Category: Campus News


Building purchased by ECC for new Rolla location

ECC Purchases Rolla USGS Building; State Funds to Fuel Renovations


June 6, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College Thursday announced the acquisition of a building in Rolla, providing the opportunity for the college to consolidate its operations into a single facility.

State funds specifically appropriated for the project were used for the purchase.

College officials said a single, comprehensive facility will better serve students and enable ECC to grow its programs and services.

ECC purchased the building that now houses the United States Geological Survey operations in Rolla. The purchase price was $5.1 million. The 107,000 square-foot facility is located at 1400 Independence in Rolla.

The USGS has operated in the building since 1974. The agency will continue to operate in the facility at least until February 2025 through its current lease. That may be extended, as ECC begins work to design the renovation of the facility for use as a community college.

“This is a momentous and historic time for East Central College and the Phelps County region,” said Dr. Jon Bauer, ECC president. “Rolla is a key strategic priority for us to greatly enhance educational opportunities throughout the ECC service region. Our mission is to better the lives of our community members through education, and this is a big step forward to accomplishing that goal.”

ECC, a comprehensive community college based in Union, has operated in Rolla since 1995 and currently operates in two facilities. The college leases space from the Rolla Public Schools at the Rolla Technical Center and leases a building located at 2303 North Bishop Road. The College will move out of the two spaces once its newly acquired facility is fully renovated.

The engineering firm Cochran, based in Union, was utilized to assess the building for renovation and construction costs. A preliminary schedule calls for renovations to begin in mid-2025 and for the facility to open to students in 2027. Mike Woessner of Investment Realty was the agent on the transaction.

State and federal funding approved for the project includes $13 million from the State of Missouri and $3 million earmarked by Congress through the Department of Health and Human Services. The upcoming state budget includes an additional $3.5 million in state funds through the MO Excels program for a Center for Advanced Manufacturing. The FY25 state budget awaits the Governor’s signature.

The state and federal funding ECC has received for the Rolla facility can only be used for this project. Additional funding through grants, foundations and other sources will be pursued.

Bauer expressed gratitude for the support from former Sen. Roy Blunt, who sponsored the federal earmark for this project, and from Gov. Mike Parson and the legislature for the state funds.

The Rolla region is part of the college’s state-designated service region, but outside of its taxing district.

“No local property tax funds will be used for designing and renovating the facility,” added Bauer. “Securing state and federal funding for this project made it possible.”

Students living outside of the ECC taxing district pay a higher rate of tuition than those living inside the college taxing district, because those students do not pay local property taxes to support the college. Much of the state’s land mass is located outside one of Missouri’s 12 community college districts. Service regions enable the community colleges to serve those areas and recoup costs through higher tuition.

One facility provides East Central with the ability to better serve students and the Phelps County area.

“Our facilities have served us well to this point, but there are challenges. Students find themselves driving between the facilities to attend classes. That limits options for scheduling, and it means they may not be in a building where other services are available,” said Bauer. “One permanent facility provides an accommodating class schedule, enhanced student and academic services, and the ability to grow programs to serve area business and industry.”

Once renovations to the building are complete, the facility will house ECC Rolla’s current academic programs and student services, a new advanced manufacturing center, and space for Certified Nurse Assistant, Certified Medical Technician, and GED programs.

Bauer said the facility also provides ample space for strategic partners such as colleges offering complementary bachelor’s degree completion programs, service providers, and others.

“Our vision is for the building to serve the needs of the region in a comprehensive fashion, primarily through the programs and services offered by East Central, but also by those offered by partners who would like to operate in the building,” Bauer said.

More information about program and service offerings at ECC Rolla is available at www.eastcentral.edu/Rolla.


Students Named to the Spring 2024 Dean’s List


June 6, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

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

Upon completion of between six and 11 spring semester credit hours with a semester grade point average of 3.5 or greater, students are acknowledged on the Dean’s List.

There were 184 students named to the Dean’s List from the Spring 2024 semester.

 


Students Named to the ECC Vice President’s List


June 5, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

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

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

For the Spring 2024 semester, there were 179 students on the list.

 

 


President’s List for Spring 2024 Semester


June 5, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

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

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

There were 127 students named to the list from the Spring 2024 semester.


Silgan Plastics employee Casey Thornton and CWD Training Coordinator Melissa Richards

Silgan Employee Completes Center for Workforce Development Apprenticeship


May 30, 2024 | Campus News

Silgan Plastics’ Casey Thornton recently completed an Industrial Maintenance Technician apprenticeship through the East Central College Center for Workforce Development (CWD), providing a significant boost to his training and career path.

Thornton, who has been employed at Silgan in Union for nearly 10 years, seized the opportunity when the manufacturer sought additional maintenance personnel. The apprenticeship, offered through the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) apprenticeship program and coordinated by ECC’s CWD, played a crucial role in advancing Thornton’s career and enhancing his understanding of industrial processes.

Reflecting on his experience, Thornton said he acquired valuable basic maintenance tech skills early in the program, which laid a solid foundation for his career. “I was able to apply the different philosophies taught in the courses at work and expand upon them there,” he added. “I also learned to better collaborate with other people on projects I am involved in.”

Thornton highly recommends the program to anyone seeking to advance in the industrial maintenance field. He praised the program’s flexibility, which allowed him to balance work, family, and education seamlessly.

Thornton is the second employee at Silgan to complete the apprenticeship, and according to Silgan officials, participants have shown accelerated progress toward becoming qualified mechanics, increased engagement, a positive attitude, and readiness to take on challenging tasks.

Melissa Richards, ECC’s CWD Apprenticeship and Business Training Coordinator, emphasized the impact of DOL-registered apprenticeship programs, which span over 1,000 occupations and continue to expand.

“Our focus extends beyond technical apprenticeships; we’re expanding into healthcare and information technology fields,” she said. “Every dollar invested in an apprenticeship yields approximately $1.50 in return on investment for employers.”

ECC’s CWD is committed to delivering industry-leading training solutions to meet both national and local needs. For more information about apprenticeship programs, contact ECC’s CWD at Training@eastcentral.edu or 636-649-5800.


The East Central College Chi Delta chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society with award

Union Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Earns Top 100 Honors


May 28, 2024 | Campus News

The East Central College Chi Delta chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society boasted amazing accomplishments this year, including being named a Top 100 Chapter.

The chapter earned Top 100 honors during the annual PTK Catalyst (International) Convention held in April in Orlando, Fla. Phi Theta Kappa has about 1,300 chapters across the globe, placing the Chi Delta chapter in elite company.

Although this is not the first time the ECC Union chapter has earned this distinction, it is the first since PTK changed program formatting several years ago, said Chapter Advisor Kevin Dixon.

“This is a goal that ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer asked us to work toward in a meeting with the advisors a few years ago, and we were honored and proud to achieve that status once again,” Dixon said.

The Top 100 status is earned through a combination of the scores from the students’ work on the Hallmark Awards for their College Project and Honors in Action programs.

Melanie Dixon, also a chapter advisor, attended the PTK Catalyst Convention with students Kylie Napier, Elijah Long, Ethan Sandstrom, and Nicholas Rucker.

Additionally, the Chi Delta chapter received a Hallmark Award for College Project, a recognition given to only the top 30 chapters in PTK each year. It is the first International Hallmark Award under the current format. The college project was developed by the chapter officers and spearheaded by Maxwell Reeves, chapter vice president.

ECC PTK member Nicholas Rucker received an individual award, the Distinguished Chapter Member, an accolade that just 30-40 members in all of PTK earn. Rucker was nominated by chapter officers in recognition of his participation in chapter programming last year.

The Chi Delta student officers for the 2023-24 academic year were Mary Daily (President), Maxwell Reeves (Executive Vice President), Sarah O’Bannon (Vice President for Public Relations/Fall 2023 graduate), and Enoch Schloeman (Vice President for Chapter Programs/Spring 2024 graduate).

In addition to Kevin and Melanie Dixon, Dr. Wendy Pecka also served as an advisor for PTK at ECC.

About PTK

Students must have at least a 3.4 GPA and be a full-time student for one semester to be invited into PTK. Members must then maintain an overall GPA of 3.2 once they are inducted into the honor society. Membership is open to all majors throughout the college, including anyone working toward a degree or certificate.

To learn more about PTK and to find contact information for advisors, visit www.eastcentral.edu/student-activities/clubs-and-organizations.


Doctors looking at patient's x-ray

New ECC Program Aims to Combat Respiratory Therapist Shortages


May 28, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Over the next year, East Central College and four partner community colleges will launch groundbreaking Respiratory Therapy programs to tackle the pressing shortage of respiratory therapists in Missouri.

Recently, ECC secured a $5.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to develop this Allied Health initiative, aimed at boosting healthcare education and workforce development across predominantly rural regions of the state.

According to Dr. Robyn Walter, Vice President of Academic Affairs at ECC, the U.S. Department of Labor grant signifies a substantial investment in healthcare education and workforce development.

Over the next four years, the grant will provide resources for ECC and its partners to establish a comprehensive respiratory care program that addresses the pressing need for skilled healthcare professionals in the region.

In collaboration with four community colleges—Moberly Area Community College, North Central Missouri College, State Fair Community College, and Three Rivers College—ECC is leading this program through an existing consortium dedicated to providing respiratory therapy training in underserved areas of Missouri.

These institutions will each offer an Associate of Science in Respiratory Care, providing students with a pathway to fulfilling careers in healthcare.

“Individually, we would have difficulty maintaining the student enrollment to sustain a program financially,” Walter said. “To ensure sustainability, each member of our consortium contributes student enrollments and promotes the program’s viability.”

Furthermore, the consortium’s partnership with Central Methodist University offers students the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Health Science, further enhancing their educational and career prospects.

Walter emphasized the program’s potential to address critical workforce shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As healthcare providers continue to grapple with staffing challenges, initiatives like this play a crucial role in bolstering healthcare capacity and resilience.

The new respiratory programs grown through this grant will reach 70 predominantly rural and low-income counties across Missouri. This collaborative effort underscores the dedication of the consortium member schools to address critical needs within underserved communities.

Walter further highlighted the importance of training students locally, emphasizing that they are more likely to stay and work in the communities where they receive their education. By nurturing local talent and fostering connections with healthcare facilities, ECC and its partners aim to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and support economic growth in rural communities.

“If students train locally, they’re more likely to stay in the area, and at area health care facility they have experienced their clinical education,” she said. “This expands the regional healthcare workforce and helps create more stable staffing for our healthcare partners.”

The grant’s funding will cover essential aspects of the program, including staff positions, equipment costs, and student expenses, ensuring that students have access to quality education and resources.

Funding began May 1, making ECC and its consortium partners now poised to make significant strides in addressing the critical need for respiratory therapists across Missouri.

To find out more information about ECC’s Allied Health programs, visit www.eastcentral.edu/allied-health/.


Rolla and Union ECC nursing students posing on stairs for photo

ECC Nursing Program Celebrates 31 Graduates


May 20, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College celebrated the achievements of 31 graduates from its Nursing Program during a pinning ceremony on May 11. This time-honored event brought together graduates from the Union and Rolla campuses along with their families, friends, faculty, staff, and administration.

Highlighting the ceremony, five exceptional students were honored for their outstanding commitment and excellence both in the classroom and in clinical settings. The ECC Outstanding Nursing Students recognized were Bryan Lambeth from Rolla and Summer Fisher from Union. Additionally, the Spirit of Clinical Excellence Awards were presented to Josie Obermark (Mercy), Gracie Sohn (Missouri Baptist Sullivan), and Mary Romine (Phelps Health).

The pinning ceremony, a cherished tradition in nursing, symbolizes the transition from student to professional nurse. Each graduate received a unique ECC Nursing Program pin, marking their entry into the community of nursing professionals.

Dean of Health Science and Director of Nursing Nancy Mitchell commenced the ceremony with welcoming remarks, followed by an inspiring greeting from ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. Class of 2024 graduate Caitlyn Linders then delivered a warm student welcome.

The guest speaker, Dr. Connie Wissbaum, Director of Nursing Excellence at Mercy Hospital Washington and former ECC nursing instructor, shared invaluable insights and encouragement with the graduates. The ceremony concluded with poignant remarks from 2024 graduate Bryan Lambeth and closing comments from ECC Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Robyn Walter.

The Nursing program graduates are:

Lori Anderson, Josie Obermark, Taryn Curtis, Michelle Parker, Emma Davis, Sarah Parker, Summer Fisher, David Pauly, Joey Guyton, Sarah Price, Dalton Halloran, Laura Roesner, Taylor Hanger, Mary Romine, Sophia Howell, Madelyn Ruszala, Allison Huddleston, Gracie Sohn, Gabriel Killian, Macie Steffens, Maria Krull, Claire Strubberg, Bryan Lambeth, Kalyn Thompson, Rebekah Lewis, Grace Turilli, Caitlyn Linders, Allison Wilson, Rachel Lottes, Ariana Young, and Shaniah Marlatt.

Nursing Awards

The ECC Outstanding Nursing Student award is given to those whose lives were significantly impacted by the college, often helping them realize their dreams of becoming nurses. These awardees have excelled in both academic and clinical settings.

Additionally, Spirit of Clinical Excellence awards were given by ECC’s healthcare partners: Mercy Hospital Washington, Phelps Health in Rolla, and Missouri Baptist Hospital Sullivan. These awards honor graduates who demonstrate exceptional care, compassion, inquiry, critical thinking, and organizational skills.

ECC Nursing faculty from Union and Rolla campuses presented the awards, recognizing the graduates’ dedication and achievements.

ECC instructors posing for photo with nursing student
ECC instructors posing for photo with nursing student Josie Mercy
ECC instructors posing for photo with outstanding nursing student
ECC instructors posing for photo with Missouri Baptist nursing student

 


All-Missouri Academic Teams students with Dr. Robyn Walter and Kevin Dixon

ECC Students Named to All-Missouri Academic Teams


May 17, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Four standout students from East Central College have been recognized for their exceptional academic achievements by being named to the 2024 All-Missouri Academic Team.

The honorees are Hayden Loeb of Owensville, Donna Neulinger of Rolla, Chloe Nissen of Union, and Jagger Wood of Washington. These students were recognized by the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) and the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) National Honor Society during a special ceremony sponsored by MCCA in April.

In recognition of their accomplishments, each student received a medallion, a certificate, and a cash scholarship sponsored by the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA). The PTK, in partnership with corporate sponsors, organizes the Academic All-USA competition for students from two-year colleges across the nation.

The selection process is rigorous. PTK evaluates applicants on a national scale and forwards the top Missouri candidates to the MCCA. From there, the 40 highest-ranking students in the state are designated as Academic All-State award winners. These include 10 students on the first team, 10 on the second team, and 20 on the third team.

East Central College nominates two to four students from each campus annually for the All-USA Team, making them automatic contenders for the All-Missouri Academic Team. The nomination process requires a comprehensive scholarship application, detailing the nominees’ campus and community activities and including a letter of recommendation that highlights a significant endeavor they accomplished during their time at ECC.

ECC Students named All-Missouri Academic Teams
Pictured are three of the four East Central College students named to the All-Missouri Academic Team. From left, are Jagger Wood of Washington, Donna Neulinger of Rolla, and Chloe Nissen of Union. Not pictured is Hayden Loeb of Owensville. Wood and Nissen attend classes at the Union campus, while Neulinger and Loeb are based at ECC in Rolla.

Welding student Nina with welding helmet

Carhartt and Metallica Foundation Award ECC $50,000


May 17, 2024 | Campus News
Carhartt logo

The band Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation (AWMH) and Carhartt are awarding East Central College $50,000 through Carhartt’s “For the Love of Labor” grant.

The “For the Love of Labor” grant will support women seeking education in the skilled trades programs. Five community colleges nationwide will each receive $50,000 to bolster women in career and technical education programs and promote the Metallica Scholars Initiative.

“This award acknowledges the work ECC does to provide Manufacturing career opportunities for our area’s business and industry.” said Joel Doepker, ECC Vice President of External Relations. “There are great opportunities for well-compensated positions with benefits, and this award increases our ability to focus on women pursuing a career in Manufacturing.”

The grant is funded by a single day of online sales of Carhartt women’s apparel earlier this year.

AWMH is working with Carhartt to shine a light on and address the skilled trades gap and highlight the women entering these essential jobs. The organizations are pushing against the narrative that women are less capable of handling work in the trades.

ECC will spend a large majority of the award on scholarships for women registered in Welding, Heating and Air-Conditioning, Industrial Engineering Technology, and the Precision Machining programs in the fall 2024 and spring 2025 semesters. The scholarship will assist students with the cost of tuition, fees, books, toolkits and provide a student stipend.

A primary reason ECC was selected is due to the number of women receiving a scholarship through the Metallica Scholars program, which provides scholarships in ECC’s Advanced Manufacturing programs.

“We were impressed with the number of women enrolled in the programs they profiled,” said Renee Richardson, Director of Philanthropy at Metallica’s Foundation, All Within My Hands. “It’s important to provide opportunities for women in the advanced manufacturing programs, and we think ECC will use the funding well.”

The Carhartt “For the Love of Labor” scholarship application is available online at Carhartt “For the Love of Labor” scholarship page.