East Central College   

Category: Inspiring Excellence

#InspiringExcellence – East Central College Student Wins State Leadership Award

April 19, 2017 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

The Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Student Leadership Award is presented annually to an exceptional student leader from each community college campus.

In 2017, Aiden Worley was honored with the award at East Central College. The announcement wasn’t a surprise to Student Activities Coordinator Courtney Henrichsen.

“Aiden is a devoted and inspiring student leader on campus,” she said. “Aiden’s commitment to serving his community and campus is exemplified through his personable and enthusiastic leadership style.”

Aiden served as the Student Government Association Treasurer in Spring 2016 before being voted in as SGA President for the 2016-2017 academic year. As President, Aiden has lead the Student Senate to collaborate with other campus organizations to provide enjoyable social activities for students, assisted local non-profits with donation drives and clean-up efforts, organized campus-wide special topic forums on Campus Safety and Higher Education Funding and has planned several events to make campus administrators more accessible to students.

“Aiden’s leadership has truly fostered a culture of student engagement with an emphasis on active citizenry and cultivated students’ appreciation of democratic values and processes at East Central College,” said ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer.

Aiden Worley is a business major at East Central College and plans to transfer to the University of Missouri – St. Louis to complete his bachelor’s degree.

#InspiringExcellence – ECC Instructor Honored with Excellence in Teaching Award

April 17, 2017 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Each year, the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) honors outstanding community college educators with the Excellence in Teaching Award.

In 2017, art instructor Adam Watkins was chosen from East Central College! According to the MCCA, an instructor must fit a certain criteria to be eligible for the award – effective and innovative teaching, effective advising, service to the college community and commitment to high standards of excellence in teaching and student interaction.

Watkins was honored at a banquet in Columbia on April 12, along with other outstanding teachers and college students from community colleges in Missouri. He was nominated by ECC instructor Leigh Kolb.

“Adam Watkins is an incredible asset to ECC,” said Kolb in her nomination essay. “Students rave about Watkins as an instructor and a mentor. He’s an excellent leader and inspiration to students and to his coworkers.”

Kolb added that Watkins was instrumental in aligning the college’s new Common Learning Objectives.

“Outside of campus,” Kolb added, “he has a thriving artistic and musical career. His work is consistently being shown in galleries. He is able to show students that he is not only a passionate instructor of art, but he’s also a working artist.”

#InspiringExcellence – ECC Instructor Honored for Service to Scholastic Journalism

March 30, 2017 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Each year, the Missouri Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA) recognizes someone who has provided outstanding support to scholastic journalism with the Contributing Medium Award. East Central College is proud to announce the 2017 winner is English and Journalism Instructor Leigh Kolb!

In the nomination, MIPA vice-president Michelle Turner wrote: “Leigh Kolb has gone out of her way to assist MIPA and SchoolJournalism.org this school year. In the fall, when I approached her about MIPA’s desire to hold regional journalism workshops/summits, she was more than on board. She offered space, food and assistance with speakers.”

The inaugural journalism summit at East Central College was held in September 2016. It brought experts from the field to speak with students from ECC and Washington High School.

“My passions include not only talking about the importance of news and media literacy—and how becoming critical thinkers can transform our students’ lives—but also showing students that if they love examining the world around them and telling stories that matter, there are academic and career options they can and should pursue in the field of journalism and mass communications,” said Kolb.

One outlet for her passions has been SchoolJournalism.org, the go-to education site for students and teachers that provides hundreds of lesson plans and resources related to journalism, news literacy and civic education. Her recent article, New Year’s Resolution: Consume a Healthier News Diet, was well received by students and faculty alike across the country.

“She’s been an amazing friend of MIPA and SchoolJournalism.org,” said Turner. “Her generosity, kindness and willingness to network with us has greatly impressed me. She is someone who is more than deserving of this honor.”

“The power of journalism cannot be overstated,” said Kolb, “and young people who are interested in changing their world while using skills such as listening, research, critical analysis, writing, photography and film should consider going into journalism.”

Learn more about the mass media communications at East Central College!

#InspiringExcellence – Academic Advisor Honored with Statewide Award

March 20, 2017 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Nearly two years ago, Steffani McCrary joined East Central College as an academic advisor. When she got here, she brought something from her secondary education background with her.

“I thought adding DECA would be a great addition to campus,” she said. “It benefits students in so many ways.”

Missouri DECA provides services to students enrolled in Marketing and Cooperative Education programs throughout the state. DECA’s comprehensive learning program integrates into classroom instruction, applies learning, connects to business and promotes competition. It prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.

“DECA provides such amazing opportunities for students,” McCrary explained. “I have seen the impact it has made on students. Since the program starts in high school, I felt that a chapter at East Central College would give students an organization of familiarity to join when they got here.”

Her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. This year, she was named one of just three “Friends of DECA” at the Missouri DECA State Career Development Conference. The special recognition is awarded to individuals for outstanding contributions to Marketing Education and/or Cooperative Career Education programs in their community.

“Steffani is extremely deserving of this award,” said Business and Industry Division Chair Richard Hudanick. “As an advisor, she is a role model. She is a tremendous help to our students and our programs.”

While McCrary is humbled by the award, she hopes it brings more awareness to the DECA program and how it can help students.

“DECA allows students to network with other students and business owners,” she said. “They can win scholarships to help pay for their education. There are many companies that prefer to hire a former DECA member over other applicants!”

The award carries the added recognition of becoming an Honorary Life Member of Missouri DECA.

#InspiringExcellence – Bone Marrow Drive Inspired by ECC Student

March 13, 2017 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

When given the chance to possibly save someone’s life, East Central College student Stacy Squires couldn’t pass it up.

“There was a bone marrow donor registry drive in Washington back in 2004,” she explained. “It was for a local resident needing a transplant.”

Stacy wasn’t a match at the time, but her information remained in the system. In 2006, she got a call.

“I was contacted as a possible match,” she said, “but after further testing, I wasn’t a close enough match.”

Another four years went by, and Stacy received another call. This time, it was meant to be.

“I was selected as one of the closest matches ever found in the history of the registry,” she said.

The donation was for a woman in her 60’s that Stacy had never met. During the final week before the donation, Stacy was told the recipient’s own marrow cells were being destroyed. Without her donation, she would not survive.

“The time and emotions involved with donating process and appreciation expressed by everyone involved made it a truly remarkable experience,” Stacy said. “Because my donation occurred on December 7, I knew I was able to give the gift of life for Christmas to my recipient.”

For Stacy, it didn’t cost a thing.

“All of my expenses were paid for by the Be the Match organization,” she said. “The donor center followed up with me several times during the first year on how my health was since the donation.”

A year later, Stacy received word that her recipient was doing well. Now, more than six years later, Stacy’s mission of helping others continues. In collaboration with the East Central College Student Government Association, she is hosting a bone marrow registry drive.

“It’s as easy as just getting your cheek swabbed,” she said. “The entire process only takes 15 minutes!”

The drive is being held in the Health and Sciences Building Lobby on March 15 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

#InspiringExcellence – East Central College Nursing Program Named One of Best in State

March 8, 2017 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

More than 54 nursing programs were ranked in the state of Missouri, and East Central College landed near the top of the list!

According to RegisteredNursing.org, East Central College is ranked the fourteenth best nursing program in the state.  The methodology used for the rankings was based on the 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.

“We are extremely proud of our students, faculty and program,” said Nursing Division Chair Robyn Walter. “In 2016, more than 95 percent of our students at the Union campus passed the NCLEX-RN exam. In Rolla, nearly 93 percent of students passed.”

For comparison, Missouri’s average hovers around an 85 percent pass rate. The national average is around 84 percent.

Walter believes the dedication of the nursing faculty truly makes a difference at East Central College.

“I am overwhelmed and humbled by their devotion,” she said, “and students truly feel it. It’s also important to recognize the support staff, because it is the entire student experience that promotes success.”

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

#InspiringExcellence – Vice President’s List Announced

January 3, 2017 | 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 2016 semester, there were nearly 170 students on the list!

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#InspiringExcellence – Students Named All-American Athletes for 2016!

December 5, 2016 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Two East Central College students can now say they are All-American athletes! Sophomore midfielder Jacob Moore was named to the NJCAA Division I Men’s Soccer All-American Second Team for the 2016 season, and sophomore setter Mackenzy Vedder was named an NJCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball Honorable Mention All-American.

Moore has been a catalyst to the Falcons’ success on the pitch for the past two years. During his tenure, the East Central College soccer team put together an impressive record of 26-9-2.

Individually, Moore became one of the all-time leaders in the ECC Soccer record books. He is tied for first on the all-time assist record with 24 in two years. As a goal scorer, he ranks third all-time with 32 total goals. During his sophomore campaign, with five fewer games on the season, he collected 17 goals and 10 assists. It topped his 2015 freshman season with 15 goals and 14 assists.

Additionally, Moore was named First Team All-Conference in the Missouri Community College Athletic Conference and First Team All-Region in 2016. During his freshman year, he collected Second Team All-Conference and Second Team All-Region honors. The Falcons finished 16-4-1 during his freshman year and were Region 16 runners-up for the second year in a row.

As Moore’s two years come to a close at East Central College, he plans on playing two more years of college soccer at a top level university. Currently, he is looking at Dayton University in the Atlantic 10 Conference to pursue his academic and athletic career goals.

Meanwhile, Vedder has been the assist provider for two winning seasons in a row for the Falcons. While captaining the ECC squad, the Falcons put together a 44-34 record in two seasons combined with help from Vedder.

As a setter, Vedder’s primary responsibility has been to set the offense into motion. Her single season assist total this fall at 984 ranks her fourth overall in the ECC record books. The two years she has spent at East Central College has put her third all-time in assists for a career with 1,906. During her freshman year, Vedder was named Second Team All-Region, but as a sophomore, she received First Team All-Region and First Team All-Conference honors. The Falcons finished the 2016 campaign as NJCAA Region 16 runner-ups to MCC-Longview.

Vedder plans on transferring to Missouri S & T to complete her degree in engineering. She also hopes to continue playing the sport she loves at the four year level, but studying comes first as she prioritizes her future plans.

#InspiringExcellence – Local Organization Helps Women in Need at East Central College

December 5, 2016 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Going to college can be a balancing act. For some women attending East Central College, juggling a full-time work schedule and a family can make it difficult. Financial burdens can also bring on added stress. With the help of the Philanthropic Education Organization (PEO) International Sisterhood, these women have a helping hand toward earning a degree.

Chapter NA of Franklin County serves local women by providing grants, scholarships and low-interest loans to those in financial emergencies. The group is one of many PEO Sisterhood chapters throughout the country and Canada.

As part of their local efforts, the group donated a thousand dollars to the East Central Financial Aid Department for the 2016-17 academic year. Student Financial Aid Director Karen Griffin hopes the funds will prevent local women from dropping out of school when facing a hardship.

“We are very excited to have access to these funds,” Griffin said. “We have very little resources available to help female students experiencing an emergency financial situation.”

Additionally, Chapter NA donated nearly 500 dollars to the ECC Adult Education and Literacy Program (AEL). They will allocate the grant among five vouchers for the HiSET exam (formerly the GED).  Women older than 24 years of age are eligible to receive a voucher.

Carol Rucker of Chapter NA is thankful to be a part of a group who gives back to the women of Franklin County.

“We are looking forward to continuing these funds and are thrilled to be of assistance to local women in reaching their educational goals at East Central.”

Picture: Muffi Painter (PEO), Karen Griffin, Franklin the Falcon, Carol Rucker  and Letitia Marlow (PEO)