Category: Campus News

East Central College Reaches Out to Displaced Vatterott Students

December 18, 2018 | Campus News

East Central College is ready to help former Vatterott College students in the St. Louis area. The college sent a letter to students Monday to inform them of the decision to close all Vatterott and L’Ecole Culinaire locations suddenly and permanently.

“We understand the impact this decision has on students and the uncertainty they now face,” said East Central College President Dr. Jon Bauer. “In this anxious time, East Central is ready to help these students transition and continue their pursuit of their degree and career.”

East Central College has created a resource team to help displaced students continue their education. Students interested in transferring can contact admissions@eastcentral.edu or call 636-584-6500.

ECC Foundation Scholarships Continue to Change Lives at East Central College

December 5, 2018 | Campus News

When Madison Caldwell received the Jeff Maune scholarship at East Central College, she was thrilled.

“I was honored to be chosen,” said the Pacific native. “The scholarship helped me financially but also mentally. It made me feel like there is someone out there cheering me on – someone who wants to see me succeed.”

Open to all students from Franklin County, the scholarship is helping Madison achieve her dream – becoming a teacher.

“I am going into education because I love children,” she said. “I want to be someone a child feels comfortable going to in a time of need.”

While most college students don’t often get to meet their scholarship benefactors, East Central College makes it a priority.

“We believe it is important to bring our scholarship supporters together with the students they are directly impacting,” said East Central College President Dr. Jon Bauer. “Through the annual East Central College Foundation Scholarship Breakfast, we make it possible.”

For Madison, it was a chance to thank her benefactor in person.

“I loved getting to meet Jeff and his wife Beth,” she said. “They made me feel like I had known them my entire life. It was such an honor to be able to express my gratitude to them in person, rather than through a letter or thank you card.”

“We were both so impressed with Madison,” said Jeff. “She is a well-rounded, down-to-earth person. She has a plan in place for her future, and I just hope the scholarship helped her in at least a small way.”

The scholarship is in dedication to Jeff’s late wife, Patsy, who passed away in 2012.

“There is a need for caring, dedicated teachers,” Jeff explained. “Patsy couldn’t have become a teacher without financial help. When the East Central College Foundation Board approached me about setting up a scholarship, I wanted to help.”

Madison was one of 201 students who received more than $100,000 in scholarships through the ECC Foundation this fall.

“Our community is very supportive of the ECC Foundation,” said Dr. Bauer. “Every dollar donated helps enhance the lives of our students forever and strengthens our community. It is an economic and a human investment.”

The East Central College Foundation solicits and receives tax-deductible gifts which are managed for the benefit of the college and its students. It is chartered as a non-profit 501 (c)3 organization for educational purposes. It currently supports more than 200 scholarships for students.

Those interested in donating to the ECC Foundation or establishing a scholarship can visit www.eastcentral.edu/foundation or email foundation@eastcentral.edu.

East Central College Hosts Event to Assist Food Stamp Recipients

December 5, 2018 | Campus News

East Central College is hosting an event to help food stamp recipients find out more about the state of Missouri’s SkillUp program, which provides additional access to childcare, housing assistance, job skills training, job placement, and more.

SkillUp services are offered at no cost to eligible participants and are designed to promote employability and self-sufficiency. The program is offered through East Central College and area Job Centers at no cost and offers food stamp recipients the opportunity to gain skills, training, or work experience.

“The college provides short-term training programs in health care, computer science, and welding, to provide food stamp recipients with unique job skills,” says Joel Doepker, Vice President of External Relations at East Central College. “We purposely schedule programs that can be completed in less than 16 weeks, so the food stamp recipient can quickly secure a job and begin a career.”

The event, named “SkillUPalooza”, will be held Thursday, December 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the East Central College Training Center. East Central College will have staff on hand to help participants decide what job training program is the best fit for them. Other agencies, such as the Missouri Job Center, Goodwill, Missouri Community Action Network, and Better Family Life, are also participating.

Questions? Contact Melissa Willmore at 636.584.6530 or Melissa.Willmore@eastcentral.edu.

Moving in the Right Direction – HLC Accreditation Update

December 4, 2018 | Campus News

East Central College is making noticeable progress towards its reaffirmation of accreditation by the Higher Learning Committee (HLC). That was the message laid out for the Board of Trustees at its December 3 meeting.

Robyn Walter, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Michelle Smith, Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness, updated the Board regarding the efforts by the college to improve certain criteria designated by the HLC.

“One of the areas we needed to improve was assessment of student learning outcomes,” said Walter. “Through the hard work and dedication of our Assessment Committee, we are successfully tightening our processes on campus and drawing meaningful connections between our programs.”

East Central College has also committed to a new initiative that will help drive assessment innovation in the future – The HLC Assessment Academy, a four-year commitment to ongoing professional learning and growth centered on student learning.

“We will receive regular support and feedback from a mentor,” said Walter, “who is assigned specifically to the college. In January, we will begin to develop a common language around assessment and examine our common learning outcomes to make sure they are measurable and actionable.”

Retention, persistence and completion rates are other areas of focus for the college.

“Each strategy is being supported by data,” said Smith. “As we continue to move forward, it will allow the college to make informed decisions for continuous improvement.”

Additionally, the Board heard updates about the recently-formed Shared Governance Committee.

“Through recommendations from the HLC, our Shared Governance Committee has been in operation for several months,” said Walter. “The college now has a formalized process which enables any employee to present an issue. It also creates a feedback loop to employee organizations, as each organization has representation on the committee.”

The process of designing a new strategic plan is also underway. The initiative, SOAR to 2024, will help the college identify and define the experience provided to our students.

East Central College currently holds a Higher Learning Commission designation of “Accreditation- On Notice.” During this two-year process, the College remains fully accredited; college credits transfer, financial aid will be dispersed and the high quality of academic programs remain.

East Central College Receives Positive Independent Audit Report

December 4, 2018 | Campus News

East Central College has received a clean audit report during its recent independent financial statement audit conducted by the certified public accounting firm KPM of Springfield, Mo.

The 2017-2018 fiscal year results were presented at the December 3 Board of Trustees meeting. According to the report, East Central College’s financial statement disclosures were “neutral, consistent and clear.” KPM also commended the college for its cooperation with the audit.

ECC board policy dictates that college financial records be audited annually by a certified public accountant licensed to practice public accounting in the State of Missouri and with documented experience in federal and state funds auditing. A copy of the audit is sent to the Department of Higher Education, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the U.S. Department of Education and other regulatory agencies as required.

Top 5 Tips to Help Lower Your Utility Bills this Winter from HVAC Dave

November 27, 2018 | Campus News

With winter right around the corner, it’s a good idea to make sure your house is prepared for the cold! East Central College HVAC expert and faculty member David DeArmond has some tips that could save you money on your utility bill.

Tip 1 – Get a Tune-Up

HVAC systems often become more inefficient over time, which is why performing regular maintenance on your system is so important! It can help save you money on a daily basis, and it can help prevent problems from happening when you least expect it. Do this every spring and winter. Many HVAC companies offer seasonal specials!

Tip 2- Plug the Leaks – Insulate Your Home

It’s always a good idea to check the weatherstripping around your doors and the caulking around your windows this time of year. Small leaks can lead to big utility bills, as your HVAC system is constantly having to fight the cold air coming into the house. You also want to check the insulation inside your attic. Insulating an attic is fairly easy and inexpensive, and it can make a big difference.

Common places air leaks occur:

Electrical outlets
Switch plates
Door and window frames
Electrical and gas service entrances
Baseboards
Weatherstripping around doors
Fireplaces
Attic hatches
Window air conditioners
Cable and phone lines
Dryer vents
Bathroom/kitchen vents and fans

Tip 3 – Get a Programmable Thermostat

Make your HVAC system work less when you aren’t at home! New thermostats can also connect to your smartphone, allowing you to control the temperature from anywhere.

Tip 4 – Look to the Sky

Even in the winter, the sun can help warm your house. Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day. This will allow sunlight to natural heat your home. Close them at night to block the cold coming from the glass!

Tip 5 – Replace Your Air Filter

Make sure to change your air filter at least once every three months, if not sooner. Dust gets trapped in the air filter over time – which blocks the flow of air to the rest of your house. This can make your HVAC system work harder than it needs to!

The East Central College Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Program offers an Associates of Applied Science or Certificate of Specialization. Students learn the basics of installation, maintenance and repair, preparing them to enter the workforce as technicians. Learn more about the program!

Job Opening: Executive Director of East Central College Foundation

November 20, 2018 | Campus News

East Central College has an immediate opening for an Executive Director, Foundation/Director, Institutional Development.

The Executive Director is responsible for leading and strengthening a comprehensive fundraising program in support of East Central College Foundation’s mission and goals. Specific emphasis is focused on annual giving, major giving, planned giving, grants and fundraising events.

The Executive Director will strive to build a greater understanding and support for Foundation’s mission, vision and goals in the region. The Executive Director is an ex-officio member of the East Central College Foundation Board of Directors and is also a member of the President’s Cabinet of East Central College.

For more information about the position, please visit the Job Openings page.

The East Central College Foundation was established to support the growth and development of East Central College in whatever ways might be beneficial to our students, our staff and our facility. It solicits and receives tax deductible gifts which are managed for the benefit of the college and its students. It is chartered as a non-profit 501 (c)3 organization for educational purposes.

Every dollar committed to the ECC Foundation helps strengthen our communities for all of us and enhances the lives of our students forever. It is an economic and a human investment.

Foundation Awards 2018 Mini-Grants

November 20, 2018 | Campus News

The East Central College Foundation awards mini-grants each year to scholastic departments and programs through The Albert C. Buescher Memorial Fund. In 2018, four awards were given to help support various initiatives.

The Math Department was awarded a mini-grant to purchase new TI-84+ graphing calculators for students to use in class.

Student Services will use its mini-grant to pilot a text messaging system for student communication.

“Research has shown that students do not respond well to phone calls, letters, or emails. They respond best to text messages,” said Stephanie Hebert, Enrollment Management Systems Manager.

If the six-month pilot program goes well, the system could be permanent at the college.

“This project will assist our students by providing them with just-in-time information regarding enrollment, tuition, and financial aid as well as advance the college by increasing enrollment and decreasing bad debt,” Hebert explained.

Phi Theta Kappa will use its mini-grant to help fund a trip to Montgomery, Alabama to see the National Memorial for Peace and Justice.

The Institutional Research Department was awarded a mini-grant in order to provide training for its staff for Microsoft Power BI, a data presentation tool.

“Our hope is this tool will assist our department in presenting data in a simplified and easy-to-understand way,” said Bethany Lohden, Director of Institutional Research. “In turn, it will encourage employees to use the institution’s data when making decisions.”

Over the past ten years, the ECC Foundation has awarded more than $90,000 to various college departments and groups.

Paramedic Program Now Offering Distance Learning at ECC-Rolla

November 20, 2018 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Starting in 2019, East Central College-Rolla will utilize interactive distance technology to better serve students in its paramedic technology program. Students will also have access to on-location lab assistants who will be based on the Rolla campus.

“Previously, we partnered with the Rolla Technical Center to provide the paramedic technology program to area students,” said Tom Fitts, Associate Professor of EMT and Emergency Medical Services. “We are now offering the program just through East Central College.”

While students will need to complete some coursework at the Union location, using interactive distance technology will save time and be more convenient for students.

“We are also hoping to add additional clinical sites in the area,” said Fitts. “Our students will have more options closer to their home. Right now, students will only be on the Union campus an average of five times per semester.”

East Central College offers a program of study leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree and Certificate of Achievement in Paramedic Technology. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions. It is also accredited by the Missouri Bureau of Emergency Medical Services.

Please contact Tom Fitts, Thomas.fitts@eastcentral.edu, or call 636-584-6616/636-584-6623 with any questions.

National Apprenticeship Week Celebration at Business and Industry Center

November 16, 2018 | Campus News

Business leaders and community members were welcomed into the East Central College Business and Industry Center on Friday, November 16 for a National Apprenticeship Week Celebration.

The event featured two keynote speakers – Wade Johnson, U.S. Department of Labor, and Mardy Leathers, Missouri Department of Workforce Development.

“Missouri is dedicated to investing, expanding and sustaining apprenticeships in the state,” said Leathers. “Educational institutions like East Central College are going to help lead the way forward.”

Those in attendance at the event were also able to hear directly from a panel of local businesses and employees who are currently participating in an apprenticeship program.

“I’m getting something tangible from the apprenticeship program through East Central College,” said apprentice Neil Chapman. He works as a quality technician at Homeyer Precision Machining in Marthasville. “I’m allowed to learn in a classroom environment where I can learn from my mistakes and grow as a professional.”

“We have four apprentices right now,” said Lou Ann Feldman, Clemco Vice President of Manufacturing, “and they are very diverse. Only one had any welding experience before entering the program.”

While East Central College provides many registered apprenticeships to area manufacturers, the program can be applied to all industries. Significant talent shortages and skills gaps can limit the ability of a business to expand, innovate and excel. Apprenticeships can help close that gap.

“There is currently a funding opportunity for apprenticeships,” said Joel Doepker, East Central College Vice President of External Relations . “East Central College can help area businesses create successful credit or non-credit programs on any scale and for any industry.”

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, more than 150,000 employers and labor management organizations benefit from apprenticeships every year. Workers who complete apprenticeship programs earn $300,000 more over a career than their peers who don’t.