Category: Inspiring Excellence

#InspiringExcellence – East Central College Scholar Bowl Team Places 6th in National Tournament

March 4, 2019 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

The East Central College Scholar Bowl team was one of only 24 teams to be invited to the National Academic Quiz Tournaments (NAQT) Community College Championship Tournament in Orlando, Florida in March. It’s not too bad for a team that’s only been around a year.

“We ended up with a 6-5 record in the tournament,” said student Joshua German. “We placed sixth overall. We needed to be in the top four to make it to the international competition. We were still really excited when they called out our names at the awards ceremony.”

In January, the team went 9-1 at the NAQT Kentucky Community College Sectional, which gave them the chance to compete in the championship.

“It was honestly more stressful than I had anticipated, but in a good way,” said Courtney Henrichsen, campus life and leadership coordinator. She traveled with the team to Orlando. “Watching them compete was really intense. You could tell how hard they were working to beat the other teams. It was truly impressive.”

Individually, German placed 15 among 103 of his peers from around the country. Teammate Devon Kerckhoff placed 31, with Jeremy Robey and Jackson Ambrose placing 37 and 44, respectively.

Congrats to our students!

Photo: Scholar Bowl Members Rianna Talbott, Joshua German, Devon Kerckhoff, Jackson Ambrose, Gwen Minks and Jeremy Robey in Orlando, Florida. (Not Pictured: Kathy Minks).

#InspiringExcellence – Alumni, Faculty Honored at Union Chamber Distinguished Alumni Banquet

February 19, 2019 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Since 1968, the Distinguished Service Awards Banquet has recognized outstanding individuals in the Union area community. Sponsored by the Union Area Chamber of Commerce, only six people are chosen each year in six categories.

This year, East Central College had ties to half of the award recipients! Board of Trustees President Ann Hartley received the Distinguished Service Award, presented to a man or woman over the age of 41 who has made a true impact in the community. Journalism instructor Leigh Kolb was honored with the Outstanding Educator Award, presented to an educator who teaches school at any age level in the city of Union. Former EMT Instructor Ken Koch received the Shield Award for First Responders, presented to a member of a Union-based first responder agency.

“During the opening remarks, East Central College was also singled out for our 50th Anniversary and the impact the college has had on the region,” said President Dr. Jon Bauer. “It was truly a special and humbling night for ECC.”

According to the Union Chamber of Commerce, Distinguished Service Award winners are chosen based on achievements or contributions in three or more of the following areas: Personal improvements or accomplishments, social improvement to major contemporary problems, philanthropic contribution or voluntary service, politics or government service, scientific or technological contributions, cultural achievement (including contributions in literature, history, education, or art), academic leadership or accomplishments, moral and religious leadership, any other important contributions to the community, state, or nation and professional achievement.

East Central College Scores High on MDHE Performance Funding Measures

February 10, 2019 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

East Central College has a strong commitment to student success, affordability and graduate outcomes. Those are the findings of the latest performance funding measures released by the Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE).

Released in late January, data shows East Central College met all six categories established by MDHE in order to receive full funding from the state. In 2018, Missouri’s Coordinating Board for Higher Education dictated that 10 percent of all state money schools received be tied to their performance in educating students.

Success on each measure is defined by MDHE as “improvement over the previous year’s performance (based on a three-year rolling average), year-over-year improvement or, where applicable and appropriate, sustained performance in the top third of an established comparator group.”

“East Central College saw improvement in four of the six categories,” said Dr. Jon Bauer, President of East Central College. “In the other two categories, we scored well above the established benchmarks. These numbers truly show the dedication of our faculty and staff to student learning.”

Of the 12 Missouri community colleges, ECC had the second highest pass rates on professional licensure exams (such as the nursing NCLEX-RN exam). Additionally, ECC scored second highest in the graduate outcomes category, which measures the percentage of degree and certificate completers who are employed or continuing their education.

Learn more about the current key performance indicators.

ECC Scholar Bowl Team Wins Sectional Competition, Heading to Nationals

January 31, 2019 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Every year, the National Academic Quiz Tournaments (NAQT) organization crowns the best community college quiz bowl team in North America at the Community College Championship Tournament (CCCT).

After last weekend, the East Central College Scholar Bowl Team just made it one step closer to proving they are the best in the country.

The team went 9-1 at the NAQT Kentucky Community College Sectional on January 26. They not only placed first but now get a chance to compete in the national competition.

“The team who hosted the sectional, Jefferson Community & Technical College in Louisville, is definitely a quiz bowl powerhouse,” said Chad Kubicek, NAQT Chief Financial Officer. “They have finished in the top six at the CCCT in each of the past seven years. They won the national championship in 2016. Defeating them is quite a feat and an achievement!”

In addition to the team win, Jeremy Robey and Joshua German placed first and second, respectively, in the individual competition.

“The team was obviously excited to win,” said Robey, ECC Scholar Bowl Team Co-Captain. “Winning first place individually was also a great honor.”

The ECC Scholar Bowl Team will now head to Orlando, Florida in March for the CCCT. They will be the only team representing Missouri.

How Does Scholar Bowl Work?

According to the NAQT website, quiz/scholar bowls are fast-paced buzzer competitions in which teams of four players compete to answer questions that cover academic subjects like literature and science as well as the broader world of popular culture and current events.

“It’s basically team Jeopardy,” said German, ECC Scholar Bowl Team Member. “Each team is competing to answer a question before the other team.”

Like any competition, preparation is key. ECC’s Scholar Bowl Team holds two practices every week on campus.

“It involves a lot of reading,” explained Robey. “We often read questions and information from previous tournaments. There are also a few websites that help us prepare.”

“Some of the team competed in high school,” said Gwen Minks, ECC Scholar Bowl Team Member. “Some of us are new to the process. I joined the team out of sheer curiosity. I’m glad I did! I love the strategy involved.”

Team Dedication

“Considering the East Central College Scholar Bowl Team didn’t even exist a year ago, their accomplishments so far are quite incredible,” said Joel Doepker, Vice President of External Relations. He is the team sponsor. “The team is very dedicated.”

In fact, they often pay their own way to tournaments. They chip in for gas money. They pack their own food.

“We left at two in the morning to get to sectionals in Louisville,” said German. “Once we finished the competition, we drove back home. I think we landed around 11 at night.”

Now, they are trying to figure out how to pay their way to nationals in the spring.

“We are looking at a few fundraising ideas,” said German. “We are going one way or another. We aren’t going to miss this opportunity.”

If you’d like to learn more about the ECC Scholar Bowl Team or would like to help them travel to the national competition, please contact Jeremy, Jeremy.robey@student.eastcentral.edu, or Josh, joshua.german@student.eastcentral.edu.

New Year Brings New Hope for AEL Graduate

January 7, 2019 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Putting things off is something we all do – getting your oil changed in your car, cleaning out the refrigerator or even going to the doctor for an annual checkup. For Bobby Hinson, it was getting his high school diploma.

“I’m an eighth-grade dropout,” Hinson admitted.

The father of four works for the Missouri Department of Transportation as a maintenance worker.

“On any given day I’m mowing, fixing pot holes, putting up street signs or plowing snow,” Hinson explained.

While Hinson enjoys his job, he wanted more. “I want to become a superintendent at some point,” he said. “They supervise all the work sites. They decide what priority is and how the process should be done.”

Unfortunately, he knew any promotion was out of reach without more education. That’s when he decided to get his High School Equivalency (HSE) through the East Central College Adult Education and Literacy Program (AEL). It provides free classes to improve a students’ skills in math, reading, writing, social studies and science in order to pass the High School Equivalency Test.

“I didn’t want my younger kids growing up thinking it’s okay to give up,” he explained. “I decided it was time to do something about it.”

He admits he was scared to start the process, but the AEL staff soon put him at ease. Hinson says he tried to get his GED back in the late 90’s through a different program, but he didn’t have much success.

“The program wasn’t focused on the teacher-student relationship,” he explained. “They handed you a book and you were on your own.”

Through the AEL Program, Hinson worked one-on-one with instructors and volunteers, receiving custom instruction and constant guidance. “It was a good surprise,” he said. “It’s not what I was expecting.”

During the process, he also received continuous support from his employer. It helped him stay on track.

“There were a few times [MoDOT] would have something come up at the end of the day,” Hinson said. “I would volunteer to help, but they wouldn’t let me. They didn’t want me to miss class.”

Hinson was a model student. It didn’t take long for him to make it to the finish line.

“The amount of time and effort put into the program and the starting skill levels determine when an individual is ready to take the final test,” said Alice Whalen, Director of AEL. “Despite the number of years he had been out of school, Bobby was determined. He put in the effort and dedicated himself to achieving his goal.”

Hinson passed the final test with flying colors.

“The night after taking the last test, my wife had balloons and a cake waiting for me when I got home. We went out to dinner to celebrate,” he said. “My kids were ecstatic about it!”

He had even more to celebrate when he went back to work – he received a promotion! While he says he’s proud of his accomplishments so far, he knows there is more to come.

“I don’t want to stop with just my HSE,” he said. “I want to keep pushing forward. I want to get a college degree.”

The AEL Program is free to everyone and offers several class locations with morning and evening sessions. To learn more about obtaining your High School Equivalency, email ael@eastcentral.edu or call 636-584-6533.

Students who have earned a high school equivalency diploma (HiSET) through the AEL program at East Central College are eligible to receive a tuition waiver for a three (3) hour college credit class at East Central College. In order for a student to qualify for the incentive, a student must have completed the HiSET program and/or exam with East Central College within twelve (12) months prior to enrollment and it must be his or her first time attending any college.

Vice President’s List Announced for Fall 2018

January 2, 2019 | Campus News 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 semester grade point between 3.50 and 3.84, students are acknowledged by placement on the Vice President’s List. For the Fall 2018 semester, there were more than 160 students on the list!

#InspiringExcellence – Jennifer Higerd Honored with Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award

December 19, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

She has taught in West Africa. She spent several years tutoring hearing-impaired high school students. She even spent a year as a Spanish instructor. No matter the setting, Jennifer Higerd loves to teach.

“I’ve really been teaching for most of my adult life,” she said. “I love watching and guiding the transformations and growth in students – the look on their faces when they ‘get it.’”

For the last eight years, Higerd has been educating East Central College students in design and ceramics. She also is the curator for the East Central College Art Gallery.

“I really enjoy getting to know students – helping them to find their voice and then to find the medium to share their story,” she explained. “I love to see the new and innovative things they come up with.”

Her passion for teaching hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2018, she was awarded the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award! Sponsored by Emerson, the award program annually recognizes more than 100 educators in the St. Louis area who are examples of excellence in their field.

“It is so nice to be appreciated! I am thankful for wonderful colleagues who’ve helped me to grow and improve as a teacher and mentor,” she said. “I’m so thankful to work with so many talented and inspiring colleagues doing such great things on our campus.”

Alumni, Faculty and Staff Recognized at Missouri Community College Association Awards

November 13, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Each year, the Missouri Community College Association recognizes individuals at its annual convention. Awards are given to alumni, faculty and staff who are making an impact in their local communities.

In 2018, the Distinguished Alumni Award was given to Ron Unnerstall. The award is presented to exceptional individuals who have attended a Missouri community college. It is one of the most prestigious awards presented by MCCA. Although it is not required that the recipient be a graduate of a community college, preference is given to those who have earned a certificate or completed a degree program.

Nearly 30 years ago, Ron Unnerstall helped found Washington Engineering and Architecture. Today, the company’s influence can be seen around Franklin County and beyond. Unnerstall has used his engineering knowledge over the years to help serve the community. His firm has donated services to help local organizations with projects big and small. Outside of work, he volunteers his personal time to help those around him. Congrats!

Accounts Payable Specialist Sharon Jost received the Senior Service Award which recognizes a long-serving employee for their service and dedication to the college. Sharon has been employed at ECC for 27 years.

Other winners included Connie Lutz for Outstanding Adjunct Faculty, Mike Palazzola for the Mel Aytes Faculty Innovation Award and John Hardecke for the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Award.

We are very proud of all our honorees!

#InspiringExcellence – Adjunct Honored with Statewide Award

November 5, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

When it comes to teaching math, it’s hard to find someone with more experience than Connie Lutz.

“I spent 44 years as a high school math teacher,” she said. “My first semester as an adjunct professor at East Central College was in 1980.”

She’s still going strong.

“I enjoy mathematics,” Lutz explained, “the problem solving which makes you think logically but often requires a creative approach. I want to develop an appreciation of the power and beauty of mathematics in my students. I want to find a way to make the course content relevant to my students, to see beyond the manipulations.”

She believes in one simple notion – do math and you can do anything.

“Being able to ‘handle the math’ opens so many doors for students. Consequently, there is an urgency to help students develop good math sense and succeed in math class,” she said.

Her dedication to her students in the classroom is why she has been named the Missouri Community College Association Outstanding Adjunct Faculty for 2018! Only one award winner is chosen each year. It doesn’t come as a surprise to one of her former students.

“I had Connie Lutz as a math instructor when I returned to college,” said Peggy Reeves. “I had not been a student for several years, and she made returning not as intimidating as I thought it would be. She not only is an excellent teacher, but she also cares deeply about her students.”

It’s a sentiment shared by those who work with her as well.

“Connie has the ability to inspire and engage all of her students,” said Ann Boehmer, East Central College Dean of Instruction. “She passionately works with every student who has entered her classroom. She is a role model for all of us when she is in the classroom through her ability to teach all students and emphasize the importance of mathematics.”

She will be honored at the Missouri Community College Association Annual Awards and Recognition Ceremony in Branson in November.

Congrats Connie!

John Hardecke Honored with Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching

October 24, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

He considers his job, quite literally, as one of the best in the world.

“I have always seen East Central College as the jewel in our community crown,” explained John Hardecke. “We support our students in innumerable ways – encouraging them to enhance their lives through education and cultural experiences.”

For more than 20 years, Hardecke has shared his expertise to hundreds of students in English Composition, Literature and Developmental Writing as a faculty member.

“Good teachers engage their students enthusiastically,” he said. “We are here to help them understand the real value of the subject they are studying and how such knowledge can be applied to improve their understanding of the world and themselves.”

In his classroom, it’s easy to see the respect and admiration he receives from his students. Outside the classroom, he is revered by fellow faculty members and staff at East Central College. For those that know him well, it came as no surprise when he was selected for the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2018!

The Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching is presented to an outstanding faculty member from each participating higher education institution in Missouri. Winners are chosen based on effective teaching, effective advising, service to the college community, commitment to high standards of excellence and success in nurturing student achievement.

Hardecke will be presented with his award at the annual Missouri Community College Association Awards and Recognition Ceremony in Branson in November.