Tag: Dr. Robyn Walter


Dr. Robyn Walter, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer at East Central College, holding the 2024 MCCA Administrative/Professional Award, standing alongside ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer at the MCCA 60th Convention and Trade Show in Branson, with an "MCCA" backdrop behind them.

Dr. Robyn Walter Honored with MCCA Award for Vision and Dedication


November 25, 2024 | Campus News

Dr. Robyn Walter’s leadership and dedication to academic excellence have been instrumental in fostering partnerships, driving innovation, and improving student success at East Central College.

Walter, Vice President of Academic Affairs, was recognized for her contributions to advancing the College’s mission with the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Administrative/Professional Award during the MCCA 60th Convention and Trade Show in Branson on Nov. 14.

Dr. Robyn Walter, wearing a patterned blouse and a conference name badge, smiles and stands to acknowledge applause after being announced as the recipient of the Administrative Professional Award during the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) convention. The background shows a room filled with attendees seated at tables.

Each year, the MCCA Annual Recognition and Excellence Awards program acknowledges individuals and institutions that have set the standard of excellence during the year.

Walter was honored for her leadership in transformative initiatives at ECC, including the development of a consortium-based Respiratory Therapy program in collaboration with four other Missouri community colleges. Walter and her team successfully achieved program accreditation and secured a $5.5 million federal training grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.

“As ECC and others identified respiratory care as a critical need, she refused to take no for an answer when it came to developing a consortium-based solution,” said ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. “Her singular efforts led to the decision by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care to change its stance and consider approval of a consortium-based program.”

In 2023, ECC was awarded a $2.1 million Title III Strengthening Institutions Grant from the U.S. Department of Education to improve retention, persistence, and completion rates, particularly among underrepresented student populations.

“Dr. Walter led this grant initiative and, despite the highly competitive nature of this program, was able to deliver with approval on our first submission,” Bauer said. “Throughout that process, I witnessed again her ability to lead others, delegate appropriately, empower those involved, and maintain focus on the overarching goal.”

In addition to her institutional impact, Walter serves as chair of the MCCA Council of Chief Academic Officers and collaborates with statewide groups addressing issues such as transfer and articulation, and adult learners.

Walter was selected for a two-year Chief Academic Officers cohort sponsored by the Gardner Institute, bringing a national perspective to her work in Missouri.

“She became a leader in this cohort and has brought this national perspective back to Missouri,” Bauer added.

Walter’s contributions also include serving as a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission, a board member for the Missouri College Access Network (MOCAN), and a mentor to health careers faculty and staff. With over 20 years of experience in the community college sector, her influence is felt both locally and nationally.

“She is active in the community both professionally and personally. With over 20 years of experience in the community college sector, she is well qualified and richly deserving of this recognition,” Bauer further commented.


Doctors looking at patient's x-ray

New ECC Program Aims to Combat Respiratory Therapist Shortages


May 28, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Over the next year, East Central College and four partner community colleges will launch groundbreaking Respiratory Therapy programs to tackle the pressing shortage of respiratory therapists in Missouri.

Recently, ECC secured a $5.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to develop this Allied Health initiative, aimed at boosting healthcare education and workforce development across predominantly rural regions of the state.

According to Dr. Robyn Walter, Vice President of Academic Affairs at ECC, the U.S. Department of Labor grant signifies a substantial investment in healthcare education and workforce development.

Over the next four years, the grant will provide resources for ECC and its partners to establish a comprehensive respiratory care program that addresses the pressing need for skilled healthcare professionals in the region.

In collaboration with four community colleges—Moberly Area Community College, North Central Missouri College, State Fair Community College, and Three Rivers College—ECC is leading this program through an existing consortium dedicated to providing respiratory therapy training in underserved areas of Missouri.

These institutions will each offer an Associate of Science in Respiratory Care, providing students with a pathway to fulfilling careers in healthcare.

“Individually, we would have difficulty maintaining the student enrollment to sustain a program financially,” Walter said. “To ensure sustainability, each member of our consortium contributes student enrollments and promotes the program’s viability.”

Furthermore, the consortium’s partnership with Central Methodist University offers students the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Health Science, further enhancing their educational and career prospects.

Walter emphasized the program’s potential to address critical workforce shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As healthcare providers continue to grapple with staffing challenges, initiatives like this play a crucial role in bolstering healthcare capacity and resilience.

The new respiratory programs grown through this grant will reach 70 predominantly rural and low-income counties across Missouri. This collaborative effort underscores the dedication of the consortium member schools to address critical needs within underserved communities.

Walter further highlighted the importance of training students locally, emphasizing that they are more likely to stay and work in the communities where they receive their education. By nurturing local talent and fostering connections with healthcare facilities, ECC and its partners aim to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and support economic growth in rural communities.

“If students train locally, they’re more likely to stay in the area, and at area health care facility they have experienced their clinical education,” she said. “This expands the regional healthcare workforce and helps create more stable staffing for our healthcare partners.”

The grant’s funding will cover essential aspects of the program, including staff positions, equipment costs, and student expenses, ensuring that students have access to quality education and resources.

Funding began May 1, making ECC and its consortium partners now poised to make significant strides in addressing the critical need for respiratory therapists across Missouri.

To find out more information about ECC’s Allied Health programs, visit www.eastcentral.edu/allied-health/.


Adjuncts Recognized at Inaugural Appreciation Dinner


April 16, 2024 | Campus News

Adjunct Mathematics Adjunct Connie Lutz was recognized for her exceptional contributions to East Central College with the inaugural Adjunct of the Year award.

The award was presented at the first Adjunct Appreciation Dinner on April 9. Lutz was honored alongside other adjuncts honored with special recognitions and for years of service. Lutz’ award was presented by Dr. Robyn Walter, Vice President of Academic Affairs.

“Tonight, we honor an exceptional educator, one whose dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to the field of mathematics education has positively impacted our college and the countless lives of students she has touched,” Walter said.

She added that Lutz, “Embodies the epitome of meeting students where they are – offering genuine care and support of her students, engaging in the classroom, and literally transforming the way students learn math.”

Lutz, who also was recognized for 35 years of service as an adjunct faculty member, recently developed a vibrant math course for the Fine and Performing Arts to meet a broader set of students – again meeting them where they are. In 2018, Lutz was awarded the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty from the Missouri Community College Association.

More Outstanding Adjuncts

There were eight other adjuncts who received Outstanding Adjunct Awards in each department: Meg Vogel, Education; Shawna Flanigan, English & Humanities; Jeffrey Jaquess, Science and Engineering; Ted Coburn, Criminal Justice; Gary Powers, Art & Design; Michael Askins, Computer Information Systems; Elisha Chaney, Nursing; and Ben Martin, dual credit science instructor at St. Clair High School.

Below are comments about each departmental Outstanding Adjunct Award recipients. They were presented awards by the dean or director of their division.

Meg Vogel: “(She) is always student-focused and has always been willing to attempt teaching modalities beyond what she is accustomed to. Mrs. Vogel defines her class with real-world examples and inclusivity. She strives to make sure students connect the content in her classes to their future classrooms.”

Shawna Flanigan: “(She) brings students comfort because of her focus on building connections and her positive, humble, and curious attitude. Shawna’s detailed explanations for why content, assignments, and activities are covered, along with her willingness to encourage or check in outside of class, helps students to stay motivated, as her evaluations reflect.”

 

Jeffrey Jaquess: “He is one of our most reliable faculty members, who goes above and beyond to serve our students well. Jeff is known to teach labs with his materials when he deems them more appropriate for instruction. He consistently provides his students with valuable supplemental education by planning and executing field trips for them every year.”

Ted Coburn: “(He) has a passion for teaching students here at ECC. He is consistently student-focused and strives to help students learn and understand course material. He works to build relationships with his students. He is often asked for recommendations from current and former students. Even after students graduate, they often stay in touch with Mr. Coburn.”

Gary Powers: “(He) has helped jury several end-of-year student art exhibitions, participated in every Faculty Art show, and even gave of his time for our High School Art Day event. Even as a two-day-a-week adjunct, he never misses an opportunity to study, critique, and compliment the student works in the hall and the instructors whose class it is.”

Michael Askins: “His incorporation of real-world insights, case studies, and personal guidance enriches the learning experience… He will even call his students offering support when the normal channels of retention seem ineffective.”

Elisha Chaney: “She holds the students to high standards as a full-time faculty member does but is also willing to sit down and spend time with the student if they don’t understand paperwork or how to handle patient stations… Elisha goes above and beyond for students. She is an amazing clinical and classroom educator. She challenges the students while also supporting them as they grow.”

Ben Martin: “He gets to know his students on a personal level, and he actually seeks out books based on that information to give to them to encourage them to read more. Ben’s students are highly engaged in the classroom, especially in the area of eye-rolling after one of his famous daily dad jokes.”

Years of Service Recognitions:

Listed below are adjuncts who reached milestones and were recognized for years of service:

5 Years: Kelly Adkins, Melissa Albright, Janet Berry, Taylor Bodenschatz, Tim Bruckerhoff, Steven Campbell, Elisha Chaney, Sarah Dierker, Brooke Durbin, Madison Emerick, Karen Fixsal, Shawna Flanigan, Patrick Fogarty, Jeffrey Frankenberg, Dan Jacobson, Christopher Karr, Daniel Kemper, Amber Moore, Mark Palmier, Michael Pelster, Heather Sluis, Marietta Stiebler, Daniel Strohmeyer, Margaret Vogel, and Timothy Willard.

10 Years: Tiffanie Atherton, Molly Bene, Melissa Mauchenheimer, Raymond Mowery, Margret Noud, Danika Novak, Robert Schulze, and Kenneth Williardson.

15 Years: Curtis Beers, Lisa Blackmore, Shana Collier, Gary Powers, Robert Robinson, and Matthew Sokeland.

20 Years: Tim Buchheit.

25 Years: Robert Prichard.

35 Years: Connie Lutz.


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 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/.


Nursing Program Recognizes 36 Graduates During Pinning Ceremony


May 20, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

There were 36 East Central College Nursing Program graduates recognized during a pinning ceremony on May 13.

The ECC Nursing Program held its formal ceremony for its Union and Rolla nursing students prior to graduation in the Donald Shook Student Center. Family and friends of graduates, faculty, staff and administration attended the pinning ceremony.

The pinning ceremony is a time-honored nursing program tradition that signifies the nursing graduate’s initiation into the sisterhood and brotherhood of nurses. Students receive pins that are unique to the ECC Nursing Program.

The pinning ceremony opening remarks were given by Dean of Health Science and Director of Nursing Nancy Mitchell, followed by a greeting by ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. A student welcome was given by Class of 2023 graduate Kelsea Smith, a Missouri Baptist Sullivan Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award recipient.

The guest speaker for the ceremony was ECC Rolla Nursing instructor Jon Elias.

The program closed with student remarks from 2023 graduate Nathaniel Wissman, Mercy Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award recipient. Wissman also performed a special piano solo during the ceremony, “Fantaisie-Impromptu (Op.66)” by Frédéric Chopin.

The program concluded with closing comments given by ECC Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Robyn Walter.

The Nursing program graduates are:

Ginger A. Adams, Cody W. Jones, Avery D. Akers, Hannah E. Kitson, Hannah R. Barrett, Callan G. Mohesky, Kelsey R. Blackwell, Hannah E. Olive. Jozlyn L. Bolte, Kyleigh E. Payne, Isabel L. Bramel, Justin M. Penn-Lavely, Scottia M. Burrows, Samantha Peterson, Jessie O. Downey, Amanda Redmon, Cheyenne F. Durbin, Alyssa M. Rinehart, Hannah L. Eckelkamp, MacKenzie C. Rolf, Lauren E. Ely, Jessica M. Schatz, Shayla A. Goddard, Branden T. Shearin, Kirsten A. Golden, Keri M. Simmons, Kailey M. Gupton, Kelsea M. Smith, Cahliah S. Hammonds, Nathan W. Temme, Andrea Hayes, Kaylee N. Vasquez, Matty L. Inman, Haley M. Welch, Emily N. Johnson and Nathaniel Wissman.

Union Nursing Graduates

Rolla Nursing Graduates

To learn more about the ECC Nursing program, visit www.eastcentral.edu/allied-health/nursing, or email Nancy Mitchell, Director of Nursing and Dean of Health Science, at Nancy.Mitchell@eastcentral.edu.


ECC Chief Academic Officer Named to State Transfer Committee


November 17, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla Inspiring Excellence

East Central College Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Robyn Walter will help shape how transfer and articulation agreements among Missouri colleges and universities are developed and maintained.

Walter was appointed last month to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) Committee on Transfer and Articulation (COTA). She was appointed by interim Commissioner of Higher Education Leroy Wade to serve through June 30, 2024.

“At ECC, we rely on good transfer partners to provide quality pathways for our students, so I understand the importance of transfer agreements, and how greatly they can benefit students,” Walter said. “It’s crucial to develop collaborative transfer and articulation strategies to serve students and advance our goals for degree completion.”

COTA’s primary responsibilities are to review and make recommendations on transfer issues and study and develop transfer guidelines for traditional and non-traditional credits. That’s in addition to reviewing and recommending resolutions on cases of appeal from institutions or students.

“It is important that students throughout the state are prepared for upper-level coursework when they transfer, and that they receive credit for the courses they have completed,” Walter added.

COTA is comprised of 12 members who are appointed by the Commissioner of Higher Education, and it includes four representatives from public two-year colleges and four representatives from public four-year colleges and universities, one of which must be from the University of Missouri and one which must be from another public four-year institution.

COTA also includes one representative from independent two-year colleges or proprietary institutions, two representatives from independent four-year colleges and universities and one at-large position. Additionally, the commissioner or a designated representative sits as ex-officio voting member of the committee.

Walter has been with ECC since 2003, serving as a faculty member, director of nursing, nursing and allied health program chair, dean of health sciences and vice president of academic affairs since 2020.

She received her Bachelor of Nursing degree from the University of Missouri and her Master’s in Nursing Service Administration from Saint Louis University. She earned her Ph.D. in Nursing at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

 


ECC and Missouri Baptist Strengthen Transfer Agreement


November 9, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College and Missouri Baptist University have bolstered the transfer agreements between the institutions.

For the past 20 years, the partnership between ECC and MBU has resulted in highly prepared educators within the community, according to Dr. Robyn Walter, vice president of academic affairs at ECC. This year, ECC and MBU revised the agreement update all the courses that transfer from ECC to the University.

MBU, with a location in Union, allows for students to attend in-person classes without leaving the area. In addition, the University offers many online options and transfer students can attend classes from home.

Walter noted that it is important for the community that educators from this area remain here due to nationwide teacher shortages.

“We appreciate Missouri Baptist’s commitment to teacher education in our community,” Walter said. “We know that when students start at ECC and then complete their teaching degree locally, they are more likely to stay and teach locally — this approach is needed now more than ever.”

According to Thea Abraham, MBU director of records, ECC and MBU have had a strong relationship since the early 2000s.

She said, although MBU is a private university, it accepts all CORE 42 courses that state public colleges and universities accept.

“For two decades we had a strong relationship, and the transferability of courses at ECC has always been very high,” Abraham said.

Abraham echoed the importance of MBU’s accessibility to residents of ECC’s district.

“Students can stay in town, taking classes at home or in-person at MBU’s Union facility, and they don’t have to drive into the main campus,” she said.

Students transferring from ECC to MBU typically are seeking teaching degrees or business-related degrees. MBU also offers a variety of other degree programs.

To learn more about transfer agreements between ECC and colleges and universities, visit www.eastcentral.edu/transfer/articulation-agreements/.


ECC, Missouri State Sign ‘Transfer 2+2 Plan’ Agreement


June 21, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla

There is now an even more seamless pathway for East Central College students transferring to Missouri State University in Springfield.

That’s thanks to a new articulation agreement between ECC and MSU creating a “transfer 2+2 plan.” The agreement was signed June 17 by ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer and MSU President Clif Smart.

Under this agreement, the two institutions will work together to develop transfer plans for ECC students who want to complete their bachelor’s degrees at Missouri State – either online or at the Springfield campus. It promotes the completion of bachelor’s degrees within 120 credits.

Dr. Robyn Walter

According to Dr. Robyn Walter, ECC vice president for academic affairs, many of the students at ECC transfer to four-year colleges or universities.

“We strive to ensure students are prepared for upper-level coursework. We want them to receive credit for the courses they have completed with transfer,” she added.

“Missouri State University is a high-quality and student-centered four-year partner, and we are pleased to add this agreement to our already strong relationship.”

Transfer 2+2 Plans

The transfer 2+2 plans offer a clear pathway to a bachelor’s degree and ensure students meet program requirements. Students also will be assured their credit transfers for all programs through this agreement.

Ultimately, students can save time and money through transfer 2+2 plans.

“Missouri State is pleased to enter into an agreement with East Central College,” said Dr. Joye Norris, associate provost for access and outreach at Missouri State.

“This agreement promotes a seamless transfer experience for students completing degrees online and on-campus. The agreement will support students during the transfer of an associate degree to a Missouri State bachelor’s degree program.”

East Central College President Dr. Jon Bauer, left, and Missouri State University President Clif Smart signed a new articulation agreement June 17 that provides a clear “transfer 2+2 plan” for ECC students to obtain a bachelor’s degree at MSU.


College Preparing for Accrediting Body Visit


February 7, 2022 | Campus News

East Central College staff and faculty have been preparing for an important visit this spring from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the college’s accrediting body.

A five-person peer review team with HLC will visit ECC April 11-12 as part of the college’s accreditation, which is a “stamp of approval” that demonstrates the college is deeply committed to educational quality and improvement.

The team will meet with faculty, staff and students, and review the college’s assurance argument, a narrative that makes the case ECC meets the criteria for accreditation.

In preparation for the upcoming visit, the college has been educating employees and students on the importance of accreditation. The team driving the college’s accreditation process are Dr. Robyn Walter, vice president of academic affairs; Dr. Michelle Smith, executive director of institutional effectiveness; and Jennifer Higerd, assistant professor of art and art gallery curator.

“We are already doing good work in meeting our educational commitment to students, and providing educational and cultural opportunities to our communities,” Higerd said.

“During the last year and a half, we’ve been preparing for the HLC visit by compiling examples of this good work – examples we’ll put into our assurance argument.”

Accreditation is a guarantee to the public that an institution is prepared to do its job. It is required for institutions to receive federal funding, including financial aid which is distributed to students.

In addition to funding, accreditation also is an indicator that colleges and universities provide high-quality educational programs, which greatly impacts transfer degrees. Most institutions only accept transfer credits from colleges and universities that are accredited.

“East Central College is proud to be accredited through the HLC and looks forward to a comprehensive evaluation to ensure they are meeting the HLC Criteria for Accreditation,” Walter said.

She noted that other academic agencies accredit specific programs, such as culinary, medical assisting, education, and more, HLC accredits the institution as a whole.

“HLC and other regional accrediting agencies are responsible for assuring that entire colleges and universities meet certain standards in terms of their missions, operations, and activities in teaching and student learning, discovery and promotion of knowledge, and service,” Walter added.

ECC first earned accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association in 1976. Since that time, the College has maintained a history of accreditation and engagement with the HLC.

The HLC is the accrediting body for ECC and about 1,000 colleges and universities in 19 states that stretch from West Virginia to Arizona. HLC is a private, nonprofit accrediting agency. It is an independent corporation that was founded in 1895 as one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.

Criteria

The HLC has a set of five criteria that is reviewed during the accreditation process:

  • The college’s mission
    • Integrity —ethical and responsible conduct
    • Teaching and learning — quality, resources and support
    • Teaching and learning — evaluation and Improvement
    • Resources, planning and institutional effectiveness

To promote accreditation and educate ECC employees, students and the community, the college’s accreditation committee has been meeting on campus with faculty, staff and students. In addition, “mock” site reviewers were on campus, Nov. 15-16, 2021, to meet with stakeholders and give the campus community an idea of what to expect during the HLC visit in April.

“In addition to the mock visit, we’ve been preparing with our colleagues through workshops and roundtable discussions, where members of different employee groups share anecdotes and examples of the ways that we all, in our daily work, support and meet HLC’s criteria for accreditation,” Higerd added.