Month: October 2024


Group of professionals holding awards outdoors on a college campus

Industry Recognition: Six NCMPR Medallions Awarded to ECC Marketing Team


October 31, 2024 | Campus News

The East Central College Communications and Marketing team brought home six Medallion Awards, including two first-place honors, from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) District 5 conference held Oct. 1-3 in St. Paul, Minn.

The team earned gold Medallions in the Podcast category for the “ECC Insiders” podcast, hosted by Joel Doepker and Leigh Kolb, and in the Social Media category for the College’s Facebook page. Silver Medallions were awarded for the College’s Instagram page and the short-form writing piece “Training Tomorrow’s Surgical Technicians at ECC.” Additionally, ECC was honored with bronze Medallions for its website, www.eastcentral.edu, and for logo design.

Discover some of the award-winning entries:

“These awards are particularly meaningful as they celebrate the range of work our communications team undertakes,” said Gregg Jones, Director of Communications and Marketing. “We strive to make a positive impact, and it’s incredibly rewarding to have our efforts recognized by peers in such a respected organization as NCMPR.”

Notably, this is the fifth consecutive year ECC’s Facebook page has been awarded a Medallion and the fourth year in a row the College’s website has received an award.

The NCMPR District 5 encompasses colleges in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, the Canadian province of Manitoba, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

During the 2023-24 academic year, ECC’s Communications and Marketing team included 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.

NCMPR is a premier association serving communications professionals at two-year community and technical colleges. With more than 1,700 members representing nearly 650 colleges across the U.S. and Canada, NCMPR offers professional development, advocacy, and recognition of excellence in the field.


East Central College logo

Van Leer Honored with Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award


October 23, 2024 | Campus News

Nursing is a field where care and compassion are at the core, but it’s the educators who mold those qualities in future healthcare professionals.

At East Central College, Jessica Van Leer, Assistant Professor of Nursing, has been guiding eager nursing students for nearly a decade. Now, her dedication and excellence in teaching have earned her the prestigious 2024 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award.

Jessica Van Leer portrait

Over the past nine years at ECC, Van Leer has played a vital role in her students’ growth, watching them evolve from enthusiastic learners into confident professionals.

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

Van Leer holds a master’s degree in nursing education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Maryville University. Before joining ECC, she worked as a pediatric nurse at Mercy Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, where she cared for patients on the medical-surgical pediatric floor.

Her transition into teaching allowed her to bring real-world experience into the classroom.

“Jessica has consistently demonstrated excellence in teaching through her ability to make complex nursing concepts easy for students to understand,” one colleague said. “Her dedication and mentorship have earned her the respect and admiration of her students, colleagues, and the community.”

Beyond teaching, Van Leer is actively involved in the ECC community. She serves as the Student Nurse Organization club advisor and chairs the Faculty Professional Development Committee, fostering an environment of support and growth for both students and faculty.

In 2022, she was also nominated for the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Young Professionals award, a testament to her ongoing commitment to student success and professional excellence.


Pictured, are two ECC administrators and an instructor who is holding a 25-years of service award.

ECC Celebrates Commitment with Annual Service Awards Banquet


October 18, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Each year, East Central College proudly recognizes the dedication and hard work of its employees for their commitment to student success and service to the community.

The Annual Service Awards banquet celebrates those who have reached milestone years of service—5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years—with ECC. This October, there were 22 employees honored for their years of service to the college.

Service Award Recipients:

  • 25 Years: Linda Barro
Three ECC employees holding certificates for 20 years of service,
Pictured are the recipients of the 20 Years of Service Awards, from left: Sarah Scroggins, Shaun Roberson, and Erin Anglin.
  • 20 Years: Erin Anglin, Grace Austin, Brook Burgess, Shaun Roberson, and Sarah Scroggins.
Pictured are the recipients of the 15 Years of Service Awards, from left: Stacy Langan and Dr. Reginald Brigham.
Pictured are the recipients of the 15 Years of Service Awards, from left: Stacy Langan and Dr. Reginald Brigham.
  • 15 Years: Dr. Reginald Brigham, Stacy Langan, and Dr. Timothy Sexton.
Four ECC employees holding certificates for 10 years of service,
Pictured are the recipients of the 10 Years of Service Awards, from left: Kerry Blocker, Bethany Herron, Joel Doepker and Dee Gibbs.
  • 10 Years: Kerry Blocker, Patty Crumpecker, Joel Doepker, Dee Gibbs, and Matthew Gifford, Bethany Herron, Lavonda Lawson, and Gregory Stotler.
Seven ECC employees holding certificates for 5 years of service,
Pictured are the recipients of the 5 Years of Service Awards, front row, from left: Lauran Spier, Jessica Horn, Bridgette Kelch and Stephanie McCarthy. Back row, from left: Hannah Jolley. Bobby Bland and Joannie Blakely.
  • 5 Years: Joannie Blakely, Bobby Bland, Jessica Horn, Hannah Jolley, Bridgette Kelch, Stephanie McCarthy, Vu Ong, and Lauran Spier.


Group of middle school students around manufacturing equipment and instructor.

Manufacturing Summit Highlights Franklin County’s Economic Strength


October 15, 2024 | Campus News

Franklin County’s diverse manufacturing base continues to be a driving force behind the region’s economic stability, according to the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED).

Jeff Pinkerton, Director of Economic Research with DED, presented key economic data to local manufacturing leaders during the second annual Manufacturing Summit, held on Oct. 2 at East Central College (ECC).

Hosted by ECC’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD) and sponsored by engineering firm Cochran, the event attracted 58 attendees and took place during National Manufacturing Week.

This year’s Summit provided a unique intersection of workforce development and education, offering participants the chance to network, gain expert insights, and discuss workforce challenges facing the manufacturing sector.

In addition to Pinkerton’s presentation, attendees heard a keynote address from Anita Brooks of P4 Power Coaching™ on “Attracting & Retaining Top Talent for Manufacturers.” Guests also met with vendors, participated in breakout sessions, and connected with ECC employees and students.

“It was inspiring to see so many local industry leaders come together to share ideas and explore solutions,” said Todd Tracy, Executive Director of ECC’s CWD. “The discussions were valuable, and everyone left with new connections and insights.”

Tracy also noted two key takeaways from the Summit: the unveiling of CWD’s new Customized Leadership Series and a panel discussion on program expansion and potential partnerships with local manufacturers and suppliers.

Additionally, ECC’s CWD hosted tours for local middle and high school students, introducing them to ECC’s Business and Industry Center. The students met with instructors from the Industrial Engineering Technology, Precision Machining, Welding, and Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC) programs. For more information about registered apprenticeships through ECC’s CWD, visit the Center for Workforce Development or call 636-649-5800.


Licensed Practical Nursing students posing during pinning ceremony

Practical Nursing Program Maintains Perfect Pass Rate


October 8, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College’s Practical Nursing (PN) program in Rolla is celebrating another outstanding accomplishment: a perfect 100 percent pass rate on the Summer 2024 licensure exam.

All nine graduates not only passed the exam but also exceeded the state and national average pass rate, further enhancing ECC’s reputation for excellence in nursing education.

This year’s graduates are the second class to complete the PN program under ECC’s sponsorship, following the equally impressive performance of the 2023 cohort, who also achieved a 100 percent pass rate.

The licensure exam, known as the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), is a standardized test that all practical nursing graduates must pass to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). By earning this certification, graduates are qualified to enter the workforce as LPNs, where they can pursue higher wages and take on greater responsibilities in patient care.

“The success of the 2024 graduates is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and resilience throughout the program,” said Michelle Chick, Practical Nursing Program Director.

“Many of these students balanced demanding work schedules and family responsibilities while completing their studies, which is no small feat,” she added. “The nursing faculty and I are extremely proud of each graduate, and we are confident they will make significant contributions to both the nursing profession and the local community.”

Missouri’s average pass rate for first-time NCLEX-PN test takers in the first half of 2024 is 94.23 percent. Nationally, the year-to-date pass rate stands at 89.82 percent. ECC’s PN graduates not only surpassed these benchmarks but demonstrated exceptional readiness for their future roles as healthcare professionals.

The NCLEX-PN exam evaluates nursing knowledge and skills, ensuring that graduates are competent to provide safe and effective patient care in various healthcare settings. It also tests critical thinking and clinical judgment—skills that are essential for success in the nursing field.

The nine graduates from ECC’s 2024 PN program are:

  • Shelby Pogue
  • Alexandra Ferguson
  • Emma Politte
  • Cassidy Cunningham
  • Jessie Ball
  • Jessica Cook
  • Samantha Roman
  • Katelyn Schafer
  • Brandy Barnes

ECC’s Practical Nursing program is a three-semester, 11-month course that includes hands-on clinical experience. Graduates earn a certificate of completion and are then eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam.

Since taking over sponsorship of the program from the Rolla School District in October 2021, ECC has continued to expand and improve its nursing education offerings. This transition allowed the Rolla School District to concentrate on K-12 education, while ECC focused on enhancing the quality and accessibility of the PN program.

For more information about ECC’s Practical Nursing program, visit www.eastcentral.edu/allied-health/licensed-practical-nursing or contact Nancy Mitchell, Dean of Health Science, at Nancy.Mitchell@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6619.


East Central College logo

ECC President to Chair National Advocacy Group for Rural Colleges


October 6, 2024 | Campus News

East Central College President Dr. Jon Bauer was elected Chair of the Rural Community College Alliance (RCCA) Board of Directors.

President Jon Bauer headshot

RCCA is a national organization with members in 35 states, led by a board of community college presidents and other leaders in the field. It is the only organization devoted to rural-serving community colleges. Additionally, RCCA lobbies in state legislatures and Washington, D.C., as a voice for institutions often neglected in higher education.

Bauer was elected by the full RCCA Board during the 2024 RCCA annual conference, held Sept. 18-20 at SUNY-Adirondack Community College in Queensbury, New York.

“I am honored to be named Chair of the RCCA Board of Directors. Rural community colleges are essential to the success and growth of our regions, and I look forward to collaborating with fellow board members to champion the unique needs and opportunities in rural education,” he said. “Together, we can continue to expand access, promote innovation, and strengthen the impact of community colleges across the country.”

The Board Chair serves a two-year term. Seth Carter, president of Colby Community College in Kansas, is the outgoing Chair.

The RCCA assists member institutions that serve the 89.3 million people who live in rural America. Bauer has served on the national board since September 2020.

The Alliance promotes a more economically, culturally, and civically vibrant rural America through advocacy, convening, and leveraging resources. The RCCA also serves as a “clearinghouse for innovative practice, policy, and research.”

The RCCA strives for increased state support and federal impact aid for community and tribal colleges and helps member institutions find new funding sources. ECC will serve as the host for next year’s conference, taking place Sept. 17-19, 2025.


13 male and female Rolla nursing students in blue scrubs standing in front f a brick wall on Clinical Orientation Day

ECC Rolla Nursing Students Begin Clinicals at St. James Veterans Home


October 6, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College Rolla’s first-year nursing students took a significant step in their healthcare journey during Clinical Orientation Day, held on Sept. 26.

Following this orientation, the students began their clinical rotations on Oct. 1, onsite at the St. James Veterans Home.

Wearing their professional uniforms, these students have officially started their hands-on training, a crucial component of ECC’s nursing program.

Clinicals, conducted at local healthcare facilities like the St. James Veterans Home, provide real-world experience that complements classroom learning and equips students with the skills needed for a successful nursing career.

As they dive into their first semester, these students will gain invaluable experience caring for veterans and applying their knowledge in a real-world setting.

For more information about the ECC Nursing program, visit www.eastcentral.edu/allied-health/nursing, or contact Nancy Mitchell, Director of Nursing and Dean of Health Science, at Nancy.Mitchell@eastcentral.edu.


Group of 23 Nursing students dressed in blue clinical uniforms standing for a photo on a staircase

Future Nurses Suit Up for Clinicals


October 5, 2024 | Campus News

For East Central College’s first-year nursing students, Clinical Orientation Day marked an important milestone in their journey toward a career in health care.

On Sept. 26, students suited up in full uniform as they began clinicals—a crucial, hands-on element of the nursing program. Clinicals are conducted onsite at local hospitals and with other healthcare partners.

These students, currently in their first semester of the ECC Nursing program, were captured in action during their Fundamentals of Nursing course.

The classroom learning and clinical experience are closely connected to ensure students gain the skills and knowledge needed to become safe, competent practitioners.

East Central College offers two programs leading to an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing, both designed to prepare students to become registered nurses.

For more information about the ECC Nursing program, visit www.eastcentral.edu/allied-health/nursing, or contact Nancy Mitchell, Director of Nursing and Dean of Health Science, at Nancy.Mitchell@eastcentral.edu.