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Category: Campus News

Licensed Practical Nursing students posing during pinning ceremony

Practical Nursing Program Maintains Perfect Pass Rate

October 8, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College’s Practical Nursing (PN) program in Rolla is celebrating another outstanding accomplishment: a perfect 100 percent pass rate on the Summer 2024 licensure exam.

All nine graduates not only passed the exam but also exceeded the state and national average pass rate, further enhancing ECC’s reputation for excellence in nursing education.

This year’s graduates are the second class to complete the PN program under ECC’s sponsorship, following the equally impressive performance of the 2023 cohort, who also achieved a 100 percent pass rate.

The licensure exam, known as the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), is a standardized test that all practical nursing graduates must pass to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). By earning this certification, graduates are qualified to enter the workforce as LPNs, where they can pursue higher wages and take on greater responsibilities in patient care.

“The success of the 2024 graduates is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and resilience throughout the program,” said Michelle Chick, Practical Nursing Program Director.

“Many of these students balanced demanding work schedules and family responsibilities while completing their studies, which is no small feat,” she added. “The nursing faculty and I are extremely proud of each graduate, and we are confident they will make significant contributions to both the nursing profession and the local community.”

Missouri’s average pass rate for first-time NCLEX-PN test takers in the first half of 2024 is 94.23 percent. Nationally, the year-to-date pass rate stands at 89.82 percent. ECC’s PN graduates not only surpassed these benchmarks but demonstrated exceptional readiness for their future roles as healthcare professionals.

The NCLEX-PN exam evaluates nursing knowledge and skills, ensuring that graduates are competent to provide safe and effective patient care in various healthcare settings. It also tests critical thinking and clinical judgment—skills that are essential for success in the nursing field.

The nine graduates from ECC’s 2024 PN program are:

  • Shelby Pogue
  • Alexandra Ferguson
  • Emma Politte
  • Cassidy Cunningham
  • Jessie Ball
  • Jessica Cook
  • Samantha Roman
  • Katelyn Schafer
  • Brandy Barnes

ECC’s Practical Nursing program is a three-semester, 11-month course that includes hands-on clinical experience. Graduates earn a certificate of completion and are then eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam.

Since taking over sponsorship of the program from the Rolla School District in October 2021, ECC has continued to expand and improve its nursing education offerings. This transition allowed the Rolla School District to concentrate on K-12 education, while ECC focused on enhancing the quality and accessibility of the PN program.

For more information about ECC’s Practical Nursing program, visit www.eastcentral.edu/allied-health/licensed-practical-nursing or contact Nancy Mitchell, Dean of Health Science, at Nancy.Mitchell@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6619.

East Central College

ECC President to Chair National Advocacy Group for Rural Colleges

October 6, 2024 | Campus News

East Central College President Dr. Jon Bauer was elected Chair of the Rural Community College Alliance (RCCA) Board of Directors.

RCCA is a national organization with members in 35 states, led by a board of community college presidents and other leaders in the field. It is the only organization devoted to rural-serving community colleges. Additionally, RCCA lobbies in state legislatures and Washington, D.C., as a voice for institutions often neglected in higher education.

Bauer was elected by the full RCCA Board during the 2024 RCCA annual conference, held Sept. 18-20 at SUNY-Adirondack Community College in Queensbury, New York.

“I am honored to be named Chair of the RCCA Board of Directors. Rural community colleges are essential to the success and growth of our regions, and I look forward to collaborating with fellow board members to champion the unique needs and opportunities in rural education,” he said. “Together, we can continue to expand access, promote innovation, and strengthen the impact of community colleges across the country.”

The Board Chair serves a two-year term. Seth Carter, president of Colby Community College in Kansas, is the outgoing Chair.

The RCCA assists member institutions that serve the 89.3 million people who live in rural America. Bauer has served on the national board since September 2020.

The Alliance promotes a more economically, culturally, and civically vibrant rural America through advocacy, convening, and leveraging resources. The RCCA also serves as a “clearinghouse for innovative practice, policy, and research.”

The RCCA strives for increased state support and federal impact aid for community and tribal colleges and helps member institutions find new funding sources. ECC will serve as the host for next year’s conference, taking place Sept. 17-19, 2025.

13 male and female Rolla nursing students in blue scrubs standing in front f a brick wall on Clinical Orientation Day

ECC Rolla Nursing Students Begin Clinicals at St. James Veterans Home

October 6, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College Rolla’s first-year nursing students took a significant step in their healthcare journey during Clinical Orientation Day, held on Sept. 26.

Following this orientation, the students began their clinical rotations on Oct. 1, onsite at the St. James Veterans Home.

Wearing their professional uniforms, these students have officially started their hands-on training, a crucial component of ECC’s nursing program.

Clinicals, conducted at local healthcare facilities like the St. James Veterans Home, provide real-world experience that complements classroom learning and equips students with the skills needed for a successful nursing career.

As they dive into their first semester, these students will gain invaluable experience caring for veterans and applying their knowledge in a real-world setting.

For more information about the ECC Nursing program, visit www.eastcentral.edu/allied-health/nursing, or contact Nancy Mitchell, Director of Nursing and Dean of Health Science, at Nancy.Mitchell@eastcentral.edu.

Group of 23 Nursing students dressed in blue clinical uniforms standing for a photo on a staircase

Future Nurses Suit Up for Clinicals

October 5, 2024 | Campus News

For East Central College’s first-year nursing students, Clinical Orientation Day marked an important milestone in their journey toward a career in health care.

On Sept. 26, students suited up in full uniform as they began clinicals—a crucial, hands-on element of the nursing program. Clinicals are conducted onsite at local hospitals and with other healthcare partners.

These students, currently in their first semester of the ECC Nursing program, were captured in action during their Fundamentals of Nursing course.

The classroom learning and clinical experience are closely connected to ensure students gain the skills and knowledge needed to become safe, competent practitioners.

East Central College offers two programs leading to an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing, both designed to prepare students to become registered nurses.

For more information about the ECC Nursing program, visit www.eastcentral.edu/allied-health/nursing, or contact Nancy Mitchell, Director of Nursing and Dean of Health Science, at Nancy.Mitchell@eastcentral.edu.

Man stands at a white board providing information on the economic status of Franklin County.

Center for Workforce Development to Celebrate Manufacturing Week

September 19, 2024 | Campus News

East Central College’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD) will recognize the significance of the regional manufacturing industry during Manufacturing Week, held the first week of October.

From Sept. 30 through Oct. 4, the College will host tours of its Business and Industry Center (BIC) for local middle and high school students, as well as a daylong Manufacturing Summit for area manufacturing. These events are part of ECC’s ongoing commitment to highlight the vital role of manufacturing in the local economy and to connect students with career opportunities in the field.

The 2nd Annual Manufacturing Summit will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at the BIC, bringing together key manufacturing managers. The Summit will provide a platform for networking, exploring the latest industry tools, and gaining insights into trends that impact the sector.

Summit highlights include breakout sessions covering topics such as:

  • AI in Manufacturing
  • Building Leaders from Within
  • State and Local Resources for Manufacturing

Additional summit opportunities include:

The summit will feature guest speakers Jeff Pinkerton, Director of Economic Research at the Missouri Department of Economic Development, and Anita Brooks, a P4 Power Coaching™ expert. Pinkerton will share insights on the state of manufacturing in Franklin County, while Brooks will deliver the keynote presentation, “Attracting & Retaining Top Talent for Manufacturers.”

Lunch and other meals will be provided at no cost, with the event concluding in an after-hours social where attendees can continue networking and participate in a raffle for prizes.

For more information or to register, please contact Todd Tracy at Todd.Tracy@eastcentral.edu or call 636.649.5807.

Two smiling ECC graduates in Mercy Hospital uniforms stadnign in a hallway at the Mercy South Trauma Center.

From Classmates to Colleagues: ECC’s HIM Program Launches Successful Careers

September 19, 2024 | Campus News

At East Central College (ECC), the Health Information Management (HIM) program not only prepares students for successful careers but also fosters lasting connections.

That was the case for Class of 2023 graduates Melissa Helms (Missy) and Sandy Tamara McClain, who found themselves on parallel paths through the HIM program and now work side by side as Trauma Analysts at Mercy South.

“Missy had confidence in me from our time together at ECC,” McClain said. “She extended a wonderful recommendation to our boss, and the rest is history.” Now, both Helms and McClain work together, analyzing trauma cases, abstracting data, and contributing to the improvement of trauma care at the hospital.

Both Helms and McClain earned associate degrees in Health Information Management and Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credentials, but their paths to the program and shared career began in different ways.

Why HIM?

For Helms, of Villa Ridge, the idea of being involved in healthcare without being directly on the front lines was appealing.

“I wasn’t sure I was capable of the hands-on patient care side of healthcare with all its goriness,” Helms explained. “But I still wanted to make an impact on patient care, outcomes, and the improvement of healthcare.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, she decided it was time to return to school and found the HIM program at ECC to be the perfect fit.

McClain, of Washington, had a similar motivation. After juggling family responsibilities, she sought a healthcare career that offered a better work-life balance while allowing her to make a meaningful difference.

“I liked the option of not dealing with patients directly,” McClain said. The HIM program at ECC gave her that opportunity.

ECC’s HIM Program

Both Helms and McClain recall their time in the HIM program fondly, particularly the hands-on experience in the Professional Practice Experience (PPE) course, which they compare to clinicals for nursing students.

“It was so much fun and provided invaluable experience,” said Helms.

McClain echoed the sentiment, saying the program gave her the knowledge and confidence to pass the RHIT exam and enter the workforce.

Though the program is fully online, Helms and McClain crossed paths in the PPE lab and later found themselves working together at Mercy South. Helms was hired first as a Trauma Analyst, where she works closely with the trauma medical director and trauma program manager to analyze patient data, support research, and drive best practices in trauma care. When a fellow registrar moved on, Helms recommended McClain for the position.

Today, McClain values being an integral part of the trauma care team at Mercy South.

“I am proud of how far our Trauma Program has come and the data we have been able to gather,” she said. “We always make sure that everyone is on the same page and that our patients receive the best care possible.”

Both graduates credit their education at ECC for preparing them for the complexities of their roles. Helms notes how classes on coding, data quality, and medical terminology have been essential to her success.

“The entire ECC education contributed to my career,” she said. McClain agrees, adding, “The critical thinking skills I developed at ECC have been invaluable in analyzing patient charts and data.”

Continuing Education

In addition to their shared journey through the HIM program, both Helms and McClain have big plans. Helms aims to further her education and credentials, eventually aspiring to become an HIM director. McClain, on the other hand, is focused on leading a trauma program or even starting her own business through contracting services.

The HIM field is constantly evolving, and both women are committed to staying on top of the latest trends through continuing education and certifications.

“We have to stay malleable while staying organized,” McClain said.

For those considering a career in HIM, both Helms and McClain offer the same advice: Go for it.

“You won’t regret it,” Helms said.

“The knowledge you gain makes a difference not only to you but to those you work with directly and indirectly,” added McClain.

As they continue to excel at Mercy South, Helms and McClain exemplify how ECC’s HIM program not only equips students with the skills they need for success but also provides the opportunity to build strong professional connections that can last a lifetime.

For more information about ECC and the HIM program, visit [link] or contact Kimberly Daman-Scheel, HIM Program Director, at kim.daman-scheel@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6662.

ECC’s HIM program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM).

Two girls in a college nursing lab attending a Summer Learning Academy using a baby doll to learn about caring for babies.

More than 600 Students Attend Free ECC’s Summer Learning Academy

September 15, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College’s Summer Learning Academy (SLA) welcomed 611 students this year in more than 100 classes in Union and Rolla.

There were 446 students participating in Union and 165 students in Rolla, resulting in 1,015 total enrollments across the service region.

SLA provides enriching, educational, and fun classes at no cost for children and teens ages 5-18. The academy ran from July 8 through Aug. 8.

A boy and girl practicing archery outdoors during a Summer Learning Academy Archery class.

A total of 718 seats were filled in Union, and 297 enrollments were in Rolla. Many students enrolled in more than one class, contributing to the total number of enrollments.

Here is what SLA students said about the classes:

  • “I enjoyed learning a new skill that I will definitely use in the future.”
  • “Entertaining and fun class. Very educational.”
  • “I had a wonderful time. Seeing the finished project was my favorite part.”
  • “I enjoyed the class. I liked using my creativity to my advantage. Being with my friends and getting to make many things was my favorite part of the class.”
  • “I love to crochet! Please offer this class again next year. You can’t make it better—it’s already perfect.”
  • “I met amazing people and really vibed with the teacher.”

More SLA Comments

Parents of the children who attended classes, like Patrick Pigeon, also expressed their appreciation for SLA.

“This is a great opportunity for our son to stay engaged and learn something new over the summer. Keep those classes coming,” he said.

Elaine Grover shared that her grandson thrived in the Colors Galore class and learned from the Internet Safety class.

“Excellent classes—my grandson had a great time and learned a lot in both classes,” she said. “The projects in Colors Galore were especially enjoyed, particularly the ‘stained glass’ project. He’s still talking about how to rate passwords from the Internet Safety class.”

Another parent expressed gratitude for the free, educational offerings.

“Our children have participated in the program for several years. It’s wonderful that they are exposed to a variety of subjects and classes that you wouldn’t find anywhere else,” she said. “I’d like to thank the taxpayers and sponsors. It’s really great that these classes are free—we need more of this!”

Pam Kaiser, program coordinator for the Center for Workforce Development, said the goal of the Summer Learning Academy is to offer a diverse range of enriching and engaging classes for the entire college service region.

“I love seeing the happy and enthusiastic faces of both students and parents. Year after year, I’m so proud of every class we offer,” Kaiser said. “It’s wonderful to have classes led by community members and our own ECC community.

“Many of these classes even provide a preview of the quality credit courses students can take in the future at ECC,” she added. “The instructors are incredible and passionate about what they teach—sometimes it’s hard to tell who’s having more fun, the students or the instructors!”

SLA Sponsors

SLA was free for participants this year thanks to the generosity of sponsors, including local Taco Bell restaurants and their parent company, W&M Restaurants; Rotary Clubs of Franklin County (Sullivan, Union, and Washington); local Jimmy John’s restaurants; and the ECC Foundation.

“It never ceases to amaze me how generous our sponsors are, allowing us to continue offering these classes at no cost to the youth in our ECC communities in Union and Rolla. It truly gives students an amazing experience,” Kaiser said.

Additional SLA sponsors include 3R RV Service Center, Bank of Washington, Bank of Franklin County, Brewer Science, Central Methodist University, Edward Jones — Andrew Clary, First State Community Bank, Mercy, Pepsi, Phelps County Bank, and Union Lions Club.

Experience ECC Open House graphic listing the date and time: Sept. 18 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Community Invited to Experience ECC at Open House

September 8, 2024 | Campus News

East Central College invites the community to “Experience ECC” during an immersive Open House on Wednesday, Sept. 18.

The campuswide event welcomes prospective and current students, families, and community members to explore academic programs, meet faculty, and engage in hands-on activities.

Download the Schedule of activities and map.

In addition to the Open House, ECC will host Math & Science Night in partnership with Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), a home volleyball match as the Falcons face St. Louis Community College in the ECC Gym, and ECC Library Game Night, along with other exciting events.

Throughout the day, various departments will offer interactive and engaging activities:

Humanities: Engage with faculty, explore student publications, and try Pin the Tail on the Donkey.

Music: Meet with music faculty and listen to The Stagrunners, a band of ECC’s talented music students, in the Band Room.

Spanish: Play Spanish Mad Libs with faculty and students on the second floor of HH.

Theatre: Get a behind-the-scenes look at Night of the Living Dead: LIVE! in the Performance Lab, where cast members will showcase their zombie looks and makeup designs.

Visual Arts: Visit with art faculty and tour the art studios on the second floor of HH.

Accounting and Business: Meet Business faculty and attend a business program information session.

Career Technical Education: Meet CTE faculty in the Business and Industry Center Lobby and attend info sessions for HVAC, Industrial Engineering, Precision Machining, and Welding programs.

Culinary Arts: Meet Culinary Arts faculty and past graduates in the ECC Training Center kitchen.

Nursing and EMS: Explore the Nursing and EMS labs and hear from faculty and students.

Student Services: Meet with staff and attend career exploration sessions with academic and career navigators.

STEM: Meet STEM faculty from ECC and Missouri S&T in the HH 1st Floor Theatre Lobby and participate in Math & Science Night.

Psychology, Sociology & History: Join faculty for brain teasers and explore an interactive historical timeline.

This lineup provides an excellent opportunity for attendees to engage directly with faculty, explore student projects, and experience hands-on activities across various disciplines.

Additional Campus Highlights

Visitors are also invited to browse the latest art installation in the ECC Art Gallery and cheer on the Falcons volleyball team as they face St. Louis Community College. While exploring campus, attendees can stock up on ECC gear at the Bookstore, get involved with Campus Life and Leadership, and enjoy free desserts and refreshments at The Dive.

For those interested in healthcare, the Certified Nursing Assistant and Medication Technician classrooms will be open for tours, and information on free GED, HiSET, and English language classes will be available.

In the ECC Learning Center, guests can learn about free tutoring, success coaching, and other student support services, with free popcorn on hand. Additionally, students and community members can explore research resources in the Donald R. and Barbara D. Means Library, which will also host a carnival-themed Game Night.

Math and Science Career Night attendees participate in an experiment with electricity with an ECC faculty member.

Area High Schoolers Invited to ECC Math & Science Career Night

September 8, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

On Wednesday, Sept. 18, area high school students are invited to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degrees and career pathways offered by East Central College and Missouri S&T. The event will take place in the ECC Theatre in Hansen Hall from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Math & Science Career Night is hosted by ECC with special guests from Missouri S&T. Current high school students and East Central College students are encouraged to attend to discover STEM degrees and career paths, and to meet with faculty and students from both institutions across various fields, from Engineering to Biology and beyond.

This image provides the date, time and location of the ECC Math and Science Night. It lists ECC as the sponsor and Missouri S&T as a guest.

Please fill out this form to RSVP or email Alison Tucker, STEM Recruitment and Success Coordinator, at alison.tucker@eastcentral.edu or by calling 636-584-6677.

Students will hear firsthand accounts of what it’s like to work in STEM fields and gain insights into the careers of tomorrow. For example, ECC Engineering student Ryah Cullom, who attended Math & Science Career Night as a high school senior, shared her experience:

“I found the activities to be helpful and geared toward influencing the students to pursue this career. The teachers were very welcoming, and they strived to create a dedicated environment,” she said. “I enjoyed talking to the Engineering department because it reassured me that this major will help me to be successful in terms of lifestyle and the responsibilities of each job.”

Attendees will also receive advice on which high school classes will best prepare them for STEM degrees in college. Parents are also welcome to attend.

Additionally, several door prizes will be awarded, including a Texas Instruments TI-84 calculator.

ECC and Missouri S&T faculty from various STEM fields — ranging from Engineering to Biology and more — will be available to discuss students’ interests and potential career paths.

“STEM Career Night gives students an opportunity to mingle with faculty and students in a variety of STEM programs,” said Tucker. “ECC and S&T have enjoyed a strong relationship for over 40 years, including hosting this event for the past 25 years. We understand that students and parents appreciate the chance to ask questions and learn how to be best prepared for a STEM career path, no matter where they transfer.”

To learn more about ECC’s STEM programs, visit www.eastcentral.edu/science/.

East Central College Falcons Softball logo

Young Hired as New ECC Softball Coach

August 16, 2024 | Athletics Campus News

A local coach with a state championship to his name is new head coach of the East Central College Falcons Softball team. Grant Young will be replacing Brad Wallach, who led the ECC Softball program for 15 seasons.

Portrait of new ECC Softball Coach, Grant Young
Coach Grant Young

Young has served as the head softball coach at Washington High School for the past two years, a role he will continue while coaching the ECC Softball Falcons. This past season, the Blue Jays finished with a remarkable 37-1-1 record, capturing the Missouri Class 4 state title without a single loss to a Missouri school.

The team was ranked third in the nation in the final National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) poll and was recognized as the top program in Missouri by MaxPreps.com.

Young, a 1996 graduate of Union High School, holds a B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology from Missouri State University (2000) and an M.S. in Athletic Administration from William Woods University (2007). He and his wife, Julia, have two sons, Kaner and Ryker. Kaner will be attending ECC and playing baseball this year.

Coaching Career

In his three years as a head softball coach, including a year at Neosho High School in Missouri, Young’s teams have achieved an impressive 89-15-1 record. Over the past eight years with the Blue Jay program, serving as both varsity assistant and head coach, his teams have won six Gateway Athletic Conference titles, five district titles, four Final Four finishes, and two state championships (2021 and 2023).

Young was honored as the 2023 MHSFCA Class 4 Coach of the Year and was part of the NFCA Region 1 Zone Coaching Staff of the Year.

Young has also been a varsity basketball coach for the past 23 years, coaching both boys’ and girls’ teams. He has amassed 385 career wins, including seven MSHSAA district titles, two Final Four appearances, and a state championship in 2011 at Purdy. He was recognized as the Girls Basketball MBCA/Sportswriters 2011 Class 2 Coach of the Year.