Category: ECC Rolla

ECC, Drury Sign Agreement to Streamline Degrees

October 23, 2020 | Campus News ECC Rolla

A new agreement between East Central College and Drury University is streamlining the path to a four-year degree for business and education students.

The articulation agreement was signed Tuesday during a ceremony at the ECC Rolla North site.

The formal partnership guarantees that the credits for ECC students who have completed an Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) degree or an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Business will transfer seamlessly to Drury University.

Robyn Walter, ECC vice president of academic affairs, said this agreement between the schools will help students navigate the pitfalls to ensure an easier, more successful transition.

“An articulation agreement such as ours is designed to create an uninterrupted transfer experience for students moving from community college to four-year institutions,” she said. “In particular our Teacher Education and Business students now have this invaluable resource for transfer with our partner, Drury University.”

According to Dr. Regina Waters, Drury associate provost for adult, online and graduate programs, the primary focus of the agreement is the needs of students.

“This partnership provides business and education students with a seamless transition to Drury University for degree completion,” she added. “We are so pleased that East Central College shares our commitment to putting students’ needs first.”

The agreement states that once the ECC students meet Drury admission standards, they will be enrolled as juniors at the university.

Walter noted that this partnership leads the way for additional agreements between the institutions.

“This is just the beginning — the efforts thus far lays a solid groundwork for future programmatic specific agreements,” she said. “We look forward to enhancing this relationship and, in turn, enhancing the success of our students and community.”

Walter said ECC faculty and staff members Greg Stotler, ECC education instructor, Dr. Richard Hudanick; ECC dean of career and technical education; and Lisa Hanneken, accounting instructor were instrumental in moving the articulation agreement forward.

“We appreciate the faculty and staff involvement for making this work,” she said. “They worked with Drury faculty and staff to develop a seamless transition for our students.”

Attending from ECC were Christina Ayers, ECC Rolla director; and Dr. Reginald Brigham, mathematics instructor and department chair; Jenni Crosby, ECC Rolla assistant director; Hudanick and Stotler.

Drury Representatives at the ceremony were Kerstin Ellis, director of Drury GO Rolla; Dr. Leasa Richards-Mealy, business instructor; and Kimbrea Browning, executive vice president of enrollment management and operations.

To learn more about ECC’s degree programs, visit EastCentral.edu. Visit Drury.edu to learn about Drury University’s programs and degree options.

McDonald Receives Excellence Award

October 6, 2020 | Campus News ECC Rolla

It was five years ago that Laura McDonald, MSN, RN started at East Central College as an adjunct instructor.

After just two years at the College, she became the Rolla Nursing Program Coordinator and began to oversee the day-to-day nursing program operations at the ECC Rolla campus.

McDonald recently was presented a National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award to recognize her as a role model in education, and showcase the excellent work she does for ECC.

“After only two years as a nursing instructor, Laura stepped into the role of program coordinator overseeing 50 plus program students in two nursing tracks and advising over 100 pre-nursing students,” said the ECC representative who nominated McDonald.

She transitioned to a full-time nursing instructor after becoming a clinical adjunct instructor in 2015. McDonald then served as lead instructor while obtaining a masters degree in nursing education from Central Methodist University.

“Three short years ago she became program coordinator, with little experience, and she has done an excellent job leading and mentoring the nursing team in Rolla,” McDonald’s nominator said. “She has a remarkable work ethic and professional standards.

“Laura has done an outstanding job role modeling and developing new faculty members while upholding the program standards and policies, holding faculty and staff to professional standards to support and produce excellent nurses.”

It was further stated that McDonald is an advocate for faculty and students.

“She truly cares about their successes and failures. Laura has been the glue that has held the Rolla campus together the last few years. She is an outstanding faculty member and nurse clinician.”

Colleges that are members of NISOD can recognize employees through the Excellence Awards. The awards are presented to faculty and staff who are doing extraordinary work on their campuses.

Excellence Award recipients receives a unique silver medallion engraved with The University of Texas and NISOD insignias and are adorned with a burnt orange ribbon.

The overarching statement expressed through the award is that teaching and leading on the front lines of the community college mission rest on the shoulders of these outstanding individuals.

New Members Inducted into ECC Rolla Phi Theta Kappa Chapter

November 4, 2019 | Campus News ECC Rolla

New members of Phi Theta Kappa were inducted into the Beta Omicron (Rolla) chapter during the annual Fall Induction Ceremony held at East Central College’s location at the Rolla Technical Center. Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is the international honor society for two-year colleges. As a member of PTK, students will pursue the society’s hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Fellowship.

“I’m proud of our students for maintaining the needed 3.4 grade point average in one semester to be invited into Phi Theta Kappa,” explains PTK Advisor Elizabeth Winters-Rozema. “After being inducted, students must maintain a 3.2 GPA.”

Valerie Freppon of Rolla and Gabrielle Campbell of Steelville are the newest members of the chapter.

“As a PTK alumni myself it is wonderful to see these students become part of a wonderful organization,” said ECC president Dr. Jon Bauer. “It is always exciting to see our students’ hard work pay off.”

The keynote speaker for the induction ceremony was Kevin Dixon, a PTK alum and the PTK advisor for the Chi Delta chapter at the Union campus of East Central College.

Membership is open to students pursuing a degree or certificate, no matter the major.

Rolla Business Leaders Complete ECC Supervisor Leadership Class

September 24, 2019 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Nearly a dozen local business leaders from LMI, American Precision Die Casting, Rawlings and Brewer Science attended the East Central College Supervisor Leadership Certification class in Rolla in September. The two-day workshop was facilitated by the Center for Workforce Development.

“I was surprised with several things – in a good way,” explained James Levin, American Precision Die Casting. “The class definitely will give me direction moving forward. I believe this is something every manager, including upper management, should attend.”

The Supervisor Leadership Certificate focuses on several key areas in order to improve managerial skills. The goal is for managers to become aware of their strengths and weaknesses and implement new strategies to improve the workplace.

“Much of the material was a breath of fresh air,” said Robert Williams, LMI. “It truly encouraged me to create a more balanced environment for my coworkers and peers.”

“In order for businesses to be competitive in the global economy, they need leaders who can empower and motivate employees,” said Dr. Edward Shelton, Executive Director of Workforce Development. “The Supervisor Leadership Certificate is designed to instill a culture of shared trust and communication between supervisors and their employees.”

The workshop was held at East Central College in Rolla, 2303 North Bishop. For more information about workforce development and training, visit eastcentral.edu/cwd.

Discover ECC Rolla! Open House Event April 29

March 24, 2019 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Join us at the Discover ECC! open house event on Monday, April 29 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Rolla-North location, 2303 N. Bishop Avenue. You’ll get the chance to register for Summer and Fall 2019 classes and discover financial aid opportunities.

Future students will also learn about:

College credit options for high school students (dual credit)
Adult Education and Literacy (GED)
Transfer Degrees
Career-Ready Degrees
- Computer Info Systems/Networking
- Education: Teaching and Early Childhood
- Health Information Management
- Medical Assistant
- Nursing: Pre-Licensure
- Nursing: LPN to RN Bridge Program
- Radiologic Technology

Did you know you can enroll at East Central College and Missouri S&T at the same time? Through our Campus Connections program, students have the flexibility to take courses at both institutions at the same time while having access to a larger selection of courses and schedules to better fit their needs. Learn more.

Free food and drink will be available to the first 50 people from O’Doggy’s!

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.

East Central College, Missouri S&T Sign Historic Agreement

October 13, 2017 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College and Missouri University of Science and Technology are now working together to help reduce college costs and help students earn a degree in less time.

On October 13, Dr. Jon Bauer, East Central College President, Dr. Christopher G. Maples, Missouri S&T interim chancellor, and Dr. Robert Marley, Missouri S&T Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, formalized the concurrent enrollment agreement, allowing students to enroll in both schools at the same time.

Two students are helping pilot the Campus Connections program, including Fletcher Collins (pictured below).

“You really get the best of both worlds,” said Collins. The computer engineer major says the Campus Connections program just makes fiscal sense. “I’m using my A+ Scholarship money to pay for my East Central College classes, and I still get the perks of attending a four-year university.”

Approved by the Missouri Department of Higher Education for inclusion in a state-wide pilot program, the concurrent enrollment program is designed to help students earn a degree in less time while spending less on college.

“This program works because we are putting students in the center,” said Dr. Bauer. “This is not about competition between schools – it’s about collaboration between schools.”

Students also will have the ability to complete an associate’s degree from East Central College while working toward a bachelor’s degree from Missouri S&T.

East Central College and Missouri S&T have a thriving transfer partnership that was established more than 40 years ago. Originally established for the benefit of engineering students, the partnership has expanded to include students majoring in more than 40 different degree programs.

Learn more about how to apply for the program!

Freshmen Fletcher Collins, Rolla, is enrolled in classes at ECC-Rolla and Missouri S&T.

East Central College – Rolla Locations Closed August 15

August 8, 2017 | Campus News ECC Rolla

To help prepare for the new school year and the coming reaccreditation process, East Central College-Rolla will be closed on August 15 for staff in-service. The closing affects ECC Rolla Main, 500 Forum Drive, and ECC Rolla North, 2303 N. Bishop Avenue.

East Central College will host a team from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) October 16-18. The team will review the institution’s ongoing ability to meet HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation. Accreditation ensures East Central College’s academic program meets acceptable levels of quality. Learn more about the HLC visit!

Normal business hours will resume on August 16 at the college. Students are welcome to call 573-466-4100 with any questions.

“Walk-In Wednesday” Event at ECC-Rolla August 2

July 13, 2017 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College – Rolla will hold a full-day, extended hours event on August 2 for the community. Walk-In Wednesday will give potential students a chance to enroll in college, register for classes, seek financial aid assistance, and learn about payment options.

From 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. at ECC – Rolla Main, 500 Forum Drive, students will also get the chance to take a placement test for classes, talk with an academic advisor about degree options, and more!

“While the first day of classes is August 21,” said ECC-Rolla Director Christina Ayres, “there is still plenty of time to enroll. From Computer Information Systems to Early Childhood Education, we have so many options for students.”

Additionally, with the launch of “Math Pathways” for the 2017-2018 school year statewide, students will find more options for math classes at East Central College – Rolla. College Algebra may no longer be required depending on a student’s degree.

“These math pathways will allow students to take a math course that is more relevant to their program of study,” said Dean of Instruction, Ann Boehmer.

While College Algebra is still an option, Statistics, Contemporary Mathematics, and Precalculus will now satisfy the general education math requirement for an Associate of Arts degree. For students seeking degrees in a STEM field, algebraic intensive math, such as College Algebra or the Calculus sequence, will still be required.

“We already have students taking advantage of these new ‘Math Pathways,’” said Ayres. “Students are finding a new direction forward. It’s exciting to see students utilizing these new courses to work toward their graduation goals.”

Students who attend the all-day event at any point will be entered in a drawing for an ECC gift basket worth up to $50! Call 573-466-4100 or email ECCRolla@eastcentral.edu for more information.

ECC Rolla Student Helps Wildfire Victims

April 11, 2017 | Campus News ECC Rolla

ECC Student Takes Action Amidst Tragedy

When wildfires scorched through large parts of Oklahoma and northern Texas in early March 2017, one ECC student couldn’t let the tragedy go unnoticed. Dalton Smith, a student at the ECC Rolla center, and his two friends, Seth Morris and Lane McDonald from Rolla High School, drove 1,300 miles to Laverne, Okla., to provide farmers with extra hay and some helping hands.

“We’d seen it on Facebook and agricultural websites,” Dalton said in an article written by Ozarks Farm and Neighbor. “They’d lost hundreds of thousands of animals as two million acres have burned and six deaths have been attributed to the fires as well.”

Smith, Morris and McDonald picked up 150 bales of hay in Arkansas for the trip, where they learned that more than just fire was killing the animals.

“They told us how they would get a fire line cut and be making some headway and then a rabbit, which was on fire, would run from the fireside and set off another fire,” Morris said. “Many of the animals weren’t killed outright. They would be so injured, so burned but not dead, that the owners and local deputies had to go along just shooting them.”

The livestock that survived will likely cause farmers future problems, however, due to smoke inhalation.

“Their calves may be still born next season or have birth defects as a result,” Smith said.

Despite the losses, the news of traveling help got word out to surrounding areas, spreading awareness about the destruction.

“So little of this had been on the national news and people just didn’t know,” Smith said. “Someone here told me that the awareness we raised about the whole situation out there may mean more than the actual donations we took.”

Smith said that he and his friends planned to take another trip to Oklahoma around spring break, which was in late March, and that there’d be more people and supplies to go around.

According to INCIWEB, the state incident information system, the Northwest Oklahoma Complex wildfires had been 100 percent contained as of March 22, 2017.