Category: ECC Rolla

PTK Honor Society at ECC Rolla Inducts Members

November 21, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

The Beta Omicron Phi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at East Central College in Rolla inducted several new members into the organization.

An induction ceremony recognizing the new members was held in October. Cole Halfaker, ECC student services specialist, was the keynote speaker during the ceremony.

New members are:

Mikayla Bigler, Amy Hiatt, Mary Howard, Kiernan Twyman, Molly Linkeman, McKenzie Burns, Karen Deardeuff, Alexia Govero, Justin Heberlie, Madyson Helmuth, Autumn Hoevel, Kristen Kibbons, Mae May, Emily Neulinger, Babajide Olatunbosun, Alisha Paradise, Philip Riche, Christabel Southards, Allister Hawkins, Jonathan Metzen, Nathanael Horton, Emma Willison, Isabella Wingard and Gage Klossner

PTK is an international honor society for two-year colleges. Members pursue activities that fall under the direction of the society’s hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship.

To be eligible for induction, students must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.4 for one semester and maintain a 3.2 GPA after their induction. Students can be pursuing any major, degree or certificate.

Other students could still be eligible to join but haven’t yet. Students invited to be in the PTK can still do so through the end of the year. For more information about PTK in Rolla, contact PTK advisor Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema at 573-466-4084 or elizabeth.rozema@eastcentral.edu.

Hays Receives Missouri Community College Association Alumni Award

November 15, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College Trustee and graduate Ina “Cookie” Hays received a Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Each year, the MCCA Annual Recognition and Excellence Awards program recognizes individuals and institutions that have set the standard of excellence during the year. The award recipients were announced during a banquet Thursday, Nov. 9, in Kansas City.

Hays’ recognition comes on the heels of Hays receiving the ECC Outstanding Alumni Award presented in May by the ECC Foundation — the highest award presented to a graduate. It recognizes a graduate who has brought honor to the college through professional achievement, leadership, and community impact.

Hays was both a student and student employee when she graduated from ECC in 1973. Since then, she has dedicated more than 50 years of service to the College as an employee and trustee. In fact, she is the only person to be a graduate, a support staff member, a professional staff member, an administrator, and a trustee at ECC.

Beginning at ECC

As part of an early graduating classes at ECC, Hays was initially taking classes in Union Memorial Auditorium before and then moving to the current campus to take courses.

After graduation, she began her professional career that would extend 41 years at ECC. Hays began as an administrative assistant, a role she served for 15 years. She then moved into the position of assistant to a vice president for a year.

In 1989, she became an academic advisor, a position she held for 9 years. Hays served as the interim director of counseling services for a year until she was appointed to that position, serving for another year.

Hays’ next step at ECC was as the dean of student development, a role that she served in for eight years. Then, in 2009 she was named the vice president of student development. She retired from the College in 2014 while serving as the vice president of student development.

President’s Remarks

“Cookie’s involvement has included being a student, student-worker, classified staff, professional staff, administrator, and trustee,” said Dr. Jon Bauer, college president. “Along the way she has impacted thousands of lives and fulfilled the dream the college’s founders had in mind when East Central College was established in 1968. Our college and community are better because of Cookie’s service and leadership.”

Hays collaborated with every department on the Union campus and at the College extension sites. Her position at ECC took her to every high school district throughout the service region.

“I loved working with the faculty and staff, but my greatest reward came from working one-on-one with the students, where I grew to understand what they need and expect from their community college,” she said.

While employed at ECC, Hays earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Maryville University, and then received a Master of Education in Counseling from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

In 2016, two years after retiring from the College, Hays was elected to her first six-year term on the ECC Board of Trustees. She was re-elected in 2022 and serves as Board Secretary.

College Receives State Grant to Encourage Math, Science Teaching Careers

November 1, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College has been awarded a state “Grow Your Own” grant to encourage students in its education program to pursue careers in teaching math and science at the middle school level.

The College is receiving $45,000 through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in the form of a Developing an Educator Workforce that Expands Yearly (DEWEY) award to address the critical need of STEM teachers in the region.

ECC was one of five two-year colleges in Missouri awarded a DEWEY grant with the intent to inspire more students to pursue careers in education.

Dr. Robyn Walter, ECC Vice President of Academic Affairs, said math and science were strategically chosen due to their historically low enrollment certification rates in the service area, as well as the pressing need for teachers in these fields within local school districts.

“We anticipate that by offering incentives for students to pursue certification areas with historically low enrollment statewide, those students would be more likely to consider those certification areas over others,” Walter said.

Scholarships

Under this innovative initiative, ECC is set to offer $1,000 scholarships to complete their first year of an Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) focused on Middle School math or science. Upon completing their second year at ECC and providing proof of enrollment at a transfer institution for certification in Middle School math and science, students will receive an additional $2,000 to continue to pursue their bachelor’s degree.

“We selected these areas due to their historical low enrollment in our service region, and the school districts we serve are in critical need of educators in these fields,” said Greg Stotler, Assistant Professor, Education/Teacher Coordinator at ECC. “Students who choose science or math programs oftentimes are drawn into professions with higher salaries.”

The College expects to award the $1,000 scholarships in the Spring of 2024.

“This money goes straight to students in a joint effort of growing our own educators,” Walter added.

Transfer Schools

The DEWEY grant aligns ECC with their four-year transfer partners, including Missouri S&T and Central Methodist University (CMU), who can further support students through the Missouri Teacher Recruitment Scholarship opportunity during their student teaching experience. CMU and Missouri S&T are among the 15 four-year colleges in the state to receive $70,000 each in DEWEY grants.

ECC is also hopeful that DESE will expand scholarship opportunities to encompass additional certification areas in the future.

The primary objective of the “Grow Your Own” initiative is to contribute to the growth of qualified educators within the state and tackle the challenge of teacher shortages. DESE reports that just over 5 percent of its teaching workforce is either not qualified or underqualified for their positions, equivalent to 3,579 full-time employees, as of December 2022. The most in-demand subjects are elementary education, cross-categorical positions, and early childhood special education.

DESE’s data from 2023-2024 shows a significant decrease in courses taught by instructors with “inappropriate certification,” down from 45,509 in the previous year to 13,314 courses, signifying the positive impact of these types of initiatives.

This initiative, fueled by the DEWEY grant, is a testament to ECC’s commitment to creating opportunities for aspiring educators and addressing critical teacher shortages across the state.

For more information about ECC’s Education programs, visit www.eastcentral.edu/education/education/.

ECC Recognizes Employees for Years of Service

October 27, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Each year, East Central College recognizes the commitment and hard work of its employees for their dedication to students’ needs and educational goals, and to the community ECC serves.

The Annual Service Awards Recognition banquet is an opportunity to honor those who have been with ECC for 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years. There were 28 employees recognized during the banquet held in October.

“These achievements symbolize a collective commitment of 335 years to both our college and the students,” said Dr. Jon Bauer, the president of East Central College. “The Board of Trustees and I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the devoted faculty and staff of this institution.”

Service Award Winners:

25 Years — Lisa Epple, Bonnie Gardner and John Hardecke

20 Years — Sean Barton and Dr. Robyn Walter

15 Years — Aaron Bounds, Anne Estes, Leigh Kolb, Tracy Mowery and Brad Wallach

Pictured, seated from left, are Lisa Epple, Bonnie Gardner and John Hardecke, each recognized for 25 years of service. Back row, from left, are ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer, Anne Estes, 15 years; Dr. Robyn Walter, 20 years; and Tracy Mowery and Leigh Kolb, recognized for 15 years of service.

10 Years — Julie Beck, Coreen Derifield, Tim Derifield, Michelle Deuser, Shanee Haynes, Doug Houston, Dr. Richard Hudanick, Michael Palazzola, Dana Riegel, Max Schaefer and Terri Warmack

Pictured are ECC employees recently recognized for 10 years of service. Front row, from left, are Coreen Derifield, Julie Beck, Terri Warmack, Chef Mike Palazzola and Michelle Deuser. Back row, from left, are Timothy Derifield, Doug Houston, Shanee Haynes and Dr. Robert Hudanick.

5 Years — Lauren Bauer, Julie Chirban, Duane Clonts, Adam Fitts, John Luechtefeld, Dr. Michelle Smith and Adisa Velic

*Pictured, from left, are ECC employees who were recognized for 5 years of service at the College, Lauren Bauer, Julie Chirban, Adam Fitts, Dr. Michelle Smith and John Luechtefeld.*

Mother-Daughter Duo at ECC Pursue Shared Passion for Anatomy, Medical Careers

October 27, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College students, Donna and Emily Neulinger, share a passion for anatomy and both aspire to work in the medical field. Their mutual love for medical sciences has led them to enroll in the Allied Health programs at ECC’s Rolla location.

Donna, 43, is a graduate from Newburg High School and she has been living in the Rolla area for most her life. She has always love learning, and particularly enjoyed helping Emily with her college coursework when the 22-year-old attended Crowder College, Neosho, Mo., where she earned an Associates of Arts degree.

Donna, inspired by her daughter’s pursuit of a college degree, made a life-changing decision and enrolled as a full-time student at ECC in Rolla.

“I thought to myself, what is holding me back? I enjoyed helping Emily so much with her classes, I wanted that for myself,” Donna said.

“In high school, I wasn’t a good student,” she added. “I lacked focus and motivation, but life gave me wisdom and experience and that motivates me to discover and pursue my real passion.”

That passion, Donna said, is anatomy.

“Anatomy is my baby,” she added. “I’m absolutely fascinated with it and how the human body works.”

Donna’s initial goal was to become a nurse, but the COVID-19 pandemic changed her perspective due to the critical need for nurses.

She had initially planned to enroll in the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program at ECC in Rolla. However, she made a shift toward the Registered Nurse (RN) program while taking the required Intro to Anatomy & Physiology class. This allowed her to explore a more extensive range of human anatomy and science courses.

Tracy Mowery, Associate Professor of Biology, played a critical role in Donna’s academic journey.

“Donna has an admirable zest for learning and as a student always went above and beyond to learn about the human body,” she commented. “As an educator, it is refreshing to the spirit when you have a student who desires knowledge for its sake alone. ”

Mowery also encouraged Donna to apply for ECC’s Student Success Specialist position, where she now tutors other students in anatomy, biology, and chemistry. Donna enjoys helping her fellow students and hopes her passion for science is contagious.

Daughter and Returning Student

Emily, 22, also has a love of anatomy and plans to apply to either ECC’s Radiologic or Surgical Technology programs. Right now she is enrolled in Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology, a prerequisite to the College’s Allied Health programs.

Emily’s interest in anatomy developed into an extensive animal bone collection that she has learned to clean, preserve and display.

“It started with just a walk in the woods when I found some pieces of bones,” she said.

The collection has grown to the point that Emily is preparing to assemble a complete feline skeleton.

“Seeing my mom succeed has given me motivation to find my own successes through ECC,” Emily said.

That’s why she returned to college after her AA degree and is pursuing training in the medical field.

“Living at home, working a job part-time, and going to school part-time allows me to have a social atmosphere that enables success,” Emily said, adding that attending ECC with her mother has its perks.

“I love seeing her after classes to say, ‘Hi.’ “

Emily’s love for learning extends to her eagerness to travel across the country with her mom to visit museums.

During their fall break in October, they explored the Mütter Museum at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. They’ve also visited the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington, D.C., and the National Museum of Health and Medicine in Bethesda, Md.

Their Dream Jobs

When asked about her dream job, Donna said she’d be a school nurse.

“I would be able to have an impact on a child, not only physically but also psychologically.” Donna said, remembering the vital role of a school nurse from her childhood. “For me, it gave me the time to take a breath and reset before going back to class. In this job, I feel I can really make a difference in a child’s life and guide them in the right direction.”

When asked what her dream job would be, Emily, without hesitation, answered, “To be an owner of a cat café – but I know that is only a dream.”

For more information on the LPN, RN, Radiologic Technology or Surgical Technology programs, visit www.eastcentral.edu/allied-health/ or contact Nancy Mitchell, dean of health science, at Nancy.Mitchell@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6619.

ECC Receives $2.1 Million Federal Grant to Support Student Success

October 25, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College has been awarded a $2.1 million grant to boost its graduation and retention rates among rural and low-income students.

The highly competitive federal Title III grant was awarded through the Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP), which is administered by the U.S. Department of Education, with a focus on rural, low-income students, said Dr. Robyn Walter, Vice President of Academic Affairs at ECC.

“The primary objective of this project is to elevate the graduation rates of all of our students, with a particular focus on rural, low-income students,” she said. “The grant builds on our track record of effective retention strategies, and it will enhance advising and academic support to foster student completion.”

The grant funds are restricted to programs and initiatives that directly help students succeed.

Walter noted that low-income students, especially those eligible for Pell grants, often face unique challenges and hardships. More than one-third of ECC’s students qualify for Pell grants.

Over the next five years, ECC will implement grant initiatives designed to enhance and strengthen the institution’s academic quality, support services, fiscal stability, and capacity to serve its student population. ECC stands out as one of only two colleges in Missouri to receive the Title III grant, and it’s the sole community college to do so.

“This is excellent news for the institution and for our students,” said ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. “The grant is highly competitive, and I appreciate Dr. Walter’s hard work and everyone who contributed. It will have long-lasting benefits.”

Implementation

Through this grant, the college will focus on its Guided Pathway model, a holistic approach to student success, and strengthen its Success Coach program to support and engage with students. Additionally, there will be increased emphasis on supplemental instruction in courses, utilizing students who have previously excelled in class to assist those who may need assistance.

ECC will establish the Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP), an evidence-based structured path to success that helps low-income students earn an associate degree swiftly through financial, academic, and personal support.

Furthermore, the college will increase the provision of equipment, such as laptops and hotspots, to students who lack the resources or technology for sufficient internet access.

ECC will also become a member of the Achieving the Dream (ATD) network, a comprehensive organization that provides a network of institutions focused on student success at community colleges. This network offers peer support and expertise on a national scale. Becoming a member of the ATD network is a distinction of quality for a community college, Walter added.

Among various methods to support students, the college will expand professional development opportunities for faculty and introduce more HyFlex courses, enhancing online course design.

The HyFlex model provides students with three learning options during one class: in-person, remote live video streaming at the regular class time, or online viewing of recorded video when convenient, often referred to as “asynchronously.”

The HyFlex modality allows for flexibility to help meet students where they are in their educational and personal life journey,” Walter said.

To learn more about East Central College, its programs and pathways, visit www.eastcentral.edu/.

Trustees Approve Partnership to Provide Virtual Health Care to Students

October 24, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College will partner with a virtual health company to offer students free access to medical care and mental health support.

At its October meeting, the ECC Board of Trustees approved a recommendation to enter into a contract with The Virtual Care Group, Los Angeles, Calif., to provide medical and mental telehealth to all students.

ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer stated that the primary objective of offering telehealth care is to ensure students receive rapid responses for both physical and mental health concerns, with a focus on directing them to appropriate long-term care providers when needed. For instance, a student may use the psychiatric component for a short-term issue, and then the telehealth professional can refer the student to long-term care.

“We are very pleased that we can offer this to our students,” Bauer said. “This will help make it possible for students to stay enrolled, persist toward their goals, and have a resource for care that they wouldn’t have otherwise.”

He explained the challenges faced by many community college students when accessing healthcare services, placing particular emphasis on the need for mental health support. He added that telehealth technology will empower students to access care at their convenience and according to their own schedules.

“Throughout the country, students face mounting challenges that impact their mental health, including finances, balancing work and school, caring for children, on top of studying and attending class,” Bauer said. “We have recognized that these added stressors have greatly increased the need for mental and health care among our students.”

The telehealth services are an extension of the role of ECC counselors who are already available to ECC students. Vice President of Student Services Sarah Leassner said the services could begin as early as this semester or, at the latest, in the Spring 2024. The College will closely monitor the initiative to ensure it benefits students.

“This is going to be an excellent resource for our students,” Leassner commented. “I can’t wait to see how this can help our students.”

She added that The Virtual Care Group platform provides additional services, like life coaching and writing wills, that also will be beneficial to students.

The telehealth services are available to all part-time and full-time students. Dual credit students are not eligible.

The package will be funded through student fees already collected by the college. The cost of the service is $2.98 per student, per month, with an estimated annual cost of $84,020. Included in the agreement is a 50-visit block of psychiatric sessions, which will address mental issues.

The College anticipated offering virtual health services to students and increased student fees in February to fund it. Top of Form

Once the infrastructure for the service is in place, the College will provide students with details and instructions on how to use the platform.

Rolla Nursing Students Sell Breast Cancer Awareness Shirts

October 17, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

The East Central College Rolla Student Nurse Organization is hosting a fundraiser for Breast Cancer awareness.

Throughout October, the nursing students are selling Breast Cancer awareness T-shirts. All proceeds from the T-shirt sales will be donated to the Phelps Health Foundation. These funds will go toward covering medical expenses associated with breast cancer awareness, including screenings and other medical needs for those who cannot afford these services.

To buy a shirt or make a donation to support Rolla Nursing students in their efforts to raise funds for this worthy cause, please visit this link.

This community project has the potential to assist many individuals who might otherwise be unable to afford breast cancer screenings. Please consider buying a T-shirt or making a donation to this exceptional cause.

ECC Using Innovative X-Ray ‘Phantom’ for Revolutionary Radiologic Tech Training

August 29, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

When it comes to training in the Radiologic Technology program at East Central College, authenticity reigns supreme — and the students in the Rad Tech program in Rolla are stepping into a groundbreaking learning experience.

The students are now learning on an x-ray “phantom” that houses a complete human skeleton inside — an innovative learning tool that will revolutionize the hands-on training for students in the program.

Phantoms are used as a stand-in for human tissue for training purposes. This high-tech model was purchased through a $34,000 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant. It was delivered to ECC in Rolla in July.

Brandi Grindel, Radiological Tech program director, explained that by engaging with a model made from real human bones, students gain precise training opportunities in positioning and alignment techniques, surpassing what a synthetic phantom could offer.

“This new phantom mimics a real human body that the students would work with in the clinical area,” she said. “It makes for a more realistic and real patient scenario for the students.”

ECC purchased an Erler Zimmer Natural Bone Full Body X-Ray Phantom from Z&Z Medical, Inc.

Natural bone phantoms provide unparalleled precision, accounting for factors such as weight, mobility, and the accurate representation of organ shadows on bones.

The phantom’s fully movable joints allow students to simulate a wide array of x-ray positions, and further enhances their training experience.

100 Percent Placement

The ECC Rad Tech program spans 20 months, during which students receive training on specialized radiography equipment designed to capture images for radiologists to use when diagnosing and treating a range of health issues in patients.

Grindel explained that employment in x-ray technician field is projected to grow.

“COVID-19 had a significant impact on the field of radiology,” she said. “With many technologists either deciding to retire, or just simply burned out from working, there are many job openings in radiology right now.”

In her current class of 15 students, Grindel noted that seven are already employed as student aids in Radiology departments, and most of them are set to retain these positions after graduation.

“I can’t seem to get students out fast enough for employers,” she added. “The program itself has had 100 percent job placement rate for the last five years.”

Students Benefit

Some saw COVID as a reason to exit health care, the pandemic inspired others, like Timothy Ringeisen, to enter the field.

Ringeisen, 40, Cuba, is a Rad Tech student at ECC. He had been a shop foreman in an automotive repair business for about 20 years.

“When the Covid pandemic started, I saw a need in the health care field and wanted to do something to help,” he said. “The Radiologic Technology program sounded interesting to me, and it was a quick way to get me into a hospital and helping people in need of care.”

As a first-generation college student and a single father, Ringeisen has overcome challenges to continue his education.

“I am disciplined and motivated to complete the program to the best of my ability,” he said, adding that he encourages others to do the same.

“If you have an interest and desire to work in the health care field, but you don’t necessarily want all of the patient care responsibilities of a nurse, Radiologic Technology may be a good choice for you — It is a quick way to get your foot in the door, and it is very rewarding.”

For Tess Marquart, Washington, radiology was an interest before she graduated high school.

Marquart, 23, became interested in radiology after job shadowing an MRI technician while she was in high school. She already has earned a degree in Exercise and Movement Science from Missouri State. She is in her final year of the Radiologic Technology program at ECC.

One of Marquart’s primary educational challenges has been overcoming test anxiety.

“At this point I have found a comfort in testing that I did not previously have,” she said. “I prepare myself for tests by switching my anxious thoughts to feelings of excitement.”

She also appreciates the support of the program faculty.

“My teachers are incredible. I don’t think that I would have had the same experience without them,” Marquart added. “They are extremely supportive and intelligent. It really helps to prepare you for your career when you have positive guidance along the way.”

New to ECC

The College officially took sponsorship of the Rad Tech program from the Rolla School District in 2021. At that time, it already had been serving the Rolla area for over 40 years.

Because of Rolla’s location along Interstate 44, students come from many areas of Missouri. Most students come from Rolla, Salem, Houston, Licking, Fort Wood, Waynesville, Lake Ozark, Lebanon, Sullivan, Cuba, Bourbon, St. Clair, Union, and Washington.

After completing the program, students earn an Associate of Applied Sciences degree and are qualified to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist national certification exam. They also have the option to continue their education in multiple areas of radiology.

“About 40 percent of our students go on for a bachelor’s degree. Many of them complete this degree while working full time in an x-ray department,” said Grindel.

Health Care Partnerships

The program has nine clinical affiliation partnerships that train students. These include Phelps Health, General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital, Consolidated Medical Troop Clinic, Mercy Hospital in Lebanon, Mercy Hospital in Washington, Texas County Memorial Hospital, Salem District Memorial Hospital, Lake Regional Health System, and Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan, MO.

“Many of our clinical partners are needing radiologic technologists, computed tomography technologists, and ultrasound technologists,” Grindel said.

She added that all the students who graduated from ECC’s Rad Tech in May 2023 have been hired as radiologic technologist.

For information on the Radiologic Technology program, visit www.eastcentral.edu/allied-health/radiologic-technology/ or contact Nancy Mitchell, dean of health sciences atNancy.Mitchell@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6619.

Ceremony Held for First ECC Rolla License Practical Nursing Class

August 18, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Twelve Licensed Practical Nurses were pinned July 28, marking the inaugural LPN class at East Central College in Rolla.

The ECC LPN pinning ceremony for Rolla students was held at the Havener Center in Rolla. The pinning ceremony is a time-honored nursing program tradition that signifies the nursing graduate’s initiation into the sisterhood and brotherhood of nurses.

The College took over sponsorship of the LPN program from Rolla Public Schools in August of 2022. The ECC Rolla LPN program director is Michelle Chick.

“The program has a long-standing history of tradition, success, and excellence that ECC is proud to be a part of,” said Nancy Mitchell, Director of Nursing and Dean of Health Science.

The 12 students who graduated from the program are: Monique Matos, Rolla; Shelby Marcee, St James; Emily Hunter, Salem; Abby Booker, Steelville; Claude Wyatt, Rolla; Jey Sanders, Steelville; Kylie Wise, Bourbon; Amber Simpson, Salem; Emma Fennell, Linn; Kailey Spencer, Linn; Kennedie Losing, St James; and Chelsea Flowers, Rolla.

Kim Heidbrink, LPN and 1978 graduate of Rolla Technical Center served as the guest speaker during the ceremony.

“During her 40-year career, she role modeled and mentored many nurses across the profession, and she has, and will continue, to be an advocate for licensed practical nurses and our program,” Mitchell added.

The original Practical Nursing program was established by Rolla Public Schools in 1967. Over 55 years, the program graduated over 1,250 students. The LPN program is an 11- month certificate program, 3 semesters, and it admits up to 20 students each fall semester. Upon graduation, students will take the licensure exam to become an LPN.

Student Awards

Two students were recognized during the ceremony for accomplishments during the program — the ECC Outstanding Student Award was presented to Chelsea Flowers; and the Phelps Health Clinical Excellence was presented to Monique Matos.

Flowers demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her educational goals by achieving the highest level of academic performance among her classmates. Her ability to study with intensity, motivate herself and others, and genuine desire to fully engage in classroom and clinical learning opportunities has resulted in her being the recipient of this award.

Matos has an authentic presence when entering the patient’s world by being sensitive to their situations and needs. She inspires trust through demonstrating preparation for each patient encounter and delivering exceptional care. She brings energy and joy into the practice of nursing by reflecting upon her performance and striving to improve each day.