By Jon Bauer, Ph.D., President, East Central College

College has changed drastically in just a few weeks. The COVID-19 pandemic has injected great uncertainty in the minds of students and families, and those of us in higher education have worked quickly to ensure that instruction and support continue in this very different environment.

As we prepare to reopen the economy and slowly begin to recover, thoughts naturally turn to what to do about the upcoming academic year. Many students who were planning to leave home to attend college are trying to determine if that is still the right decision. Others are wondering whether college is an option at all, home or away.

The water is pretty rough right now. But your community college, in a tumultuous sea, is a safe harbor.

East Central College provides an option that can ease some of the anxiety and concern. The path to a college degree is still available, even if that path is different from the one originally planned. As a comprehensive community college, we are well prepared to help students begin the journey to a bachelor’s degree.

Our classrooms are led by experienced faculty who work directly with their students. Data show that ECC students perform extremely well after they transfer to a four-year institution. At the University of Missouri, for example, our transfer students had “A” averages for the past two years.

The quality of the education received at East Central serves students well as they move on, whether that happens after a semester, a year, or upon completion of an associate’s degree.

I can assure you that’s true. As a parent of two East Central College alumni, I know firsthand about the quality of the education received and the preparation of our students when they move on as juniors.

Some students and families may be thinking about a gap year after high school or in the midst of college—a time to take a break until a sense of normalcy returns. I like the suggestion of a “visiting year” instead: an opportunity to study as an East Central student and work in earnest on the fundamental building blocks of a degree with the benefit of small classes, quality faculty, and strong academic support.

When the time is right, the journey to a bachelor’s degree can continue away from home at one of our partner colleges.  Students completing work in the core general education block can be assured that their credits will not only transfer, but that they will be well prepared for what comes next in their academic journey. In fact, this path is one that is well traveled.

The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center notes that about half of all bachelor’s degree earners began their education at a community college. Many more have obtained community college credit along the way, even if their journey began and finished away from home at a university.

Moreover, in a time of great economic uncertainty, the value presented by East Central is equally important. Not only is our tuition affordable, there are scholarships, financial aid, and the Missouri A+ program. Cost should not be a barrier.

Many students have plans for a career that begins with a community college program. However, it may seem that those plans need to be delayed for a while until things settle down. Once again, I see East Central as a place where those aspirations can be turned into reality, not delayed or even derailed. In health care, skilled trades, technology, and other programs, we are ready to help students begin their journey to a career.

We are taking every step necessary to ensure that our campus is safe. Throughout the summer, most of our instruction will be handled remotely. This fall, we expect to have both in-person and remote classes available. And we are planning now to move quickly if a resurgence of the coronavirus occurs.

We know that many of these careers—nursing being perhaps the most obvious—are essential in our community. This is a time when we need students to enroll, not wait.

We have been serving our community for more than 50 years. In all kinds of weather, we have put the wind in the sails of those looking to make the journey to college. We are here for you today, a safe harbor, and a place where your journey can continue.

East Central College Phi Theta Kappa – Chi Delta Chapter Honor Society members exceeded their fundraising goals to help those in need within the community.

Jennifer Harrell, PTK vice president of public relations, said the officers had set a goal of $500 to purchase toiletries and other necessities to donate to local food pantries, including the ECC Falcon Food Pantry, Union Food Pantry and Second Blessings Food Pantry.

“Due to the generosity of faculty, staff, students, friends and family, we surpassed our $500 goal!” Harrell said.  “This will allow us to make a much needed contribution to those who find themselves in need during this unprecedented time. “

PTK raised $650 through the online fundraiser, and then purchased toiletries and other necessities. PTK Officers led the fundraising effort.

This year’s officer team is: Amber Dietrich, president; Bernadette Comage, executive vice president; Christine Yearwood, vice president of records and finance; and Harrell.

The ECC advisors for PTK are Kevin Dixon, Wendy Pecka and Melanie Dixon.

“We wanted to help those in our community who may be suffering without basic needs, especially during the pandemic,” Harrell added.

ECC Falcon Pantry

To find the request form, students can visit www.eastcentral.edu/current/ and click the “Food Pantry” tab under Support Services. The form can also be found here.

Students will be asked their email address and name which will only be used for the form. No records of the pantry visit are maintained.  Students also will be asked to select a date, time and which campus pantry they would like to visit.

Anyone who would like to donate to the pantry may call 636-584-6583 or email Emily.Durham@eastcentral.edu.

About PTK

Phi Theta Kappa is the 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.

Headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi, Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in higher education with 1,285 chapters on college campuses in all 50 of the United States, U.S. territorial possessions and eight sovereign nations.

More than three million students have been inducted since its founding in 1918, with approximately 134,000 students inducted annually.

Pictured above, from left, are Jennifer Harrell, PTK vice president of public relations, her son, David; and Terri Crouch, Second Blessings Food Pantry treasurer; and Mary Kopp, Second Blessings secretary.

In the past two years, East Central College’s graduation rate has climbed by 14 percent.

The ECC graduation rate was 35 percent in 2019, thanks to a 6 percent boost over the 2018 rate. In addition, there was an 8 percent increase from 2017 to 2018.

The recently released graduation rates are a performance measure for Missouri community colleges and a meter of institutional quality, ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer said.

More importantly, he added, the rates are an indicator that students are achieving their desired educational outcome.

”These numbers show the dedication of our faculty and staff to student learning,” Dr. Bauer said. “It also allows us to communicate to students, employers and the community the value of East Central College.”

There have been multiple factors contributing to the increase rate, including the reduction in credit hours for an associate degree. In 2017 credit hour requirements were reduced, shortening the distance to the finish line for students and eliminating the need to attend a summer term in order to be graduated in two calendar years.

In addition, over the past several years the Mathematics Pathways Project was adopted which reduced the number of math courses for nearly all of ECC students. Prior to the project implementation, most students needed to take three to four math courses to graduate — today most just take one or two math courses.

The ECC advising team in 2016 fostered a culture of steering students to classes that were aligned with student needs.

The advisors guide students to where they need to be in order to succeed.  Advisors also have a great expertise in degree programs, allowing them to better serve the students.

The ECC advisement team develops a report weekly to identify when students register for courses that are outside of their academic programs, helping to keep students on target.

By the Numbers

The last time that graduation rate was over 30 percent was in 2005 when it was 33 percent.  The rate has been getting higher since 2013 when it was at 17 percent.

It grew to 18 percent in 2014. The rate stayed at 18 percent the following year, but then grew to 20 percent in 2016, 21 percent in 2017; and 29 percent in 2018.

There were 183 degrees and certificates in 2019 compared to 157 degrees and certificates in 2018 at ECC. There were 122 degrees and certificates in 2017.

In addition, the number of students who either graduated or transferred onto a four-year college or university, increased from 45 percent in 2017, to 50 in 2018 and to 55 percent in 2019.

Leaving home to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City was the toughest decision Tonya Tsiaklides has made.

Tsiaklides, a paramedic and EMT, has been working 12-hour shifts every day for more than three weeks. The 2013 East Central College alum, who lives in Washington, is scheduled to come home at the end of April.

“It was the most difficult decision I have ever had to make; knowing I’m leaving my husband, daughter, family, and friends to go and fight this unknown battle — to put my health and life at risk,” she said.

“My EMS brothers and sisters needed help though. They are family by trade,” Tsiaklides added. “Over 25 percent of them are out sick themselves, and the remainder are overwhelmed and exhausted. I did what anyone in my shoes would have done. I answered the call.”

Tsiaklides earned an Associate of Applied Science in paramedic tech. She is employed as a paramedic on the Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital transport team in St. Louis.

Task Force 7

In 2017, she signed up for a Disaster Response Team that is deployed to U.S. natural disasters and any federal emergency response.

Tsiaklides was sent by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to work with Heartland Ambulance.

She is assisting with an over 50 percent increase in ambulance calls in the New York City EMS system.

Tsiaklides is assigned to Task Force 7, with the mission to run 911 calls alongside the New York City Fire Department Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, also known as the FDNY EMS.

“I feel like this is my way of giving back to this beautiful country,” she said. “What better way than to help your fellow man during probably the worst time of their life?”

As of April 27, there were more than 280,000 active COVID-19 cases in New York.

“The first week here was a complete shock when walking into the hospitals,” Tsiaklides said. “They were completely overwhelmed. Not one empty bed or chair in sight. Not one empty space in the halls. They were lined up. Having to wait an hour or more just to register patients.

“It’s been much better the last week though,” she added. “They are getting a handle on things and everyone is doing an outstanding job! Everyone, even the public, are very thankful for our help.”

According to Tsiaklides, she can’t give details about what she has seen in New York City, but she noted that the COVID-19 response is unlike anything she has experienced.

“Every day it varies. We are seeing a lot more people in cardiac/respiratory arrest than normal,” she said. “It is a culture shock to a lot of people with a rural background. We have to wear all of the protective gear (glasses, N95, gown, and gloves) which can be challenging at times.”

ECC Grads 

Tom Fitts, EMS Program Coordinator, taught Tsiaklides while she was enrolled at ECC.

“Tonya is an example of many of our graduates who are going above and beyond what they imagined entering this career, or have experienced up until now,” he said.

Fitts added that many ECC graduates and current students are working harder in their communities so others can help in areas where there are many more COVID-19 patients.

“We have graduates and students who are working extra hours in our own communities to cover for people who aren’t able to work, or have agreed to work in other areas such as New York. “

Tsiaklides is not the only ECC EMT program alumni helping in New York City.

Aaron Turner, Class of 2011, is an Air Evac flight paramedic working in New York City.

Joanna Lynn, Class of 2016, is employed as a paramedic with Meramec Ambulance District in Pacific.

Lynn is volunteering with Samaritan’s Purse in a COVID-19 field hospital in New York City, assisting with respiratory and ICU hospital overflow patients.

Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world.

There are Samaritan’s Purse field hospitals in New York City and Italy.

The East Central College Nursing program was ranked in the Top 10 in Missouri for Associates Degree in Nursing programs in 2020.

That’s according to the Nursing Schools Almanac which compared nursing programs throughout the state. ECC was No. 9 in the rankings.

The methodology used for the rankings was based on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) exam, which is used by all state boards of nursing across the country to help assess a student’s competency and is required for licensure.

Nancy Mitchell, interim director of nursing, said she is pleased to be recognized in the Top 10 associate’s degree nursing programs in the state for 2020.

“From year to year, ECC’s NCLEX-RN pass rates are consistently above state and national averages,” Mitchell said. “ECC Nursing has a proud history of successfully educating registered nurses since 1980.”

She added that ECC has graduated over 1,000 nursing students over the past 40 years.

“These students have gone on to have successful careers in acute and long term care, community health and hospice, case management and school nursing,” Mitchell commented.

“The graduates also have continued their education to obtain Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees, and even masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, nursing management, advanced practice nursing and nurse anesthesia.”

ECC offers two programs leading to an associate of applied science degree in nursing. This program prepares students to become registered nurses.

The main campus in Union, as well as the Rolla site, offers a complete pre-licensure program (generic) for those interested in becoming a registered nurse.

An LPN to RN Bridge program also is available at the Rolla location for LPNs interested in becoming registered nurses.

“Students’ licensure success is a testament to the rigorous academic program of study that our faculty have developed to educate future nurses,” Mitchell said. “The faculty are content experts and share their experiences and nursing knowledge. We are proud of our program standing, our excellent faculty and students.”

To learn more about the ECC Nursing and Allied Health program, visit https://www.eastcentral.edu/allied-health/, or contact Mitchell at Nancy.Mitchell@eastcentral.edu.

Ranking Data

For the 2020 rankings of ADN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on NCLEX-RN.

Aspiring registered nurses in the U. S. must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-RN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of associate’s degree programs.

The research team used a database to calculate each program’s NCLEX-RN pass rate among first-time test-takers.

During a typical year, students in the East Central College culinary arts program would be in the midst of running the Restaurant at Prairie Dell and learning all aspects of fine dining.

But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this is not a typical year, and the restaurant did not open to serve lunch to the community.

According to Chef Mike Palazzola, culinary arts program coordinator, instructors and students switched gears to continue to teach and learn under new health guidelines.

“The handling of food and utensils with this sort of issue present would only leave us all in a compromising position,” he said. “We had to make the socially responsible decision to not take the chance with our students, faculty and patrons”

Palazzola and his colleagues in the department took a close look at how to teach the two-year culinary curriculum without instructors and students being in the same kitchen.

“We had to consider how transmission of information would look to our students, some of which do not have the equipment to do online classes in the first place, and to our accrediting body (The American Culinary Federation),” he said.

That’s what lead the culinary program to instruct and test first-year students remotely through chapter reading, quizzes and weekly recipe conversions.

“We looked at what objectives could be met next year for the first- year students, and what still needed to be met this year for second- year students and really focused on those,” Palazzola said.

He added that the culinary program is using a combination of emails, telephones calls and video chats to instruct students.

Chef Palazzola explained that the students also turned to the very thing that closed the doors of the restaurant.

“Our second-year students are writing research papers over the effects COVID-19 has had on the hospitality industry on a global scale, as well as completing the same documentation that is used to track our sales if we were actually running a lunch service,” he commented.

The students were tasked with providing profit and loss statements, and instructors have been reinforcing table service objectives through quizzes and seating charts to help meet the objectives, Palazzola added.

“I wish I could say it was as exciting and fun as Restaurant at Prairie Dell, but in these unprecedented times our concern has to be for the safety of our students and faculty,” he said.

“Our students will continue to learn what we set out to teach them, we just have to get a bit creative,” Chef Palazzola added.

Despite the challenges due to COVID-19, students will still learn the key objectives that would have been taught in the restaurant setting.

“Keeping a consistent delivery of information is the most beneficial thing for their professional growth and one of the most important objectives learned in the restaurant,” he added. “It looks like we will still be able to test that after all with the adjusted online format for the remainder of the semester.”

According to Palazzola, the restaurant will be back next spring, explaining that the restaurant is an ideal setting to teach all aspects of the culinary world, from the “front of the house” to the kitchen.

“The restaurant is an extremely enriched classroom experience that far surpasses what the ACF says we must teach in both first- and second- year classes,” he said.

East Central College chemistry major Jennifer Harrell said the inspiration and encouragement from a faculty member played a significant role in why she will graduate from ECC this May with honors.

Harrell was named a winner of the 2020 Scott Wright Student Essay Contest from the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD).

Her essay From Uncertain to Unstoppable tells how ECC’s Dr. Matthew Monzyk, associate professor of chemistry, inspired, challenged and encouraged her.

There were three winners of the essay contest that was open to students attending NISOD-member colleges throughout the United States.

Students were asked to describe a faculty member, staff member or administrator who encouraged him or her to complete a course, finish a semester, or graduate from college. The students then described how that encouragement helped him or her reach that goal.

“Without Dr. Monzyk’s belief and encouragement, I would not be graduating with honors this May and continuing to pursue my dream,” Harrell wrote.

Harrell is transferring in the fall to Missouri S&T in Rolla to work toward a bachelor of science degree in chemistry, with a focus in biochemistry.  She already has been admitted to the Missouri S&T Honors Program.

“My end goal is to work in pharmaceutical research to focus on new drug development for psychotropic medications to mitigate the side effects that accompany the current mental health medications on the market,” Harrell said.

The winning students, as well as the featured employees, each receive $1,000. The winning student essays are published on NISOD’s website, and each winning student’s college receives a complimentary 2020-2021 NISOD membership.

View Harrell’s essay here: www.nisod.org/2020-student-essay-winner-jennifer-harrell/.

“Each year NISOD looks forward to awarding students who take the time to thank someone who helped them reach their goal,” said Edward J. Leach, NISOD’s executive director. “Each student who entered the contest is to be congratulated, as are the individuals at our member colleges who continually make a positive difference in the lives of their students.”

The Scott Wright Student Essay Contest is held each year and honors the memory of Wright, past editor of Community College Week and winner of the 1998 Award for Excellence in Higher Education Journalism.

Wright’s reporting focused national attention on developmental education and the unique open access mission of community colleges.

About NISOD

NISOD provides budget-friendly, high-quality, and faculty-focused programs and resources for community and technical colleges that want to make the most of their professional development dollars.

For over 40 years, NISOD has aligned a wide array of benefits with the needs of our members, which explains why the American Association of Community Colleges named NISOD, “The country’s leading provider of professional development for community college faculty, staff, and administrators.”

Beginning this fall there will be a new opportunity at East Central College that will appeal to many high school FFA students and local 4-H members.

Agriculture was added as an emphasis option area for an Associate of Arts (AA) transfer degree.

ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer said the AA degree will offer the first two years of a bachelor’s degree for students majoring in Agriculture Systems Management and Animal Science, as well as a foundation for other agriculture degree programs.

“This is a really attractive option for students,” Dr. Bauer said.

On March 20, the ECC Academic Council approved the additional student option of agriculture, which is in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) pathway.

Franklin County has the largest 4-H enrollment numbers in the state with over 600 members, 200 volunteers and 20 clubs.

In addition, high schools in the area have thriving FFA programs.

Robyn Walter, ECC vice president of academic affairs, said the college can work with high schools prior to the Fall 2020 semester and spread the word about the degree pathway.

“We’re very excited about this and we are ready to start with students this fall,” she said. “This is a great opportunity for high school students in this area.”

“ECC is collaborating with the University of Missouri – Columbia to establish degree program transfer guides for a seamless transfer and articulation,” Dr. Bauer added.

Further goals will include articulation with other four-year universities in Missouri offering agriculture degrees.

For more information about the agriculture pathway, contact Ann Boehmer, dean of arts and science, at Ann.Boehmer@eastcentral.edu; or Dr. Parvadha Govindaswamy, associate Professor of biology and environmental science, at Parvadha.Govindaswamy@eastcentral.edu.

Four East Central College students who will recognized Wednesday, April 22, for being named to the All-Missouri Academic Team.

Each year Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society, along with participating corporate partners, sponsors the Academic All-USA competition for students attending two-year colleges.

PTK ranks applicants nationally, then forwards results for students from Missouri to the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA). The top forty students statewide are then named Academic All-State award winners, with 10 first team, 10 second team, and 20 third team winners.

Four of five students who were nominated by ECC were named to the All-Missouri Academic Team. Each of the students will receive a cash scholarship from MCCA along with a medallion and certificate honoring their academic achievement.

The students are:

Crystal Murphy — Academic All-Missouri First Team and a Coca-Cola Bronze Award scholarship winner. Crystal ranked in the top 5 for the state, and will receive an additional scholarship from the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation (nominated by ECC-Rolla).

Rachel Licklider – Academic All Missouri Second Team (Transfer pathway – nominated by ECC-Union).

Lauren Zweifel – Academic All Missouri Second Team (Transfer pathway – nominated by ECC-Union).

Shannon Herode – Academic All Missouri Third Team (Workforce pathway – nominated by ECC-Rolla).

There are two “competition” levels, one for transfer-track students and one for students who are in workforce preparation programs (AAS and certificate-level programs). ECC is allowed to nominate up to two students for each pathway from both Union and Rolla.

To be eligible, students must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and be on track to graduate or complete their programs by the end of the fall semester. Students also are required to submit a lengthy application that involves writing essays and getting letters of recommendation to support their applications. The selection process happened during the previous fall semester, in which two students from both Union and Rolla were nominated by ECC.

Virtual Celebration

Due to concerns regarding COVID-19, there will be a virtual celebration this year. It is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, at noon.

Those who have signed up to participate in the celebration will receive an email with access information to view a greeting from the event sponsor, the University of Missouri, as well as the keynote speaker, Dr. Raymond Cummiskey, president of Jefferson College, Hillsboro.

In addition, 2020 PTK Honor Society award recipients could win a $100 Visa Gift Card by posting a photo of themselves watching the virtual celebration with a thoughtful comment from keynote speaker, Dr. Cummiskey. Students should tag their photo with #IAmPTK and #PTKMo on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Academic All-Missouri students were to be recognized by MCCA at an awards luncheon April 24 at Stephens College in Columbia, Mo.

High school sophomores and juniors have an opportunity to begin, or continue, their college coursework this summer by taking one tuition-free class.

Enrollment is under way for East Central College’s Three for Free scholarship program, which provides a student with a tuition-free course over the summer semester.

The program is for students in the class of 2021 and 2022, who have a 3.0 cumulative high school grade point average or higher. Students must sign up before classes begin June 1.

This is the second year of the program that provides an additional opportunity for students who do not have access to traditional financial aid, according to Dr. Jon Bauer, ECC president.

“We are removing the barrier for those students,” he said. “We want to serve the students we haven’t previously reached because of the cost of the tuition.”

According to Early College Programs Director Megen Strubberg, last year there were 98 students enrolled in the Three for Free program.

“It is a great opportunity to get one tuition-free class, and more if they choose, under their belt, which can lighten their course load later,” Strubberg said.

The Three for Free program provides students with a chance to take one tuition-free summer course. The name of the program suggests only classes worth three credit hours are available, but the program applies up to a five credit hour course, she added.

Students are only responsible for fees and textbooks. The summer semester classes will be taught online or remotely.

The intent of the program is to encourage students to continue taking dual credit classes during the summer. The program is part of an ECC strategic plan goal to increase opportunities for college credit for students in the community.

Students may begin the enrollment process for Three for Free at www.eastcentral.edu/earlycollege/.