Category: ECC Rolla

ECC to Celebrate Class of 2025 at 55th Annual Commencement

May 5, 2025 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College will celebrate the next generation of nurses, teachers, machinists, coders, artists, and more during its 55th Annual Commencement on Saturday, May 17, at noon in the Donald D. Shook Student Center (DSSC) on the Union campus.

More than 250 graduates—the largest group in recent years—are expected to walk across the stage to receive degrees and certificates.

Due to the increasing number of participants, tickets are required this year for entry into the gymnasium. Overflow seating with a livestream will be available in The Dive on the first floor of DSSC, the reception tent outdoors in the Quad, and inside the John Edson Anglin Performing Arts Center in Hansen Hall.

“Commencement is always one of the most meaningful moments of the academic year,” said ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. “It’s a time to celebrate our students’ achievements and look ahead to the future they are building for themselves, their families, and their communities.”

A reception will follow in the Quad, weather permitting, where graduates and guests can gather and celebrate together.

Recognition Events

The Commencement Ceremony is part of a full day of recognition activities:

Nursing Pinning Ceremony – 9 a.m.
Commencement Ceremony – 12 p.m.
High School Equivalency (HSE) Recognition Ceremony – 3 p.m.

All three ceremonies will be streamed live on East Central College’s Facebook page.

Tickets are not required for the Nursing Pinning or HSE ceremonies.

While there will be no keynote speaker this year, the Commencement program will include special faculty recognitions and the formal conferral of degrees and certificates.

Guest Information & Seating

Doors to the DSSC gymnasium will open at 11 a.m. Guests are asked to be seated and keep walkways clear during the processional and recessional of graduates and faculty.

Please note that confetti cannons will be used at the end of the ceremony. These will make a loud noise, which may startle some guests.

Ticketing Notes:

Separate tickets are required for floor and bleacher seating.
Floor seating is reserved for guests who cannot sit in bleachers; graduates requested this on their RSVP.
Small children sitting on a ticketed adult’s lap do not require a ticket.
Please check with your graduate about tickets prior to the ceremony.

To avoid congestion, guests are encouraged to prearrange a meeting spot outside the building following the ceremony.

Students Recognized in Annual Writing Contest

May 4, 2025 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College students were recently honored for their outstanding work in academic and creative writing through the annual Poetry and Research Writing Contest hosted by the English and Humanities Department.

The contest featured two categories—Research and Poetry—and recognized students whose submissions demonstrated originality, critical thought, and strong writing skills. Winners received cash prizes and will have their work published in the upcoming edition of ECC’s Literary and Art Review.

In the Research category:

First Place — Kristen Cook, “Learning Through Listening: Exploring the Legitimacy of Audiobooks in Education” ($100)
Second Place — Taylor James, “The Deal with Amtrak and Springfield, Missouri” ($50)
Third Place — Reis, “The Luminescent Soul: Gnostic Philosophy, Transgenderism, and Christian Transprejudice” ($25)
Honorable Mention — Kendall Krause, “The Story Behind Kendrick Lamar’s Superbowl LIX Halftime Show”

In the Poetry category:

First Place — Kenny Jacks, “You are my Sunshine (Veronah’s Poem)” ($100)
Second Place — Lauren Hooey, “Five Year Plan” ($50)
Third Place — Hope Bratch, “Women at War” ($25)
Honorable Mention — Bailey Weber, “A Different Kind of Fairy Tale”

The contest was judged by ECC faculty members John Hardecke and Dr. Aurelia VonTress, who evaluated entries for originality, depth, and technical quality.

The Literary and Art Review, ECC’s annual publication celebrating student creativity, will be released later this spring and will feature these award-winning pieces alongside other selected student work.

For more information about ECC’s English and Humanities Department or the Literary and Art Review, visit www.eastcentral.edu.

Six people stand in front of a blue Missouri Community College Association backdrop. From left to right: Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema, PTK Rolla Advisor; David Harper, Coca-Cola New Century Workforce Scholar; Mae May, All-USA Transfer Pathway Scholar; Latisha Graham, All-USA Transfer Pathway Scholar; Kylie Napier, Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar; and Kevin Dixon, PTK Union Advisor. Several individuals are holding PTK folders and wearing medals. Not pictured are Phillip North and Moriah Mankin, also recognized at the PTK Catalyst convention in Kansas City.

ECC Students Earn Coca-Cola, All-USA Academic Awards

April 21, 2025 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College student Kylie Napier has been named a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and awarded a $1,500 scholarship for her academic achievement and leadership. She is one of just 50 students nationwide to earn this prestigious recognition, which is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and administered by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society.

Kylie Napier, left, has been named a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and awarded a $1,500 scholarship for her academic achievement and leadership. She is pictured with ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer.

Napier, a student at ECC’s main campus in Union, was selected based on scores earned in the highly competitive All-USA Academic Team competition, which drew nearly 2,100 applicants nationwide. As a Gold Scholar, she was recognized during the Parade of Scholars at PTK Catalyst, the organization’s annual convention, held April 3–5 in Kansas City, Missouri.

In addition to Napier’s recognition, several other ECC students were named to the All-USA Academic Team and honored by the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) and PTK for their academic and leadership excellence:

David Harper, Union – Coca-Cola New Century Workforce Scholar
Phillip North, Union – All-USA Workforce Pathway
Latisha Graham, Union – All-USA Transfer Pathway
Mae May, Rolla – All-USA Transfer Pathway
Moriah Mankin, Rolla – All-USA Transfer Pathway

These students were selected for their outstanding academic records, leadership, and community involvement. ECC annually nominates students from its campuses for the All-USA Team, which automatically qualifies nominees for the All-Missouri Academic Team. Nominees complete a rigorous application process that includes academic achievements, campus and community involvement, and a detailed account of a significant endeavor during their time at ECC.

All-state honorees are recognized at a ceremony sponsored by the MCCA and receive a commemorative medallion and certificate, along with a $250 scholarship funded by the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA).

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually to PTK members through the Coca-Cola Academic Team program, celebrating students who are leading the way in their communities and academic programs.

Teacher Apprenticeship Information Sessions

April 16, 2025 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College and Central Methodist University to Host Informational Sessions on Teacher Apprenticeship Program

East Central College and Central Methodist University are hosting two informational Zoom sessions for individuals interested in learning more about the Teacher Apprenticeship Program launching at ECC this fall.

These brief sessions will provide an overview of the program and include time for questions.

Session Dates and Details:

Wednesday, April 16 at 4:30 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 889 0190 2639
Passcode: 546634

Saturday, April 26 at 10:30 a.m.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 894 6961 2565
Passcode: 724616

To learn more about the Teacher Apprenticeship Program and how it aims to strengthen the local workforce, visit this Campus News Story.

For additional information, please contact East Central College or visit www.eastcentral.edu.

ECC Launches Education Apprenticeship to Strengthen Local Workforce

April 4, 2025 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College is opening a new door to careers in education through a teacher apprenticeship initiative aimed at strengthening the local workforce and addressing the statewide teacher shortage.

The College is launching pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship pathways that combine coursework, hands-on experience, and grant-funded support to create a practical route for individuals interested in becoming educators.

For more information about ECC’s Teacher Education Apprenticeship Program, email: teacher.apprentice@eastcentral.edu

These programs are designed to support those just beginning their education journey, as well as adults considering a career change—providing opportunities to work in education without leaving the community.

“One of the main ideas behind our Teacher Apprenticeship Model is multiple entry points with defined assistance along the way. Whether someone is just starting their education journey or considering a career change, this program makes it more accessible to become a certified teacher in our service area,” said Greg Stotler, ECC Teacher Education Coordinator.

“We’re helping people build a future in the teaching profession in our community while they continue to work in crucial support roles in our schools within those communities.”

The pre-apprenticeship options prepare participants for success in a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship and include roles such as:

Substitute Teacher
Paraprofessional
Teacher Assistant

Participants can earn certifications and gain valuable experience in local classrooms while continuing their education through ECC’s degree programs:

Associate of Arts in Education
Associate of Arts in Teaching
Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development

In partnership with ECC’s Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program, the College also received official approval from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to offer an Integrated Education and Training (IET) course. This course provides immediate access to substitute teacher and paraprofessional credentials and can be combined with high school equivalency preparation or academic skill development as needed.

The success of ECC’s teacher apprenticeship initiative is the result of collaboration among several departments at the College. The Center for Workforce Development, AEL and the Education pathway are working together to build accessible, high-quality pathways for future educators. This effort is being led by Stotler, Todd Tracy, Executive Director of the Center for Workforce Development; and Alice Whalen, Director of Adult Education and Literacy.

The apprenticeship pathway includes benefits such as:

Paid work experience in education-related roles
Certification in First Aid/CPR/AED
Substitute teacher credentials
U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Certificate of Completion
Up to $500 in support for qualifying pre-apprenticeship participants

This initiative is part of a larger statewide effort through the Missouri – Southeast Pathways to Work (MoSEPWork) consortium, a collaboration of five colleges working to improve access to innovative pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs in three high-demand sectors: teacher education, nursing, and advanced manufacturing.

MoSEPWork Consortium:

Jefferson College (Lead Institution)
East Central College
Mineral Area College
Three Rivers College
Central Methodist University

The project is funded by a $3.99 million U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Building America – Round 2 (ABA2) grant. East Central College’s portion of the funding totals $793,775 and will support program development through June 2028. The ECC grant budget includes:

Personnel, Fringe & Travel: $324,182
Equipment (including a 5-Axis Mill for Precision Manufacturing): $99,230
Contractual Services, Tuition & Outreach: $298,202
Indirect Costs: $72,161

Detainees in orange jumpsuits sit at white tables in a classroom setting, working on laptops.

ECC, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office Provide GED Program for Detainees

February 3, 2025 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Crawford County detainees now have a new opportunity to turn their time behind bars into a steppingstone for success.

Through a partnership between the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office and East Central College, detainees can work toward earning their GED while incarcerated, equipping them with valuable skills for a fresh start after release.

Administered through ECC’s Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program, the initiative helps detainees prepare for and take the Missouri Department of Education’s HiSET exam. Participants are tested in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Writing—core subjects required to earn a high school equivalency diploma.

Detainees in orange jumpsuits sit at white tables in a classroom setting, guided by AEL instructors

Jail Administrator Lt. Tammy Peart, who is spearheading the program, emphasized the importance of education in reducing recidivism and improving employment prospects.

“Many detainees lack basic academic credentials, which hinders their ability to obtain stable employment or pursue higher education,” Peart said. “By introducing the GED program, our office aims to help them achieve personal and professional goals, including securing full-time employment and reducing recidivism rates.”

Since its launch, the program has seen strong participation, with five students currently prepared to take the HiSET exam. Due to high demand, a waitlist has formed. To expand access, study guides and mock exams have been added to detainee tablets, allowing individuals to study at their own pace.

ECC’s AEL Director Alice Whalen highlighted the transformative power of education in rehabilitation efforts.

“Education is a key factor in breaking the cycle of incarceration,” Whalen said. “This program is more than just earning a diploma—it’s about building confidence, creating opportunities, and providing a second chance for those who need it most.”

Sheriff Layman has prioritized programs like this to address the root causes of repeat offenses, recognizing that providing detainees with educational resources before reentering society is a proactive approach to reducing recidivism.

“The ultimate goal is to give detainees the tools they need to build a stable and self-sufficient future,” Peart added. “By investing in their personal development, we are not only helping individuals but also contributing to safer communities.”

This collaboration between ECC and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office underscores a shared commitment to rehabilitation and second chances. By offering detainees the opportunity to earn their GED, the program serves as a critical steppingstone toward employment, education, and a brighter future beyond incarceration.

Sheriff Layman has prioritized programs like this to address the root causes of repeat offenses. Providing detainees with educational resources before reentering society is a proactive approach to reducing recidivism.

This collaboration between ECC and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office reflects a shared commitment to rehabilitation and second chances. By providing detainees with the opportunity to earn their GED, the program offers a critical steppingstone toward employment, education, and a brighter future beyond incarceration.

To learn more about ECC’s AEL program, visit www.eastcentral.edu/ael/, email ael@eastcentral.edu or call 636-584-6533.

Fall Writing Contest Winners

December 18, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

The East Central College English and Humanities Department has announced the winners of this fall’s Fiction and Creative Non-Fiction Writing Contest.

“Stories, whether they are true or not, can be a kind of nourishment when life looks like a lonely trail,” said Josh Stroup, Assistant Professor and English Department Chair. “The stories that our students shared with us kept our judges full, and we hope to share this bounty with you all in the Spring 2025 edition of the Literary and Art Review.”

The department encourages readers to recognize these students for their dedication to crafting thoughtful and compelling work. While many stories were submitted—and all had something unique to offer—the winners are:

Fiction Winners

First Place — Lauren Hoey’s “Night Shift” — $100
Second Place — Hope Bratch’s “The Classic Chevrolet” — $50
Third Place — Mary Misener’s “The Kingdom of Ozymandias” — $25

Creative Non-Fiction Winners

First Place — Nicole Pope’s “Expanding Limitations” — $100
Second Place — Madeline Johnsen’s “Big Bad Love: Love Drives Purpose” — $50
Third Place — Kaylee Wonder’s “The Twins” — $25

The department extends its gratitude to the contest judges: John Hardecke, Assistant Professor; Linda Barro, Associate Professor; Dr. Aurelia VonTress, Instructor; and Dr. Kami Hancock, instructor.

Additional opportunities to showcase student creativity are on the horizon. The department will announce details for the upcoming Poetry and Research Writing Contests this spring.

ECC Rolla Nursing Students Honored at Pinning Ceremony

December 16, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Three East Central College Rolla graduates from the LPN to RN Bridge program were honored for their exceptional performance in clinical settings and academics.
Morgan Buffington, Savannah Gregory, and Tabitha Martin received recognition on Dec. 10 during the program’s pinning ceremony, which celebrates licensed practical nurses who continued their education to become registered nurses.

This year’s guest speaker was Leslie Crabtree, Clinical Nurse Educator at Mercy Hospital Washington and a Class of 2022 ECC LPN-to-RN graduate.
The ECC Rolla LPN to RN Bridge Class of 2024 includes Priscilla Brandhorst, Kimberly Bridgeman, Morgan Buffington, Savannah Gregory, Caitlin Hughes, Faith Kelley, Tabitha Martin, Samantha Pointer, and Carley Tritch.
Awards of Excellence
As part of the ceremony, graduates were recognized for their outstanding achievements in clinical and academic settings.
• Savannah Gregory received the ECC Outstanding Nursing Student Award, showcasing her commitment, adaptability, and integrity. Savannah has been described as highly organized and determined, excelling in clinical settings and seeking unique learning opportunities. Her preceptor noted that she is a “phenomenal addition” to the nursing profession.

• Tabitha Martin was honored with the Mercy Hospital Spirit of Clinical Excellence Award. Tabitha’s quiet focus and compassionate care have left a lasting impression on clinical staff. Her ability to prioritize patient-centered care with confidence and organizational skill distinguishes her as a future asset to any nursing team.
• Morgan Buffington was recognized with the Phelps Health Spirit of Clinical Excellence Award. Morgan’s dedication to quality, compassionate care and her willingness to embrace challenges were celebrated. Her preceptor described her as a “good team player” who skillfully translates knowledge into practice.

A group photo featuring ECC Rolla Director Christina Ayres, Rolla Police Department Assistant Chief William Loughridge, Phelps County Sheriff Michael P. Kirn, and ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer, standing together with awards in hand. The awards recognize the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and the Rolla Police Department for receiving the 2024 MCCA Business & Industry Award for their collaboration with East Central College in forming the Phelps Law Enforcement Training Center (LETC). An "MCCA" backdrop is visible behind them.

MCCA Business Award Highlights ECC’s Law Enforcement Partnership

November 25, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

In July, eight new certified peace officers graduated from the inaugural class of East Central College’s Phelps Law Enforcement Training Center (LETC), marking the culmination of a partnership between the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, the Rolla Police Department, and East Central College.

The dedication of these law enforcement agencies to building a well-qualified pipeline of peace officers and enhancing public safety earned the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and Rolla Police Department the prestigious 2024 Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Business & Industry Award, presented at the annual convention in Branson.

The award recognizes the pivotal role these departments have played in the ECC – Phelps Law Enforcement Training Center, a Department of Public Safety Peace Officer Standards and Training Program (POST)-accredited academy designed to meet the region’s demand for law enforcement training.

In 2021, ECC Rolla Director Christina Ayres, Phelps County Sheriff Michael P. Kirn, and Rolla Police Department Assistant Chief William Loughridge began developing a shared vision of a local training center. Their initiative became a reality in January 2023 when the center was officially licensed, and by the following August, the inaugural cohort embarked on their yearlong journey toward becoming licensed peace officers.

“The college would not have been able to solely develop and sustain a law enforcement training program and this essential continuing education pathway for our region without the comprehensive and collaborative support of the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and the Rolla Police Department,” Ayres said. “This exemplary community partnership fully maximizes ECC’s mission of serving our communities through education.”

The departments not only supported the academy’s development but also contributed significant resources, including facilities, equipment, and ongoing recruitment programs. They provided use of specialized training tools such as the VirTra law enforcement simulator and vehicles for driver training, ensuring students receive high-quality, hands-on instruction.

Their commitment to workforce development has made the training center an indispensable resource for the region, strengthening the pipeline of licensed peace officers while reducing costs and travel burdens for local agencies.

For more information about the program, visit our Law Enforcement program page, or contact LETC@eastcentral.edu or 573-202-6960.

Group of Phi Theta Kappa inductees holding candles and roses during an induction ceremony at Rolla 31 School District, part of East Central College's Rolla campus events.

Rolla Phi Theta Kappa Chapter Welcomes 22 New Members

November 5, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

The Beta Omicron Phi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society at East Central College in Rolla proudly inducted 22 new members this fall.

Lulu McGowan, PTK Heartland Region President, serving as the keynote speaker, stands at a wooden podium with pink hair, addressing an audience. She wears a black, square-necked top and appears focused on delivering her speech. The background includes framed artwork and a Missouri state flag.

Lulu McGowan, PTK Heartland Region President, served as the keynote speaker at the Fall New Member Induction Ceremony held on Oct. 20. Attendees included the 2024-25 PTK Beta Omicron Phi Chapter President Mae May, Rolla PTK advisor Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema, and ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer.

Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society for two-year colleges, where members engage in activities reflecting the organization’s hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship. To qualify for induction, students must achieve a GPA of at least 3.4 for one semester and maintain a 3.2 GPA thereafter. PTK membership is open to students across all majors, degrees, and certificates.

Students who are eligible but have not yet joined still have the opportunity to do so through the end of the year. For more information about PTK in Rolla, contact Dr. Winters-Rozema at 573-466-4084 or elizabeth.rozema@eastcentral.edu.

The inductees who attended the ceremony were Victoria Parks, Victoria Owens, Carter Hayesk, Nichole Turner, Felicity Taylor, Tabitha Brown, Ciara Lunsford, Shylah Ragan, and Haley Breen.

Inductees not at the event include Hannah O’Connor, Angela Barnes, Viridiana Balbontin, Jonah Bartle, Dylan Brown, Ashton Chambers, Ariana Hoevel, Madison Kossuth, Cynthia McCormick, Harper Rollins, Sofai Tilei, Noah Valkenaar, and Aleksa Vanbladel.