Tag: Dr. Robyn Walter


Mizzou College of Engineering, ECC Sign Computer Information Systems Agreement


January 24, 2022 | Campus News

East Central College has signed an agreement with the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo., to streamline the path for students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.

The articulation agreement guarantees that any student who earns an Associate in Applied Science degree in Computer Information Systems (CIS) at ECC — with an emphasis in database administration and security — has the opportunity to complete an information technology degree at MU College of Engineering.

The “2+2” agreement is designed for students to complete two years, or four semesters, of classes at ECC, and then two years of courses at the University of Missouri. It was signed by Dr. Jon Bauer, ECC president; Dr. Robyn Walter, ECC vice president of academic affairs; Dr. Latha Ramchand, UM provost; and Dr. Noah Manring, MU dean of college of engineering.

Dr. Walter explained that both institutions are committed to seamless transfers so students can complete their academic goals. The new partnership enhances access for students across the ECC district, and throughout the state.

She further explained that agreements like this align with ECC’s strategic plan, SOAR to 2024.

“One of our strategies in our five-year strategic plan is to grow partnerships with our four-year university partners, and provide opportunities for the students and the community,” Walter said.

“This articulation agreement with MU is really impactful for students who choose to pursue a career in computer science and choose an online option to obtain their degree.”

Walter noted that the market demand for qualified CIS professional is high.

“This degree is suited for the traditional-aged student, as well as the returning adult student, with the benefit of the online platform at the associate degree level and at the bachelor’s degree level,” she added. “I am thrilled to have this innovative and comprehensive articulation agreement with MU.  Our CIS faculty have built a strong program with an outstanding reputation that partners well with MU’s program.”

Background at ECC

According to Dr. Richard Hudanick, dean of career and technical education at ECC, about five years ago CIS faculty members Anna Schwein and Jason Durbin began revamping the program’s curriculum.

“Anna and Jason committed more than three years updating curriculum, rebuilding curriculum layout for a total online learning environment, and new course,” Hudanick said. “They also taught a group of students who were finishing their degree.

“There are a lot of moving parts to a program rebuild, including maintaining student success,” he added.

In 2020, ECC’s CIS online program caught the interest of valued education partner, the University of Missouri, Hudanick noted.

Over the next year, Schwein, Durbin and Hudanick worked with Mizzou’s liaison and faculty to forge the “2 plus 2” articulation agreement.


ECC to Take Over Health Care Programs in Rolla


October 6, 2021 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College will assume sponsorship of two health care programs from the Rolla Public School District beginning fall 2022 — licensed practical nursing (LPN) and surgical technology.

During the Oct. 4 board meeting, ECC Trustees unanimously approved tuition and fee schedules for the licensed practical nursing (LPN) certification and a new surgical technology associate of applied science program.

The LPN and a surgical technology certificate programs both are taught at the Rolla Technical Center (RTC), where ECC already holds several classes. The courses will continue to be taught at the RTC.

According to Nancy Mitchell, Dean of Health Sciences, the surgical technology program’s accrediting body, the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, is now requiring an associate degree, not just a certificate, before taking national licensure examination.

She added that the program is a “1 plus 1” program that requires a year of general education, CORE 42 courses prior to surgical technology classes and labs.

The students could potentially take their general education courses on the Union campus and take the remaining three semesters of the surgical tech courses in Rolla, added Dr. Robyn Walter, Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Through the surgical technician program, the students will learn aseptic techniques, instrumentation, surgical procedures, and direct patient care before, during and after surgery. Upon graduation of the new surgical technician curriculum, students will receive their associate of applied science degree in surgical technology.

ECC will retain the faculty members who have been teaching the courses for both programs.

“We are very excited to add these programs and these faculty members,” Mitchell said. “We are also excited to give students another health care degree option.

“This is another avenue in which we can work with our health care partners,” she added.

The LPN program is a three-semester, 11-month program that includes a clinical experience. It is designed for students to acquire the skills and knowledge essential to the role of a competent practical nurse. Upon successful completion of this program, graduates receive a certificate of graduation and are qualified to take the national licensure examination (NCLEX-PN).

According to Mitchell, programs will officially begin in the fall of 2022 under ECC. The application deadline is April 1.

She noted that it will be less costly to students once ECC takes over because the college has more resources for these types of programs than the Rolla School District.  Both programs will be fully funded by tuition and fees paid by students.

It will cost $200 per credit hour for in-district students and $300 per credit hours for out-of-district students. The course fees will vary.

Just like the radiologic technology training program taken over by ECC last spring, the Rolla School District is transitioning the program to ECC, primarily because the program is only available to adults, not high school students. Rolla Public Schools Is focusing programming specifically on elementary and secondary education.

ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer said the Rolla School District approached ECC about taking over sponsorship of the programs less than one year ago.

“This is a lot of work over the several months,” he said. “In October of last year this wasn’t on our radar.”

He credited Walter, Mitchell and Christina Ayres, ECC Rolla director, program faculty members and all who worked to make a smooth transition.


College Presents Adjunct Service Awards


August 30, 2021 | Campus News

East Central College Fall 2021 adjunct faculty members were recognized for their hard work and years of service during an orientation Aug. 14.

The adjuncts have been with the college for 5, 10, 15 and 20 years were recognized individually for their commitment to students’ needs and helping them meet educational goals. ECC adjuncts teach at the Union campus and Rolla sites, online courses, as well as dual-credit classes.

The adjunct faculty had the option to attend the orientation in person or remotely. They were presented the awards by Dr. Robyn Walter, vice president of academic affairs.

Listed below are those who were recognized:

5 Years

Jill Harrison

Rachel Johnson

Lisa Korn

Benjamin Martin

Sharlet Peterson

Deborah Schultz  (6 years)

James Small

Gregory Stratman

Nancy Tappe

10 Years

Kristen Adams

Rechell Alcorn

Stephanie Juengling

Dennis Smith

Brian Watson

Vanessa Whittle

15 Years

Terry Brookshire

William Hopkins

Jeffrey Parsons

Wayne Prince

20 Years

Colin Flynn

Glenn Mechem

Larry Pierce