Category: Campus News

#InspiringExcellence – Dave Arand Named Outstanding ECC Alum for 2016

May 15, 2016 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

#InspiringExcellence – Dave Arand Named Outstanding ECC Alum for 2016

Dave Arand of Union was named recipient of the East Central College Outstanding Alumni Award for 2016. The award is presented annually to honor an ECC graduate who has used his or her education and been of service to the community.

Dr. Jon Bauer, ECC president, made the presentation at college commencement ceremonies held Saturday, May 14, at the campus in Union.

A 1973 graduate of Union High School, Arand began his post-secondary education that fall at what was then East Central Junior College. He was a member of both the Rebel basketball and baseball teams during his two years at East Central.

After graduating with an Associate of Arts degree from East Central in 1975, Arand transferred to Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from SEMO in 1977, and went on to earn his law degree from Washburn University.

Arand has spent his entire life working and serving the community. As a young man, his leadership and service were recognized when he received the Outstanding Young Man Award from the Jaycees. That award was based on countless hours working with the Union Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus, Union Board of Alderman, East Central College Foundation, Union High School Booster Club, and Immaculate Conception Parish. He spent many hours coaching youth soccer, baseball, softball, and basketball.

Union attorney Dave Arand with family and ECC President Jon Bauer — *Union attorney Dave Arand (shown center with ECC President Jon Bauer) received the 2016 Outstanding Alumni Award during ECC’s spring commencement ceremony May 14. Arand was joined by his family.*

While staying active in the community, Arand has built a reputation as a fair and honest attorney. His private law practice has grown over the years, but he always finds time to use his legal knowledge to help out local organizations with advice and assistance. He also serves the communities of Union and St. Clair as city judge. His fairness, along with compassion and respect for the law, has made him successful in those positions.

Arand continues to give his time to organizations in the area. He is a past president of the Union Kiwanis Club. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and serves on the finance committee at Immaculate Conception Parish. Arand is involved with the Franklin County Community Resource Board, where he has helped distribute millions of tax dollars to agencies serving the youth of Franklin County.

Arand and his wife, Dinah, are the parents of four children and have four grandchildren. His proudest moments as an East Central alum came when two of his sons, Dane and Devin, decided to attend ECC and play soccer. His daughter, Danielle, took summer classes and participated in numerous ECC theatre productions.

The East Central College Alumni Association established the award in 2002 to recognize outstanding alumni who have set an example for ECC graduates by using their college education and serving their community. Past recipients include: Tanya Voss, John Griesheimer, Tom Robertson, Chris Manhart, Deborah Koelling, Tammy Watz, Dr. Frank Miller, Ken Schmidt, Chris Stuckenschneider, Ann Schroeder, Ted Coburn, Linda Mahon, Joe Purschke, Amy Wildhaber. and Tony Kreutz.

Degrees & Certificates Conferred at 46th Annual Spring Commencement

May 14, 2016 | Campus News

The 46th annual spring commencement was held at East Central College Saturday morning, May 14. The class of 2016 included 495 candidates for graduation.

Rob Dixon, president/CEO of the Missouri Community College Association, congratulated the graduates on their achievements. “You have reached a milestone. You are done with your time here at ECC, but you are all a long way from being finished with the greater work of your lives,” Dixon said.

Anna Marie Tihen of Washington and Zeke Little of Quincy, Illinois, were named the Outstanding Students for 2016. Anna plans to transfer to Missouri State University where she will be a piano performance manor. Zeke will major in nursing at Quincy University.

“You have to be ready to take advantage of opportunities when they arise, and that’s exactly what you have just done in your time here at East Central,” stated Dixon. “Your accomplishment today represents the single best thing that you could have done to prepare yourselves for whatever life throws at you next. Your education here is the key that will unlock the next step, and the next, and the next. You’ve done it. But you are not finished.”

“For some of you, you’ll continue your education before heading into the workforce. For others, you’re ready to get to work now. And for many of you, I know, finishing your education means one less thing on your plate as you juggle work, home, family, and everything else you do,” he said. “But we need you all to not be finished. You are a part of something bigger. Every single one of us has a job to do and a role to play. Right outside the doors of this room, there are businesses, people, communities that need you. They need your ideas and they need your talent.”

Commencement processional at East Central College — *The commencement processional at East Central College on Saturday, May 14.*

“You are done today, but you are not finished,” noted Dixon. “Keep sharpening your talents and your skills. Continue your education, whether you do so formally or informally. There are a lot of issues that affect our communities, our state, and our nation. I’d submit to you that almost every single one of them can be solved by people like you, people like us.”

Member of 2016 graduating class with Franklin the Falcon — *A member of ECC’s 2016 graduating class poses for a photo with Franklin the Falcon following the May 14 commencement.*

“You have the tools to help us all move forward and address some of the big challenges of our time,” concluded Dixon. “We need you to not be finished.”

Dr. Jon Bauer, president of ECC, conferred associate degrees and certificates upon the graduates.

Members of the college board of trustees awarded the diplomas at the 11:30 a.m. ceremony.

Trustees Approve Agreement with City of Union for Resource Officers on Campus

May 11, 2016 | Campus News

East Central College trustees approved a five-year agreement with the City of Union to provide Union Police Department officers on the main campus. Action came at the May 9 board meeting.

“I am very pleased with the agreement we’ve worked out with the city to establish a campus resource officer program on the Union campus,” stated Dr. Jon Bauer, ECC president. “We will share the cost on a 50-50 basis for the first two years. That will allow the college to use money generated from the new $4 per credit hour security fee that goes into effect this fall to fund some one-time purchases before year three when we will begin fully reimbursing the city for the personnel costs.”

“We anticipate having the lead daytime officer on campus around the start of the fall semester, with a second officer who will cover late afternoons, evenings and weekend events beginning later in the fall,” Bauer noted. With the agreement in place, the city will now actively pursue hiring new officers to fill vacancies in the department due to several retirements. Experienced officers will be assigned to the campus resource officer positions at ECC.

The officers will be employees of the Union Police Department but will be based on the campus full-time. The substation located at ECC will serve as the base of operations for the officers. They will only respond off-campus in cases where all officers are called to the scene of a major incident and neither the city nor college anticipate that to be a frequent occurrence.

“In addition to patrolling the campus, the officers will provide value to the college by making recommendations and coordinating campus security and emergency response,” said Bauer.

The City of Union will provide a vehicle to be used by the campus resource officers, but ECC will provide all equipment for the vehicle and also cover any installation costs. The college will also pay for vehicle maintenance and all parts needed for maintenance. Whenever possible the City of Union mechanics will provide the manpower.

All expenses related to police officer specific training as well as campus resource officer related training will be paid by the college, as will special armed intruder response equipment and any other equipment unique to the duties of the campus resource officer. ECC will only pay uniform and equipment costs if the campus resource officer is a new hire to the Union Police Department.

“This agreement builds on the strong working relationship we’ve established with the City of Union on several projects over the past few years,” Bauer said. “I believe this to be a significant step forward regarding campus security and I look forward to having the officers on campus.”

Central Methodist University Presence at ECC Campus Extended

At their May 9 meeting college trustees approved a revised memorandum of understanding with Central Methodist University for continuing usage of facilities for the 2017 fiscal year. CMU will pay a flat rental fee of $20,500 per year based on 45 credit hours per eight-week session for general classroom usage. That is an increase of $500 from the current rate. CMU has offered bachelor’s and master’s level classes on the ECC Union campus since 1992.

Personnel

In personnel matters, board members approved one resignation and a full-time faculty hiring. The re-employment of 51 full-time members of the professional staff for fiscal year 2017 as well as adjunct instructors for the upcoming summer session were also authorized.

Trustees approved the appointment of Rachel Howard as psychology/sociology instructor for the upcoming academic year. An adjunct instructor with ECC since 2013, she currently serves as ECC’s retention coordinator. Howard earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology as well as early childhood and elementary education from Missouri Baptist University. She also received a master’s degree in counselor education from that same institution.

The resignation of Tiffany Voss, nursing instructor at ECC-Rolla, was accepted effective at the end of this spring semester.

Policies Approved

Revisions to several policies dealing with solicitation and fundraising, facilities use and political activities were also approved by board members.

Fundraising for external causes is prohibited on the campus unless specifically authorized by the college president or board of trustees. The sale on campus of any articles or services not otherwise sanctioned by the college is prohibited.

Student or employee organizations raising funds to benefit, or otherwise on behalf of, external organizations must have prior approval by the college president. Procedures were also outlined regarding employees wishing to solicit co-workers for personal causes along with prohibition of commercial solicitation on college owned or leased property unless a visit has been scheduled with college personnel.

The facilities use policy was also revised to remain in compliance with current laws.

As a service to the community, ECC allows community members to utilize college facilities, the campus and resources if such use does not conflict with the college’s operations and educational mission. ECC students, employees, and alumni receive priority with regard to the use of facilities and resources. Community members may apply for use of ECC facilities and resources, and, when applicable, use outdoor spaces in accordance with the college’s expressive activities policy. Individuals wishing to engage in expressive activities in ECC’s outdoor spaces may do so without first seeking the permission of the college.

Individuals or organizations not associated with expressive activities must submit a facilities use form no later than two weeks prior to an event or activity. A fee may be charged based on the space requested.

The policy on political activities was revised to note that political activities on college property, including canvassing, shall not cause unreasonable disruption of the college function, nor any danger to community members, damage to personal or college property, or unconstitutional interference with the rights of others.

Changes to each of the policies are effective immediately.

Budget Update

President Bauer updated trustees on development of the budget for the 2017 fiscal year which will be presented to the board for approval in June. “Things look good from the state perspective with a four percent increase in performance funding and an additional $440,000 in state aid coming to ECC.” Bauer stated. “The local tax base is projected to be flat. The Franklin County Assessor’s office has provided us with a new tool to better project new construction in the county.”

“On the expense side the biggest element still to be determined is the collective bargaining agreement with the faculty,” he said. “We are very close to having an agreement that will go to the faculty for ratification. Once we have that in place we’ll be able to fill out the remainder of the expense side of the budget.”

Tia Robinson Hired as VP of Instruction

May 11, 2016 | Campus News

East Central College has named Dr. Tia Robinson as the new vice president of instruction. She replaces Jean McCann who is retiring after 24 years at the college.

The appointment to the position was approved by college trustees at their May 9 board meeting. Robinson will begin working at ECC July 1.

Robinson said that she is excited to become a part of ECC’s commitment to student success and inspiring excellence. “It is evident that ECC has the pulse of the community and students; and has taken the necessary steps to deliver academic programs and build partnerships that prepare students to earn degrees of value, enter the workforce or transfer to a four year institution,” she stated. “Service to students, faculty, staff and the community is foundational to my success as an academic administrator, leader, and educator.”

Robinson noted that East Central was the institution that embodied her commitment to excellence, service, and student success. “I am looking forward to working with Dr. Bauer, the faculty and staff to continue to advance the mission and vision of ECC.”

Robinson has eight years of dean level experience focused on assessment, accreditation, curriculum development, faculty development, and program development. Most recently she served as Dean of Teaching and Learning Services at Rock Valley College in Rockford, Illinois. Prior to working at Rock Valley, Robinson was Associate Dean of Instruction and then promoted to Dean of Instruction at City Colleges of Chicago, Olive-Harvey College. She also was the Dean of Academic Affairs at Northwestern College and Dean of Instruction at American InterContinental University.

Her experience in student affairs includes positions as residence hall director, counselor coordinator, minority recruiter, and academic success coach at Northern Illinois University. Robinson also served as employment resource center/special populations coordinator at Kishwaukee College and prior to that worked with students with disabilities at Waubonsee Community College

She has 10 years of teaching experience which includes instruction in online, hybrid, face-to-face and cohort models at both the community college and university level.

College President Jon Bauer stated he is eager for the opportunity to work with Dr. Robinson. “She is passionate about students, an experienced administrator, and brings to East Central a thorough understanding of the community college mission,” Bauer said.

An Illinois native, Robinson started her post-secondary education at a community college. After earning her associate degree from Kishwaukee College, she transferred to Northern Illinois University to obtain her bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology. She later enrolled at National Louis University where she earned an M.S. degree in managerial leadership and an M.B.A. Last year she received her Ed.D. in counseling/adult higher education from Northern Illinois University.

Her professional experience includes eight years as a member of the DeKalb Community Unit School District School Board and director of training/community relations for the Salvation Army Correctional Center.

Robinson is a member of the American Higher Education Alliance, the Association for Continuing Higher Education, and the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education. She received the Diversifying Faculty Initiative Fellowship from the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

Robinson has three adult children and a four year old grandson.

Phi Theta Kappa Advisor Honored

May 2, 2016 | Campus News

Kevin Dixon (left) was recognized recently for his 20 years of service as advisor for the Phi Theta Kappa chapter at East Central College. Dr. Jon Bauer, ECC president, presented Dixon with a pin to commemorate the service and time given to East Central students.

Phi Theta Kappa honor society recognizes and encourages scholarship among two-year college students. The organization provides students with opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service and fellowship programming. Dixon is associate professor of biology at ECC.

Summer Camp Registration Underway

April 29, 2016 | Campus News

With the end of the school year approaching, it’s time for parents to think about summer camp opportunities offered at East Central College.

Offerings include everything from photography to wizardry, robotics to archery, and many other interesting topics. Almost 20 different topics will be covered this summer with all sessions scheduled at the ECC campus in Union.

Children can participate in camps involving art, drama, videography and photography. Career exploration sessions are planned in fields related to nursing, robotics, journalism and mass media. A week-long youth leadership academy is also planned for 10 to 16 year olds.

Even the very young can be involved this summer with Kindermusik sessions set for June 13 – 16.

American Red Cross babysitter training course for children ages 11 to 14 will be offered on three dates: June 14 and 21, and August 10. Cost to attend that session is $105. This training provides potential babysitters with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and responsibly care for infants and children. This hands-on class includes role-plays, activities, a video and discussion. Participants receive a handbook to take home. The class meets from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. so participants should bring a sack lunch.

ECC will also offer the Missouri Hunter Education Skills Session. Early sign up is encouraged since space is limited in that there is no charge for the August 5 event, but registration must be completed at least seven days prior to the start of class.

The complete list of camps can be viewed online. For more information and to register, call 636-584-6528 or email ce@eastcentral.edu.

Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis with total fee payment due at the time of registration.

Nixon Signs Higher Education Budget

April 28, 2016 | Campus News

Governor Jay Nixon visited East Central College Thursday, April 28, to sign House Bill 2003, the Fiscal Year 2017 budget for higher education, which will freeze tuition for Missouri undergraduate students. The budget provides an additional $71.3 million for higher education in Missouri, including scholarships and institutional operating funds.

“Today, I am very proud to mark another milestone for higher education in Missouri and our shared commitment to putting a quality, affordable college degree within reach for more Missouri families,” said Nixon. “Making higher education better and more affordable was one of the five principal goals I laid out when I first took office in 2009 and today we continue to deliver on that commitment with significant investments in our higher education campuses and another tuition freeze for Missouri undergraduates.”

Last September, Gov. Nixon was joined by leaders of the state’s public higher education institutions to announce an agreement to freeze tuition for Missouri undergraduates for the 2016-2017 school year. In addition to a tuition freeze for Missouri undergraduates, the FY2017 budget also answers the Governor’s call to increase funding for Missouri’s scholarship programs, including an additional $4 million for Access Missouri, an additional $2.5 million for the A+ scholarship program, and $500,000 for Bright Flight.

Nixon has made higher education quality and affordability a priority of his administration. In 2010, Gov. Nixon convened a Higher Education Summit and called on higher education leaders to adopt an agenda focused on four key areas: affordability and attainment; quality and effectiveness; collaboration; and performance funding. Over the last five years, significant progress has been achieved in all four areas.

This is the fourth tuition freeze Gov. Nixon has secured since taking office in 2009. According to the most recent data available from the College Board, tuition and required fees at Missouri’s public universities increased by just 9 percent between 2008-09 and 2015-2016, the smallest increase in the nation. By comparison, the average increase nationally over the same period was 33.5 percent.

Last year, Gov. Nixon worked with the General Assembly to pass a $200 million Building Affordability initiative that will help higher institutions hold down college costs. In addition, programs like Caring for Missourians, Training for Tomorrow, and MoSTEMWINS have prepared thousands for careers in high-demand fields.

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon signs House Bill 2003 — *Missouri Governor Jay Nixon signed House Bill 2003 during a visit to East Central College Thursday, April 28, 2016.*

Answering the Governor’s call to make higher education more efficient and effective, higher education institutions voluntarily eliminated 118 non-productive degrees and redesigned several large undergraduate courses to make them more efficient and effective.

Gov. Nixon has also made funding available for 50/50 projects to provide new-and-improved facilities, laboratories, and infrastructure at colleges and universities throughout the state. His Innovation Campus initiative has been nationally recognized for creating partnerships to offer accelerated, high-impact degrees at a reduced cost. The goal of the Innovation Campus program is to train students for career opportunities in high-demand fields while cutting the time it takes to earn a college degree and reducing student debt.

Nixon successfully implemented performance funding for higher education. Funding for colleges and universities is now awarded based on specific performance measures including student retention, graduation rates, student achievement, and efficiency.

Softball Team Loses in Region 16 Game

April 28, 2016 | Campus News

The softball season ended Saturday (May 7) when the Falcons fell to St. Louis Community College 9-1 in the Region 16 tournament at ECC. The teams were playing for a chance to advance to the tourney championship to face Mineral Area College.

The Lady Cardinals from Mineral Area defeated St. Louis 4-1 in the championship game to claim the Region 16 crown. They will host Heartland College (Ill.) in a best-of-three district playoff series beginning Friday (May 13). The winner advances to the NJCAA national tournament in Mississippi later this month.

The Falcons started the tournament Friday afternoon in fine fashion against the SLCC Archers. They provided pitcher Shelby Friend with the early 6-1 lead, but St. Louis battled back to make it 6-4 heading to the bottom of the fifth inning. ECC had the bases loaded in the bottom of that inning, but could only push one run across the plate. The score was knotted at 8-8 after seven innings. The Archers scored again in the eighth and held on for the 9-8 win.

Coach Brad Wallach’s team had to turn around and face Cottey College. Behind the pitching of Eden Henry the Falcons cruised to a 8-1 win and the opportunity to play again on Saturday.

ECC ended the season with a record of 28-22.

Student Service Center Dedication May 7

April 27, 2016 | Campus News

East Central College will honor former registrar Karen Wieda, the longest serving employee in the 48 year history of the college, by naming the Student Service Center on the Union campus in her honor.

The Karen Sue Wieda Student Service Center will be dedicated Saturday, May 7, at 2 p.m. in the lobby of Buescher Hall. Dr. Terry Zanin, a retired ECC administrator who worked with Wieda for many years, will be the featured speaker.

The event is open to the public. A reception will follow the ceremony.

Wieda started working at the college in 1969 before the first classes were held. Her first position was faculty secretary, but she was soon promoted to registrar – the job she held until her retirement in June 2013. Her 44 years of service is the longest tenure of any ECC employee.

As registrar she took innovative steps to improve student services. In 2006, she was recognized by the Missouri Community College Association with the Technology Innovation Award for adopting an electronic document imaging system. Wieda later devoted many hours to converting student services to the one-stop model now in place. The Student Service Center was designed to facilitate this innovative model of service.

“Through her tireless dedication and positive spirit, thousands of students benefitted from the education they received and the credentials they earned,” stated Dr. Jon Bauer, ECC president. “She led by example through her quiet grace, poise, and vast knowledge. Many employees hired and mentored by Karen followed her example and served the college for many years.”

After completing high school Wieda enrolled at Jefferson College. She earned an associate degree in 1966 as a member of that institution’s first graduating class.

ECC instituted a facilities naming policy in 2009. It states that the board may consider naming honors for an individual who had a lasting and measurable impact on the college. Bauer noted that Wieda fits that description. Trustees unanimously voted at their December meeting to name the Student Service Center in her honor.

Online Intersession Classes

April 14, 2016 | Campus News

The opportunity to earn college credit in just four weeks will be available to individuals enrolling in one of the online courses that East Central College will offer in May.

These short-term online classes will allow any student to acquire three hours of college credit over a four-week period between the end of spring semester and the start of the summer session.

Intersession dates are May 9 through June 5.

“Once again we are excited to be able to offer several general education courses during our Intersession,” said Jean McCann, ECC vice president of instruction. “We are thrilled to expand our efforts in online education and fill a need for students with these month long, intersession offerings.”

Courses on the Intersession schedule include Intro to Business, Oral Communications, and Fiction.

“Whether students attend ECC or another college or university, taking an Intersession class could allow them to have a lighter course schedule in a future semester and gives them an opportunity to improve their grade point average,” McCann noted. “We have students who need to regain or maintain eligibility for Missouri’s A+ scholarship program, so focusing on doing well in one course gives them that chance.”

To be eligible to enroll in one of the Intersession classes, students must have completed nine credit hours with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Interested students from other colleges should consult with their home institution, which will determine course equivalency credit. Intersession students must also meet the prerequisite of being ready for English Composition I.

In-district students pay just $330 per class in tuition and fees. The rate for out-of-district students is $435 per course. There is an additional charge for books.

For more information about Intersession courses, call 636-584-6547 or email rachel.howard@eastcentral.edu.