Tag: East Central College

2019 AEL Graduation Ceremony Speaker Announced

April 15, 2019 | Campus News

East Central College is proud to announce Dr. David Chalk will serve as the speaker for the Adult Education and Literacy Graduation Ceremony on May 11, 2019.

Dr. Chalk is president of Mercy Clinic Four Rivers, where he oversees 40 clinics in 14 local towns. Dr. Chalk is also an orthopedic surgeon with the group, which has more than 180 integrated physicians and advanced practitioners.

“Dr. Chalk has a long history with the East Central College service area,” said Joel Doepker, vice president of external relations. “He has been a past and current member of the board of directors for the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce and the Bank of Washington. He also served as both vice president and president of the East Central College Foundation. We are honored to have him speak at such an inspiring event.”

He received his medical degree from the University of Kentucky School of Medicine and completed his internship and residency training in orthopedic surgery at Saint Louis University. He continued his orthopedic training with a fellowship in foot and ankle surgery at the University of Cincinnati.

Dr. Chalk and his wife, Eileen, have three children – Meredith, Colin and Brendan. In his free time, he enjoys spending time outdoors on his farm with his Texas Longhorn cattle. He is also an avid sports fan. He regularly cheers on his alma mater football squad at Cornell University, where he lined up as a defensive tackle while earning his bachelor’s degree from 1977 to 1981.

The Adult and Literacy Graduation Ceremony will be held in the East Central College theater at 2 p.m.

East Central College Hires Director of Early College Programs

April 4, 2019 | Campus News

East Central College is taking steps to strengthen its early college programs at area high schools. At the April 1 Board of Trustees meeting, Megen Poytner was approved as the new Director of Early College Programs. The position, formerly known as the Director of Dual Credit and College Readiness, will coordinate, develop and maintain dual credit, dual enrollment, dual technical credit and early college high school programs.

“Ms. Poynter will work closely with counselors at our partner high schools to build enrollment and create pathways to enrollment as full-time East Central College students following high school graduation,” said President Dr. Jon Bauer.

“My top priority will be learning more about what each high school needs from ECC to foster improved communication and collaboration,” Poynter said. “I will also be pursuing accreditation for our early college programs, through the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP), an organization that works to ensure consistency between college and dual credit offerings.”

It’s a homecoming for Poynter, who spent nearly a decade as an employee of the college in various roles including Learning Center Specialist, Associate Registrar and Director of Admissions.

“As a graduate and former employee, ECC has shaped my life in countless, positive ways,” she explained. “I am grateful for this opportunity to give back.”

Most recently, she worked in Union High School as a college and career counselor for the Ayres Foundation, serving as a resource and advocate for students looking to enter or remain in post-secondary institutions and careers.

“I think it is important for ECC to have a dedicated person in this role,” she added. “Developing and maintaining stronger partnerships with our school districts will increase the number of students taking advantage of post-secondary opportunities close to home.”

Poynter received her master’s degree in education from the University of Missouri – St. Louis and her bachelor’s degree in media communications and public relations from Webster University.

Students Travel to London During Spring Break

April 3, 2019 | Campus News

While some students were relaxing over spring break, others were traveling abroad in London! More than a dozen students took part in the 11th annual trip with the ECC Art Club and Student Media Club.

“It is incredible to be with students as they experience the world in new and transformative ways,” said Assistant Professor of English and Journalism Leigh Kolb. She traveled with the students on the trip. “From navigating a new city to taking in Shakespeare, it’s always moving to watch students grow as individuals on a trip like this. Travel is such an important part of learning how to be human, and we always hope that this trip is one that is an important step in a lifelong journey for our students.”

The students made the most of the week-long trip – visiting The British Museum, British Library, Tate Modern, V&A Museum, National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Shakespeare’s Globe and Canterbury Cathedral. They also saw a performance of Richard II at the Sam Wanamaker Theater.

There was a different element to the trip this year as well. Students were able to perform community service with Art4Space in South London.

“Our students stepped in to assist with the large-scale ceramic mosaic for the St. Andrews Primary School,” said Assistant Professor of Art Adam Watkins. “Students helped finish handmade ceramic tile ornaments from the K-3 students. It was an amazing experience, and probably the best day of any trip over the past 11 years, as our students learned about community outreach and engagement, the world of nonprofits and ultimately being able to participate in a community project that will be visible for many years to come.”

For student Joshua German, the trip was about more than just sightseeing. He was able to connect with relatives he’d never met before!

“They were super fantastic, and it was great to make some connections in London. They wasted no time in accepting me into the family and treating me great,” he explained. “We went to Gloucester Cathedral together. They made me English tea, Cornish pastries, sausage rolls and fish and chips. It was a really great experience meeting them and I want to do it again!”

The trip is completely self-funded by students. Many fundraisers were held throughout the year to help with expenses.

Students who attended the 2019 trip:

Abigail Sieve
Sarah Gruper
Josh Kierns
Lucy Roth
Elizabeth Delmain
Anna Wright
Mary Glastetter
Gwendolen Minks
Campbell Hamai
Josh German
Bob Pruessner
Carson Mowery
Jessie Chafin

Vice President of External Relations Chosen for 2019 Leadership Missouri Program

April 1, 2019 | Campus News

Leadership Missouri, the premier leadership development program offered by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is designed to enhance the leadership skills of current and emerging leaders through an in-depth exploration of the state’s economic, political, and social issues. Among this year’s participants is East Central College Vice President of External Relations Joel Doepker.

Leadership Missouri consists of seven monthly, two-day sessions held in different regions of the state. While traveling to several Missouri communities and networking with the state’s top government, business and non-profit leaders, participants will gain a better understanding of the diverse industries and people that make up Missouri’s economy.

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to learn from some of Missouri’s most influential leaders,” said Doepker, “and bring that knowledge and insight back to East Central College.”

The 2019 Leadership Missouri program kicks off on April 9 in Jefferson City. The first segment includes a reception at the Governor’s Mansion that will bring together Leadership Missouri alumni to welcome the 2019 class.

“Since its inception in 1990, Leadership Missouri has helped hundreds of Missourians to become better leaders,” said Daniel P. Mehan, Missouri Chamber President and CEO. “Leadership Missouri graduates are serving all across our state as top business executives and managers, as well as in community and political leadership roles. The type of education and training provided in Leadership Missouri is exactly what we need going forward if we hope to succeed in realizing our vision for Missouri 2030.”

2019 Commencement Speaker Announced

March 27, 2019 | Campus News

East Central College is proud to announce that Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner will serve as the speaker for the 49^th Annual Spring Commencement on May 11, 2019.

Dr. Tincher-Ladner is President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the nation’s oldest and largest honor society for students seeking associate degrees and credentials from community colleges. Most of her time is spent creating opportunities for some of the nation’s hardest working students by connecting them to life-changing scholarships and family-sustaining employment.

“I tell my children that I have the best job on the planet,” she explained. “I am a passionate champion for community colleges and community college students. I love using data to tell their stories and to advocate for the support of these amazing students and their quality institutions of higher learning.”

With nearly 30 years in higher education, she has been a community college math, chemistry, and physics instructor; computer programmer; database administrator; institutional researcher; and university faculty member. She serves on national boards for the College Promise Campaign, the Center for Community College Student Engagement and the American Association of Community College’s Commission on Student Success.

“East Central College has a long history with Phi Theta Kappa,” said Dr. Jon Bauer, president. “The organization has been an important part of our campus culture over the years, and we are honored to have Dr. Tincher-Ladner as our speaker this year.”

Learn more about the 49th Annual Spring Commencement.

East Central College Wins National Public Relations Award

March 27, 2019 | Campus News

East Central College received national accolades from the National Council of Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) at the Paragon Awards in March for its use of social media. NCMPR’s prestigious Paragon Awards recognize outstanding achievement in design and communication at community and technical colleges. It’s the only national competition of its kind that honors excellence exclusively among marketing and PR professionals at two-year colleges.

“We were thrilled to receive the Bronze Paragon Award in the Facebook category,” said Jay Scherder, director of public relations. “We work very hard to create engaging, compelling content for the community. To be recognized for our efforts is truly an honor.”

The National Council for Marketing and Public Relations is the leading professional development association exclusively serving those working in communication at two-year community and technical colleges.

Not following East Central College on Facebook? You should! Check it out here.

Discover ECC Rolla! Open House Event April 29

March 24, 2019 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Join us at the Discover ECC! open house event on Monday, April 29 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Rolla-North location, 2303 N. Bishop Avenue. You’ll get the chance to register for Summer and Fall 2019 classes and discover financial aid opportunities.

Future students will also learn about:

College credit options for high school students (dual credit)
Adult Education and Literacy (GED)
Transfer Degrees
Career-Ready Degrees
- Computer Info Systems/Networking
- Education: Teaching and Early Childhood
- Health Information Management
- Medical Assistant
- Nursing: Pre-Licensure
- Nursing: LPN to RN Bridge Program
- Radiologic Technology

Did you know you can enroll at East Central College and Missouri S&T at the same time? Through our Campus Connections program, students have the flexibility to take courses at both institutions at the same time while having access to a larger selection of courses and schedules to better fit their needs. Learn more.

Free food and drink will be available to the first 50 people from O’Doggy’s!

#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.

East Central College Nursing Program Named Top 5 in Missouri

March 13, 2019 | Campus News

More than 50 nursing programs were ranked in the state of Missouri, and East Central College landed near the top of the list in 2019!

According to RegisteredNursing.org, East Central College is ranked the fourth-best nursing program in the state. The methodology used for the rankings was based on the NCLEX-RN exam, which is used by all state boards of nursing across the country to help assess a student’s competency and is required for licensure.

The program has even more to be proud of this week. “We recently graduated 17 new registered nurses through the LPN-RN Bridge Program in Rolla,” said Dean of Nursing and Allied Health Nancy Mitchell. “We are happy to announce that pass rates for the licensure exam were 100 percent. It is a huge accomplishment!”

East Central College offers two programs leading to an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing. This program prepares 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 is also available at the Rolla location for LPNs interested in becoming registered nurses.

ECC Phi Theta Kappa Chapters Receive National Recognition

March 7, 2019 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Due to its outstanding recruitment efforts in 2018, the Beta Omicron (Rolla) and Chi Delta (Union) Chapters of Phi Theta Kappa have achieved “REACH” status through the national organization! The REACH Rewards program recognizes and rewards Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapters that excel in the area of membership development.

As a result of the honor, the chapters will receive 11 PTK graduation stoles to be worn by chapter officers or members at the commencement ceremony in May. Other PTK members can still purchase stoles for graduation.

“We created this program because we believe strongly in the mission of Phi Theta Kappa and want as many students as possible to receive the benefits of membership,” National PTK President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner said. “Increased opportunities to apply for scholarships and engage with their peers and key faculty members lead to higher completion rates, and students get those opportunities through PTK.”

Phi Theta Kappa is the 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.

Headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi, Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in higher education with 1,285 chapters on college campuses in all 50 of the United States, U.S. territorial possessions and eight sovereign nations. More than three million students have been inducted since its founding in 1918, with approximately 134,000 students inducted annually.