Tag: ECC-Rolla

Students Recognized in Annual Writing Contest

May 4, 2025 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College students were recently honored for their outstanding work in academic and creative writing through the annual Poetry and Research Writing Contest hosted by the English and Humanities Department.

The contest featured two categories—Research and Poetry—and recognized students whose submissions demonstrated originality, critical thought, and strong writing skills. Winners received cash prizes and will have their work published in the upcoming edition of ECC’s Literary and Art Review.

In the Research category:

First Place — Kristen Cook, “Learning Through Listening: Exploring the Legitimacy of Audiobooks in Education” ($100)
Second Place — Taylor James, “The Deal with Amtrak and Springfield, Missouri” ($50)
Third Place — Reis, “The Luminescent Soul: Gnostic Philosophy, Transgenderism, and Christian Transprejudice” ($25)
Honorable Mention — Kendall Krause, “The Story Behind Kendrick Lamar’s Superbowl LIX Halftime Show”

In the Poetry category:

First Place — Kenny Jacks, “You are my Sunshine (Veronah’s Poem)” ($100)
Second Place — Lauren Hooey, “Five Year Plan” ($50)
Third Place — Hope Bratch, “Women at War” ($25)
Honorable Mention — Bailey Weber, “A Different Kind of Fairy Tale”

The contest was judged by ECC faculty members John Hardecke and Dr. Aurelia VonTress, who evaluated entries for originality, depth, and technical quality.

The Literary and Art Review, ECC’s annual publication celebrating student creativity, will be released later this spring and will feature these award-winning pieces alongside other selected student work.

For more information about ECC’s English and Humanities Department or the Literary and Art Review, visit www.eastcentral.edu.

Six people stand in front of a blue Missouri Community College Association backdrop. From left to right: Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema, PTK Rolla Advisor; David Harper, Coca-Cola New Century Workforce Scholar; Mae May, All-USA Transfer Pathway Scholar; Latisha Graham, All-USA Transfer Pathway Scholar; Kylie Napier, Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar; and Kevin Dixon, PTK Union Advisor. Several individuals are holding PTK folders and wearing medals. Not pictured are Phillip North and Moriah Mankin, also recognized at the PTK Catalyst convention in Kansas City.

ECC Students Earn Coca-Cola, All-USA Academic Awards

April 21, 2025 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College student Kylie Napier has been named a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and awarded a $1,500 scholarship for her academic achievement and leadership. She is one of just 50 students nationwide to earn this prestigious recognition, which is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and administered by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society.

Kylie Napier, left, has been named a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and awarded a $1,500 scholarship for her academic achievement and leadership. She is pictured with ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer.

Napier, a student at ECC’s main campus in Union, was selected based on scores earned in the highly competitive All-USA Academic Team competition, which drew nearly 2,100 applicants nationwide. As a Gold Scholar, she was recognized during the Parade of Scholars at PTK Catalyst, the organization’s annual convention, held April 3–5 in Kansas City, Missouri.

In addition to Napier’s recognition, several other ECC students were named to the All-USA Academic Team and honored by the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) and PTK for their academic and leadership excellence:

David Harper, Union – Coca-Cola New Century Workforce Scholar
Phillip North, Union – All-USA Workforce Pathway
Latisha Graham, Union – All-USA Transfer Pathway
Mae May, Rolla – All-USA Transfer Pathway
Moriah Mankin, Rolla – All-USA Transfer Pathway

These students were selected for their outstanding academic records, leadership, and community involvement. ECC annually nominates students from its campuses for the All-USA Team, which automatically qualifies nominees for the All-Missouri Academic Team. Nominees complete a rigorous application process that includes academic achievements, campus and community involvement, and a detailed account of a significant endeavor during their time at ECC.

All-state honorees are recognized at a ceremony sponsored by the MCCA and receive a commemorative medallion and certificate, along with a $250 scholarship funded by the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA).

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually to PTK members through the Coca-Cola Academic Team program, celebrating students who are leading the way in their communities and academic programs.

Fall Writing Contest Winners

December 18, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

The East Central College English and Humanities Department has announced the winners of this fall’s Fiction and Creative Non-Fiction Writing Contest.

“Stories, whether they are true or not, can be a kind of nourishment when life looks like a lonely trail,” said Josh Stroup, Assistant Professor and English Department Chair. “The stories that our students shared with us kept our judges full, and we hope to share this bounty with you all in the Spring 2025 edition of the Literary and Art Review.”

The department encourages readers to recognize these students for their dedication to crafting thoughtful and compelling work. While many stories were submitted—and all had something unique to offer—the winners are:

Fiction Winners

First Place — Lauren Hoey’s “Night Shift” — $100
Second Place — Hope Bratch’s “The Classic Chevrolet” — $50
Third Place — Mary Misener’s “The Kingdom of Ozymandias” — $25

Creative Non-Fiction Winners

First Place — Nicole Pope’s “Expanding Limitations” — $100
Second Place — Madeline Johnsen’s “Big Bad Love: Love Drives Purpose” — $50
Third Place — Kaylee Wonder’s “The Twins” — $25

The department extends its gratitude to the contest judges: John Hardecke, Assistant Professor; Linda Barro, Associate Professor; Dr. Aurelia VonTress, Instructor; and Dr. Kami Hancock, instructor.

Additional opportunities to showcase student creativity are on the horizon. The department will announce details for the upcoming Poetry and Research Writing Contests this spring.

ECC Rolla Nursing Students Honored at Pinning Ceremony

December 16, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Three East Central College Rolla graduates from the LPN to RN Bridge program were honored for their exceptional performance in clinical settings and academics.
Morgan Buffington, Savannah Gregory, and Tabitha Martin received recognition on Dec. 10 during the program’s pinning ceremony, which celebrates licensed practical nurses who continued their education to become registered nurses.

This year’s guest speaker was Leslie Crabtree, Clinical Nurse Educator at Mercy Hospital Washington and a Class of 2022 ECC LPN-to-RN graduate.
The ECC Rolla LPN to RN Bridge Class of 2024 includes Priscilla Brandhorst, Kimberly Bridgeman, Morgan Buffington, Savannah Gregory, Caitlin Hughes, Faith Kelley, Tabitha Martin, Samantha Pointer, and Carley Tritch.
Awards of Excellence
As part of the ceremony, graduates were recognized for their outstanding achievements in clinical and academic settings.
• Savannah Gregory received the ECC Outstanding Nursing Student Award, showcasing her commitment, adaptability, and integrity. Savannah has been described as highly organized and determined, excelling in clinical settings and seeking unique learning opportunities. Her preceptor noted that she is a “phenomenal addition” to the nursing profession.

• Tabitha Martin was honored with the Mercy Hospital Spirit of Clinical Excellence Award. Tabitha’s quiet focus and compassionate care have left a lasting impression on clinical staff. Her ability to prioritize patient-centered care with confidence and organizational skill distinguishes her as a future asset to any nursing team.
• Morgan Buffington was recognized with the Phelps Health Spirit of Clinical Excellence Award. Morgan’s dedication to quality, compassionate care and her willingness to embrace challenges were celebrated. Her preceptor described her as a “good team player” who skillfully translates knowledge into practice.

A group photo featuring ECC Rolla Director Christina Ayres, Rolla Police Department Assistant Chief William Loughridge, Phelps County Sheriff Michael P. Kirn, and ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer, standing together with awards in hand. The awards recognize the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and the Rolla Police Department for receiving the 2024 MCCA Business & Industry Award for their collaboration with East Central College in forming the Phelps Law Enforcement Training Center (LETC). An "MCCA" backdrop is visible behind them.

MCCA Business Award Highlights ECC’s Law Enforcement Partnership

November 25, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

In July, eight new certified peace officers graduated from the inaugural class of East Central College’s Phelps Law Enforcement Training Center (LETC), marking the culmination of a partnership between the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, the Rolla Police Department, and East Central College.

The dedication of these law enforcement agencies to building a well-qualified pipeline of peace officers and enhancing public safety earned the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and Rolla Police Department the prestigious 2024 Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Business & Industry Award, presented at the annual convention in Branson.

The award recognizes the pivotal role these departments have played in the ECC – Phelps Law Enforcement Training Center, a Department of Public Safety Peace Officer Standards and Training Program (POST)-accredited academy designed to meet the region’s demand for law enforcement training.

In 2021, ECC Rolla Director Christina Ayres, Phelps County Sheriff Michael P. Kirn, and Rolla Police Department Assistant Chief William Loughridge began developing a shared vision of a local training center. Their initiative became a reality in January 2023 when the center was officially licensed, and by the following August, the inaugural cohort embarked on their yearlong journey toward becoming licensed peace officers.

“The college would not have been able to solely develop and sustain a law enforcement training program and this essential continuing education pathway for our region without the comprehensive and collaborative support of the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and the Rolla Police Department,” Ayres said. “This exemplary community partnership fully maximizes ECC’s mission of serving our communities through education.”

The departments not only supported the academy’s development but also contributed significant resources, including facilities, equipment, and ongoing recruitment programs. They provided use of specialized training tools such as the VirTra law enforcement simulator and vehicles for driver training, ensuring students receive high-quality, hands-on instruction.

Their commitment to workforce development has made the training center an indispensable resource for the region, strengthening the pipeline of licensed peace officers while reducing costs and travel burdens for local agencies.

For more information about the program, visit our Law Enforcement program page, or contact LETC@eastcentral.edu or 573-202-6960.

Group of Phi Theta Kappa inductees holding candles and roses during an induction ceremony at Rolla 31 School District, part of East Central College's Rolla campus events.

Rolla Phi Theta Kappa Chapter Welcomes 22 New Members

November 5, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

The Beta Omicron Phi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society at East Central College in Rolla proudly inducted 22 new members this fall.

Lulu McGowan, PTK Heartland Region President, serving as the keynote speaker, stands at a wooden podium with pink hair, addressing an audience. She wears a black, square-necked top and appears focused on delivering her speech. The background includes framed artwork and a Missouri state flag.

Lulu McGowan, PTK Heartland Region President, served as the keynote speaker at the Fall New Member Induction Ceremony held on Oct. 20. Attendees included the 2024-25 PTK Beta Omicron Phi Chapter President Mae May, Rolla PTK advisor Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema, and ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer.

Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society for two-year colleges, where members engage in activities reflecting the organization’s hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship. To qualify for induction, students must achieve a GPA of at least 3.4 for one semester and maintain a 3.2 GPA thereafter. PTK membership is open to students across all majors, degrees, and certificates.

Students who are eligible but have not yet joined still have the opportunity to do so through the end of the year. For more information about PTK in Rolla, contact Dr. Winters-Rozema at 573-466-4084 or elizabeth.rozema@eastcentral.edu.

The inductees who attended the ceremony were Victoria Parks, Victoria Owens, Carter Hayesk, Nichole Turner, Felicity Taylor, Tabitha Brown, Ciara Lunsford, Shylah Ragan, and Haley Breen.

Inductees not at the event include Hannah O’Connor, Angela Barnes, Viridiana Balbontin, Jonah Bartle, Dylan Brown, Ashton Chambers, Ariana Hoevel, Madison Kossuth, Cynthia McCormick, Harper Rollins, Sofai Tilei, Noah Valkenaar, and Aleksa Vanbladel.

Licensed Practical Nursing students posing during pinning ceremony

Practical Nursing Program Maintains Perfect Pass Rate

October 8, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College’s Practical Nursing (PN) program in Rolla is celebrating another outstanding accomplishment: a perfect 100 percent pass rate on the Summer 2024 licensure exam.

All nine graduates not only passed the exam but also exceeded the state and national average pass rate, further enhancing ECC’s reputation for excellence in nursing education.

This year’s graduates are the second class to complete the PN program under ECC’s sponsorship, following the equally impressive performance of the 2023 cohort, who also achieved a 100 percent pass rate.

The licensure exam, known as the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), is a standardized test that all practical nursing graduates must pass to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). By earning this certification, graduates are qualified to enter the workforce as LPNs, where they can pursue higher wages and take on greater responsibilities in patient care.

“The success of the 2024 graduates is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and resilience throughout the program,” said Michelle Chick, Practical Nursing Program Director.

“Many of these students balanced demanding work schedules and family responsibilities while completing their studies, which is no small feat,” she added. “The nursing faculty and I are extremely proud of each graduate, and we are confident they will make significant contributions to both the nursing profession and the local community.”

Missouri’s average pass rate for first-time NCLEX-PN test takers in the first half of 2024 is 94.23 percent. Nationally, the year-to-date pass rate stands at 89.82 percent. ECC’s PN graduates not only surpassed these benchmarks but demonstrated exceptional readiness for their future roles as healthcare professionals.

The NCLEX-PN exam evaluates nursing knowledge and skills, ensuring that graduates are competent to provide safe and effective patient care in various healthcare settings. It also tests critical thinking and clinical judgment—skills that are essential for success in the nursing field.

The nine graduates from ECC’s 2024 PN program are:

Shelby Pogue
Alexandra Ferguson
Emma Politte
Cassidy Cunningham
Jessie Ball
Jessica Cook
Samantha Roman
Katelyn Schafer
Brandy Barnes

ECC’s Practical Nursing program is a three-semester, 11-month course that includes hands-on clinical experience. Graduates earn a certificate of completion and are then eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam.

Since taking over sponsorship of the program from the Rolla School District in October 2021, ECC has continued to expand and improve its nursing education offerings. This transition allowed the Rolla School District to concentrate on K-12 education, while ECC focused on enhancing the quality and accessibility of the PN program.

For more information about ECC’s Practical Nursing program, visit www.eastcentral.edu/allied-health/licensed-practical-nursing or contact Nancy Mitchell, Dean of Health Science, at Nancy.Mitchell@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6619.

Rolla nursing students in blue scrubs standing in front of a brick wall on Clinical Orientation Day.

ECC Rolla Nursing Students Begin Clinicals at St. James Veterans Home

October 6, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College Rolla’s first-year nursing students took a significant step in their healthcare journey during Clinical Orientation Day, held on Sept. 26.

Following this orientation, the students began their clinical rotations on Oct. 1, onsite at the St. James Veterans Home.

Wearing their professional uniforms, these students have officially started their hands-on training, a crucial component of ECC’s nursing program.

Clinicals, conducted at local healthcare facilities like the St. James Veterans Home, provide real-world experience that complements classroom learning and equips students with the skills needed for a successful nursing career.

As they dive into their first semester, these students will gain invaluable experience caring for veterans and applying their knowledge in a real-world setting.

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

Two girls using a baby doll to learn about caring for babies in a college nursing lab.

More than 600 Students Attend Free ECC’s Summer Learning Academy

September 15, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College’s Summer Learning Academy (SLA) welcomed 611 students this year in more than 100 classes in Union and Rolla.

There were 446 students participating in Union and 165 students in Rolla, resulting in 1,015 total enrollments across the service region.

SLA provides enriching, educational, and fun classes at no cost for children and teens ages 5-18. The academy ran from July 8 through Aug. 8.

A boy and girl practicing archery outdoors during a Summer Learning Academy Archery class.

A total of 718 seats were filled in Union, and 297 enrollments were in Rolla. Many students enrolled in more than one class, contributing to the total number of enrollments.

Here is what SLA students said about the classes:

“I enjoyed learning a new skill that I will definitely use in the future.”
“Entertaining and fun class. Very educational.”
“I had a wonderful time. Seeing the finished project was my favorite part.”
“I enjoyed the class. I liked using my creativity to my advantage. Being with my friends and getting to make many things was my favorite part of the class.”
“I love to crochet! Please offer this class again next year. You can’t make it better—it’s already perfect.”
“I met amazing people and really vibed with the teacher.”

More SLA Comments

Parents of the children who attended classes, like Patrick Pigeon, also expressed their appreciation for SLA.

“This is a great opportunity for our son to stay engaged and learn something new over the summer. Keep those classes coming,” he said.

Elaine Grover shared that her grandson thrived in the Colors Galore class and learned from the Internet Safety class.

“Excellent classes—my grandson had a great time and learned a lot in both classes,” she said. “The projects in Colors Galore were especially enjoyed, particularly the ‘stained glass’ project. He’s still talking about how to rate passwords from the Internet Safety class.”

Another parent expressed gratitude for the free, educational offerings.

“Our children have participated in the program for several years. It’s wonderful that they are exposed to a variety of subjects and classes that you wouldn’t find anywhere else,” she said. “I’d like to thank the taxpayers and sponsors. It’s really great that these classes are free—we need more of this!”

Pam Kaiser, program coordinator for the Center for Workforce Development, said the goal of the Summer Learning Academy is to offer a diverse range of enriching and engaging classes for the entire college service region.

“I love seeing the happy and enthusiastic faces of both students and parents. Year after year, I’m so proud of every class we offer,” Kaiser said. “It’s wonderful to have classes led by community members and our own ECC community.

“Many of these classes even provide a preview of the quality credit courses students can take in the future at ECC,” she added. “The instructors are incredible and passionate about what they teach—sometimes it’s hard to tell who’s having more fun, the students or the instructors!”

SLA Sponsors

SLA was free for participants this year thanks to the generosity of sponsors, including local Taco Bell restaurants and their parent company, W&M Restaurants; Rotary Clubs of Franklin County (Sullivan, Union, and Washington); local Jimmy John’s restaurants; and the ECC Foundation.

“It never ceases to amaze me how generous our sponsors are, allowing us to continue offering these classes at no cost to the youth in our ECC communities in Union and Rolla. It truly gives students an amazing experience,” Kaiser said.

Additional SLA sponsors include 3R RV Service Center, Bank of Washington, Bank of Franklin County, Brewer Science, Central Methodist University, Edward Jones — Andrew Clary, First State Community Bank, Mercy, Pepsi, Phelps County Bank, and Union Lions Club.

Pinning Ceremony held for Nine Practical Nursing Program Students

August 13, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Nine students were recognized during a pinning ceremony marking the completion of the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program at East Central College in Rolla.

The ceremony was held at the Hasselmann Alumni House Grand Hall at Missouri University of Science & Technology in Rolla. The pinning ceremony is a time-honored tradition in nursing programs, signifying the graduate’s initiation into the sisterhood and brotherhood of nurses.

Student hugging teacher during pinning ceremony

The nine graduates are Shelby Pogue, Alexandra Ferguson, Emma Politte, Cassidy Cunningham, Jessie Ball, Jessica Cook, Samantha Roman, Katelyn Schafer, and Brandy Barnes.

This is the second group of LPN students to complete the program at ECC, which took over sponsorship of the LPN program from Rolla Public Schools in August 2022.

Opening remarks were given by Michelle Chick, Practical Nursing Program Director, followed by a welcome from ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. Student remarks were provided by Katelyn Schafer.

ECC alumna Abby Blanc, RN, and Family Nurse Practitioner with Phelps Health, was the guest speaker. Chick and Jessica Fischer, Practical Nursing Clinical Coordinator, presented the pins to the students.

Alexandra Ferguson receiving Outstanding Practical Nursing Student award — **Alexandra Ferguson**

Jessica Cook receiving Phelps Health Clinical Excellence Award — **Jessica Cook**

The Practical Nursing Program Outstanding Nursing Student Award was presented to Alexandra Ferguson, and the Phelps Health Clinical Excellence Award was presented to Jessica Cook.

Student closing remarks were given by Cassidy Cunningham; and Christina Ayres, Director of ECC Rolla, concluded the program with her comments.

The original Practical Nursing program was established by Rolla Public Schools in 1967. Over 56 years, the program graduated over 1,250 students. The LPN program is an 11-month certificate program, spanning three semesters, and admits up to 20 students each fall semester. Upon graduation, students will take the licensure exam to become an LPN.