Tag: All-Missouri Academic Team

All-Missouri Academic Teams students with Dr. Robyn Walter and Kevin Dixon

ECC Students Named to All-Missouri Academic Teams

May 17, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Four standout students from East Central College have been recognized for their exceptional academic achievements by being named to the 2024 All-Missouri Academic Team.

The honorees are Hayden Loeb of Owensville, Donna Neulinger of Rolla, Chloe Nissen of Union, and Jagger Wood of Washington. These students were recognized by the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) and the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) National Honor Society during a special ceremony sponsored by MCCA in April.

In recognition of their accomplishments, each student received a medallion, a certificate, and a cash scholarship sponsored by the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA). The PTK, in partnership with corporate sponsors, organizes the Academic All-USA competition for students from two-year colleges across the nation.

The selection process is rigorous. PTK evaluates applicants on a national scale and forwards the top Missouri candidates to the MCCA. From there, the 40 highest-ranking students in the state are designated as Academic All-State award winners. These include 10 students on the first team, 10 on the second team, and 20 on the third team.

East Central College nominates two to four students from each campus annually for the All-USA Team, making them automatic contenders for the All-Missouri Academic Team. The nomination process requires a comprehensive scholarship application, detailing the nominees’ campus and community activities and including a letter of recommendation that highlights a significant endeavor they accomplished during their time at ECC.

ECC Students named All-Missouri Academic Teams — Pictured are three of the four East Central College students named to the All-Missouri Academic Team. From left, are Jagger Wood of Washington, Donna Neulinger of Rolla, and Chloe Nissen of Union. Not pictured is Hayden Loeb of Owensville. Wood and Nissen attend classes at the Union campus, while Neulinger and Loeb are based at ECC in Rolla.

Brooklyn Hyatt Receives 2023 President’s Spirit of ECC Award

May 17, 2023 | Campus News

The 2023 President’s Spirit of East Central College award recipient Brooklyn Hyatt exemplified student involvement during the last two years.

She has served as the Student Government Association president, and she was a heavily involved member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the Student-Missouri Teachers Association.

Hyatt, of St. Clair, took part in all these organizations while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average.

She was presented the award by ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer during the College Commencement Saturday, May 13. Hyatt graduate Summa Cum Laude with an Associate of Arts in Teaching.

The prestigious President’s Spirit of ECC award, formerly the Outstanding Student Award, recognizes one student who demonstrates exemplary academic excellence, and significant student involvement during their time at ECC.

Hyatt, a first-generation college student, also served as a Student Ambassador at ECC. In that role, she gave student tours and guided future Falcons. One piece of advice she gives to all new students, “I would tell them that they would benefit greatly if they put themselves out there more.”

“My relationships and bonds have astronomically benefited me socially and academically,” she said. “I wouldn’t have made it as far without knowing staff, faculty, and students. College is new to a lot of people, so you should just dive into new experiences.

“I loved being in SGA and it opened so many opportunities for me,” Hyatt added.

In addition, Hyatt received a Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Student Leadership Award. She also was recognized by the MCCA and PTK for being named a 2023 All-Missouri Academic Team.

Transferring to SEMO

Up next for Hyatt is Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO), where she will continue toward a bachelor’s degree in education.

“ECC has done a marvelous job of preparing me for SEMO,” she said. “I feel extremely prepared academically,” Hyatt added. “Classes here are a lot like they are there, and I have a ton of transferable classes.”

She noted that the guidance of Greg Stotler, education/teacher coordinator and assistant professor, and Carson Mowery, coordinator of Campus Life and Leadership, helped prepare her for what’s next.

“Mr. Stotler and Carson Mowery were extremely instrumental in guiding me to SEMO and preparing me for the world and options as a whole,” Hyatt commented.

After she graduates from SEMO, Hyatt says she’ll begin a teaching career as soon as possible. She plans to continue her education after earning a bachelor’s degree and work toward a master’s degree.

In addition to being involved in clubs and organizations, and thriving academically, Hyatt also was a student worker in the ECC Foundation office and worked with ECC’s mascot Franklin the Falcon.

“I did a lot of work, but it never felt hard, and I was able to help more people than just my bosses,” she said. “I loved working with Franklin and making connection with people especially children. Seeing their eyes light up when they see him is similar to how I feel teaching.

“I enjoyed working with everyone at ECC, Hyatt added. “They are so kind and willing to help. ECC is just a brilliant place to be and was certainly a big part of my journey.”

ECC Students Named to Academic Teams

April 27, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Four East Central College students were named to the All-Missouri Academic Team, and one also was recognized nationally.

Kelsea Smith has been named a 2023 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and received a $1,500 scholarship.

Smith and Elise Jeffers, ECC Rolla; and Brooklyn Hyatt and Annika Brunner, Union campus, were named to the 2023 All-Missouri Academic Team. The students were recognized by Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) and the Phi Theta Kappa national honor society at a ceremony sponsored by MCCA on April 13.

Each student received a medallion and certificate to honor their achievement along with a $250 cash scholarship underwritten by MOHELA (MO Higher Education Loan Authority). The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society, along with participating corporate partners, sponsors the Academic All-USA competition for students attending two-year colleges.

PTK ranks applicants nationally, then forwards results for students to the MCCA. The top 53 students statewide were named Academic All-State award winners.

ECC annually nominates two to four students per site for the All-USA Team, which automatically qualifies the nominees for the All-Missouri Academic Team. Nominees complete a lengthy scholarship application, including information about their campus and community activities, and details and a letter of recommendation regarding a “significant endeavor” done during their time as a community college student.

Coca-Cola Academic Team

Smith’s Coca-Cola Academic Team honor is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, which recognizes 50 Gold, 50 Silver and 50 Bronze Scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion.

Smith and other Coca-Cola Academic Team members were recognized internationally during PTK’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst. Which was held in Columbus, Ohio, April 20-22.

“We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for recognizing these student leaders and for investing in their futures,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, president and CEO of PTK. “Scholarships like these are integral to the success of these students in reaching their educational and career goals.”

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation celebrates and empowers visionary leaders who are refreshing the world by supporting more than 1,400 exceptional college students each year.

PTK is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders.

ECC Students and Grads Recognized at MCCA, PTK Event

May 3, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Four current East Central College students and two graduates were recognized for academics and leadership during the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Student Leadership and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society Awards Luncheon.

ECC students Donna Hall, Arica Doerr, Brooklyn Hyatt, and Brandon Morrow; and graduates Kya Nilges and Dora Bell, each were recognized during the April 28 event held at Stephens College in Columbia, Mo.

Hyatt, ECC Student Government Association vice president, was a recipient of an MCCA Student Leadership Award. These awards are presented annually to one exceptional leader from each community college.

PTK Honor Society Awards

Each year the PTK Honor Society, along with participating corporate partners, sponsors the Academic All-USA competition for students attending two-year colleges.

PTK ranks applicants nationally, then forwards results to MCCA. The top 40 students statewide are then named Academic All-State award winners, with 10 first-team, 10 second-team, and 20 third-team winners.

Bell and Hall were both named to the All-Missouri Academic First-Team. Doerr and Morrow were named to the All-Missouri Academic Team Third-Team.

Bell also was recognized as a Phi Theta Kappa Coca-Cola Scholar, a distinction only given to students with the top 150 scores from across the country. Bell was a Bronze Scholar, and she received a $1,000 scholarship.

PTK All-Missouri Team

The PTK All-Missouri Team recognizes high-achieving two-year college students who demonstrate academic excellence, intellectual rigor, leadership, and service that extends their education beyond the classroom to benefit society.

Each of the students receives a cash scholarship from MCCA along with a medallion and certificate honoring their academic achievement.

There are two “competition” levels, one for transfer-track students and one for students who are in workforce preparation programs (AAS and certificate-level programs). ECC is allowed to nominate up to two students for each pathway from both Union and Rolla.

To be eligible, students must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and be on track to graduate or complete their programs by the end of the fall semester. Students also are required to submit a lengthy application that involves writing essays and getting letters of recommendation to support their applications.

ECC All-Missouri Academic Students to Be Recognized

April 20, 2021 | Campus News

Four East Central College students will be recognized Wednesday, April 21, for being named to the All-Missouri Academic Team.

Each year Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society, along with participating corporate partners, sponsors the Academic All-USA competition for students attending two-year colleges.

PTK ranks applicants nationally, then forwards results to the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA). The top 40 students statewide are then named Academic All-State award winners, with 10 first team, 10 second team, and 20 third team winners.

The students are:

Gabrielle Campbell – Academic All Missouri Second Team (Transfer pathway – nominated by ECC-Rolla).

Summer Thorp-Lancaster – Academic All Missouri second Team (Transfer pathway – nominated by ECC-Rolla).

Kaili Edler – Academic All Missouri Third Team (Transfer pathway – nominated by ECC-Union).

Jenna Meintz — Academic All Missouri Third Team (Transfer pathway – nominated by ECC-Union).

The students will be recognized during a virtual celebration.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, president and CEO, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. The event is sponsored by the University of Missouri.

Each of the students will receive a cash scholarship from MCCA along with a medallion and certificate honoring their academic achievement.

#InspiringExcellence – Students Named to 2019 All-Missouri Academic Team

March 13, 2019 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Each year, students are selected for the All-Missouri Academic Team by the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. East Central College is proud to announce four students made the list in 2019!

Joshua German – First Team All-Missouri
Carson Mowery – Second Team All-Missouri
Stephanie Brown – Second Team All-Missouri
Benjamin Bone – Third Team All-Missouri

Members of the All-Missouri Academic Team are selected based on the extent to which they meet the definition of the word “scholar,” which Phi Theta Kappa defines as “one who excels in the classroom, has the intellectual curiosity to pursue an academic career and cultural enrichment outside the traditional classroom, shows evidence of substantial development of talents in academics and technical education and has demonstrated an ability to share this development with others.”

Students from each of Missouri’s 25 Phi Theta Kappa chapters apply to be on the All-Missouri Academic Team. Only 42 students were selected this year. The students are recognized at a Missouri Community College Association luncheon in April in Columbia, MO. Each student will receive a cash scholarship and a medallion from MCCA. Phi Theta Kappa is the officially recognized honor society for two-year colleges on a national level.

#InspiringExcellence – Students Chosen for All-Missouri Academic Team

May 24, 2017 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Each year, students are selected for All-Missouri Academic Team by the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. East Central College is proud to announce three students made the list in 2017!

Taylor Schaefer and Conner Camden were named to the All-Missouri Silver list, and Megan Hanneken was named to the All-Missouri Bronze list.

“East Central College is very proud of our All-Missouri Academic Team recipients,” said President Dr. Jon Bauer. “Our Phi Theta Kappa chapter is a very important part of campus culture.”

Students from each of Missouri’s 27 Phi Theta Kappa chapters apply to be on the All-Missouri Academic Team. Only 40 students are selected each year. The students were recognized at a Missouri Community College Association luncheon in April in Columbia, MO.

Phi Theta Kappa is the officially recognized honor society for two-year colleges on a national level.

Featured photo: ECC Instructor Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema, Connor Camden and Dr. Jon Bauer.
Photos below: (left) ECC Instructor Kevin Dixon, Megan Hanneken and Dr. Jon Bauer, (right) ECC Instructor Kevin Dixon, Taylor Schaefer and Dr. Jon Bauer

Faculty Member and Students Honored

April 22, 2015 | Campus News

A long-time faculty member and two East Central College students were honored by the Missouri Community College Association on April 8 in Jefferson City. The students were named to the All-Missouri Academic Team, an honor bestowed on the state’s top community college students.

Dr. Bill Cunningham, associate professor of sociology at ECC, received the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. The award is given to the top community college teachers in the state each year and includes a proclamation from Missouri Governor Jay Nixon. Cunningham has taught at the college since 1993.

All-Missouri Academic Team member Dawn Little is majoring in psychology at ECC and plans to become a clinical psychologist working in an underserved area of the state. The Union resident is currently president of Phi Theta Kappa and Rotaract, and has been a volunteer for the long-term care ombudsman program. She also serves as a campus peer coach. Little earned recognition as a Phi Theta Kappa 5 star member, Student Government Association senator of the month, and has been on both the vice president’s and dean’s honor lists. After completing her studies at ECC she plans to transfer to Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla.

Little is also a Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Silver Scholar Award recipient. Each year the foundation honors the 150 highest-scoring All-USA Team members from around the country by presenting them with gold, silver, or bronze medallions and a stipend.

Faith Joyce of Union is currently studying music and hopes to eventually work full-time at East Central College, teaching and

Faith Joyce, 2015 All-Missouri Academic Team Member

helping students. She is involved in community choir, piano performance and instruction, musical outreach to the elderly, and music tutoring. She has earned many honors and awards including outstanding music student, president’s academic honor list, and the community college president’s transfer scholarship. Joyce plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Little and Joyce received scholarships made possible by a donation from MOHELA, the state’s not-for-profit secondary market lender and servicer in the student loan industry.