Tag: Awards

Nursing Program Ranked No. 4 in Midwest

October 7, 2020 | Campus News

The East Central College Nursing Program is ranked No. 4 among 660 nursing schools offering associate’s degrees in the Midwest.

NursingProcess.org evaluated nursing schools throughout the region on four factors — national test pass rates, academic quality, the nursing school’s reputation and affordability.

In addition, the ECC Nursing associate’s degree program was ranked first in the state.

Nancy Mitchell, Director of Nursing and Dean of Health Science, said she is thrilled to be recognized as one of the “Best ADN Programs in the Midwest” by the nursing organization.

“This recognition showcases our programs commitment to nursing excellence and excellence in nursing education,” she said.

The evaluation was weighted heavily on National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) pass rates over the last four years. Those rates totaled 60 percent of the total ranking.

“Year to year, ECC nursing pass rates are well above the state and national averages,” Mitchell noted.

The remaining 40 percent of the evaluation was based on academic quality, 20 percent; nursing school’s reputation, 10 percent; and affordability, 10 percent.

“Our programs are known throughout our service region for excellence and rigor,” Mitchell added. “Our students are well prepared to enter the workforce upon graduation and to be successful for years to come.

“ECC nursing faculty, students and graduates are the backbone of our success.”

This is not the first recognition for the ECC Nursing program this year. In April, the Nursing Schools Almanac ranked ECC in the Top 10 among all nursing programs in Missouri.

Then in May, the nursing advocacy organization RegisteredNursing.org ranked the ECC Nursing Program No. 4 among 50 other programs statewide.

ECC Degrees

According to NursingProcess.org, jobs available for registered nurses with an associate’s degree are expected to grow by more than 500,000 by 2026.

ECC offers two programs leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing. These programs prepare students to become registered nurses.

The main campus in Union, as well as the Rolla site, offers a complete pre-licensure program (generic) for those interested in becoming a registered nurse.

An LPN to RN Bridge program also is available at the Rolla location for LPNs interested in becoming registered nurses.

To learn more about the ECC Nursing and Allied Health program, visit https://www.eastcentral.edu/nursing/, or contact Mitchell at Nancy.Mitchell@eastcentral.edu.

East Central College Named Finalist in Regional Public Relations Awards

September 5, 2019 | Campus News

Each year, the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations recognizes outstanding achievement in design and communication in each of its seven districts. The Medallion Awards are exclusive to marketing and public relations professionals at two-year colleges.

In September, East Central College was informed it had been named a finalist in four Medallion Award categories for 2019 in district 5, which includes Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, the Canadian province of Manitoba, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands.

“I’m proud of my communications and marketing team for being recognized for its excellent work,” said Joel Doepker, Vice President of External Relations. “This is a great honor from a well-respected organization.”

The college will now compete against two other colleges for bronze, silver and gold in the original photography, excellence in writing, college promotional brand video and social media categories. The awards will be announced at the annual district five fall conference in October.

About NCMPR

The National Council for Marketing & Public Relations is a professional organization for individuals involved in marketing, communications, public relations and enrollment management at community, junior and technical colleges. NCMPR provides professional development opportunities, advocates on behalf of the profession and the institutions it serves, and recognizes professional excellence. NCMPR has more than 1,700 members from nearly 650 colleges across the United States and Canada.

#InspiringExcellence – Alumni, Faculty Honored at Union Chamber Distinguished Alumni Banquet

February 19, 2019 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Since 1968, the Distinguished Service Awards Banquet has recognized outstanding individuals in the Union area community. Sponsored by the Union Area Chamber of Commerce, only six people are chosen each year in six categories.

This year, East Central College had ties to half of the award recipients! Board of Trustees President Ann Hartley received the Distinguished Service Award, presented to a man or woman over the age of 41 who has made a true impact in the community. Journalism instructor Leigh Kolb was honored with the Outstanding Educator Award, presented to an educator who teaches school at any age level in the city of Union. Former EMT Instructor Ken Koch received the Shield Award for First Responders, presented to a member of a Union-based first responder agency.

“During the opening remarks, East Central College was also singled out for our 50th Anniversary and the impact the college has had on the region,” said President Dr. Jon Bauer. “It was truly a special and humbling night for ECC.”

According to the Union Chamber of Commerce, Distinguished Service Award winners are chosen based on achievements or contributions in three or more of the following areas: Personal improvements or accomplishments, social improvement to major contemporary problems, philanthropic contribution or voluntary service, politics or government service, scientific or technological contributions, cultural achievement (including contributions in literature, history, education, or art), academic leadership or accomplishments, moral and religious leadership, any other important contributions to the community, state, or nation and professional achievement.

Alumni, Faculty and Staff Recognized at Missouri Community College Association Awards

November 13, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Each year, the Missouri Community College Association recognizes individuals at its annual convention. Awards are given to alumni, faculty and staff who are making an impact in their local communities.

In 2018, the Distinguished Alumni Award was given to Ron Unnerstall. The award is presented to exceptional individuals who have attended a Missouri community college. It is one of the most prestigious awards presented by MCCA. Although it is not required that the recipient be a graduate of a community college, preference is given to those who have earned a certificate or completed a degree program.

Nearly 30 years ago, Ron Unnerstall helped found Washington Engineering and Architecture. Today, the company’s influence can be seen around Franklin County and beyond. Unnerstall has used his engineering knowledge over the years to help serve the community. His firm has donated services to help local organizations with projects big and small. Outside of work, he volunteers his personal time to help those around him. Congrats!

Accounts Payable Specialist Sharon Jost received the Senior Service Award which recognizes a long-serving employee for their service and dedication to the college. Sharon has been employed at ECC for 27 years.

Other winners included Connie Lutz for Outstanding Adjunct Faculty, Mike Palazzola for the Mel Aytes Faculty Innovation Award and John Hardecke for the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Award.

We are very proud of all our honorees!

#InspiringExcellence – MCCA Award Winners

November 6, 2017 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Kevin Ijames Sr., Audrey Freitag, Kevin Dixon and Karen Butterfield were honored at the 2017 Missouri Community College Association in November.

Ijames, President of Ace Manufacturing, was honored with the Distinguished Business and Industry Award. It is presented annually to individuals and/or businesses that have engaged in significant partnerships with their local community college to stimulate economic activity and support community college students and programs.

Audrey Freitag received the Distinguished Alumni Award. It is presented annually to exceptional individuals who have attended a Missouri community college. Primary criteria for selection include outstanding professional accomplishments and outstanding contributions to his/her community.

Kevin Dixon was honored with the Senior Service Award. It is presented annually to a long-serving employee from each of Missouri’s community colleges/campuses. Recipients are recommended for the award by their campus president/chancellor. To receive this award, the employee must have worked at a community college for 20 years or more.

Karen Butterfield, Union Editor of The Missourian, received the News Media Award. It is presented annually to members of the media whose work promotes understanding and appreciation of community colleges’ mission, students, faculty, staff, and administrators, as well as the unique challenges and opportunities facing community colleges.

Photo: Front, left to right: Dr. Jon Bauer, Audrey Freitag, Karen Butterfield, Keven Ijames Sr., ECC Board of Trustees President Ann Hartley.
Back, left to right: ECC Board of Trustees Secretary Don Kappelman, ECC Board of Trustees Member Dr. Eric Park, ECC Board of Trustees Vice President Dr. Joseph Stroetker and ECC Board of Trustees Member Cookie Hays. Not pictured: Kevin Dixon.

Patsy Watts with V.P. of Instruction Dr. Tia Robinson

#InspiringExcellence – ECC Instructor Receives Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award

November 14, 2016 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Dr. Patsy Watts has been teaching English since 1983 – a subject she is deeply passionate about.

“I embrace the challenges of this discipline because it is the foundation of all other academic endeavors. That is, a student’s ability to read and write well will help ensure success in other courses. It is exciting to be a part of something so important,” Watts said.

When she became an instructor at East Central College in 2006, she brought along a philosophy with her. “A good college instructor is one who cares enough about students’ futures to stay current in the discipline and help students reach beyond quick and easy solutions to complex problems,” she explained.

Watts practices what she preaches, and now she is being acknowledged for it. Each year, the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Awards program recognizes more than 100 educators in the St. Louis metropolitan area who are examples of excellence in their field – including Watts.

“I am grateful to my colleagues,” said Watts, who spends a majority of her time at the ECC campus in Rolla, “who I see working so hard every day. Every one of them deserves this award as well.”

Watts was honored with the other awardees at a gala on November 13, at the Ritz Carlton in St. Louis.

Photo: Dr. Patsy Watts with East Central College V.P. of Instruction Dr. Tia Robinson at the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Awards Gala.