Tag: ECC-Rolla

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

The Love of Teaching Takes No Summer Break

July 19, 2021 | Campus News

The summer months for many students and educators is an opportunity to vacation, decompress or regroup.

But, for some East Central College instructors, it can be an opportunity to continue to do what they love — teach.

That includes Keith Pulles, biology instructor, who teaches the eight-week summer session classes every year.

“I have taught summer courses for seven consecutive years and it’s such a great option,” he said. “I’m glad we offer these classes for our students.”

These classes are slightly different than fall or spring courses. Whether online or in-person, summer courses are accelerated versions of their school-year counterparts.

“We do the same lab in about the same order, the same lectures and same types of activities. I don’t teach the class any differently other than faster,” explained Dr. Beth Winters-Rozema, who also is a biology instructor.

ECC Teachers have noticed their students have no trouble keeping up with the accelerated pace.

“I have just as many if not more successful students in the summer than in other semesters. Even though it’s compacted into eight weeks, they still do well,” biology professor Tracy Mowery clarified.

Pulles noted that test scores in his summer classes are comparable to scores during the rest of the year.

Dr. Winters-Rozema also stated having students who are successful regardless of the shortened time period.

“There are somethings students do better because of the increased pace. They can tie concepts together easier because what they learned wasn’t as long ago,” explained Dr. Winters-Rozema.

Students understand that taking a summer class means midterms and finals come up faster and they don’t have quite as much time to study in between tests, but it doesn’t seem to faze them.

“I don’t find it more difficult to focus on classwork in the summer-time. I can still have fun on the weekends and concentrate on school during the week,” said ECC student Dustin Lindsay. “You can’t procrastinate in the summer, so you have to be better about managing your time. Overall, though, it’s not hard.”

Many instructors at ECC enjoy teaching so much that they don’t mind working during the summers they would otherwise have off. Their love for teaching leads them to continuing in the summer.

“I like having the option to take a summer off, but I never want to. I have only taken off one summer in the last 13 years so I must enjoy it!” said Mowery. “Teaching is always different. While the content might not change much in science, your students are always changing which makes class different every semester which I like.”

Pulles enjoys the connections he makes with students and wouldn’t want to go three months without.

“It’s nice interacting with students and I would miss those interactions if I didn’t teach in the summer,” he explained.

Rolla PTK Chapter Project, Advisor Recognized

June 24, 2021 | Campus News ECC Rolla

The Rolla Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter, Beta Omicron Phi, recently was recognized by the state organization with awards presented annually to the honor societies.

The Rolla chapter received an Honors in Action Distinguished Theme Award, one of three awarded in the state. Honors in Action projects involve scholarly research that leads to a service project for the community.

PTK chapters take part in projects to benefit their community or campus, and then file a report with their state or regional PTL organization. The projects are then judged by the PTK headquarters staff.

On June 14, PTK Missouri Regional Coordinators Jo and Steve Fritts presented the 2021 Missouri Regional Awards hardware to the award recipients in the Beta Omicron Phi Chapter.

In addition to the Distinguished Theme Award, Beta Omicron Phi Chapter Advisor Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema was the recipient of the Distinguished Advisor Award.

Advisors with four or more years of service are eligible for this award, which they can only receive one time.

Distinguished Theme Award

The Rolla chapter submitted under the theme Perceptions of Progress. The chapter’s project was titled “Pandemic’s Impact on Rural Area.”

The PTK members compiled national research on the impact of this virus on people experiencing homelessness.

According to the project summary, the chapter determined that disadvantaged people in the Rolla community are significantly impacted by COVID-19.

The project earned the chapter a PTK Honors in Action grant to directly help people experiencing homelessness and inspire future generations to serve the community.

PTK membership is by invitation only. Students must have a 3.4 GPA as a full-time student for a semester to join PTK. Once they are inducted into the honor society, students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.2.

Membership is open to all majors throughout the college, including anyone working toward a degree or certificate.

Outstanding Student Award Presented to Nursing Graduate

May 19, 2021 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College recognized a leader and compassionate nursing graduate with the 2021 Outstanding Student Award.

Rolla nursing program graduate Summer Thorp-Lancaster received this year’s award, which is voted on by ECC employees.

Each year, the Outstanding Student Award winner is presented with a plaque at graduation and given a $100 award. Thorp-Lancaster was recognized May 15 during a commencement ceremony held in the Donald Shook Student Center.

To be considered for the honor, an ECC student must have maintained a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. In addition to academic achievements, participation in campus and community activities is also considered.

Thorp-Lancaster

Thorp-Lancaster is a nursing student with a GPA of 3.66 and she is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She is a recipient of a Missouri League for Nursing Scholarship and a Phelps Health Scholarship.

She received nine separate nominations for 2021 Outstanding Student Award.

ECC Rolla nursing instructor Courtney Brandt MSN, RN, said Thorp-Lancaster is a leader among her peers. She served as the student nurse organization president during the last academic year.

“In this role she has organized fundraisers and service projects,” said Brandt. “She is the go-to when you need a volunteer, she organizes class events and is always supportive of her classmates.”

“Summer excels in the classroom. She is inquisitive and excited to learn new information,” she added.

“Her priority is to make sure she is well prepared to be a successful nurse. In the clinical setting she has demonstrated that she will be a skilled, knowledgeable and compassionate nurse. She quickly builds relationships with her patients and is a great patient advocate.”

Another of Thorp-Lancaster’s instructors, Julie Chirban, MSN, RN, agreed that the award recipient is kind, compassionate and helpful to other students.

“She will go out of her way to help a fellow student with coming early or staying late after class to go over things,” Chirban said.

Before attending ECC, Thorp-Lancaster started a local nonprofit called WomanSpace that provided space for small-business events, as well as meeting space and a sense of community. She is highly respected among friends who practice and seek alternative health care and natural food options, and she worked as a doula for several years.

Thorp-Lancaster has volunteered for several limited-time opportunities in her Phi Theta Kappa chapter, including filming a promotional video targeting nontraditional students and why ECC is the right fit for those students.

She served a short term as the Rolla PTK public relations secretary during the end of 2020 Spring semester before classes went all online. Thorp-Lancaster has been available on short notice multiple times to read parts of an induction ceremony, run to the store for supplies and other small but vital tasks that keep the PTK chapter functioning.

She also was awarded the Outstanding Student in Human Anatomy & Physiology at the Rolla Student Awards ceremony in 2019.

Jennifer Harrell

The 2020 Outstanding Student Award was presented to graduate Jennifer Harrell on May 15.

Harrell, who is now attending classes at Missouri S&T, Rolla, was recognized by ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer and the college in June 2020, however, there was not a graduation ceremony where she could be officially honored.

Harrell was the PTK vice president of public relations in 2019-20 and she served as an ECC Student Ambassador from March 2019 to May 2020.

In April 2020, Harrell was named a winner of the 2020 Scott Wright Student Essay Contest from the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD).

ECC to Offer Summer Learning Academy at No Cost

April 27, 2021 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College will once again hold its Summer Learning Academy (SLA) and this year there is no cost to participate.

The academy, facilitated by the ECC Community Education division, will provide a unique, fun experience for area youth on the Union campus or the ECC Rolla site this summer. This is the first year there will be classes offered in Rolla.

There are a variety of classes geared toward children ages five to 16 including, archery, science rocks, robotics and computer programming, soil science, nursing, junior welding, theatre, cheerleading and more.

To sign up or see a class schedule, visit Summer Learning Academy.

SLA classes are designed with curiosity and creativity in mind — letting students develop talents and encourage exploration and personal growth.

“We have the opportunity to offer these classes at no cost to families to enrich children within the communities we serve,” said ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. “Any chance we have to provide a service like this to our community fits well with our mission.”

Students or parents will be asked to prioritize their interests while registering. After registering for three courses, they will be placed on a waiting list if they choose to sign up for a fourth course. Participants can register for a maximum of four classes.

For more information, people may email Pam.Kaiser@eastcentral.edu or call 636-649-5803.

Four Students Inducted in Rolla PTK Chapter

March 17, 2021 | Campus News ECC Rolla

There were four members inducted into the Beta Omicron Phi chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society Saturday, March 6.

PTK is an 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.

To be eligible for induction, students must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.4 for one semester and maintain a 3.2 GPA after their induction. Students can be pursuing any major, degree or certificate.

The inductees are Lauren Callison, Vienna; Mason Parks, St. James; Courtney Kelley, Rolla; and Hannah Kitson, Waynesville.

PTK Rolla advisor, Dr. Beth Winters-Rozema said Callison and Mason joined the PTK late last semester and took part in the March 6 induction ceremony.

The keynote speaker for the induction was Nikohl Watson-Lowe, PTK regional vice president for Missouri and vice president of communications for the Alpha Psi Tau chapter at Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC).

Watson-Lowe is a full-time student at OTC, who has just completed an Associates in Bioclinical Science degree. Watson-Lowe is currently working on an Associates in Automotive Technology.

PTK Chapters Recognized for Membership Rates

March 9, 2021 | Campus News ECC Rolla

The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) international honor society chapters at East Central College in Union and Rolla have been recognized for membership rates.

That’s according to Sarah Murphy, president of the PTK Chi Delta Chapter, Union, who said the chapters have been named to the REACH Rewards program for 2021.

“We have gotten a high percentage of member acceptance — even during a pandemic,” Murphy said.

REACH Rewards recognizes Phi Theta Kappa chapters that achieve or exceed a 15 percent membership acceptance rate. The Chi Delta Chapter has 20.8 percent acceptance rate.

The Beta Omicron Phi Chapter, located at ECC-Rolla, also has been named to the REACH Rewards program. Both chapters have been part of the program for multiple years.

“We have been a Reach chapter for every year the program has existed,” Murphy said, “and Beta Omicron Phi in Rolla has consistently been a REACH chapter.”

The Beta Omicron Phi Chapter has 24.7 percent acceptance rate.

“We had amazing participation from the moment we went virtual through the end of 2020.,” said Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema, Beta Omicron Phi advisor. “We had more members join during the virtual portion of 2020 than we’d had for years.”

The 2021 REACH Chapters will be rewarded with free graduation stoles for their members.

PTK is the international honor society for two-year colleges. As a member of PTK, students will pursue the society’s hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Fellowship.

Students must have at least a 3.4 GPA and be a full-time student for one semester to be invited into PTK. After being inducted, students must maintain a 3.2 GPA.

Membership is open to students pursuing a degree or certificate, no matter the major.

Rolla Nursing Student Receives Scholarship

March 4, 2021 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College-Rolla Nursing student, Summer Thorp-Lancaster is the recipient of a $1,000 Missouri League for Nursing (MLN) scholarship.

She will be recognized at the eighth annual MLN Student Nurse Virtual Convention in April.

Laura McDonald, ECC Rolla Nursing Program coordinator, said Thorp-Lancaster, who anticipates graduating in May, is an excellent student.

“She has life experiences that have guided her to where she is today, and she is thoroughly eager and excited to give back and work as a registered nurse,” McDonald said.

She added that Thorp-Lancaster is mature, very intelligent, dedicated to her success and she represents a “symbol of excellence as a student nurse.”

“Her outlook is always to do what is best for the patient with much thought and consideration during patient care,” McDonald commented.

“She will be an awesome patient advocate and I am so excited to see where her future takes her.”

According to McDonald, Thorp-Lancaster is very deserving of the MLN scholarship.

“She encompasses quality patient care, being a valuable team player on the healthcare team, and making sound judgements,” she said. “She has juggled personal setbacks throughout nursing school while still meeting program expectations and doing well overall.

“The scholarship will definitely help offset some of her setbacks, while allowing her to continue to achieve her goal and reach the finish line of graduation in May.”

ECC-Rolla Helps Students Prepare for Success

November 9, 2020 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College in Rolla is committed to providing students with ample resources to succeed. One resource in particular are the Student Success Sessions.

Created and led by Jessica Robart, Student Success Coordinator at ECC Rolla, the 30-minute workshops offer varying topic, ranging from logging into and navigating Canvas, to being successful in online classes, and creating study groups.

In addition to Robart, the sessions are by led qualified tutors Susan Donaldson and Kirby Moreland.

“When students attend success sessions, they are very engaged,” Robart said.

“These workshops give students a chance to network with other students they don’t know or with faculty members. It’s great to build those relationships.”

The tips students learn in these sessions not only help them in their coursework, but also in future careers.

“We do career exploration as well,” Robart said. “Sometimes we will have someone from Missouri Career Centers come and do different types of career assessments with the students.”

She noted that students learn interview skills, resume writing sessions to help them write a resume or look over their resumes.

“We try to offer a wide variety of options for our students,” she added.

The Student Success Sessions also cover specific topics that faculty members recommend. Robart visits each class at least once at the beginning of the year to let students know about the services that the Success Center provides.

Robart explained that faculty sometimes offer students extra credit for attending the sessions.

“That collaboration between faculty and staff has been so helpful,” she added.

Workshops take place at Rolla Technical Center Room 139 from 10-10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. The sessions will continue until the Thanksgiving break.

For more information on Student Success Sessions, or tutoring at the Rolla locations, visit www.eastcentral.edu/rolla/ or contact Robart at Jessica.Robart@EastCentral.edu.