Bieker Recognized for 26 Years of Outstanding Service to ECC

East Central College faculty member Judy Bieker recently was recognized for more than 26 years of outstanding service.

Bieker, nursing program coordinator and associate professor, received the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Senior Service Award for longevity and distinguished service to the College and program.

According to Bieker’s peers who nominated her, she has educated more than 500 nursing students in her career.

“Judy’s teaching style is engaging. Before the ‘flipped classroom’ was a buzz word, she was already utilizing this active learning strategy in her obstetrics and cardiology classes,” her nomination reads.

“Over the course of her tenure, Judy has the privilege to teach both theory and the clinical didactic. This combination has led to the success of the ECC nursing program and the success of our students.”

During her time at ECC, Bieker has participated on various committees. Most recently she led the team responsible for overhauling the faculty evaluations and improving the College’s portfolio process. The portfolio of a faculty member is a collection of information about a teacher’s practice, which includes lesson plans, student assignments and formal evaluations by supervisors.

Bieker has also mentored numerous master’s degree-seeking students and new faculty members over the years without hesitation.

“Judy mentors new faculty and assists them in their professional development through their first five years of teaching through her dedicated work on the portfolio committee,” her colleagues said. “She values teaching and learning and has great interest in assisting newer faculty.”

Bieker is a role model to students and others through her spirit of inquiry and educational excellence.

“She never turns down a challenge and approaches her dedication to students and to the college with great vigor,” the nomination reads. “Judy is extremely deserving of this award as she embodies the true spirit of nursing, nursing education, and the community college mission.”