East Central College   

Category: Campus News

ECC Receives $2.1 Million Federal Grant to Support Student Success

October 25, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College has been awarded a $2.1 million grant to boost its graduation and retention rates among rural and low-income students.

The highly competitive federal Title III grant was awarded through the Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP), which is administered by the U.S. Department of Education, with a focus on rural, low-income students, said Dr. Robyn Walter, Vice President of Academic Affairs at ECC.

“The primary objective of this project is to elevate the graduation rates of all of our students, with a particular focus on rural, low-income students,” she said. “The grant builds on our track record of effective retention strategies, and it will enhance advising and academic support to foster student completion.”

The grant funds are restricted to programs and initiatives that directly help students succeed.

Walter noted that low-income students, especially those eligible for Pell grants, often face unique challenges and hardships. More than one-third of ECC’s students qualify for Pell grants.

Over the next five years, ECC will implement grant initiatives designed to enhance and strengthen the institution’s academic quality, support services, fiscal stability, and capacity to serve its student population. ECC stands out as one of only two colleges in Missouri to receive the Title III grant, and it’s the sole community college to do so.

“This is excellent news for the institution and for our students,” said ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. “The grant is highly competitive, and I appreciate Dr. Walter’s hard work and everyone who contributed. It will have long-lasting benefits.”

Implementation

Through this grant, the college will focus on its Guided Pathway model, a holistic approach to student success, and strengthen its Success Coach program to support and engage with students. Additionally, there will be increased emphasis on supplemental instruction in courses, utilizing students who have previously excelled in class to assist those who may need assistance.

ECC will establish the Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP), an evidence-based structured path to success that helps low-income students earn an associate degree swiftly through financial, academic, and personal support.

Furthermore, the college will increase the provision of equipment, such as laptops and hotspots, to students who lack the resources or technology for sufficient internet access.

ECC will also become a member of the Achieving the Dream (ATD) network, a comprehensive organization that provides a network of institutions focused on student success at community colleges. This network offers peer support and expertise on a national scale. Becoming a member of the ATD network is a distinction of quality for a community college, Walter added.

Among various methods to support students, the college will expand professional development opportunities for faculty and introduce more HyFlex courses, enhancing online course design.

The HyFlex model provides students with three learning options during one class: in-person, remote live video streaming at the regular class time, or online viewing of recorded video when convenient, often referred to as “asynchronously.”

The HyFlex modality allows for flexibility to help meet students where they are in their educational and personal life journey,” Walter said.

To learn more about East Central College, its programs and pathways, visit www.eastcentral.edu/.

Trustees Approve Partnership to Provide Virtual Health Care to Students

October 24, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College will partner with a virtual health company to offer students free access to medical care and mental health support.

At its October meeting, the ECC Board of Trustees approved a recommendation to enter into a contract with The Virtual Care Group, Los Angeles, Calif., to provide medical and mental telehealth to all students.

ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer stated that the primary objective of offering telehealth care is to ensure students receive rapid responses for both physical and mental health concerns, with a focus on directing them to appropriate long-term care providers when needed. For instance, a student may use the psychiatric component for a short-term issue, and then the telehealth professional can refer the student to long-term care.

“We are very pleased that we can offer this to our students,” Bauer said. “This will help make it possible for students to stay enrolled, persist toward their goals, and have a resource for care that they wouldn’t have otherwise.”

He explained the challenges faced by many community college students when accessing healthcare services, placing particular emphasis on the need for mental health support. He added that telehealth technology will empower students to access care at their convenience and according to their own schedules.

“Throughout the country, students face mounting challenges that impact their mental health, including finances, balancing work and school, caring for children, on top of studying and attending class,” Bauer said. “We have recognized that these added stressors have greatly increased the need for mental and health care among our students.”

The telehealth services are an extension of the role of ECC counselors who are already available to ECC students. Vice President of Student Services Sarah Leassner said the services could begin as early as this semester or, at the latest, in the Spring 2024. The College will closely monitor the initiative to ensure it benefits students.

“This is going to be an excellent resource for our students,” Leassner commented. “I can’t wait to see how this can help our students.”

She added that The Virtual Care Group platform provides additional services, like life coaching and writing wills, that also will be beneficial to students.

The telehealth services are available to all part-time and full-time students. Dual credit students are not eligible.

The package will be funded through student fees already collected by the college. The cost of the service is $2.98 per student, per month, with an estimated annual cost of $84,020. Included in the agreement is a 50-visit block of psychiatric sessions, which will address mental issues.

The College anticipated offering virtual health services to students and increased student fees in February to fund it. Top of Form

Once the infrastructure for the service is in place, the College will provide students with details and instructions on how to use the platform.

Rolla Nursing Students Sell Breast Cancer Awareness Shirts

October 17, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

The East Central College Rolla Student Nurse Organization is hosting a fundraiser for Breast Cancer awareness.

Throughout October, the nursing students are selling Breast Cancer awareness T-shirts. All proceeds from the T-shirt sales will be donated to the Phelps Health Foundation. These funds will go toward covering medical expenses associated with breast cancer awareness, including screenings and other medical needs for those who cannot afford these services.

To buy a shirt or make a donation to support Rolla Nursing students in their efforts to raise funds for this worthy cause, please visit this link.

This community project has the potential to assist many individuals who might otherwise be unable to afford breast cancer screenings. Please consider buying a T-shirt or making a donation to this exceptional cause.

 

ECC to Celebrate Manufacturing Week with Industry Leaders and Business Event

September 22, 2023 | Campus News

East Central College will celebrate the importance of the Manufacturing industry in the region through several events during the first week of October.

Manufacturing Summit: Oct. 4

There will be two discussions held in the ECC Business and Industry Center on Wednesday, Oct. 4, as part of a Manufacturing Summit. A Workforce Training and Retention Panel will be held 10:30 a.m. to noon with representatives from the U.S. Department of Labor, Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, Missouri Department of Economic Development, Connections to Success and the Jefferson/Franklin Workforce Investment Board.

The panel will discuss workforce retention solutions, employment services, the value of apprenticeships, state of Missouri workforce training funding and workforce initiatives.

A State of Manufacturing discussion will be hosted by Jeff Pinkerton, the Director of Economic Research from the Missouri Department of Economic Development, from 1-2:30 p.m. The discussion will center on the current industry and will provide an analysis of future Manufacturing trends for the Franklin County region.

A free lunch will be provided from noon to 1 p.m. Those interested in attending the Oct. 4 events must RSVP at www.eastcentral.edu/cwd/.

Business After Hours: Oct. 5

ECC is partnering with five area Chambers of Commerce to host a Business After Hours on Thursday, Oct. 5, 4:30-7 p.m., also at the Business and Industry Center. The Union, Washington, Pacific, St. Clair and Sullivan chambers will assist in the outreach and marketing of the event to their members.

Complimentary food and adult beverages will be provided. Tours of the Advanced Manufacturing programs will be provided as well as the opportunity to experience a virtual training environment using virtual reality headsets. ECC’s Business and Industry Center is located at 42 Prairie Dell Plaza in Union, near the Great 8 Cinema. Contact Todd Tracy at 636-649-5807 or Todd.Tracy@eastcentral.edu for additional information.

Grad Earns First-Ever Gulstad Full-Tuition Scholarship to CMU

September 14, 2023 | Campus News

East Central College alumna and aspiring elementary school teacher, Katie Rushing, has been awarded the first-ever Gulstad Full-Tuition Transfer Scholarship to Central Methodist University (CMU).

Rushing, of Washington, who graduated from ECC in May with an Associate of Arts in Teaching degree, is the recipient of this prestigious scholarship, which covers the full cost of tuition. The Gulstad Full-Tuition Transfer Scholarship is exclusively available to students attending one of CMU’s extended sites, such as the ECC campus in Union.

“Katie is a driven and remarkable student,” stated ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. “We are immensely proud of her accomplishments, and we have no doubt that she will continue to excel at CMU.”

The scholarship is named after longtime CMU Provost Dr. Rita Gulstad, who emphasized that the full-tuition scholarship was established with students like Rushing in mind.

“This scholarship was created to recognize excellence among our community college graduates,” noted Rita Gulstad. “Katie is seeking a bachelor’s degree in elementary education because she is passionate about working with children and she desires to make a positive impact on students’ lives.”

Gulstad also highlighted Rushing’s active involvement in her community, including her role as a certified substitute teacher and her volunteer work in her church parish.

“Katie says she chose East Central because it is friendly and affordable, but also to stay close to home so she could continue to support her community,” she commented. “That is why she also chose CMU.”

ECC and CMU have maintained a strong partnership, providing educational opportunities for Franklin County area residents for three decades. Central Methodist University has been operating on ECC’s campus since 1992.

“Central Methodist has been an outstanding partner for 30 years,” Bauer remarked. “Countless individuals have earned their bachelor’s or master’s degrees in the area without having to leave, which is a tremendous benefit.”

To learn more about scholarship opportunities at ECC, including the Central Methodist University Gulstad Transfer Scholarship, visit https://www.eastcentral.edu/finaid/scholarship-opportunities/.

 

 

ECC Using Innovative X-Ray ‘Phantom’ for Revolutionary Radiologic Tech Training

August 29, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

When it comes to training in the Radiologic Technology program at East Central College, authenticity reigns supreme — and the students in the Rad Tech program in Rolla are stepping into a groundbreaking learning experience.

The students are now learning on an x-ray “phantom” that houses a complete human skeleton inside — an innovative learning tool that will revolutionize the hands-on training for students in the program.

Phantoms are used as a stand-in for human tissue for training purposes. This high-tech model was purchased through a $34,000 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant. It was delivered to ECC in Rolla in July.

Brandi Grindel, Radiological Tech program director, explained that by engaging with a model made from real human bones, students gain precise training opportunities in positioning and alignment techniques, surpassing what a synthetic phantom could offer.

“This new phantom mimics a real human body that the students would work with in the clinical area,” she said. “It makes for a more realistic and real patient scenario for the students.”

ECC purchased an Erler Zimmer Natural Bone Full Body X-Ray Phantom from Z&Z Medical, Inc.

Natural bone phantoms provide unparalleled precision, accounting for factors such as weight, mobility, and the accurate representation of organ shadows on bones.

The phantom’s fully movable joints allow students to simulate a wide array of x-ray positions, and further enhances their training experience.

100 Percent Placement

The ECC Rad Tech program spans 20 months, during which students receive training on specialized radiography equipment designed to capture images for radiologists to use when diagnosing and treating a range of health issues in patients.

Grindel explained that employment in x-ray technician field is projected to grow.

“COVID-19 had a significant impact on the field of radiology,” she said. “With many technologists either deciding to retire, or just simply burned out from working, there are many job openings in radiology right now.”

In her current class of 15 students, Grindel noted that seven are already employed as student aids in Radiology departments, and most of them are set to retain these positions after graduation.

“I can’t seem to get students out fast enough for employers,” she added. “The program itself has had 100 percent job placement rate for the last five years.”

Students Benefit

Some saw COVID as a reason to exit health care, the pandemic inspired others, like Timothy Ringeisen, to enter the field.

Ringeisen, 40, Cuba, is a Rad Tech student at ECC. He had been a shop foreman in an automotive repair business for about 20 years.

“When the Covid pandemic started, I saw a need in the health care field and wanted to do something to help,” he said. “The Radiologic Technology program sounded interesting to me, and it was a quick way to get me into a hospital and helping people in need of care.”

As a first-generation college student and a single father, Ringeisen has overcome challenges to continue his education.

“I am disciplined and motivated to complete the program to the best of my ability,” he said, adding that he encourages others to do the same.

“If you have an interest and desire to work in the health care field, but you don’t necessarily want all of the patient care responsibilities of a nurse, Radiologic Technology may be a good choice for you — It is a quick way to get your foot in the door, and it is very rewarding.”

For Tess Marquart, Washington, radiology was an interest before she graduated high school.

Marquart, 23, became interested in radiology after job shadowing an MRI technician while she was in high school. She already has earned a degree in Exercise and Movement Science from Missouri State. She is in her final year of the Radiologic Technology program at ECC.

One of Marquart’s primary educational challenges has been overcoming test anxiety.

“At this point I have found a comfort in testing that I did not previously have,” she said. “I prepare myself for tests by switching my anxious thoughts to feelings of excitement.”

She also appreciates the support of the program faculty.

“My teachers are incredible. I don’t think that I would have had the same experience without them,” Marquart added. “They are extremely supportive and intelligent. It really helps to prepare you for your career when you have positive guidance along the way.”

New to ECC

The College officially took sponsorship of the Rad Tech program from the Rolla School District in 2021. At that time, it already had been serving the Rolla area for over 40 years.

Because of Rolla’s location along Interstate 44, students come from many areas of Missouri. Most students come from Rolla, Salem, Houston, Licking, Fort Wood, Waynesville, Lake Ozark, Lebanon, Sullivan, Cuba, Bourbon, St. Clair, Union, and Washington.

After completing the program, students earn an Associate of Applied Sciences degree and are qualified to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist national certification exam. They also have the option to continue their education in multiple areas of radiology.

“About 40 percent of our students go on for a bachelor’s degree. Many of them complete this degree while working full time in an x-ray department,” said Grindel.

Health Care Partnerships

The program has nine clinical affiliation partnerships that train students. These include Phelps Health, General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital, Consolidated Medical Troop Clinic, Mercy Hospital in Lebanon, Mercy Hospital in Washington, Texas County Memorial Hospital, Salem District Memorial Hospital, Lake Regional Health System, and Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan, MO.

“Many of our clinical partners are needing radiologic technologists, computed tomography technologists, and ultrasound technologists,” Grindel said.

She added that all the students who graduated from ECC’s Rad Tech in May 2023 have been hired as radiologic technologist.

For information on the Radiologic Technology program, visit www.eastcentral.edu/allied-health/radiologic-technology/ or contact Nancy Mitchell, dean of health sciences atNancy.Mitchell@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6619.

Leigh Kolb accepting Harold Austin Good Teaching Award

Kolb Recognized by Retired Teachers Organization

August 29, 2023 | Campus News Film and Lecture Series Inspiring Excellence

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

Harold Austin Good Teaching Award plaque

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.”

Ceremony Held for First ECC Rolla License Practical Nursing Class

August 18, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Twelve Licensed Practical Nurses were pinned July 28, marking the inaugural LPN class at East Central College in Rolla.

The ECC LPN pinning ceremony for Rolla students was held at the Havener Center in Rolla. The pinning ceremony is a time-honored nursing program tradition that signifies the nursing graduate’s initiation into the sisterhood and brotherhood of nurses.

The College took over sponsorship of the LPN program from Rolla Public Schools in August of 2022. The ECC Rolla LPN program director is Michelle Chick.

“The program has a long-standing history of tradition, success, and excellence that ECC is proud to be a part of,” said Nancy Mitchell, Director of Nursing and Dean of Health Science.

The 12 students who graduated from the program are: Monique Matos, Rolla; Shelby Marcee, St James; Emily Hunter, Salem; Abby Booker, Steelville; Claude Wyatt, Rolla; Jey Sanders, Steelville; Kylie Wise, Bourbon; Amber Simpson, Salem; Emma Fennell, Linn; Kailey Spencer, Linn; Kennedie Losing, St James; and Chelsea Flowers, Rolla.

Kim Heidbrink, LPN and 1978 graduate of Rolla Technical Center served as the guest speaker during the ceremony.

“During her 40-year career, she role modeled and mentored many nurses across the profession, and she has, and will continue, to be an advocate for licensed practical nurses and our program,” Mitchell added.

The original Practical Nursing program was established by Rolla Public Schools in 1967. Over 55 years, the program graduated over 1,250 students. The LPN program is an 11- month certificate program, 3 semesters, and it admits up to 20 students each fall semester.  Upon graduation, students will take the licensure exam to become an LPN.

Student Awards

Two students were recognized during the ceremony for accomplishments during the program — the ECC Outstanding Student Award was presented to Chelsea Flowers; and the Phelps Health Clinical Excellence was presented to Monique Matos.

Flowers demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her educational goals by achieving the highest level of academic performance among her classmates. Her ability to study with intensity, motivate herself and others, and genuine desire to fully engage in classroom and clinical learning opportunities has resulted in her being the recipient of this award.

Matos has an authentic presence when entering the patient’s world by being sensitive to their situations and needs. She inspires trust through demonstrating preparation for each patient encounter and delivering exceptional care. She brings energy and joy into the practice of nursing by reflecting upon her performance and striving to improve each day.

The ECC Outstanding Practical Nurse Award was presented to Chelsea Flowers, Rolla, center. She is pictured with LPN Program Director Michelle Chick, left, and Clinical Coordinator Jessica Fisher, right.

Pictured is Phelps Health Clinical Excellence Awardee Monique Matos, Rolla. who was presented the award during a July 28 Pinning Ceremony for the ECC Rolla Licensed Practical Nursing graduating class. From left, are Kait Roy, Phelps Health Nurse Recruiter and Advisory Board Member; Michelle Chick, Rolla LPN Program Director; Matos; and Jessica Fisher, LPN Program Clinical Coordinator.

Metallica Scholars logo

ECC Returns for Year Two of All Within My Hands’ Metallica Scholars Initiative

August 7, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College will continue in the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) and is receiving $50,000 in year two of its involvement in the program. The funding will be used for student scholarships in Welding, Heating and Air-Conditioning, Precision Machining and Manufacturing Maintenance.

Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands, continues its multimillion-dollar investment in critical workforce programs at community colleges nationwide. East Central College remains as the only community college in Missouri to be a part of the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI).

The MSI was launched in 2019 by Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). The workforce initiative marks its fifth year with an ambitious expansion into new curricula.

“We are happy to continue to partner with Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation to support the vital career and technical education work of the nation’s community colleges,” said Walter G. Bumphus, AACC’s president and CEO.  “Colleges across the country provide pathways to well-paying jobs through programs, services and training that lead to in-demand skills, certificates and degrees for students.

“These programs are responsive to the needs of local businesses and provide a pipeline of qualified workers to local industry. Partners like Metallica that continue to provide support for community colleges help us to showcase the importance of investing in the transformative power of community college education.”

MSI now directly supports 42 community colleges across 33 states, and by the end of this grant year, it will have helped over 6,000 students pursuing careers in the trades. To date, Metallica and AWMH have invested over $6 million in the American workforce.

“The Metallica Scholars Initiative is a strong and cooperative assemblage of the nation’s best community colleges, creating a supportive climate for participants to communicate directly and share best practices. As a result, our Metallica Scholars leave the program well-trained and confident. Ultimately, the impact is felt locally and nationally as Metallica Scholars enter the workforce and fill in-demand technical positions.” says Peter Delgrosso, AWMH Executive Director.

During the past academic year of 2022-2023, ECC awarded $97,000 in MSI scholarships to 48 advanced manufacturing students. The scholarships were used toward tuition, fees, books, transportation and needed tools in their programs.

“We had students who couldn’t continue their program if it wasn’t for the scholarships from the Metallica Scholars Initiative,” says Joel Doepker, Vice President of External Relations. “The investment by AWMH has a direct impact on the area’s manufacturers who desperately need a qualified workforce to maintain their workforce and remain competitive.”

Find our more at www.eastcentral.edu/Metallica

The 11 community colleges joining MSI this year include:

These newly added colleges are joining a roster of veteran schools invited to continue in the program. Each year, the returning colleges play an integral part in helping guide the success of the new schools.

The 31 returning schools include:

What began with 10 colleges and mostly manufacturing programs has developed into a diverse offering of workforce opportunities for students interested in gaining the skills and training necessary to find meaningful and well-paying careers in fields and positions including:

Agriculture
Automation and Robotics
Automotive Technology
Aviation, Computer-Aided Drafting & Design
Carpentry
Computerized Manufacturing (CNC)
Construction Technology
Criminal Justice
Culinary Arts
Cybersecurity
Diesel Technology
Dental Hygiene
Electrical Engineering
EMT
Fire Technology
Healthcare
Heating & Ventilation (HVAC)
Heavy Equipment Operator
Hospitality
Industrial Maintenance Technology
Lineworker
Manufacturing & Machining
Mechanical Design
Mechatronics Engineering
Process Technology
Trucking (CDL)
Welding
Wind Energy

About American Association of Community Colleges (AACC)

As the voice of the nation’s community colleges, the American Association of Community Colleges leads, advocates, and advances the nation’s community colleges.  Uniquely American, community colleges deliver educational and economic opportunities for more than 10 million diverse students annually. Dedicated to access and success for all students, AACC’s member colleges provide an on-ramp to degree attainment, skilled careers, and family-supporting wages. Located in Washington, DC, AACC advocates for these not-for-profit, public-serving institutions to ensure they have the resources and support to increase economic mobility for all.

About All Within My Hands (AWMH)

All Within My Hands was established in 2017 by Metallica to invest in the people and places that have supported the band. It also allows Metallica’s fans to engage in philanthropy and volunteerism. The Foundation is dedicated to creating sustainable communities through workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services. All expenses of the Foundation are covered by the band, the board, and a few special friends so that 100% of donations go to the organizations it supports. AWMH is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

 

 

ECC Graduate Ranks in Global Business Simulation

July 19, 2023 | Campus News

East Central College Class of 2023 graduate Katie North was recognized for her success in an international business simulation that had her competing against students from colleges and universities across the globe.

North, St. Clair, graduated from ECC Summa Cum Laude in the spring with an Associate of Science in Accounting. She is returning to ECC this fall to earn an Associate of Science in Business.

During the Spring semester, North and her peers in a Business Capstone class participated in a simulation, in which each student becomes the person in charge of all business decisions for a globally active company and must make decisions about labor, funding, social responsibility and marketing.

According to Lisa Hanneken, ECC Business and Accounting programs coordinator, during the “Business Strategy Game” by GLO-BUS Software, Inc., students must determine the type of product to sell, the product marketing and its pricing, and many more factors, including how to sell the products, retail, wholesale or online.

ECC students are measured against other students in the simulation from colleges and universities throughout the world. Each student has the potential to rank among the top 100 companies of the week.

“Occasionally, we have a student who places in the rankings one, or maybe even twice a semester, but Katie did so six weeks in a row,” Hanneken said. “This means she competed against tens of thousands of other students globally from mostly four-year institutions.

“Essentially, all 50 states are represented numerous times, but also Canada, Germany, China, Japan, Italy, Argentina, Spain, the Netherlands — it’s a really big picture,” she added.

Invitational Simulation

Because North fared so well during the capstone class, she was named an “Industry Champion” by GLO-BUS Software, Inc., and she participated in an invitational with other students who also have exceptional business and accounting skills.

“I have really enjoyed being part of the original simulation and the invitational,” North said. “It was such a privilege to be invited to participate in the invitational alongside other industry winners from all over the world.”

She continued to show her business acumen throughout the invitational, where she placed fourth overall.

“I enjoy the challenge of matching wits with others in academic settings,” North said.

She added that the invitational was much faster paced than the original simulation and there was a deadline every weekday for two solid weeks.

“This simulation was a great way to cap off my academic journey at ECC,” North commented. “It required me to draw on what I had learned in a multitude of other classes, including Cost Accounting, Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, and Fundamentals of Management.

“Through the simulation, I learned several lessons about managing a business that are hard to teach in the classroom, making it a useful tool to simulate the decisions that a CEO must make in running a business in the corporate world,” she added.

ECC Accounting Award

North also was named ECC’s Doyle Stricklin Memorial Award recipient for Outstanding Performance in Accounting.

The Stricklin Award is given annually by ECC’s Accounting Program. North was presented the award by Tanner French, Business and Accounting programs instructor.

“I have had the privilege of having Katie in several classes during her time at ECC and she has been an awesome student,” French said.  “When Katie is in a class you definitely notice, she is like a force of nature, it doesn’t matter what is on a test or assignment – nothing slows her down much.”

He added that North is organized and the “paragon of professionalism.”

“I’ve also noticed that Katie is virtuous and caring, and she’s been an absolute joy to have in class,” French said. “Wherever her life takes her next, I am confident that not only will Katie do well, but that wherever it is she lands, they are not ready for the force of nature that is about to walk through that door.”

ECC Experience

North said she received tremendous support from her business and accounting instructors, Hanneken and French, over the past two years at ECC.

“I have had an incredible experience at ECC, primarily due to the amazing professors,” she said. “My accounting and business professors were incredibly supportive and always available to answer questions.

“They made sure that all of their students understood the concepts of the class and they got to know me on a personal level,” North added. “I always looked forward to being in their classes each semester, and I’m thankful for everything they taught me over the past two years. I can confidently say that they made a positive impact on my college experience.”

North noted that she is spending the summer working part-time at a local company, and volunteering more than 50 hours a month as a Jehovah’s Witness.