher education, and to ECC’s music department.

Post ECC Career, Education

Sater took a job teaching for an after-school program in the Baltimore/Washington D.C. area after graduating from ECC. He taught music classes and lessons in both English and Spanish.

“I taught the children mostly guitar and piano, but some drums and violins,” he said. “This job made me realize that I was good at talking about and teaching music, so it led back to Missouri where I enrolled at Central Methodist University.”

Sater became the first recipient of the Rita Gulstad Transfer Scholarship at CMU, which is specifically designed for community college students who want to complete a four-year degree at the university.

He graduated from CMU in 2019 with a degree in Music Education. His next stop was Lindenwood University where he earned Master of Music Education.

Now, in his mid-40s, Master’s degree in hand and still carrying the influence of ECC faculty, Sater said he is looking a career as a music teacher.

“I am looking for a job like what Aaron Bounds does at ECC,” he said. “He gets to teach a course on the history of jazz that I have heard is very interesting. I envision myself teaching Theory I and II, History of Jazz, giving lessons on the guitar and possibly other instruments, conducting the jazz band, and other ensembles such as a guitar quartet.”

Sater noted that his experience in ECC’s Music Department has been such a positive influence that he also wants to work at a community college.

Performing

Sater has been performing music on stage since 1999. He has played a variety of music in nine states.

“I perform with blues bands, solo gigs, jazz bands, big bands, rock bands, reggae bands, Grateful Dead tribute bands, party and dance bands, and Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute bands,” he said. “I mostly play piano/organ but do also do guitar and harmonica.”

About ECC Music

ECC is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

The college offers Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) in Music and Associate of Arts (AA) in Music. To learn more about the program, visit www.eastcentral.edu/humanities-arts/music/.

For more information, people may contact Dr. Judd at jennifer.judd@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6696, Dr. Sexton at timothy.sexton@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6698; or Bounds at aaron.bounds@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6697.


ECC Marketing Team Receives Four Medallion Awards, Director Named Rising Star


November 1, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla Inspiring Excellence Media

The East Central College Communications and Marketing team took home four Medallion Awards, including three for first place, from the National Communications, Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) District 5 conference.

The team won gold Medallions in the following categories: social media page, video shorts and excellence in writing-long form. The college was awarded a bronze Medallion in the college website category.

“What makes these awards so special is they are representative of the many facets of work that the communications team does,” said Gregg Jones, director of communications and marketing. “We put a lot of hard work into what we do, and it is a very satisfying when those efforts are recognized by our peers in a well-respected organization like NCMPR.”

East Central College Director of Communications and Marketing Gregg Jones received the National Communications, Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) District 5 Rising Star Award. The Rising Star Award recognizes newcomers to NCMPR and their fields. The Rising Star recipients demonstrate special creativity or ability in marketing and public relations; and show evidence of a promising future in the field. Jones is now one of seven candidates in consideration for the national Rising Star Award which will be presented in March 30 through April 1, 2023, at the NCMPR National Conference.

In addition to the medallions, Jones received the 2022 Rising Star Award for District 5.

The Rising Star Award recognizes newcomers to NCMPR and their fields. The Rising Star recipients demonstrate special creativity or ability in marketing and public relations; and show evidence of a promising future in the field.

Jones is now one of seven candidates in consideration for the national Rising Star Award which will be presented in March 30 through April 1, 2023, at the NCMPR National Conference.

Medallion Awards

This year is the third consecutive year the college’s Facebook page was recognized with a Medallion Award. This year, the college’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/EastCentral/, nabbed first place in the overall Social Media category.

The Gold Medallion awarded in the video shorts category was for the college’s commercial promoting 2022 fall registration that was shown on YouTube, Hulu and other streaming services. View the video at, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88sjc_-10SU.

The third Gold Medallion ECC earned, in the writing-long form category, was for “Cuba Resident Finds Calling in ECC Welding Lab.” The story features a welding student from Cuba, Mo., who enrolled in the program after reading a story about a mother and son taking Welding courses.  Read the story here, https://www.eastcentral.edu/blog/cuba-resident-finds-calling-in-ecc-welding-lab/.

The college’s website, www.eastcentral.edu, was recognized with a Medallion Award for the second straight year.

Communications & Marketing Team

ECC’s communication and marketing team is comprised of Jones, Joel Doepker, vice president of external relations; Amanda Studdard, multimedia specialist; Andy Kolb, coordinator of web services; Cynthia Cubas, external relations executive administrative assistant; and Abby Stanfield, multimedia assistant.

The NCMPR is the leading professional development association exclusively serving those working in communication at two-year community and technical colleges.

The organization provides professional development opportunities, advocates on behalf of the profession and the institutions it serves and recognizes professional excellence. NCMPR has more than 1,700 members from nearly 650 colleges across the United States and Canada.

Cutlines:

East Central College’s Communications and Marketing Department received four Medallion Awards at the National Communications, Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) District 5 conference last month. Pictured, from left, are Joel Doepker, vice president of external relations; ; Andy Kolb, coordinator of web services; Gregg Jones, director of communications and marketing; Amanda Studdard, multimedia specialist; and Cynthia Cubas, external relations executive administrative assistant.