Month: April 2025


Two Crowned Champions in ECC Spelling Bee


April 30, 2025 | Campus News

It was a battle of brains and letters at East Central College’s annual Spelling Bee — and this year, two top spellers stood tall.

Miles Johnston, a sixth grader at Holy Rosary School, and Kurtis Scroggs, a fourth grader at Zitzman Elementary School, were named Co-Champions of the 2025 ECC Regional Spelling Bee, held Saturday, April 26, in the John Edson Anglin Performing Arts Center.

Nicholas Garber, an eighth grader at St. Gertrude School, was awarded 2nd Runner-Up after a strong showing throughout the competition.

Top 10 Finalists:

1.  Miles Johnston – Holy Rosary School

1.  Kurtis Scroggs – Zitzman Elementary School

3.  Nicholas Garber – St. Gertrude School

Listed in no order are the remaining Top 10.

  • Avi Dionne – Marthasville Elementary School
  • Eleanor Riegel – Clearview Elementary School
  • Raidn Hewitt – Coleman Elementary School
  • Natalie Brown – Immaculate Conception School
  • Gunnar Swebilius – Pacific Intermediate School
  • Braelyn Frankenberg – St. Francis Borgia Grade School
  • Emily Derner – St. John the Baptist School

A Team Effort

The ECC Regional Spelling Bee was proudly sponsored by hth companies, with key support from the following event officials:

Pronouncer: Dr. Jon Bauer, President, East Central College

Judge: Linda Barro, Associate Professor of English, ECC

Judge: Sue Henderson, Director of Assessment and Accreditation, Maryville University

Judge: Nicole Oermann, Multimedia Specialist, ECC

A special thank-you goes to the Spelling Bee Committee for their work behind the scenes:

Jennifer Baker, Jennifer Hawkins, Patty Kellmann, Terri Ogle, Cynthia Cubas, Cassidy Desmond, and Bridgette Kelch.

Past ECC Bee Champions

2024 – Daisy Fearn, Pacific Intermediate School

2023 – Daisy Fearn, Pacific Intermediate School; and Scott Harriman, St. Francis Borgia Middle School

2019 – Matthew Blomberg, Our Lady of Lourdes

2018 – Gabbie Helm, Our Lady of Lourdes

2017 – Max Grimes, Washington Middle School

2016 – Kelci Moore, Riverbend School

2015 – Samantha Doepker, Clearview Elementary School

2014 – Emily Braun, Union Middle School

2013 – Emily Braun, Union Middle School

2012 – McKenzie White, Meramec Valley Middle School

2011 – Ashley Roberts, St. Francis Borgia Grade School

Save the Date

The ECC Regional Spelling Bee is held annually on the last Saturday in April. For more information, contact the ECC Foundation at foundation@eastcentral.edu or call 636-584-6506.

Special Thanks

Natalie Brown, a 12-year-old seventh grader from Immaculate Conception School, also contributed to the event’s stage décor, which was sponsored by Andy’s Produce. She is the daughter of Michael and Lisa Brown.

Nicholas Garber, an eighth grader at St. Gertrude School, was awarded 2nd Runner-Up after a strong showing throughout the competition.

Top 10 Finalists:

1.  Miles Johnston – Holy Rosary School

1.  Kurtis Scroggs – Zitzman Elementary School

3.  Nicholas Garber – St. Gertrude School

4. Avi Dionne – Marthasville Elementary School

5.  Eleanor Riegel – Clearview Elementary School

6.  Raidn Hewitt – Coleman Elementary School

7.  Natalie Brown – Immaculate Conception School

8. Gunnar Swebilius – Pacific Intermediate School

9.  Braelyn Frankenberg – St. Francis Borgia Grade School

10.  Emily Derner – St. John the Baptist School

A Team Effort

The ECC Regional Spelling Bee was proudly sponsored by hth companies, with key support from the following event officials:

Pronouncer: Dr. Jon Bauer, President, East Central College

Judge: Linda Barro, Associate Professor of English, ECC

Judge: Sue Henderson, Director of Assessment and Accreditation, Maryville University

Judge: Nicole Oermann, Multimedia Specialist, ECC

A special thank-you goes to the Spelling Bee Committee for their work behind the scenes:

Jennifer Baker, Jennifer Hawkins, Patty Kellmann, Terri Ogle, Cynthia Cubas, Cassidy Desmond, and Bridgette Kelch.

Past ECC Bee Champions

2024 – Daisy Fearn, Pacific Intermediate School

2023 – Daisy Fearn, Pacific Intermediate School; and Scott Harriman, St. Francis Borgia Middle School

2019 – Matthew Blomberg, Our Lady of Lourdes

2018 – Gabbie Helm, Our Lady of Lourdes

2017 – Max Grimes, Washington Middle School

2016 – Kelci Moore, Riverbend School

2015 – Samantha Doepker, Clearview Elementary School

2014 – Emily Braun, Union Middle School

2013 – Emily Braun, Union Middle School

2012 – McKenzie White, Meramec Valley Middle School

2011 – Ashley Roberts, St. Francis Borgia Grade School

Save the Date

The ECC Regional Spelling Bee is held annually on the last Saturday in April. For more information, contact the ECC Foundation at foundation@eastcentral.edu or call 636-584-6506.

Special Thanks

Natalie Brown, a 12-year-old seventh grader from Immaculate Conception School, also contributed to the event’s stage décor, which was sponsored by Andy’s Produce. She is the daughter of Michael and Lisa Brown.


East Central College Director of Athletics Jay Mehrhoff poses with fellow NJCAA Region 16 athletic directors after receiving the 2025 NJCAA Loyalty Award. Pictured from left to right: Jim Gerwitz, Athletic Director at Mineral Area College; Mike Overman, Assistant Athletic Director at Mineral Area College; Jay Mehrhoff, East Central College; Sharon Marquardt, Athletic Director at St. Louis Community College; Brandi Arthur, Athletic Director at Crowder College; and Darren Pannier, Athletic Director at State Fair Community College.

From Coaching to Championing Students: Mehrhoff Earns NJCAA Loyalty Award


April 28, 2025 | Athletics Campus News

For more than two decades, Jay Mehrhoff has been the driving force behind East Central College athletics—building teams, mentoring students, and championing a culture where academic and athletic excellence go hand in hand.

This spring, that dedication was recognized on a national scale. Mehrhoff, ECC’s Director of Athletics, has been named the 2025 recipient of the NJCAA Loyalty Award, one of the most selective honors in the association.

Awarded only 22 times in the Association’s history, the Loyalty Award is given to an active athletic director in the NJCAA who has worked to uphold the ideals of the organization. Significant to this award is leadership in an athletic program exemplifying excellence both on the field or court and in the classroom.

Mehrhoff’s connection to ECC runs deep. He joined the college in 1997 as head coach of the men’s soccer team, leading the program to national recognition. In 2000, he brought his passion for student development into the classroom as a physical education instructor. Just three years later, he was named Director of Athletics— a position that allowed him to reimagine and expand ECC’s athletic programs.

“Over his tenure at East Central College, Dr. Mehrhoff has been a tireless advocate for our student-athletes,” said Dr. Jon Bauer, ECC President. “From working to expand athletic opportunities at ECC to chalking the fields and everything in between, he has focused on doing whatever is necessary to help our students grow and succeed.”

Under his leadership, ECC has added sports, improved facilities, and elevated its competitive performance—garnering championships and making regular appearances in NJCAA National Tournaments. Beyond campus, Mehrhoff has played a key role in collegiate athletics across Missouri and the country.

He has led the Missouri Community College Athletic Conference since 2003, serving as Vice President, President, and chair of the NJCAA Division II Men’s Soccer Committee.

“No vision has been too grand, and no task has been too small,” Bauer added. “He epitomizes what the NJCAA Loyalty Award is all about.”


Six people stand in front of a blue Missouri Community College Association backdrop. From left to right: Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema, PTK Rolla Advisor; David Harper, Coca-Cola New Century Workforce Scholar; Mae May, All-USA Transfer Pathway Scholar; Latisha Graham, All-USA Transfer Pathway Scholar; Kylie Napier, Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar; and Kevin Dixon, PTK Union Advisor. Several individuals are holding PTK folders and wearing medals. Not pictured are Phillip North and Moriah Mankin, also recognized at the PTK Catalyst convention in Kansas City.

ECC Students Earn Coca-Cola, All-USA Academic Awards


April 21, 2025 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College student Kylie Napier has been named a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and awarded a $1,500 scholarship for her academic achievement and leadership. She is one of just 50 students nationwide to earn this prestigious recognition, which is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and administered by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society.

Kylie Napier, left, has been named a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and awarded a $1,500 scholarship for her academic achievement and leadership. She is pictured with ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer.

Napier, a student at ECC’s main campus in Union, was selected based on scores earned in the highly competitive All-USA Academic Team competition, which drew nearly 2,100 applicants nationwide. As a Gold Scholar, she was recognized during the Parade of Scholars at PTK Catalyst, the organization’s annual convention, held April 3–5 in Kansas City, Missouri.

In addition to Napier’s recognition, several other ECC students were named to the All-USA Academic Team and honored by the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) and PTK for their academic and leadership excellence:

  • David Harper, Union – Coca-Cola New Century Workforce Scholar
  • Phillip North, Union – All-USA Workforce Pathway
  • Latisha Graham, Union – All-USA Transfer Pathway
  • Mae May, Rolla – All-USA Transfer Pathway
  • Moriah Mankin, Rolla – All-USA Transfer Pathway

These students were selected for their outstanding academic records, leadership, and community involvement. ECC annually nominates students from its campuses for the All-USA Team, which automatically qualifies nominees for the All-Missouri Academic Team. Nominees complete a rigorous application process that includes academic achievements, campus and community involvement, and a detailed account of a significant endeavor during their time at ECC.

All-state honorees are recognized at a ceremony sponsored by the MCCA and receive a commemorative medallion and certificate, along with a $250 scholarship funded by the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA).

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually to PTK members through the Coca-Cola Academic Team program, celebrating students who are leading the way in their communities and academic programs.


Teacher Apprenticeship Information Sessions


April 16, 2025 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College and Central Methodist University to Host Informational Sessions on Teacher Apprenticeship Program

East Central College and Central Methodist University are hosting two informational Zoom sessions for individuals interested in learning more about the Teacher Apprenticeship Program launching at ECC this fall.

These brief sessions will provide an overview of the program and include time for questions.

Session Dates and Details:

Wednesday, April 16 at 4:30 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 889 0190 2639
Passcode: 546634

Saturday, April 26 at 10:30 a.m.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 894 6961 2565
Passcode: 724616

To learn more about the Teacher Apprenticeship Program and how it aims to strengthen the local workforce, visit this Campus News Story.

For additional information, please contact East Central College or visit www.eastcentral.edu.


HIM Program Provides Flexibility, Foundation to Succeed


April 11, 2025 | Campus News

When Nicole Bergner decided to return to college, she needed a program that would fit her busy life. As a full-time employee and mother of three active children, she couldn’t afford to put her family or career on hold. That’s when she found the Health Information Management (HIM) program at East Central College.

Nicole Bergner smiling

“I was drawn to the ECC HIM program because it is accredited and completely online,” said Bergner, who earned her associate degree in HIM from ECC in 2016. “I returned to school during a very hectic period in my life, with three children involved in sports and a full-time job. I wasn’t willing to sacrifice family time and had to continue working full-time, so an online program was the only viable option for me.”

The HIM field is a vital part of the healthcare system, focused on the accurate collection, analysis, and protection of patient data. With growing demand for health data experts, HIM professionals can find careers in hospitals, clinics, government agencies, insurance companies, and more—including opportunities for remote work.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the field is projected to grow 16 percent over the next seven years, much faster than average.

Once enrolled, Bergner found the ECC program to be both practical and impactful.

“My overall impression of the HIM program is that it prepared me well for a career in the field,” she said. “Let’s be honest—the HIM field isn’t a childhood dream job like being a doctor, nurse, or firefighter. Many people find their way into this field later in life.”

While some courses weren’t flashy, Bergner said the content was essential and the instructors made the material approachable.

“The professors do a great job of breaking down the material in a relatable way,” she said. “I particularly loved the coding classes; to me, it was like putting together a puzzle to get a complete picture of the patient.”

Since graduating from ECC, Bergner’s career at Mercy has flourished. Starting as an inpatient coder, she worked her way up to inpatient coding lead and then to inpatient coding supervisor, where she currently oversees coding for five Mercy facilities.

“ECC’s HIM program provided the foundation for me to transition into an inpatient coding position,” she explained.

“ECC equipped me with the skills needed to feel confident in a coding role. I gained a comprehensive understanding of Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs) and how the provider’s documentation and my coding decisions impact the reimbursement healthcare facilities receive.”

She credits ECC with preparing her to handle the wide range of knowledge required in the HIM field, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, statistics, coding regulations, and healthcare law.

“I use all of these skills every day,” she added.

For Bergner, the most rewarding part of the job is the critical role HIM professionals play behind the scenes

“The HIM field is rewarding to me because the information I gather is crucial on many levels,” she said. “Accurate coding of a patient’s health record is essential not only for their health history but also for reimbursement. I am proud to have a small part in the big, big picture.”

Considering HIM at ECC?

When it comes to advice for prospective students or career changers considering the HIM program, Bergner is candid.

“My advice is to be honest with yourself and answer these questions: Am I self-motivated? Can I work independently?” she said. “The ECC program does a great job of helping you answer these questions. HIM coding roles have primarily become 100 percent remote, which isn’t for everyone.”

She emphasizes that remote work requires structure and self-discipline.

“You’ll have lessons to read, videos to watch, and assignments to complete with deadlines, but no assigned class time,” she said. “Can you set up a schedule and stick to it? Are you a lifelong learner? Healthcare is always evolving and changing.”

Bergner was fortunate to already be working at Mercy when she entered the field, but she knows not every student will have that kind of connection.

“During my last semester, I reached out to let [the hiring manager] know I was completing my coursework and would soon sit for my exam,” she said. “After passing my RHIT exam, I reached out again, landed an interview, and the rest is history.”

Now in a leadership role, she offers advice to job seekers.

“Research the position you’re applying for and ensure your resume is relevant to that role,” she said. “During your coursework, you’ll meet people and make connections with your PPE preceptors—keep their information and don’t be afraid to reach out.”

Although she doesn’t currently plan to pursue further education, Bergner is focused on continuing her leadership growth within the healthcare field.

Career Goals

“My long-term career goals are to continue honing my leadership skills and advancing in a healthcare leadership role,” she said.

To stay current with industry trends, Bergner attends the MOHIMA conference, participates in webinars, and keeps up with professional organizations like AHIMA.

“If you’re attending a conference, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to people—it might just give you the break you need to get an interview,” she said.

One of Bergner’s proudest accomplishments at Mercy was helping implement a new coding technology.

“We implemented Computer Assisted Coding (CAC) at Mercy a few years ago, which was no small task,” she said. “As leadership, we conducted extensive testing, collaborated with vendors, and trained our teams to be ready for the new system. This implementation has allowed us to achieve higher production rates with greater coding accuracy.”

Looking ahead, she sees an exciting future for the HIM field, especially with advances in artificial intelligence.

“AI coding is coming, and it will look for diagnoses and clinical support from ancillary tests before making autosuggestions,” she said. “The role will change, but HIM is growing and will continue to do so as our population ages.”

For Bergner, the HIM field may not have been her first dream, but it’s become a meaningful and rewarding career path.


Learn About ECC’s New Respiratory Care Program


April 10, 2025 | Campus News

East Central College is hosting two Zoom informational sessions to provide details and answer questions about the College’s new Respiratory Care program.

Respiratory therapists play a vital role in patient care, helping individuals of all ages manage breathing conditions and improve their quality of life. With a growing demand for skilled professionals, now is the perfect time to pursue a career in Respiratory Care. ECC’s program offers hands-on training, expert instruction, and a direct pathway to a rewarding healthcare career.

The sessions will be held:

  • Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
  • Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.

Scan the code during the session times to join, and visit ECC’s Respiratory Care program page for more information.

Flyer image with details about Respiratory Care information sessions

East Central College logo

ECC Launches Education Apprenticeship to Strengthen Local Workforce


April 4, 2025 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College is opening a new door to careers in education through a teacher apprenticeship initiative aimed at strengthening the local workforce and addressing the statewide teacher shortage.

The College is launching pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship pathways that combine coursework, hands-on experience, and grant-funded support to create a practical route for individuals interested in becoming educators.

For more information about ECC’s Teacher Education Apprenticeship Program, email: teacher.apprentice@eastcentral.edu

These programs are designed to support those just beginning their education journey, as well as adults considering a career change—providing opportunities to work in education without leaving the community.

“One of the main ideas behind our Teacher Apprenticeship Model is multiple entry points with defined assistance along the way.  Whether someone is just starting their education journey or considering a career change, this program makes it more accessible to become a certified teacher in our service area,” said Greg Stotler, ECC Teacher Education Coordinator.

“We’re helping people build a future in the teaching profession in our community while they continue to work in crucial support roles in our schools within those communities.”

The pre-apprenticeship options prepare participants for success in a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship and include roles such as:

  • Substitute Teacher
  • Paraprofessional
  • Teacher Assistant

Participants can earn certifications and gain valuable experience in local classrooms while continuing their education through ECC’s degree programs:

  • Associate of Arts in Education
  • Associate of Arts in Teaching
  • Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development

In partnership with ECC’s Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program, the College also received official approval from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to offer an Integrated Education and Training (IET) course. This course provides immediate access to substitute teacher and paraprofessional credentials and can be combined with high school equivalency preparation or academic skill development as needed.

The success of ECC’s teacher apprenticeship initiative is the result of collaboration among several departments at the College. The Center for Workforce Development, AEL and the Education pathway are working together to build accessible, high-quality pathways for future educators. This effort is being led by Stotler, Todd Tracy, Executive Director of the Center for Workforce Development; and Alice Whalen, Director of Adult Education and Literacy.

The apprenticeship pathway includes benefits such as:

  • Paid work experience in education-related roles
  • Certification in First Aid/CPR/AED
  • Substitute teacher credentials
  • U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Certificate of Completion
  • Up to $500 in support for qualifying pre-apprenticeship participants

This initiative is part of a larger statewide effort through the Missouri – Southeast Pathways to Work (MoSEPWork) consortium, a collaboration of five colleges working to improve access to innovative pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs in three high-demand sectors: teacher education, nursing, and advanced manufacturing.

MoSEPWork Consortium:

  • Jefferson College (Lead Institution)
  • East Central College
  • Mineral Area College
  • Three Rivers College
  • Central Methodist University

The project is funded by a $3.99 million U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Building America – Round 2 (ABA2) grant. East Central College’s portion of the funding totals $793,775 and will support program development through June 2028. The ECC grant budget includes:

  • Personnel, Fringe & Travel: $324,182
  • Equipment (including a 5-Axis Mill for Precision Manufacturing): $99,230
  • Contractual Services, Tuition & Outreach: $298,202
  • Indirect Costs: $72,161