Leigh Kolb’s unwavering dedication to her students and her contributions to the academic community have earned her the prestigious 2023 Emerson Excellence in Teaching award.
Kolb has been an Associate Professor of English and Journalism at East Central College for the past 15 years, thriving as a full-time faculty member during that time; while positively impacting countless students with her passion for literature, film, and journalism.
Her commitment to the craft of writing, coupled with her genuine care for each student, distinguishes her as an outstanding educator.
“Leigh embodies the essence of excellence in teaching,” remarked one colleague. “Her ability to connect literature with current events fosters engagement and personal interest in class discussions, leaving a lasting impact on her students.”
The Excellence in Teaching Awards program, sponsored by Emerson, annually recognizes educators in the St. Louis metropolitan area who are examples of excellence in their field. Recipients are selected by administrators of their school districts or educational institutions, and they receive a glass apple from Emerson.
In addition to her excellence in teaching, Kolb’s committee work and professional accomplishments are exemplary. She has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing the student experience through assessment of both formal curriculum and co-curricular activities.
Kolb also spearheads the Film & Lecture Series, enriching communities through educational film screenings and scholarly discussions.
Additionally, Kolb continues to exercise her writing and critical thinking skills through contributions to pop culture and philosophy in magazines and books. Her recent work, “What Saves the World? Care and Ecofeminism,” is featured in the newly published book “Mad Max and Philosophy: Thinking Through the Wasteland.”
“Leigh is a passionate, dedicated, and effective teacher,” said one nominator. “She consistently creates an environment that encourages critical thinking and personal reflection, setting her students up for success both in and outside the classroom.”
The Emerson Excellence in Teaching award is a testament to Kolb’s commitment to academic excellence and student success.
Seven students from East Central College embarked on an enriching Arts and Humanities Spring Break experience in London, England.
Led by ECC Associate Professor of English, Leigh Kolb, and ECC Title III Program Coordinator, Carson Mowery, the group delved into a nine-day exploration of London’s cultural landmarks and artistic treasures. The group left for the trip on March 6 and returned March 15.
The students who went on the trip are: Sabren Mastin, Lauren Hoey, Max Johnson, Hallelujah Medlock, Nicole Pope, Elijah Long, and Shayne Harrington.
During their time abroad, the students visited iconic attractions such as Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, Tate Modern and Tate Britain galleries, the British Library, and the historic Tower of London.
They also had the opportunity to witness a production of “The Picture of Dorian Gray” in London’s esteemed West End theater district.
The students and their advisors ventured beyond the city limits to explore the picturesque landscapes of Canterbury and White Cliffs of Dover, adding a touch of natural beauty to their journey.
ECC Early College Academy alum Melaina Pellin, who is pursuing studies at Aberystwyth University in Wales, joined the London group and provided valuable insights and perspectives on life as a student abroad.
The London Spring Break experience has a rich history at East Central College, originally initiated by former ECC Art Professor Adam Watkins in 2008.
Over the years, the program has evolved to encompass a broader spectrum of disciplines, with Kolb assuming the role of co-advisor in 2016, welcoming English and Media Studies students to join Art students on this journey.
Mowery, who participated in the London trip as a student in 2018 and 2019, now serves as co-advisor alongside Kolb, continuing the tradition of offering this unique opportunity to students in the Arts and Humanities Pathway, the ECC Art Club or student publications.
The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, hosted by Neighbors United — Undoing Racism in conjunction with the ECC Film and Lecture Series, will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 21, at East Central College in Union. The free event will take place in the John Edson Anglin Performing Arts Center and is open to the public.
This year’s featured speaker is Kenneth W. Wheeler, a retired ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Wheeler is a sought-after preacher, public theologian, and writer. He serves as a guest lecturer on pastoral leadership in the 21st century at Wartburg Theological Seminary, where he received an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree.
Wheeler often delivers sermons for the National observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. Most of his writings, sermons, and lectures focus on faith, race, and social justice. He is a respected elder and mentor to young pastors and seminarians.
A native of Jackson, Miss., Wheeler earned a B.A. in Religion from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., and a Master of Divinity from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio.
The Rev. Eric Moeller of St. Peter’s UCC, Washington, will be performing original music as part of the program.
Neighbors United – Undoing Racism has been an active group in the Franklin County area, well-known for their Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations that bring together church and social groups to celebrate and work toward King’s legacy of equality and community. Church groups and individuals from across the area have joined forces to expand their reach and build relationships in the community. The Civic and Community Engagement Committee at East Central College co-hosts the event.
For more information, contact Aimee Appell (Neighbors United chairperson and pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Washington) at pastoraimee@gmail.com or Leigh Kellmann Kolb, Associate Professor of English, at leigh.kolb@eastcentral.edu.
East Central College English Instructor Leigh Kolb recently was recognized for her exceptional work in the classroom.
Kolb received the 2023 Harold Austin Good Teaching Award in the spring from the East Central chapter of the retired Missouri National Education Association (MNEA-R). George McKee, an MNEA-R member who taught Kolb when she was a high school student, presented her with the award.
Harold Austin, a founder of the East Central MNEA-R, served as an NEA Director from 1981 to 1984, and held the position of the second president of Missouri NEA from 1974 to 1975.
The award was presented during East Central MNEA-R meeting where members commented on Kolb’s well-deserved recognition. ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer also attended the meeting.
“There are very few teachers who can excel at the level of instruction Leigh provides while also staying active in both the college and community,” said one of the organization’s members.
Kolb previously received the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Governor’s Excellence in Teaching Award in 2014. Additionally, she was a finalist for the 2022 MCCA Excellence in Teaching Award last year.
“Leigh consistently creates an environment that encourages her students to think critically about both the texts they encounter and the world around them,” another MNEA-R member commented. “Her’s is a voice that always keeps in mind the bigger picture, focusing on what’s at stake for us as all as our current and future students.”
In 2016, while working toward a liberal studies degree at East Central College, Kjia Zuroweste had no idea that a few years later she’d be living and working more than 6,600 miles away.
But today, there is no place that Zuroweste would rather be than in Seoul, South Korea, her home for nearly two years.
Zuroweste graduated from ECC in 2017. She then earned a business administration degree in 2019 from Westminster College, in Fulton, Mo.
She is originally from New Haven and she is a graduate of Crosspoint Christian School, Villa Ridge.
Zuroweste explained that she had been interested in the culture and language of Korea for quite a while. When she was 20 years old, Zuroweste added, she challenged herself to learn seven languages by age 30.
“Why not start with Korean?” she asked.
Planning a Trip
A short time after she graduated from Westminster College, Zuroweste learned about a law school in Seoul. She already had been considering studying corporate law.
After learning about the school in 2019, Zuroweste and her mother embarked on a journey to visit the school in Seoul.
In the meantime, she needed work and began searching for an English as a Second Language (ESL) job, a position that would allow her to work in Korea.
Zuroweste met with a recruiter to help her locate and apply for ESL teaching opportunities in Korea, and she interviewed for an ESL position via Skype a short time before the trip to Korea with her mother.
“The moment I landed, I fell in love with the country,” she said. “I spent a few days on the east coast, which was absolutely beautiful, then I spent the rest of the time in Seoul.”
Zuroweste said she fell in love with nearly every aspect of Seoul and knew she wanted to live there.
“Between the history, the food, and the seemingly unlimited number of things to do, I knew it was the place for me,” she said.
As “fate” would have it, Seoul soon would be where she would live — the recruiter called Zuroweste while she was visiting Korea with her mother.
“I ended up receiving news that I got the job I interviewed for while on the subway back to my hostel and I was super excited to begin this new journey,” Zuroweste added.
Moving to Korea
In February 2020, she moved to the Gangnam district of Seoul to teach kindergarten students — just before COVID-19 became a worldwide pandemic, shuttering businesses and schools.
“I was supposed to start teaching in March but due to COVID, I didn’t start until May,” Zuroweste said. “We went through several shutdowns all year.”
Then, in February 2021 she moved to another academy where she taught mostly elementary and middle school students. The academy is in northern Seoul, right next to Bukhansan mountain.
Zuroweste rates her Korean language skills at an “intermediate level.”
“I can read, write and listen well, but I struggle with speaking,” she added. “Thankfully I have my friends and my boyfriend who are always willing to help.”
According to Zuroweste, it has been a challenge to be a foreigner during a worldwide pandemic and there have been many restrictions — curfews, QR code check-ins, and masks.
“Foreigners often get blamed for spreading the virus around Korea, so a lot of times we get told things like ‘go back to your country’ or ‘you don’t belong here,’” she said. “Overall, people tend to be kind.”
Zuroweste noted that there are many things she misses about America, but a lot of reasons why she prefers living in Korea.
“Super affordable healthcare, reliable public transit, and incredible food are some of the things that have made my life here really enjoyable,” she added.
Zuroweste said her boyfriend, Eddie Cheon, who is a competitive bodybuilder, and many friends were born in Korea.
“My friends that have been helpful to me with the language are also Korean nationals,” she commented.
Time at ECC
Zuroweste was very involved in the ECC community while she attended classes at the Union campus.
She was part of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society, and she was president of the Chi Delta Chapter from 2016-2017. She won a few awards for being involved in the organization, she said.
Zuroweste also performed on the stage of the John Edson Anglin Performing Arts Center. She was in Book of Days and Shrek the Musical. In addition, she worked backstage and served as an usher during Theatre productions.
For a brief period, Zuroweste said, she also was part of the ECC Student Government Association.
“I really enjoyed my time at ECC — I was given so many opportunities and some of the connections I made have lasted to this day,” she said. “I am thankful for my ECC experience and wouldn’t change a thing.”
What’s Next?
Although visiting a law school was what first took Zuroweste to Korea, she doesn’t plan to continue down that path, for now.
“I no longer plan to attend law school at this time,” she said. “Since Covid, many things have changed.”
Her career plans may have changed, but Zuroweste said she will stay in South Korea, adding that she’ll likely work a remote job next year while still living there.
From New Haven to Seoul, Zuroweste’s journey shows just how far — literally and figuratively —education, curiosity, and motivation can take someone.
She came to East Central College to play volleyball and use A+ Scholarship funds. She left East Central College with more than just a degree. She found a passion.
“East Central College provided me with countless opportunities to become a better learner,” said alumna Ginny Ward. “I became friends with dozens of international athletes who educated me on their home country and culture.”
The Walnut Shade native became more curious every day of the world around her. Growing up, she never connected with mathematics or science but was hungry for information. Even though she started college without much of an idea of what she wanted to do with her life, it quickly became apparent.
Finding a Path Forward
“During my freshman year, I enrolled in African American literature to fulfill my humanities requirement,” she explained. “That’s when I met Leigh Kolb, and I wouldn’t have even considered journalism if she hadn’t pointed me in the right direction.”
“It is important to show students how being open to new experiences and thinking critically about the world can transform their lives,” said Kolb. “Ginny is the type of student who leaps into every opportunity and has ambition to change the world by telling stories that matter. Journalism was a natural fit.”
Kolb invited Ward to get involved in the East Central College Student Newspaper on campus, The Cornerstone. That’s when she discovered her love for journalism, and she dove right in.
“Alongside the introductory journalism courses I took, I was able to apply critical thinking skills that my instructors had fostered in me at East Central College,” she said. “I learned to ask more questions and become more involved in class discussions.”
Aside from her coursework, newspaper assignments and volleyball practice, Ward kept searching for more opportunities to put her skills to work. She interned at a local news station and the college public relations department.
“By forming relationships with my professors, I was given unique opportunities to build my resume,” she said.
Moving on to Mizzou
Ward graduated from ECC in 2016 and transferred to the University of Missouri, where she was accepted into the prestigious journalism program. She is now working toward her bachelor’s degree, spending much of her time at the Columbia Missourian newspaper.
“Journalists wouldn’t exist without the communities they serve. I want to help make newsrooms more transparent by interacting with readers through social media and community events,” she explained.
She’s already making her mark in the field. Ward recently won first place in the Missourian Press Association awards in the Best News or Feature Obituary. Her touching story was about Brian Simpson, a beloved coach who tragically died in a car accident. Read the story.
Outside of her coursework, Ward stays busy volunteering. She has participated in several service trips to underserved areas of the United States. This November, she will get the chance to lead a service trip to the Women’s Intercultural Center in Anthony, New Mexico. The organization helps women learn English and attain technical skills, higher education or employment. Next semester, she will travel abroad and work at a data visualization internship in Brussels, Belgium.
Each year, fifteen individuals are selected as Outstanding Young Professionals by the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce, and we are proud to announce Leigh Kolb made the list in 2018!
“I’m in awe,” said the East Central College Assistant Professor of English and Journalism. “It is such an honor and privilege.”
The award is designed to recognize young professionals, ages 40 and younger, who make significant contributions to the Washington area, both in business and volunteer service. According to the Washington Chamber of Commerce, the selection committee received more nominations than ever before in the six-year history of the awards!
“The work Leigh Kolb does every day directly and positively impacts our region,” said Joel Doepker, East Central College Vice President of External Relations. “She is dedicated to bringing social justice and cultural education to the community.”
Aside from her dedication inside the classroom, Kolb spearheads the East Central College Film and Lecture Series and the East Central College Student Media Club, which organizes and staffs the student newspaper. She has also played a role in the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations on campus. In 2018, she is helping bring together Democrats and Republicans for a non-partisan candidate forum to be held on campus on September 20.
“She not only teaches but mentors those around her,” said Doepker. “She is highly praised not only by her students each year but also by other faculty and staff members at the college.”
Recipients of the Outstanding Young Professional Awards will be honored at the Chamber’s Member Luncheon on Monday, September 24.
Each year, the Missouri Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA) recognizes someone who has provided outstanding support to scholastic journalism with the Contributing Medium Award. East Central College is proud to announce the 2017 winner is English and Journalism Instructor Leigh Kolb!
In the nomination, MIPA vice-president Michelle Turner wrote: “Leigh Kolb has gone out of her way to assist MIPA and SchoolJournalism.org this school year. In the fall, when I approached her about MIPA’s desire to hold regional journalism workshops/summits, she was more than on board. She offered space, food and assistance with speakers.”
The inaugural journalism summit at East Central College was held in September 2016. It brought experts from the field to speak with students from ECC and Washington High School.
“My passions include not only talking about the importance of news and media literacy—and how becoming critical thinkers can transform our students’ lives—but also showing students that if they love examining the world around them and telling stories that matter, there are academic and career options they can and should pursue in the field of journalism and mass communications,” said Kolb.
One outlet for her passions has been SchoolJournalism.org, the go-to education site for students and teachers that provides hundreds of lesson plans and resources related to journalism, news literacy and civic education. Her recent article, New Year’s Resolution: Consume a Healthier News Diet, was well received by students and faculty alike across the country.
“She’s been an amazing friend of MIPA and SchoolJournalism.org,” said Turner. “Her generosity, kindness and willingness to network with us has greatly impressed me. She is someone who is more than deserving of this honor.”
“The power of journalism cannot be overstated,” said Kolb, “and young people who are interested in changing their world while using skills such as listening, research, critical analysis, writing, photography and film should consider going into journalism.”
