Tag: Lisa Hanneken

ECC Instructor Lisa Hanneken Shares Budgeting Expertise in WalletHub Feature

May 25, 2025 | Campus News

Business and Accounting Instructor Lisa Hanneken — Lisa Hanneken, Business and Accounting Instructor

Lisa Hanneken, Assistant Professor of Business and Accounting at East Central College, was recently featured in WalletHub’s article, “What Is a Budget?” In the piece, Hanneken offers insights into effective budgeting practices and the importance of financial planning.

Drawing from her extensive experience in accounting and business, Hanneken emphasizes the significance of creating a budget to manage finances effectively. She discusses strategies for allocating income, tracking expenses, and setting financial goals. Her advice aims to help individuals develop a clear understanding of their financial situation and make informed decisions.

Hanneken’s contribution to the article reflects her commitment to financial education and her role in preparing students for real-world financial challenges. Her insights are valuable for anyone looking to improve their budgeting skills and achieve financial stability.

To read the full article and gain more insights from Lisa Hanneken, visit WalletHub’s “What Is a Budget?” page.

For more information about East Central College’s Business and Accounting programs, visit www.eastcentral.edu/business-accounting

Accounting Grad Honored with 50th Stricklin Memorial Award

May 22, 2025 | Campus News

When Abrea Simmons was named the 2025 recipient of the Doyle Stricklin Memorial Award, she became part of a tradition that spans five decades—one built on academic excellence, high standards, and a lasting impact on students.

Simmons, of Union, was recognized during East Central College’s Student Achievement Night in April for her outstanding performance in accounting, professionalism, and dedication to her studies. Her achievement continues a tradition of excellence that defines one of ECC’s most meaningful academic honors.

This year’s award presentation marked a milestone: the 50th anniversary of the Stricklin Award. The moment was both a celebration of student success and a reflection on the legacy of the man behind it—Doyle Stricklin.

Stricklin taught accounting and business math at the then-East Central Junior College from 1973 until his untimely passing in 1976 at the age of 44. A native of Oklahoma, he held a degree in accounting from the University of Tulsa and an MBA from Southwest Missouri State College. Before joining the college, he worked as a certified public accountant and taught at the college level.

On campus, Stricklin quickly earned a reputation for setting high expectations, mentoring students, and helping them succeed. Under his guidance, ECJC students earned top finishes in regional competitions and discovered meaningful paths in the field of accounting.

Lisa Hanneken, Business and Accounting instructor, spoke about the significance of the award and praised Simmons during the ceremony.

“For 50 years, this award has recognized students who embody the same qualities that defined the man it honors—students who demonstrate academic excellence, campus involvement, leadership, and integrity,” Hanneken said.

“Abrea not only excels academically, but she also supports her peers, leads by example, and represents the very best of ECC in every setting.”

In addition to her academic accomplishments, Simmons was a student athlete, competing on ECC’s softball team with the same drive and discipline she brought to the classroom.

She also served as a Supplemental Instruction Leader, helping fellow students succeed. This fall, she will transfer to Lincoln University in Jefferson City to continue her accounting studies and compete as a Blue Tiger. She plans to pursue her CPA certification after completing her bachelor’s degree.

As East Central College marked 50 years of honoring Doyle Stricklin’s legacy, it also celebrated the future—one shaped by students like Abrea Simmons, who carry that legacy forward.

ECC Graduate Ranks in Global Business Simulation

July 19, 2023 | Campus News

East Central College Class of 2023 graduate Katie North was recognized for her success in an international business simulation that had her competing against students from colleges and universities across the globe.

North, St. Clair, graduated from ECC Summa Cum Laude in the spring with an Associate of Science in Accounting. She is returning to ECC this fall to earn an Associate of Science in Business.

During the Spring semester, North and her peers in a Business Capstone class participated in a simulation, in which each student becomes the person in charge of all business decisions for a globally active company and must make decisions about labor, funding, social responsibility and marketing.

According to Lisa Hanneken, ECC Business and Accounting programs coordinator, during the “Business Strategy Game” by GLO-BUS Software, Inc., students must determine the type of product to sell, the product marketing and its pricing, and many more factors, including how to sell the products, retail, wholesale or online.

ECC students are measured against other students in the simulation from colleges and universities throughout the world. Each student has the potential to rank among the top 100 companies of the week.

“Occasionally, we have a student who places in the rankings one, or maybe even twice a semester, but Katie did so six weeks in a row,” Hanneken said. “This means she competed against tens of thousands of other students globally from mostly four-year institutions.

“Essentially, all 50 states are represented numerous times, but also Canada, Germany, China, Japan, Italy, Argentina, Spain, the Netherlands — it’s a really big picture,” she added.

Invitational Simulation

Because North fared so well during the capstone class, she was named an “Industry Champion” by GLO-BUS Software, Inc., and she participated in an invitational with other students who also have exceptional business and accounting skills.

“I have really enjoyed being part of the original simulation and the invitational,” North said. “It was such a privilege to be invited to participate in the invitational alongside other industry winners from all over the world.”

She continued to show her business acumen throughout the invitational, where she placed fourth overall.

“I enjoy the challenge of matching wits with others in academic settings,” North said.

She added that the invitational was much faster paced than the original simulation and there was a deadline every weekday for two solid weeks.

“This simulation was a great way to cap off my academic journey at ECC,” North commented. “It required me to draw on what I had learned in a multitude of other classes, including Cost Accounting, Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, and Fundamentals of Management.

“Through the simulation, I learned several lessons about managing a business that are hard to teach in the classroom, making it a useful tool to simulate the decisions that a CEO must make in running a business in the corporate world,” she added.

ECC Accounting Award

North also was named ECC’s Doyle Stricklin Memorial Award recipient for Outstanding Performance in Accounting.

The Stricklin Award is given annually by ECC’s Accounting Program. North was presented the award by Tanner French, Business and Accounting programs instructor.

“I have had the privilege of having Katie in several classes during her time at ECC and she has been an awesome student,” French said. “When Katie is in a class you definitely notice, she is like a force of nature, it doesn’t matter what is on a test or assignment – nothing slows her down much.”

He added that North is organized and the “paragon of professionalism.”

“I’ve also noticed that Katie is virtuous and caring, and she’s been an absolute joy to have in class,” French said. “Wherever her life takes her next, I am confident that not only will Katie do well, but that wherever it is she lands, they are not ready for the force of nature that is about to walk through that door.”

ECC Experience

North said she received tremendous support from her business and accounting instructors, Hanneken and French, over the past two years at ECC.

“I have had an incredible experience at ECC, primarily due to the amazing professors,” she said. “My accounting and business professors were incredibly supportive and always available to answer questions.

“They made sure that all of their students understood the concepts of the class and they got to know me on a personal level,” North added. “I always looked forward to being in their classes each semester, and I’m thankful for everything they taught me over the past two years. I can confidently say that they made a positive impact on my college experience.”

North noted that she is spending the summer working part-time at a local company, and volunteering more than 50 hours a month as a Jehovah’s Witness.

ECC Instructors Earn Inaugural Means Innovation Award

June 9, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

The team of Accounting and Business instructors at East Central College piloted a course delivery method that removes barriers for their students and allows them to choose how they learn.

The HyFlex delivery model earned Lisa Hanneken and Tanner French the inaugural Donald R. and Barbara D. Means Faculty Innovation Award for their use of technology and flexibility to improve education at ECC.

This method, fully implemented in the two programs in the 2022-23 academic year, gives students three options to learn — in person, remotely via live video stream at the regular class time, or online watching recorded video when it is convenient to them, also called “asynchronously.”

Students can use any combination of class deliveries at any time — that means they can attend any class in person, attend any class remotely during class time, or attend any online outside the normal class time.

Hanneken, who also serves as the director of the programs, and French have been developing and practicing the HyFlex model before fully implemented it into their curriculum this past academic year, according to Dr. Robyn Walter, vice president of academic affairs.

“The development and pilot of the HyFlex model demonstrates innovation and flexibility in the true spirit of meeting students where they are in their educational and personal life journey,” Walter said.

Hanneken added that the HyFlex removes barriers for learners with nontraditional schedules. The goal is to serve both traditional daytime students and students who typically have full-time jobs during the day.

“Originally, we had a general idea of a ‘multi-mode’ course but quickly learned through research that other colleges were also struggling with this problem and that some four-year schools were adopting a HyFlex option,” she said. “Gathering additional information about the various methods used, we came up with something we thought would be the best fit for ECC students.”

That led the instructors to pilot the delivery method during accounting and business courses during the 2022-23 academic year.

“The students loved this option, and many would not yet have graduated if the option was not available,” Hanneken said. “Also, the pilot program showed increased enrollment, retention and success rates.”

She added that students already have benefited from the new course delivery method.

“Personally, I found the HyFlex pilot program extremely helpful,” one student said. “It enabled me to better balance my daily schedule with my classes. It came in handy when I was going to be out of town and was able to just do the videos later instead of missing the meetings.”

Means Innovation Award

Walter explained that the Donald R. and Barbara D. Means Faculty Innovation Award recognizes faculty who improve the quality of education at ECC.

Donald Means, with the support of Barbara Means, was a charter trustee, and his service goes back even further when he and others worked diligently to bring the college into existence in the 1960s. Donald Means was an ECC charter trustee and served 24 years as an ECC Trustee from 1968 to 1992. He was Board secretary from 1968 until 1984, and then served four years as president of the board.

“The Means family values higher education, student achievement, and are true partners in this process. I am grateful for their generosity,” Walter added.

The ECC Faculty Development Committee evaluates Means Faculty Innovation Award nominees and makes a recommendation to the vice president of academic affairs.

The committee examines the creativity of the innovation, impact on the quality of teaching and learning at ECC, transferability and potential for adoption in other courses, the ability of the innovation to engage more students in the learning process, and the impact it has on learning and on the student experience.

Hanneken said the Means Faculty Innovation Award was unexpected.

“We were simply doing what makes sense to ensure our students are able to acquire the best education possible, without negatively impacting the other aspects of their lives such as work and family responsibilities,” she said.

“The Means family has been very generous in providing this award to ECC in order to promote innovation for our students,” Hanneken added. “It will be exciting to see what new and creative things this award brings to ECC.”

ECC’s NEA Chapter Recognizes 55 High School Teachers

May 18, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

There were 55 high school teachers from the region recently recognized for the positive influence they have had on East Central College students, and their dedication to teaching.

The educators were presented Inspirer of Excellence Awards on May 10 by the East Central College chapter of the National Education Association (NEA). ECC students nominated their former high school teachers who made an impact in their lives or played a role in their educational journey.

ECC Faculty members Jenifer Goodson, EMS Program Director; Lisa Hanneken, instructor and coordinator of the business and accounting programs; and Tanner French, accounting and business instructor, were co-chairs of the Inspirer of Excellence Teacher Recognition Award Ceremony held in the John Edson Anglin Performing Arts Center.

In the nominations, students wrote about their former teachers, and why they should be Inspirers of Excellence.

“The responses we received demonstrate the ways in which these educators inspire excellence in their students, by going above and beyond to provide, not only an education to their students, but also guidance, understanding and mentoring,” Goodson said during the ceremony. “They have laid the foundation for their students to excel in their education, and in their lives.

“Thank you to all the educators receiving this award for your dedication, time and commitment,” she added.

Listed below are the names of each Inspirer of Excellence Award winner under the high school where they teach now, or taught, when they inspired the ECC students who nominated them. Following the teachers’ names are the subjects that they teach and the names of the student, or students, who nominated them.

Pacific High School

Clint Anderson, Government, Jonni Sever

Sunshine Anderson, Math, Olivia Hoven

Sullivan High School

Jordan Flora, Physical Education, Hannah Campbell

Chuck Moore, Music Director, Emilee Roach

Cuba High School

Chris Case, Speech/Drama, Mackenzie White

Timothy Duarte, Social Studies, Shaylee Roussin

St. James High School

Dustin Felan, Fine Arts (Choir), Colby Sanders

Kirby Moreland, Math, Jacob Jones

Salem High School

Martin Gray, Math, Alicyn Warden

Rob Wofford, English, Brooklyn Stenhoff

Hermann High School

Dan Bader, Social Studies, Tim Martens & Lori Anderson

Ben Sachs, Band, Reyna McDaris

Washington High School

Kim Blankenship, Physical Education, Ava Kelly

Ryan Brennan, Spanish, Carly Hamlyn

Meghan Brueggemann, Orchestra, Zachary Hoffman

Allison Chaney, Social Studies, Aaron Flynn

Karen Fixsal, Family & Consumer Science, Maddie Frankenberg

Tim Rinne, Retired History, Kaitlyn Williams

St. Clair High School

Kaylin Buckingham, English, Eliza Sohn

Sarah Dierker, Business, Brooklyn Hyatt

Ben Martin, Science, Jaden Bursey & Maggie Hopkins

Robert Prichard, History, Seth Turman

St. Francis Borgia High School

Jon Noelker, Physics, Earth & Space Science, Annika Brunner

Union High School

Melissa Bestgen, English/Speech, Jayden Rybak, Briseyda Ballou, Rylie Brown & Joanna Hoskins

Danielle Blair, Agriculture/FFA, Shaley Parmentier

Brandi Gremaud, Science, Kaitlyn Donovan

Sarah Hurt, Biology, Mack Reeves

Jim Kapusiak, Art, Erica Hertel

Bill Koch, Engineering/Physics, Christian Masawi

David North, Choir, Chae Keeney

Danika Novak, English, Nick Moore & Sakura Shortal

Jennifer Schwentker, English, Artimiss Jansson

Michael Underberg, History, Augast Haddad & Kelsey Brake

Dennis Wilson, Art, Whitney Griffin

Rolla High School

Jamie Cantrell, Family & Consumer Science, Gage Klossner & Lizzy Patton

Jeremy Haberman, Business Education, Ariyanna Ross

Emily Mullen, French, Grace Gorman

Laurie Myers, Art, Jonathan Reade

Keith Peterson, Science, Theresa Skaggs & Isaiah Parker

Nick Zink, Physical Science, Kiya Hatley

Warrenton HS

Michael Shaw, Science, Ryah Cullom

Thomas Speers, Band, Kalie Mullings

New Haven High School

Mandy Koch, Band & Foreign Language, Emily Delgado

Bourbon High School

Emily Edens, Civic, Jackson Rosen

Rolla Technical Institute/Center

Carmel Dare, Culinary Arts, Richard Lawing

Ruth Diaz, Early Childhood, Ashley Wood

Ft. Zumwalt South

Suzanne Hembrough, Human Anatomy & Physiology, Ashley Labanca

Kingston High School

Matthew Falch, Band/Choir, Kayla Yoesting

Nichols Career Center

Amber Moore, Culinary Arts, Jesse Averion

Owensville High School

Tyler Ahring, Business, Hayden Loeb

Lucas Gehlert, Social Studies, Michael Miles

Kayla Pyle, English, Caitlyn Linders

Adrienne Gonzalez, Theatre, Shelby Koepke

Four Rivers Career Center

Cinthia Edler, Health Occupations, Maddie Brown

Rockwood School District

Andrew Litschgi, Language Arts, Joey Reichmuth & Jamie Cantrell

ECC Instructor Interviewed about Car Insurance

April 13, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Lisa Hanneken, coordinator and assistant professor of the business and accounting programs at East Central College, recently was featured in the “Ask the Experts” section of a WalletHub.com article focusing on car insurance in Missouri.

In the article, WalletHub stated that the best insurance companies in Missouri have high customer satisfaction, streamlined claims processing and helpful policy management tools. WalletHub rated insurance companies based on user ratings on the WalletHub site.

Hanneken was asked in the interview why car insurance laws are different from state to state.

“The main reason the law and regulations tend to differ is that typically each state has its own regulatory agency,” she answered. “This means each state will oversee the insurance industry for their state and may be involved in the legal process of lawmaking or regulatory rules.”

Hanneken also was asked to list the most important things to look for when shopping for car insurance.

“As someone who has previously worked in the insurance industry, it is one area I carefully research and check into the details because I have seen people who were totally blindsided after a claim,” she said. “Everyone needs to spend the time to ensure they understand what coverage may be required by law, as well as what the policy they are considering really covers to avoid surprises later.”

Hanneken also provided factors to consider when looking for car insurance. To read those factors and the full article, visit here. https://wallethub.com/car-insurance/missouri#lisa_hanneken

ECC NEA Honors Inspiring Local Teachers

May 17, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Eleven high school teachers from this area were honored last week by the East Central College chapter of the National Education Association (NEA) for the positive influence that have on their students, and dedication to teaching.

ECC Faculty members Jenifer Goodson, EMS Program Director; and Lisa Hanneken, assistant professor of accounting and business, were co-chairs of the “Inspirer of Excellence” Teacher Recognition Award Ceremony.

“You, as our community partners, are not thanked or recognized enough for your role in our mission which is, ‘Empowering students and enriching communities through education,’ ” Goodson said.

“So, thank you. Thank you for everyday meeting students where they are and taking them to where they need to be,” she added. “Thank you for continuing to entrust your students to us. Every day we will work to earn that trust and help students take those next steps.”

ECC students were asked to nominate former teachers. This year, there were 11 teachers selected.

Melissa Bestgen — Union High School English/Speech, Emma Thomas and Shawna Mohrlock.

Christy Clark — formerly at Washington High School, Choir, Andrew Utz.

Ruth Diaz — Rolla High School, ECC, Rolla Technical Center and Rolla Early Childhood; Child Development, Jessica Richardson and Janessa Metzen.

Emily Edens — Bourbon High School, History, Alexis Ham.

Donna Hinson — Owensville High School, Owensville Gasconade County R2, Math, Emily Copeland and Stephani Elliott.

Jaime Hoener — New Haven High School, Math, Miranda Durbin.

Todd Nicks — Steelville High School, Choir, Lauren Freeman.

Robert Prichard — St. Clair High School R-XIII, Social Studies, Scholar Bowl sponsor, Model UN team sponsor, Kierra Miller.

James Rinehart — Rolla High School, Rolla School District, History, Janessa Metzen.

Rachel Stahl — retired Washington High School, AP English, Creative Writing, Ella Barton.

Katherine (Katie) Wayne — Pacific High School, English, Madeline Stinnett.

Awards Established

Goodson noted that Susan Henderson was instrumental in establishing the ECC-NRA in 2016. Henderson served as ECC-NEA president for two years, vice president for three years, as well as being a role model and mentor to faculty.

During her time in the ECC-NEA, the origination established the Inspirers of Excellence Awards.

“Sue’s idea came from the inspiration she received from one of her former teachers, ‘Mrs. Good.’ “Goodson said.

“Mrs. Good taught with joy and humor and Sue has stated, ‘I wanted to become a teacher like her.’ “

Dietrich Presented ECC Accounting Award

June 1, 2021 | Campus News

East Central College graduate Amber Dietrich is the recipient of the Doyle Stricklin Award for Outstanding Performance in Accounting.

Dietrich graduated in December 2020 with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting.

The Stricklin Award is given annually by ECC’s Accounting Program. Dietrich was presented the award by Lisa Hanneken, accounting/business instructor.

“In reviewing her academic performance, as well as all her other accomplishments here at ECC, it is obvious Amber is truly deserving of this award,” Hanneken said.

In addition to being an enthusiastic and inspiring participant in the classroom, Hanneken said, Dietrich was president of ECC’s Phi Theta Kappa Chi Delta Chapter Honor Society and recipient of the honor society’s Distinguished Chapter Member Award.

She also was an ECC student ambassador who volunteered for numerous events such as ECC Beautification Days, Adopt-A-Highway cleanups, All Abilities events, and the Relay for Life fundraiser.

“Congratulations Amber, we look forward to seeing the great things you will do with your degree,” Hanneken said.

ECC Instructor Interviewed about Charities

November 30, 2020 | Campus News

East Central College business and accounting instructor Lisa Hanneken was recently featured in a WalletHub.com article focusing on the “Most Charitable States in 2021.”

According to the article, Missouri lands No. 24 on the list of the most philanthropic states.

Hanneken was asked in the interview what the biggest challenges charities could face in the current economic environment, and how to choose a charity when donating.

“My advice has always been to give to a charity that supports a cause you are passionate about, regardless of what others may think,” she said,

“However, you should ensure that the charity you choose does what it says it does, and that there are no hidden agendas, fraud or scam involved,” Hanneken added. “As with anything involving money these days, you should be cautious and do your homework.”

Hanneken also was asked about measures local authorities can take to raise awareness about COVID-19 charity scams, and what percentage of income households should donate to charity.

To read Hanneken’s answers to these questions and more, visit here.

The East Central College seal with the words: board of trustees meeting below it

Retirement & School District Partnerships Approved

December 10, 2015 | Campus News

Board members approved a number of personnel matters at the December 7 meeting.

Trustees accepted the retirement of Jean McCann, current vice president of instruction.

McCann will retire on June 30, 2016, after 24 years with the college. In 1992 she was hired as a full-time instructor in the math department. Since August of 2000, she has served as ECC’s chief academic officer.

McCann has been an educator for more than 30 years. Prior to joining the faculty at East Central, she was a full-time math instructor at Harris-Stowe State University. She was also an adjunct instructor at Jefferson College and Washington University.

She received a bachelor’s degree in math from Webster University and went on to Saint Louis University where she earned a Master of Arts degree in math.

“Jean has devoted immeasurable time and energy to East Central College,” stated College President Jon Bauer. “First as a faculty member, and for the past 15 years as an administrator, she has worked to make the institution the best it can be. We wish to thank Jean for her service to the college and wish her well in retirement.”

Plans for a search process will begin immediately, with a goal of having a new chief academic officer on board by July 1.

Trustees approved the hiring of Lisa Hanneken as an accounting/business instructor for the upcoming spring semester. Hanneken earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Webster University and a master’s degree in business with an accounting emphasis from Maryville University.

Since 2001 Hanneken has been employed as a utility regulatory auditor at the Missouri Public Service Commission. Prior to that she worked at Bucklick Creek, Inc. and was a summer auditing intern at the Internal Revenue Service in 2000.

Board members approved requests for unpaid leave for three faculty members: Laura Roselli for the 2016 spring semester; Jessica VanLeer from January 24 through March 17, 2016; and Russell Henderson from November 30 through December 15, 2015.

Partnership Agreements with Area School Districts Approved

East Central College trustees approved the renewal of a consortium agreement with the School District of Washington which will cover the arrangements for program delivery, cost-sharing, and other terms necessary for the delivery of coursework and cooperative joint programming. Renewal of the agreement was approved by the Washington school board in November.

ECC and the school district have partnered for many years to offer joint programming for both secondary and post-secondary students at Four Rivers Career Center. The partnership has given many students access to certificate and degree options in automotive technology, building construction, precision machining (machine tool), and welding.

Board members also gave approval to the development of a joint program in Early Childhood Education with the Rolla School District. In November the Rolla school board approved the programming and the desire to move forward with the application to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The program will provide a pathway for high school seniors to participate in dual credit coursework. Participating students would be able to acquire both college credit and the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential while completing high school.

ECC will be able to offer coursework at Rolla Technical Center for traditional college students utilizing shared faculty.

Jean McCann, vice president of instruction at ECC, noted that college staff and officials with the Rolla School District will begin the process of developing a partnership agreement. “We will model this after the early childhood education program put in place last year with the School District of Washington,” McCann said. “That program has been very successful.”

Preliminary plans outline morning and afternoon sessions with 22 slots for students from ECC and RTC’s sending schools.

Audit

East Central College has again received a clean opinion on the annual audit of the financial statements for the year that ended June 30, 2015.

The audit was conducted by the firm of KPM, CPAs of Springfield, Mo., which gave the college an “unqualified opinion.” The financial statements of the ECC Foundation, which is considered a component unit of the college, were also audited for the year that ended December 31, 2014. The foundation also received an unqualified opinion.

“We are very pleased to once again receive an unqualified “clean” opinion on the audit that showed no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses,” said college president Jon Bauer.

The college has total assets of almost $55 million, down more than $534,000 from last year. Property and equipment constitute $40 million of the total. Total liabilities were down $2 million for the year and now total $33.1 million.

More than $12.9 million in federal monies passed through the college throughout the year, the majority in the form of Pell and SEOG grants, work-study, and federal student loans.