Category: Inspiring Excellence

Kolb Recognized by Retired Teachers Organization

East Central College English Instructor Leigh Kolb recently was recognized for her exceptional work in the classroom.

Kolb received the 2023 Harold Austin Good Teaching Award in the spring from the East Central chapter of the retired Missouri National Education Association (MNEA-R). George McKee, an MNEA-R member who taught Kolb when she was a high school student, presented her with the award.

Harold Austin, a founder of the East Central MNEA-R, served as an NEA Director from 1981 to 1984, and held the position of the second president of Missouri NEA from 1974 to 1975.

The award was presented during East Central MNEA-R meeting where members commented on Kolb’s well-deserved recognition. ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer also attended the meeting.

“There are very few teachers who can excel at the level of instruction Leigh provides while also staying active in both the college and community,” said one of the organization’s members.

Kolb previously recieved the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Governor’s Excellence in Teaching Award in 2014. Additionally, she was a finalist for the 2022 MCCA Excellence in Teaching Award last year.

“Leigh consistently creates an environment that encourages her students to think critically about both the texts they encounter and the world around them,” another MNEA-R member commented. “Her’s is a voice that always keeps in mind the bigger picture, focusing on what’s at stake for us as all as our current and future students.”

It was added that Kolb is an unashamed advocate for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at ECC and the community it serves.

Students Named to the Fall 2022 Dean’s List

January 13, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla Inspiring Excellence

There were 187 students named to the East Central College Dean’s List from the Fall 2022 semester.

Each year the college recognizes those students who have demonstrated exemplary academic achievement each semester, and upon completion of between six and 11 Fall semester credit hours with a semester grade point average of 3.5 or greater, students are acknowledged on the Dean’s List.

Congratulations to these Fall 2022 Dean’s List students.

Students Named to the Fall 2022 Vice President’s List

January 13, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla Inspiring Excellence

Each semester, East Central College recognizes students who have demonstrated superior academic achievement.

Upon completion of at least 12 semester credit hours with a Fall semester grade point average between 3.50 and 3.84, students are acknowledged by placement on the Vice President’s List.

For the Fall 2022 semester, there were 186 students on the VP’s list.

President’s List for Fall 2022 Semester

January 13, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla Inspiring Excellence

East Central College recognizes students who have demonstrated exemplary academic achievement each semester.

Upon completion of at least 12 Fall semester credit hours with a semester grade point average of 3.85 or greater, students are acknowledged on the President’s List.

There were 157 students named to the list from the Fall 2022 semester.

Winners Announced for ECC Writing Contest

December 14, 2022 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

After much debate East Central College judges decided the winners of the English Department’s annual Fiction and Creative Non-Fiction Writing Contest for ECC Students.

That’s according to Josh Stroup, English instructor/English and humanities chair, adding that the awards for the winning students are: First place, $100; second place, $50; and third place, $25.

Listed below are the 2022 winners!

Fiction Winners:

First Place – Lindsey Nichols’ “After”
Second Place – Lucas Howland’s “Hunters”
Third Place – Jaden Bursey’s “Treebark & the Forest of Fireflies”
Honorable Mention –Ruthie Cordia’s “Key West”

Creative Non-Fiction Winners:

First Place – Kati Barnes’ “Comparison Paper”
Second Place – Lilly Savant’s ” Facebook’s Unethical Privacy Practices”
Third Place – Joanna Hoskin’s “Lion’s Lake: Sharing the View with Others”

“If you see these students, please give them a round of applause. They deserve it,” Stroup said.

He noted that the winning entries will be in the next Lit and Art Review.

“On behalf of the English Department, I would like to thank all those who submitted to this contest, helped judge — Linda Barro, Katie Holtmeyer, Dr. Kami Hancock, and Dr. Aurelia VonTress — or helped spread the word,” Stroup said.

Keep an eye out for the Poetry and Research Writing Contest slated for the spring.

ECC Chief Academic Officer Named to State Transfer Committee

November 17, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla Inspiring Excellence

East Central College Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Robyn Walter will help shape how transfer and articulation agreements among Missouri colleges and universities are developed and maintained.

Walter was appointed last month to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) Committee on Transfer and Articulation (COTA). She was appointed by interim Commissioner of Higher Education Leroy Wade to serve through June 30, 2024.

“At ECC, we rely on good transfer partners to provide quality pathways for our students, so I understand the importance of transfer agreements, and how greatly they can benefit students,” Walter said. “It’s crucial to develop collaborative transfer and articulation strategies to serve students and advance our goals for degree completion.”

COTA’s primary responsibilities are to review and make recommendations on transfer issues and study and develop transfer guidelines for traditional and non-traditional credits. That’s in addition to reviewing and recommending resolutions on cases of appeal from institutions or students.

“It is important that students throughout the state are prepared for upper-level coursework when they transfer, and that they receive credit for the courses they have completed,” Walter added.

COTA is comprised of 12 members who are appointed by the Commissioner of Higher Education, and it includes four representatives from public two-year colleges and four representatives from public four-year colleges and universities, one of which must be from the University of Missouri and one which must be from another public four-year institution.

COTA also includes one representative from independent two-year colleges or proprietary institutions, two representatives from independent four-year colleges and universities and one at-large position. Additionally, the commissioner or a designated representative sits as ex-officio voting member of the committee.

Walter has been with ECC since 2003, serving as a faculty member, director of nursing, nursing and allied health program chair, dean of health sciences and vice president of academic affairs since 2020.

She received her Bachelor of Nursing degree from the University of Missouri and her Master’s in Nursing Service Administration from Saint Louis University. She earned her Ph.D. in Nursing at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Nine Students Inducted into ECC Rolla Honor Society

November 4, 2022 | Alumni Spotlight Campus News ECC Rolla Inspiring Excellence

Pictured are seven of the nine inductees into the Beta Omicron Phi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at East Central College in Rolla. From left, are Madison Brown, Serena Macey, Hayden Loeb, Mary Romine, Elise Jeffers, Alicia Ramirez and Kelsea Smith. Not pictured are Gabriel E. Killian and Elysia D. Frayer.

The Beta Omicron Phi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at East Central College in Rolla inducted nine new members into the honor society during its annual Fall ceremony.

Carson Mowery, an alumna of the chapter and the ECC Campus Life & Leadership coordinator, was the keynote speaker during the in-person ceremony held Oct. 9 when the following students were inducted:
Madison G. Brown, Elysia D. Frayer, Elise M. Jeffers, Gabriel E. Killian, Hayden E. Loeb, Serena C. Macey, Alicia A. Ramirez, Kelsea E. Smith and Mary B. Romine.

Jeffers was installed as chapter president, and Ramirez was named chapter vice president.

At the ceremony, ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer presented ECC Rolla PTK sponsor Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema with a 15-year PTK advisor pin.

PTK is an 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.

The Beta Omicron Phi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at East Central College in Rolla installed Alicia Ramirez, left, as vice president of the honor society, and Elise Jeffers, center, as chapter president. Pictured on the right is Carson Mowery, an alumna of the chapter and the ECC Campus Life & Leadership coordinator.To be eligible for induction, students must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.4 for one semester and maintain a 3.2 GPA after their induction. Students can be pursuing any major, degree or certificate.

For more information about PTK in Rolla, contact Rozema at 573-466-4084 or elizabeth.rozema@eastcentral.edu.

East Central College East Central College in Rolla Phi Theta Kappa Advisor Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema, left, was presented a Phi Theta Kappa 15-year advisor pin by ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. Rozema, an assistant professor of biology, was recognized during the installation ceremony of new PTK members held in October.

‘Late Bloomer’ Uncovered his Passion at ECC — Music Education

November 3, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla Inspiring Excellence Music

Nathaniel Sater has always had a passion for music. But it wasn’t until he was in his 40s when he realized he could have a career doing what he loves the most.

And like so many in the community, East Central College was where he turned to pursue his dream.

Sater, of Pacific, graduated from ECC with an Associate Degree in Music In 2015. He already earned a business degree from Fontbonne University in 2007, but music is in his bones and that drove him toward a second go at college.

“I am a bit of a late bloomer. I had piano lessons as a child, and bought a guitar when I was 28, but I didn’t start what I considered seriously studying music until the fall of 2013,” he said.

Sater enrolled at ECC that year after meeting with Dr. Jennifer Judd, music program coordinator, who he credits with recognizing is talent, encouraging him, and pointing him in the right direction.

“Dr. Judd asked me some questions and I think that she saw I had realistic goals of just being a better musician than I was the day before, and that I was willing to spend the time in the practice room in order to get better,” he said.

“I was eager to learn and be taught. It was like walking through a gate. I was treated like a serious musician at the very beginning of my training and from day one — it was exciting.”

Once he started in the program, Sater learned from Dr. Judd, Dr. Timothy Sexton, choral director; Aaron Bounds, band director; as well as music adjunct Bill Hopkins and former music instructor Sue Chu.

“Nate was an energetic and enthusiastic music student,” Judd said. “He was always willing to work on new concepts and was great at working with other students in the Jazz Combo groups.”

Bounds added that Sater was eager to learn and share what he already knew about music.

“He was a joy to work with, adding much passion and life experience to many of our discussions,” he said.

Sater noted that ECC fits his desire to and grow as a musician perfectly.

“Dr. Judd knew exactly where to place me for (music) theory, instrumental study, history and ensemble study,” he said. “She is amazing.”

First Time Around

In 2008, a year after graduating from Fontbonne, tragedy struck Sater and his family. His mother died from pancreatic cancer after a year-long battle.

“After that I had no direction. I had a good job, but it wasn’t filling my soul,” he remembered. “I had a talk with myself, recalled doing well in classes that weren’t fulfilling for me, like business management, and I guess my focus shifted back to realizing the power of hard work.

“I decided that I should have studied music starting back in my youth,” Sater continued. “I just didn’t believe that I could be good as a child. It is a huge part of my personal identity to be a musician and an instructor.”

It was those thoughts that guided Sater back to higher education, and to ECC’s music department.

Post ECC Career, Education

Sater took a job teaching for an after-school program in the Baltimore/Washington D.C. area after graduating from ECC. He taught music classes and lessons in both English and Spanish.

“I taught the children mostly guitar and piano, but some drums and violins,” he said. “This job made me realize that I was good at talking about and teaching music, so it led back to Missouri where I enrolled at Central Methodist University.”

Sater became the first recipient of the Rita Gulstad Transfer Scholarship at CMU, which is specifically designed for community college students who want to complete a four-year degree at the university.

He graduated from CMU in 2019 with a degree in Music Education. His next stop was Lindenwood University where he earned Master of Music Education.

Now, in his mid-40s, Master’s degree in hand and still carrying the influence of ECC faculty, Sater said he is looking a career as a music teacher.

“I am looking for a job like what Aaron Bounds does at ECC,” he said. “He gets to teach a course on the history of jazz that I have heard is very interesting. I envision myself teaching Theory I and II, History of Jazz, giving lessons on the guitar and possibly other instruments, conducting the jazz band, and other ensembles such as a guitar quartet.”

Sater noted that his experience in ECC’s Music Department has been such a positive influence that he also wants to work at a community college.

Performing

Sater has been performing music on stage since 1999. He has played a variety of music in nine states.

“I perform with blues bands, solo gigs, jazz bands, big bands, rock bands, reggae bands, Grateful Dead tribute bands, party and dance bands, and Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute bands,” he said. “I mostly play piano/organ but do also do guitar and harmonica.”

About ECC Music

ECC is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

The college offers Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) in Music and Associate of Arts (AA) in Music. To learn more about the program, visit www.eastcentral.edu/humanities-arts/music/.

For more information, people may contact Dr. Judd at jennifer.judd@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6696, Dr. Sexton at timothy.sexton@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6698; or Bounds at aaron.bounds@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6697.

ECC Marketing Team Receives Four Medallion Awards, Director Named Rising Star

November 1, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla Inspiring Excellence Media

The East Central College Communications and Marketing team took home four Medallion Awards, including three for first place, from the National Communications, Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) District 5 conference.

The team won gold Medallions in the following categories: social media page, video shorts and excellence in writing-long form. The college was awarded a bronze Medallion in the college website category.

“What makes these awards so special is they are representative of the many facets of work that the communications team does,” said Gregg Jones, director of communications and marketing. “We put a lot of hard work into what we do, and it is a very satisfying when those efforts are recognized by our peers in a well-respected organization like NCMPR.”

East Central College Director of Communications and Marketing Gregg Jones received the National Communications, Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) District 5 Rising Star Award. The Rising Star Award recognizes newcomers to NCMPR and their fields. The Rising Star recipients demonstrate special creativity or ability in marketing and public relations; and show evidence of a promising future in the field. Jones is now one of seven candidates in consideration for the national Rising Star Award which will be presented in March 30 through April 1, 2023, at the NCMPR National Conference.

In addition to the medallions, Jones received the 2022 Rising Star Award for District 5.

The Rising Star Award recognizes newcomers to NCMPR and their fields. The Rising Star recipients demonstrate special creativity or ability in marketing and public relations; and show evidence of a promising future in the field.

Jones is now one of seven candidates in consideration for the national Rising Star Award which will be presented in March 30 through April 1, 2023, at the NCMPR National Conference.

Medallion Awards

This year is the third consecutive year the college’s Facebook page was recognized with a Medallion Award. This year, the college’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/EastCentral/, nabbed first place in the overall Social Media category.

The Gold Medallion awarded in the video shorts category was for the college’s commercial promoting 2022 fall registration that was shown on YouTube, Hulu and other streaming services. View the video at, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88sjc_-10SU.

The third Gold Medallion ECC earned, in the writing-long form category, was for “Cuba Resident Finds Calling in ECC Welding Lab.” The story features a welding student from Cuba, Mo., who enrolled in the program after reading a story about a mother and son taking Welding courses. Read the story here, https://www.eastcentral.edu/blog/cuba-resident-finds-calling-in-ecc-welding-lab/.

The college’s website, www.eastcentral.edu, was recognized with a Medallion Award for the second straight year.

Communications & Marketing Team

ECC’s communication and marketing team is comprised of Jones, Joel Doepker, vice president of external relations; Amanda Studdard, multimedia specialist; Andy Kolb, coordinator of web services; Cynthia Cubas, external relations executive administrative assistant; and Abby Stanfield, multimedia assistant.

The NCMPR is the leading professional development association exclusively serving those working in communication at two-year community and technical colleges.

The organization provides professional development opportunities, advocates on behalf of the profession and the institutions it serves and recognizes professional excellence. NCMPR has more than 1,700 members from nearly 650 colleges across the United States and Canada.

Cutlines:

East Central College’s Communications and Marketing Department received four Medallion Awards at the National Communications, Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) District 5 conference last month. Pictured, from left, are Joel Doepker, vice president of external relations; ; Andy Kolb, coordinator of web services; Gregg Jones, director of communications and marketing; Amanda Studdard, multimedia specialist; and Cynthia Cubas, external relations executive administrative assistant.

ECC Honor Society Members Prepare and Donate Bags for Homeless People

December 1, 2021 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

The Chi Delta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at East Central College helped bring comfort and warmth to people without housing in Franklin County.

The honor society chapter recently assembled bags filled with necessities, including toothbrushes, shaving cream, snacks, deodorant, gloves and socks. Other items for the bags are hand warmers, wash cloths, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, mints, dental floss, personal items for women and more.

There were 100 bags prepared and given to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office to be distributed to people without housing throughout the county. Any leftover bags not given to community members will be delivered to the Agape in St. Clair.

Most of the donated necessities were given to PTK by the United Bank of Union. The items were collected at the bank’s three branches in Union at the request of PTK member Rebecca Metcalf. Members of the honor society also donated items themselves.

Franklin County Sheriff Steve Pelton, Lt. Adam Albert and Lt. Mike de la Torre were on hand to accept the donated bags when officers from Chi Delta delivered them to the sheriff’s office Monday, Nov. 29.

The PTK project was part of the Honors in Action (HIA) program, which combines academic research, problem solving and action-oriented service to address real-world challenges in communities.

During the HIA, students researched rural homelessness, and gained job-related experience while creating lasting impacts in the communities.