Author: akolb

#InspiringExcellence – Students Chosen for All-Missouri Academic Team

May 24, 2017 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Each year, students are selected for All-Missouri Academic Team by the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. East Central College is proud to announce three students made the list in 2017!

Taylor Schaefer and Conner Camden were named to the All-Missouri Silver list, and Megan Hanneken was named to the All-Missouri Bronze list.

“East Central College is very proud of our All-Missouri Academic Team recipients,” said President Dr. Jon Bauer. “Our Phi Theta Kappa chapter is a very important part of campus culture.”

Members of the All-Missouri Academic Team are selected based on the extent to which they meet the definition of the word “scholar,” which Phi Theta Kappa defines as “one who excels in the classroom, has the intellectual curiosity to pursue an academic career and cultural enrichment outside the traditional classroom, shows evidence of substantial development of talents in academics and technical education and has demonstrated an ability to share this development with others.

Students from each of Missouri’s 27 Phi Theta Kappa chapters apply to be on the All-Missouri Academic Team. Only 40 students are selected each year. The students were recognized at a Missouri Community College Association luncheon in April in Columbia, MO.

Phi Theta Kappa is the officially recognized honor society for two-year colleges on a national level.

Featured photo: ECC Instructor Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema, Connor Camden and Dr. Jon Bauer.
Photos below: (left) ECC Instructor Kevin Dixon, Megan Hanneken and Dr. Jon Bauer, (right) ECC Instructor Kevin Dixon, Taylor Schaefer and Dr. Jon Bauer

Zora Mulligan to Speak at 47th Annual Spring Commencement

May 15, 2017 | Campus News

Zora Mulligan will speak at the 47th Annual East Central College Spring Commencement on Saturday, May 20. Mulligan was appointed Commissioner of Higher Education by the Coordinating Board for Higher Education in August 2016.

“We are very excited to have Commissioner Mulligan at commencement this year,” said East Central College President Dr. Jon Bauer. “Zora knows the importance our college plays in moving our community forward. She is a highly respected leader in the capitol and around the state.”

Mulligan served as assistant commissioner, general counsel and legislative liaison for the Missouri Department of Higher Education from 2007 to 2010. During that time, she participated in the development of the state’s coordinated plan for higher education; assisted in establishing policies to implement landmark higher education legislation, including a new need-based financial aid program; and conducted a review of the state’s public college and university facilities to develop a process for prioritizing capital projects.

Mulligan served as the executive director of the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) from 2010 to 2014. MCCA represents Missouri’s 12 community colleges, provides professional development opportunities for community college employees at all levels, and assists community college leaders in developing consensus on shared issues. During her tenure, Mulligan secured $50 million in federal grants for job training programs, successfully lobbied for a special appropriation from the state general assembly to provide community colleges with more equitable funding, and increased individual and organizational membership in the association.

From 2014 to 2106, Mulligan was the chief of staff for the University of Missouri System. In that role, she advised the president, coordinated activities that involved multiple departments within the system office and multiple campuses within the four-campus system, and assisted with the ongoing implementation of the system’s strategic plan.

Mulligan holds bachelor’s degrees in political science and psychology from Drury University and a master’s degree in education and a Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas.

Commencement will be held on the East Central College Union campus, 1964 Prairie Dell Road, at 11:30 a.m.

Registration Open for May High School Equivalency Classes

April 20, 2017 | Campus News

The Adult Education and Literacy program at East Central College is currently registering students for May classes offered at locations in Union, Washington, Sullivan, Gerald, St. Clair, Owensville, Pacific, Cuba, Hermann, St. James and Rolla. May is the last chance to start classes before the summer break begins.

All classes are provided at no cost with books and material provided for students while in class. Instruction is individualized to meet a person’s needs with instructors who will work with students to reach their goals.

The classes are designed to prepare students to pass the High School Equivalency Test (formerly the GED) and improve WorkKeys and college placement scores.

“Our students have a variety of needs, some just need minor tutoring and instruction to complete a high school equivalency exam, to those adults with a 4^th or 5^th grade math and reading level”, says Alice Whalen, director of the Adult Education and Literacy program. “We specialize in one-on-one instructor to improve a student’s skills in basic Math, Reading, Writing, Social Studies and Science.”

For more information or to register for classes call 844-322-4235 (844-ECC-4AEL) or visit the AEL website.

#InspiringExcellence – ECC Instructor Honored for Service to Scholastic Journalism

March 30, 2017 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Each year, the Missouri Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA) recognizes someone who has provided outstanding support to scholastic journalism with the Contributing Medium Award. East Central College is proud to announce the 2017 winner is English and Journalism Instructor Leigh Kolb!

In the nomination, MIPA vice-president Michelle Turner wrote: “Leigh Kolb has gone out of her way to assist MIPA and SchoolJournalism.org this school year. In the fall, when I approached her about MIPA’s desire to hold regional journalism workshops/summits, she was more than on board. She offered space, food and assistance with speakers.”

The inaugural journalism summit at East Central College was held in September 2016. It brought experts from the field to speak with students from ECC and Washington High School.

“My passions include not only talking about the importance of news and media literacy—and how becoming critical thinkers can transform our students’ lives—but also showing students that if they love examining the world around them and telling stories that matter, there are academic and career options they can and should pursue in the field of journalism and mass communications,” said Kolb.

One outlet for her passions has been SchoolJournalism.org, the go-to education site for students and teachers that provides hundreds of lesson plans and resources related to journalism, news literacy and civic education. Her recent article, New Year’s Resolution: Consume a Healthier News Diet, was well received by students and faculty alike across the country.

“She’s been an amazing friend of MIPA and SchoolJournalism.org,” said Turner. “Her generosity, kindness and willingness to network with us has greatly impressed me. She is someone who is more than deserving of this honor.”

“The power of journalism cannot be overstated,” said Kolb, “and young people who are interested in changing their world while using skills such as listening, research, critical analysis, writing, photography and film should consider going into journalism.”

Learn more about the mass media communications at East Central College!

Enroll in Class, Win Free Gas!

February 28, 2017 | Campus News

Enrollment for current students opens on March 6. When students register for Fall 2017 classes during the first two weeks, March 6-17, they will be automatically entered to win a free gas card!

Winners will be chosen daily, and they will be notified via email. Instructions on how to pick up the gas card will be included in the email.

Students will need to meet with their advisor to get the process started. Contact your academic advisor.

Enrolling for classes early allows East Central College to better plan for next semester!

Workers Wanted: ECC Creates Apprenticeship Program for Local Workforce

February 10, 2017 | Campus News

Computer technology, health care, construction, and high-skill manufacturing account for nearly 54 percent of the American labor market, according to the National Skills Coalition. Unfortunately, only 44 percent of workers are sufficiently trained for those high-demand jobs.

East Central College is trying to buck that trend. Thanks to an $87,000 grant from the Missouri Division of Workforce Development, the college will soon build an apprenticeship program.

“We know employers in the area are faced with a skills gap,” said Mardy Leathers, Workforce Development executive director. “We want to provide both the academic education needed for the workforce and the hands-on skills to land a job in their companies.”

Statewide, there are nearly 6,500 manufacturing facilities that need highly skilled workers.

“Franklin County has more than four times the manufacturing establishments than any other county in our service region,” said Jeremy Goss, Workforce Development coordinator of business development and training. “They make up near 25 percent of all jobs in the area, higher than any other category.”

In partnership with local industry, two registered apprenticeship programs will be offered by East Central: precision machinist and industrial maintenance technician.

“These are two or three-year programs,” said Leathers. “Students enrolled in the program will get 4,000 – 6,000 structured on-the-job training hours, 33 college credit hours, industry-recognized credentials, and pay increases based on academic progress. All of this results in a Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Certificate along with industry certifications and academic credit – each poised to create a dynamic and high performing employee in the advanced manufacturing sector.”

The mission of the Center for Workforce Development is to establish and promote economic opportunities that lead to a comprehensive workforce system in the ECC Service Region (Franklin, Warren, Gasconade, Maries, Crawford, Dent, Osage, and Phelps Counties).

Businesses or students interested in the program should contact Jeremy Goss via email or call 636-649-5806.

Sign Up for a Community Education Class in 2017!

January 9, 2017 | Campus News

The 2017 spring schedule of Community Education classes provides a variety of personal and professional enrichment opportunities for community members.

The offerings feature a variety of classes for children and adults. Children’s offerings include computer science, yoga, kindermusik, children’s chorale, and archery.

In addition to the always popular adult classes in dance, fitness, and computer skills; the schedule also includes courses in photography, local history, sign language, food safety, and CPR courses. Nearly a dozen classes are offered at no charge; a large majority of classes cost less than $100.

The complete class schedule is available at https://www.eastcentral.edu/community/schedule/ or call 636-584-6528.

ECC Helps Those in Need this Holiday Season

December 20, 2016 | Campus News

Even with the end of the semester coming to a close and final exams on the minds of many, East Central College students and staff took time to hold charity drives this holiday season.

“It doesn’t seem to matter what time of the year it is,” said ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer, “our students and staff find ways to help those in need. They have big hearts.”

The ECC Psychology Club held a toy drive this year. Donations were given to Lutheran Family and Children’s Services. This year, students gathered gifts for children age three to 18 including puzzles, stuffed animals, sports equipment, gift cards and more.

“After successfully collecting hundreds of pounds of food for the Union Food Pantry in October, we decided to tackle the holiday season as well,” said club advisor, Dr. Wendy Pecka, “We chose the Lutheran Family and Children’s Services because one of our club members found out that they needed Christmas presents.”

The student nurses took an international approach this year. They collected bars of soap for Honduras.

“The Washington Overseas Mission is a local group who takes a humanitarian and medical mission trip to Honduras annually. One of the medical physicians there said ‘soap is like medicine in Honduras,’” explained Associate Professor of Nursing, Judy Bieker. “Promoting health and wellness is a goal for every nurse, so hosting the soap drive fit perfectly with that mission.”

The Student Government Association (SGA) displayed an “angel tree” outside its office in December. Students were asked to choose an ornament with a gift idea written down, then bring the gift back to the tree after it was wrapped.

“Our student leaders always jump at the opportunity to help local families,” said Student Activities Coordinator Courtney Henrichsen. “This year was no different!”

Speaking of wrapping presents, The Learning Center took that burden off the shoulders of faculty and staff. For Pamela Peterson, it was a welcomed service.

“I literally took almost every gift I had for them to wrap,” she explained. “It was worth every penny!”

The Learning Center also held a Christmas craft sale. All the proceeds benefited its scholarship fund.

ECC Foundation Awards Grants

November 21, 2016 | Campus News

The ECC Social Justice Committee (SJC) is dedicated to educating the public about social reform through lectures and service projects. Because of limited funding, they can only do so much. With the help of the East Central College Foundation, groups like the SJC can host more events that help unite the community.

The East Central College Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports the growth and development of its students, staff and faculty. It solicits and receives tax deductible gifts that go directly toward grants and scholarships. The Albert C. Buescher Memorial is administered by the Foundation on behalf of ECC. This year, the Foundation awarded five grants to scholastic departments and programs on campus.

The SJC is eager to put its $1000 grant toward their upcoming Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service initiative. SJC Chairman and ECC Instructor Leigh Kolb looks to grow the committee and its efforts to impact the public. “ECC looks forward to deepening its ties to service through developing and enacting a Civic Action Plan that serves the entire community,” she said.

Psychology instructor Dr. Wendy Pecka is using her $2,000 grant to help break through the stigma surrounding mental health issues and change the conversation to one of hope and resiliency. “Our goal is to enhance students’ and community members’ lives by offering ongoing forums on domestic violence, dealing with dementia, mental illness, bullying prevention and addiction issues.”

Adult Education and Literature (AEL) Director Alice Whalen says her $1000 grant will help provide curriculum for AEL’s growing English Language Acquisition Program. “We will service approximately 100 English language learners this year,” Whalen said. “In our classes, students learn English through reading, writing, listening and speaking. Instructors also provide information about American culture and how to navigate American society. Instruction for the citizenship test is also available.”

For Art Director Adam Watkins, his $2,000 grant means more student exposure to cultural sights and scenes. Next spring break, he’ll travel to London with art students to tour museums and galleries. “The financial burden for the trip lays heavy on the students as the trip is ultimately self-funded,” Watkins said. “International travel always seems extensive and daunting, but with this grant, the students will each have a portion of the financial burden lifted.”

At the East Central College-Rolla campus, the library will soon expand its book collection. Thanks to the ECC Foundation, a $2,400 grant will help add nearly 80 books in the subjects of history, social science, social issues, science and technology to support core curriculum for students.

Over the past eight years, the ECC Foundation has awarded approximately $70,000 to various college departments and groups. Find out how you can help support the ECC Foundation.

Photo: Students work with an instructor in the English Language Acquisition Program.

Testing Center Saturday Hours

November 1, 2016 | Campus News

The East Central College Testing Center proctors exams for ECC faculty, other institutions, and a variety of specialized testing such as Pearson VUE and CLEP.

It is located in the Learning Center on the first floor of Buescher Hall next to the library. It is open Monday-Thursday from 7:30 – 7:30 p.m. and on Fridays from 7:30 – 2:00 p.m. However, it is also open on Saturdays! You can stop in from 8:00 – 1:00 p.m. on the following dates:

December 10
January 7
March 11
May 13
July 29
August 12

Additionally, advising, registration and financial aid help will be available on those dates in Student Services.

Learn more about The Testing Center, see the full list of exams it administers, and find frequently asked questions.