Author: gjones

Music Student Teaches Bass Guitar and Performs on Stage

October 11, 2021 | Campus News Music

Cole Parsons is working toward an Associate in Fine Arts Degree while studying music at East Central College, his melodies also are heard outside the classroom.

Parsons, of Beaufort, is a 2018 Union High School graduate who plays bass guitar in three bands. The music he performs ranges from older blues and country, to diverse rock n’ roll from the 60s to the 80s, to contemporary rock and newer “poppy” music.

Parsons has been playing bass for 11 years. He was influenced to play by his father, who also is a bass player and, like Cole, has performed on stages in the area.

In addition to the bass, the younger Parsons plays piano, guitar, harmonica and periodically a few other instruments.

Teaching Bass

When he isn’t performing with a band at local wineries, or in the music rooms of ECC, Parsons is teaching bass at River City Music in Washington.

“Teaching has been a wonderful experience, I have really enjoyed seeing my students make progress, especially when their faces light up with pride as we overcome a particularly difficult passage of music together,” he said.

Parsons said he noticed an opening at River City Music last spring and mentioned his interest in the position to Dr. Jennifer Judd, who encouraged him to pursue the job.

“Dr. Judd said to go for it, so I interviewed, and it went really well,” he said. “I started with just one student and now I am up to six — they are all individual, personal lessons.”

Parsons added that he doesn’t have a set curriculum for his students, but encourages their individuality.

“I prefer to teach them the type of music they want to learn,” he said. “I ask what kind of music they like, or what bands they are into, and then I find songs that support the lessons.

“It is a lot easier to teach songs they want to learn because it encourages them to practice,” Parsons added.

Visit the River City Music YouTube page to see a video of Parsons talk about playing and teaching bass guitar here.

The ages of Parsons’ students vary just as much as the type of music they like to play. Right now, Parsons is teaching students with ages from 12 to 75.

In addition to his already jam-packed schedule — at River City Music, the ECC Music rooms and performing on stage — Parsons also writes music, including songs for himself and friends, and advertising jingles that he sells to earn royalties.

After Graduation

Parsons noted that he is not certain what he will do after he graduates from ECC in the Spring of 2022.

He may attend Webster University, but there are not clear plans to continue to a four-year school.

“I’m on course to graduate next semester and if I don’t go to Webster, I’d continue to grow my connections to the local music community and online, while I continue teaching and gigging,” he added.

Parsons noted that, while he enjoys performing, teaching bass has really grown on him.

“I have always wanted to be a player and now that I am teaching too, I enjoy being in between the two,” he said. “I really enjoy teaching, and that came out of nowhere.”

To learn more about the ECC music program, visit www.eastcentral.edu/humanities-arts/music/ or email Dr. Jennifer Judd at jennifer.judd@eastcentral.edu.

To learn more about classes at River City Music, or to sign up for bass lessons with Parsons, people may visit www.rivercitymusic.us.com or call 636-239-9674.

Graphic with text: Congratulations Benjamin Schwanitz

ECC Graduate Receives rootED Scholarship

October 8, 2021 | Alumni Spotlight Campus News

An East Central College 2021 graduate was the recipient of a rootEd Alliance Transfer Scholarship.

Benjamin Schwanitz, who is now a student at Truman State University, Kirksville, was awarded up to $10,000 through the scholarship. The scholarship is renewable for up to five years as Schwanitz pursues a bachelor’s degree.

“I am attending Truman State University thanks to this lifesaving scholarship,” said Schwanitz. “It was truly remarkable that I was able to receive the scholarship.”

Over the past three years, rootEd Alliance has provided dedicated support to students from rural areas and small towns across Missouri as they pursue their education beyond high school.

The organization does so, in part, through providing funding and resources for student success advisors in high schools and community colleges, and through creating opportunities like the rootEd Alliance undergraduate and community college transfer scholarships.

This year rootEd partnered with the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis to award 18 new scholarships to undergraduate and transfer students from rural Missouri, filling critical gaps in students’ financial aid packages to help ensure they graduate debt-free.

For more information about rootED at EEC, contact Melissa Schall Willmore, student success advisor, at melissa.schallwillmore@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6530.

ECC to Take Over Health Care Programs in Rolla

October 6, 2021 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College will assume sponsorship of two health care programs from the Rolla Public School District beginning fall 2022 — licensed practical nursing (LPN) and surgical technology.

During the Oct. 4 board meeting, ECC Trustees unanimously approved tuition and fee schedules for the licensed practical nursing (LPN) certification and a new surgical technology associate of applied science program.

The LPN and a surgical technology certificate programs both are taught at the Rolla Technical Center (RTC), where ECC already holds several classes. The courses will continue to be taught at the RTC.

According to Nancy Mitchell, Dean of Health Sciences, the surgical technology program’s accrediting body, the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, is now requiring an associate degree, not just a certificate, before taking national licensure examination.

She added that the program is a “1 plus 1” program that requires a year of general education, CORE 42 courses prior to surgical technology classes and labs.

The students could potentially take their general education courses on the Union campus and take the remaining three semesters of the surgical tech courses in Rolla, added Dr. Robyn Walter, Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Through the surgical technician program, the students will learn aseptic techniques, instrumentation, surgical procedures, and direct patient care before, during and after surgery. Upon graduation of the new surgical technician curriculum, students will receive their associate of applied science degree in surgical technology.

ECC will retain the faculty members who have been teaching the courses for both programs.

“We are very excited to add these programs and these faculty members,” Mitchell said. “We are also excited to give students another health care degree option.

“This is another avenue in which we can work with our health care partners,” she added.

The LPN program is a three-semester, 11-month program that includes a clinical experience. It is designed for students to acquire the skills and knowledge essential to the role of a competent practical nurse. Upon successful completion of this program, graduates receive a certificate of graduation and are qualified to take the national licensure examination (NCLEX-PN).

According to Mitchell, programs will officially begin in the fall of 2022 under ECC. The application deadline is April 1.

She noted that it will be less costly to students once ECC takes over because the college has more resources for these types of programs than the Rolla School District. Both programs will be fully funded by tuition and fees paid by students.

It will cost $200 per credit hour for in-district students and $300 per credit hours for out-of-district students. The course fees will vary.

Just like the radiologic technology training program taken over by ECC last spring, the Rolla School District is transitioning the program to ECC, primarily because the program is only available to adults, not high school students. Rolla Public Schools Is focusing programming specifically on elementary and secondary education.

ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer said the Rolla School District approached ECC about taking over sponsorship of the programs less than one year ago.

“This is a lot of work over the several months,” he said. “In October of last year this wasn’t on our radar.”

He credited Walter, Mitchell and Christina Ayres, ECC Rolla director, program faculty members and all who worked to make a smooth transition.

ECC to Expand Touchless Entry Door Upgrades for Greater Security, Access

September 27, 2021 | Campus News

East Central College will expand the scope of work for its touchless entry doors to provide better access, and increased safety at college facilities.

That’s thanks to a vote by the Board of Trustees Sept. 20 that approved a $31,067 change order for the work being conducted by TSI Global Companies, St. Charles.

The access door control and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) touchless entry project is an upgrade over the automatic door hardware now in place. The touchless entry mechanisms will help prevent the spread of viruses (like COVID-19), improve security and safety, and be ADA compliant.

The project is funded through the federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF).

In June, trustees awarded the project to TSI Global at the cost of $165,805. The new cost of the project is $196,872, which includes upgrades to access doors at ECC’s Union and Rolla locations.

Initial plans called for the installation of touchless entry technology only at the doors used often, according to Vice President of Finance and Administration DeAnna Cassat.

However, she explained, it was suggested by Union police officers stationed on campus to equip every door.

Cassat further explained that the new touchless door system provides a mechanism for police to lock doors remotely and electronically on campus during a security threat.

“Originally we were only going to equip the doors that are regularly used,” Cassat said. “Now that we are installing it on every door, it is a way for us to know for sure all of the doors on campus are locked.”

She added that the touchless entry doors could all be installed by the end of the semester.

ECC Boot Camp Teaches Skills to Begin a Career in Manufacturing

September 24, 2021 | Campus News

For Rebecca Bruton, a recent manufacturing boot camp at East Central College opened her eyes to potential employers, and even landed her a job with one.

Bruton, of Washington, was one of six participants in ECC’s Center for Workforce Development’s Pre-apprenticeship Manufacturing Boot Camp program held this summer.

“My incentive to enroll in the boot camp was to learn new skills and qualities to help me become more valuable to potential employers,” she said.

Bruton, 20, is a 2019 St. Francis Borgia Regional High School graduate. She noted that touring the local industries participating in the boot camp was a great benefit.

“I enjoyed touring the employer partners’ plants because seeing their employees working helped me visualize myself working there too,” she added.

The manufacturing boot camp enrollees visited several local industries to gain a better understanding of the manufacturing industry and discuss job opportunities at the companies.

In fact, following the boot camp, Bruton applied and was hired by Clemco Industries Corp. as a shipping apprentice where she is training to be a puller/packer.

“The soft skills I learned gave me an advantage over other applicants because they are valuable to all employers,” she commented. “My career goal is to work for a strong, well-established company, like Clemco, in a position that I enjoy and allows me to continue to grow and strengthen my skills.”

According to Bruton, the CWD boot camp could benefit anyone looking for a career in manufacturing, and the opportunity came at no cost.

“Everyone I met was welcoming and encouraging and genuinely wanted to see me and the other participants succeed. I liked that the camp guaranteed interviews with the employer partners,” Bruton added. “The boot camp was also free, which was a bonus for me.”

For more information, contact the Center for Workforce Development at training@eastcentral.edu or 636-649-5800. The manufacturing pre-apprenticeship program website is https://www.eastcentral.edu/cwd/pre-apprenticeship-program/.

Financial Aid Workshops at ECC

September 21, 2021 | Campus News

East Central College’s financial aid department will hold a series of workshops to help students fill out the 2022-2023 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) over the course of several evenings.

FAFSA Nights will be held in Buescher Hall, Union, room 103 and 214 from 5-6:30 p.m. on the following dates:

Tuesday, Oct. 5;

Tuesday, Oct. 19;

Tuesday, Nov. 2;

Tuesday, Nov. 16; and

Thursday, Nov. 30.

To get the most out of the workshop, students are encouraged to bring their Social Security number, driver’s license, W-2 forms, 2020 federal income tax return, bank account balances, value of investments, value of business and/or investment farm.

Attendees must RSVP for the workshops. To RSVP or for more information call 636-584-6574 or email FinAid@EastCentral.edu.

ECC’s HIM Program Trains Students for Health Care Field

September 21, 2021 | Campus News

East Central College’s Health Information Management (HIM) program offers an option for anyone looking to work in the health care field, but not in a bedside setting.

The HIM program trains students to fill a pivotal role within the medical environment – connecting clinical, operational and administrative functions.

Health information managers organize, oversee and protect patient health information data which includes symptoms, diagnoses, medical histories, test results and procedures

ECC offers an online HIM program through its career and technical pathway. The online-based degree is available for full-time and part-time students.

To learn more about the program, visit Health Information Management.

Skilled HIM professionals ensure an organization has the right information on hand when and where it is needed.

Obtaining an Associate of Applied Science in HIM puts graduates in a good position to earn a great starting salary, in a growing field.

HIM professionals are responsible for the quality, integrity, and protection of patient’s health information.

Examples of careers for graduates with a degree in HIM include, acute and long-term care hospitals, physician offices and clinics, nursing homes, Insurance companies, government agencies and more.

To learn more about the program, check this informational Health Information Management video.

ECC Sees Enrollment Increase for the Fall 2021 Semester

September 21, 2021 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

More students are enrolled at East Central College than during each of the past two fall semesters.

Enrollment is up 2.5 percent in total student headcount in the fall 2021 semester compared to the fall 2020 semester.

There are 2,657 students enrolled this fall compared to 2,593 to the 2020 fall semester, a difference of 64 students, according to data compiled by the college’s institutional research department.

ECC also saw an increase of 5 percent in the number of credit hours taken this year. In the fall 2021 students enrolled in 25,868 credit hours compared to 24,633 in the fall of 2020. That is an increase of 1,235 credit hours.

“This is great news for East Central College. The enrollment numbers reflect the quality of our academic offerings,” said ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. “Students choose a college because of the knowledge and skills they will gain from their experience.”

The College saw increases in several areas, including dual credit, dual technical credit, first time and transfer students.

First-time degree seeking students are also up 7.3 percent this fall. There are 694 first-time degree seekers this year compared to 647 in 2020, an increase of 47 students, according to unofficial results.

“Enrollment is up because of the great work of our faculty and staff. It takes a comprehensive effort, including marketing, advising and counseling, financial assistance, teaching, scheduling, facilities, and more,” Bauer added.

“The enrollment numbers are tangible results of this work and the quality of what we provide.”

The headcount and credit hours for the 2021 fall semester are also higher in comparison to the 2019 fall semester, the last fall semester before the COVID-19 pandemic. ECC’s enrollment increase comes at a time when community college enrollment is trending down.

According to Robyn Walter, vice president of academic affairs, recruitment and retainment of students are just two of many factors that have boosted enrollment.

“We credit a myriad of efforts, to not only retain students, but to bring back those that withdrew this spring, as well as attracting new students,” she said. “ECC responded to students’ request for more in-person class options, and developed a course schedule with a variety of course delivery methods.

“We continue to offer student-centered instruction with highly qualified faculty and academic support services,” Walter added.

Top Ten Programs

A majority of ECC students are planning to complete their Associate of Arts degree, while others are looking to directly begin their career upon completion of their program’s certificate and/or degree.

Below is a list of the top 10 programs for the fall 2021 semester:

Associate of Arts: 1,248
Nursing: 88
Education: 82
Pre-Engineering: 51
Computer Information System: 51
EMT-Paramedic: 45
HVAC-R: 39
Industrial Engineering Technology: 39
Fine Arts: 36
Culinary Arts: 30

ECC Adjunct Published Scholarly Piece in Journal

September 16, 2021 | Campus News

East Central College adjunct instructor Dr. Micah Miller recently was published in an academic journal geared toward early Christianity.

Miller is in his second year as an adjunct at ECC where he teaches World Religions and Introduction to Writing. In the spring, he is slated to teach a New Testament class.

His article, “The Unity and Multiplicity of the Holy Spirit in Origen of Alexandria,” was published in Vigiliae Christianae, a journal focused on “Early Christian Life and Language.” The journal appears on the website Brill.com.

Although the piece was published in a scholarly journal, Miller said, it is available for anyone to read.

“It’s primarily written for an academic audience, though I hope it’s accessible to others who are simply interested in the topic,” he said.

Miller explained that the focus of the article is on early Christian, Origen of Alexandria, who forms his belief on who the Holy Spirit is by combining philosophy with Christian scripture and Jewish thought.

“In doing so, it looks at how one thinker solves a problem common in many religious systems — how a single divine being can interact with and be present in a created universe that is fundamentally diverse,” he said.

The article can be viewed here: https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:362f93d4-561c-4639-9959-848a30d19a32.

Miller received a BA in theological studies and English in 2011 at Saint Louis University (SLU). He received a master’s degree in theological studies in 2013.

In 2019, Miller earned a Ph.D. in religion from Emory University.

Robert Whitworth — Prioritizing Education Through AEL Program

September 16, 2021 | Campus News

With a full-time job, 17 grandkids, a wife working a full-time job and striving to build a new home, Robert Whitworth has his hands full.

And yet, here he is, challenging himself to earn his High School Equivalency (HSE) credential.

That’s why he enrolled in East Central College’s Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) HSE preparation class.

“I didn’t have a chance much when I was in high school,” Whitworth said. “The teachers here are a lot different. These teachers care.”

Whitworth, of Franklin County, makes time for class and learning while juggling his other commitments.

“This is kind of important to me,” he added. “It’s a good program and they’re there to help you out a lot.”

Whitworth has a goal to take his High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) and earn his HSE by the time he retires within the next year. He credits his teacher and tutors for keeping him motivated.

“I’m learning a lot. I’ll get my High School Equivalency, and I’ll have it when I retire,” he said. “I don’t know what I’ll do with it, but I’ll have it.”

When in class, Whitworth tries to work through new objectives on his own, but his instructor is there to help when necessary.

“You don’t learn if you don’t try,” he said. “When I need help, my teacher is there to help me.”

“Robert is a perfect example of determination. With so many at home responsibilities, a full-time job, and a loving family, it is quite the choice to be made,” commented Lynette Williams, AEL instructor. “His efforts have not been in vain and his scores continue to excel. I congratulate him.”

“She’s been really great; a good teacher,” Whitworth added. “She makes me learn.”

Whitworth has a message for anyone who is considering a HSE preparation class through AEL.

“Every time is the right time to do it,” he said. “If you don’t have the time, you need to make the time. It’s a good program and it’ll help you out a lot.”

To learn more about ECC’s AEL program, visit www.eastcentral.edu/ael/