Tag: Missouri Community College Association

#InspiringExcellence – Mike Palazzola Wins Statewide Faculty Innovation Award

September 19, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Learning by doing. It’s the approach East Central College Culinary Arts Instructor Mike Palazzola uses with students every day.

“We recognized there was something missing from our culinary classrooms,” Palazzola said, “We needed real life experiences in real time.”

The award-winning chef, along with former culinary instructor Ted Hirschi, came up with a solution – The Restaurant at Prairie Dell. Managed by the East Central College Culinary Arts Program, the limited-run restaurant gives students hands-on experience at running an establishment of their own.

“Students are responsible for scheduling, production, staff management and the handling of revenue,” Palazzola explained. “It is a great opportunity for them to learn processes and standards they will encounter in the hospitality industry.”

“The restaurant has been extremely popular not only with our staff but in the community,” said Jay Scherder, Director of Public Relations. “You get excellent service, gourmet food and a small bill. At the same time, we are providing a unique, educational experience to our students.”

Palazzola is now being recognized for the project by the Missouri Community Colleges Association (MCCA). We are proud to announce he was honored with the Mel Aytes Faculty Innovation Award in 2018! It is given to only one community college faculty member each year in Missouri.

“I’m extremely humbled by the award,” said Palazzola. “The Restaurant at Prairie Dell was a collaborative effort, and it’s the students who truly make it so special.”

He will be recognized at the annual MCCA Award & Recognition Ceremony in Branson, Missouri on Friday, November 9.

Congrats to this amazing chef and instructor!

#InspiringExcellence – Student Wins State Leadership Award

May 3, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

The Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Student Leadership Award is presented annually to an exceptional student leader from each community college campus.

East Central College is proud to announce Michail Ratcliff is the 2018 recipient!

“Michail uses charismatic leadership to mobilize students,” said Campus Life and Leadership Coordinator Courtney Henrichsen. “Michail is charming, humorous and personable – which has aided his recruitment efforts.”

The Washington native has been actively involved with the Student Government Association (SGA) during his time at East Central College.

“During his time as Public Relations Officer, Michail successfully expanded SGA’s social media presence and created successful marketing materials to promote SGA, the SGA food pantry and clothing closet and helped other clubs create their own advertisements.”

He went on to serve as president for the organization – focusing on improving SGA bylaws, senator recruitment and advocating for new clubs.

“Michail has worked diligently to reach out to other student organizations and provide any support that SGA can,” said Henrichsen. “He has led with the intention of building the confidence of SGA and other ECC student organizations and has been remarkably successful in his efforts.”

#InspiringExcellence – MCCA Award Winners

November 6, 2017 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Kevin Ijames Sr., Audrey Freitag, Kevin Dixon and Karen Butterfield were honored at the 2017 Missouri Community College Association in November.

Ijames, President of Ace Manufacturing, was honored with the Distinguished Business and Industry Award. It is presented annually to individuals and/or businesses that have engaged in significant partnerships with their local community college to stimulate economic activity and support community college students and programs.

Audrey Freitag received the Distinguished Alumni Award. It is presented annually to exceptional individuals who have attended a Missouri community college. Primary criteria for selection include outstanding professional accomplishments and outstanding contributions to his/her community.

Kevin Dixon was honored with the Senior Service Award. It is presented annually to a long-serving employee from each of Missouri’s community colleges/campuses. Recipients are recommended for the award by their campus president/chancellor. To receive this award, the employee must have worked at a community college for 20 years or more.

Karen Butterfield, Union Editor of The Missourian, received the News Media Award. It is presented annually to members of the media whose work promotes understanding and appreciation of community colleges’ mission, students, faculty, staff, and administrators, as well as the unique challenges and opportunities facing community colleges.

Photo: Front, left to right: Dr. Jon Bauer, Audrey Freitag, Karen Butterfield, Keven Ijames Sr., ECC Board of Trustees President Ann Hartley.
Back, left to right: ECC Board of Trustees Secretary Don Kappelman, ECC Board of Trustees Member Dr. Eric Park, ECC Board of Trustees Vice President Dr. Joseph Stroetker and ECC Board of Trustees Member Cookie Hays. Not pictured: Kevin Dixon.

Community Colleges Uncover the Problems with Missouri’s Workforce

April 27, 2017 | Campus News

A report released on April 27 by the Missouri Community College Association outlined three problems with Missouri’s workforce and highlighted several ongoing efforts to address these issues.

The report listed supply and demand gaps for key industries, the availability of middle-skill workers, and the availability of adequate soft skills as the top three gaps in the state’s workforce today. The report cited a number of different studies which analyzed both labor market data, job ads, and employer feedback.

“Employers have said for a while now that the availability of a skilled workforce is the number one challenge that they face,” Rob Dixon, Missouri Community College President and CEO said. “With this report, we wanted to dig deeper and find the specific skills that employers are having difficulty finding.”

According to research reviewed by the association, there is a gap between the number of jobs available and the number of job seekers in several key industries. Health care, business and sales and science and technology each had more than a 9 percent gap between the number of job ads posted in 2016 and the number of registered job seekers.

The second gap outlined in the report had to do with the number of workers qualified to fill jobs that require more than high school but less than a four-year degree. The research reviewed showed that these “middle-skill” jobs make up 53 percent of the labor market, but only 46 percent of Missourians are trained to this level.

“There are nearly 6,500 manufacturing facilities that need highly skilled workers statewide,” said East Central College President Dr. Jon Bauer. “In Franklin County alone, there are more than four times the manufacturing establishments than any other county in the East Central College service region. The programs and degrees we offer are tailored for these types of jobs and careers.”

Lastly, the report highlighted research demonstrating gaps in the availability of workers with basic soft skills, such as communication, work ethic and critical thinking. In one study that was referenced, more than 60 percent of employers reported difficulty finding workers with adequate soft skills.

“Soft skills are extremely important in the workplace,” said HVAC instructor David DeArmond. “We instill a certain set of values in our students–integrity, respect and accountability.”

The report comes as Missouri’s community colleges are launching several new initiatives, including the new Workforce Development Network, announced last month.

“We know that these gaps exist, and our colleges are working to address them,” Dixon said. “One of the biggest challenges that we face in implementing these solutions is raising awareness among the public.”

Dixon was optimistic that Missouri can close the gaps in the workforce, but referenced one major challenge.

“There are high paying jobs to be had for workers without a four-year degree,” Dixon said. “We need Missourians to understand that, and we need them to enroll at a community college.”

Missouri’s community colleges specialize in workforce development and provide associate degrees and certificate programs. They serve as Missouri’s lead institutions in delivering postsecondary technical education in partnership with area vocational technical schools.

Read the report!

#InspiringExcellence – Dr. Bauer Presents Award to Missouri Senator Roy Blunt

February 16, 2017 | Campus News

East Central College President Dr. Jon Bauer, representing the Missouri Community Colleges Association, honored Missouri Senator Roy Blunt with the National Education Service Award this week. It was presented at The National Legislative Summit in the nation’s capital – an advocacy event that brings together more than 1,000 community college leaders to shine a spotlight on the importance of community colleges.

Presented annually during the summit, the award honors a national leader who makes extraordinary contributions to national public policies that support education, training and post-secondary learning.

As chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee overseeing education, Blunt has been a leader in the reinstatement of the Year-Round Pell Grant, an effort that would aid thousands of community college students in Missouri. The Senate’s fiscal year (FY) 2017 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education funding bill included a provision to reinstate year-round Pell. Additionally, under Blunt’s purview, the Appropriations Subcommittee increased funding for several community college priorities in FY 2016, including additional funding for TRIO, GEAR UP, Adult Basic Education state grants, state grants under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Strengthening Institutions, and Developing Hispanic Serving Institutions.

“Senator Blunt was honored for his work on restoring year-round Pell and other issues important to community colleges,” said Dr. Bauer. “Year round Pell is important to students who depend on the grant to go to college. Keeping Pell through the summer helps many students stay enrolled and persist to completing their degree. Sen. Blunt understand how important this is to our students and has worked diligently to restore it.”

The National Legislative Summit is designed to inform and educate community college leaders on federal policy issues that impact postsecondary institutions and students. Participants hear from members of U.S. Congress, leading political analysts and other high-profile speakers about the current climate in D.C., recent elections and legislative issues impacting community colleges.

“Missouri community colleges, including East Central College, provide the workforce for the local businesses in the communities that created us, and our programs are as diverse as our state,” said Dr. Bauer. “We offer an affordable, high quality education to anyone willing to work for it.”

Missouri Community Colleges Team up with CMT to Present Free Concert

July 18, 2016 | Uncategorized

Rising CMT artist Courtney Cole will bring her unique musical style to Missouri on Wednesday, August 10, for a free concert in Sedalia, Missouri. The concert is presented by the Missouri Community College Association and CMT’s Empowering Education initiative, which aims to inspire viewers to further their education.

Cole’s recent single hit #1 on Taste of Country’s Top 10 Countdown. She opened for Miranda Lambert on the 2015 Roadside Bars and Pink Guitars Tour.

“I’m excited to partner with CMT on their Empowering Education initiative,” Cole said. “Music and education are a powerful combination. Having the opportunity to meet students and hear their stories is something I am looking forward to!”

The event will take place at State Fair Community College’s Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center the night before the opening of the Missouri State Fair. The evening’s activities will begin at 5:30 with a resource fair where visitors can learn about Missouri’s community colleges. The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. and feature an opening performance by the group BlueStem. The lead singer of BlueStem, Trenton Scott, is a graduate of State Fair Community College and recently completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Central Missouri.

Tickets to the concert are free and can be picked up at Student Services at ECC locations in Union and Rolla. They can also be reserved online at www.missouricolleges.org. For more information on the CMT initiative, visit www.cmtempoweringeducation.com.

CMT’s Empowering Education is a comprehensive educational campaign that provides an online resource: CMTEMPOWERINGEDUCATION.COM, to aid CMT viewers in overcoming the most common perceived obstacles to furthering education. The site collects existing information in one easy-to-navigate, central location, creating an individualized education action plan for each user.

—–

About Courtney Cole: Courtney Cole is introducing her unique brand of fun-filled, energetic sound to fans with her new self-titled EP, now available on iTunes and Spotify. Her latest single, “Ladylike,” co-written with Shane McAnally and Jimmy Robbins, has been added to Spotify’s New Boots playlist. She was named a Spotify Spotlight Artist and one of Huffington Post’s Country Artists to Watch in 2015.

With a new publishing deal at Warner/Chappell and named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country, Cole is only just getting started. Gearing up in 2016 to hit the road opening for acts such as Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, and Thomas Rhett, she is bringing her hometown spirit of New Orleans into her music, her empowering lyrics and her live show. Check out Courtney at CourtneyColeMusic.com, Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.

About MCCA: The Missouri Community College Association is a statewide organization through which Missouri’s community colleges work together to advance common agendas. MCCA provides advocacy, education, information, and networking opportunities in service of the state’s 5,700 community college faculty, staff, administrators, and trustees.

Head of Missouri Community College Association to Deliver Commencement Address

March 22, 2016 | Campus News

Rob Dixon, president/CEO of the Missouri Community College Association, will deliver the address at East Central College’s forty-sixth annual spring commencement Saturday, May 14. The ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m. in the gymnasium in the Donald D. Shook Student Center on the ECC campus in Union.

“We are proud to have Mr. Dixon deliver the commencement address to our graduates,” noted College President Dr. Jon Bauer. “As a community college graduate himself, Rob knows the importance that our colleges play in moving our state forward. He is a highly respected leader in the capitol and around the state, and I am pleased that he will be joining us at East Central to celebrate the achievements of students who have chosen the community college path.”

The Missouri Community College Association represents the state’s 12 community colleges, their boards of trustees, administration, faculty, staff, and students. MCCA is a membership organization for Missouri’s community colleges, providing government advocacy, networking, and information and education resources for its members. It is the largest higher education association in the state, with approximately 2,000 members.

Prior to joining MCCA, Dixon served in a variety of roles at the Springfield (MO) Area Chamber of Commerce, including interim president/CEO and executive vice president. His overall responsibilities included leadership and management of staff and programs in economic and workforce development, public affairs, local government policy, communications, community development, and strategic planning. Prior to his work in Springfield he served as executive director of the Hollister (MO) Area Chamber of Commerce.

Dixon joined the U.S. Marine Corps after high school, where he served as an intelligence analyst in Afghanistan and Pakistan immediately after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He was recognized with several commendations and awards for leadership and performance as a U.S. Marine. Dixon received an honorable discharge as a sergeant after five years in the Marine Corps.

Dixon earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Missouri State University, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and an Associate of Arts in Political Science from St. Charles Community College. He is currently pursuing a professional certification in association management through the Institute for Organization Management.

Dixon and his wife, Melanie, have one son, Eddie.

More than 450 students are candidates for graduation at ECC. Associate degrees and career/technical certificates will be conferred. The college will also present awards to the outstanding student and outstanding alumnae for 2016.

Bauer to Lead Missouri Community College Association

January 15, 2016 | Campus News

Dr. Jon Bauer, president of East Central College in Union, Missouri began his term as chair of the Missouri Community College Association last week.

Bauer succeeds Dr. Ron Chesbrough, president of St. Charles Community College, and will provide leadership for the association as it represents community college interests across the state.

Among these interests are the priorities outlined in the association’s state legislative agenda—equity funding for community colleges, increased funding for all of Missouri’s public colleges and universities, funding for the A+ scholarship program and support for workforce training.

Bauer has been a member of the association’s governing board since he became president of East Central College on July 1, 2012. He is a product of Missouri’s community college system, graduating in 1984 from Jefferson College in Hillsboro.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, an MBA from Fontbonne University and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

As president of East Central College, Bauer recently completed work as a member of the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education (CBHE) steering committee for the new Blueprint for Higher Education. He also serves as a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission.

Bauer started at East Central in 1995, as director of public relations. He assumed additional responsibilities in 1999 as the director of college relations. In 2001 he was promoted to dean of enrollment management. He spent one year as dean of ECC’s satellite location in Rolla and served as chief financial officer from 2005 to 2012.

Before joining the ECC staff, Bauer was assistant news director and news director at KLPW Radio. He then went on to serve as editor of the Union Missourian from 1989-1995.

He has served on the boards for Mercy Health East Communities in St. Louis, Mercy Hospital Washington, the Washington Civic Industrial Corporation & 353 Redevelopment Corporation. He is past president of the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors and the Washington Public Library Board.

Bauer is also a past board member and current advisory board member for the Franklin County Area United Way. He is past president and Paul Harris Fellow in the Union Rotary Club. Bauer is a past member of the Franklin County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee and the Union Highway 50 committee.

The Missouri Community College Association is a statewide organization through which Missouri’s community colleges work together to advance common agendas. MCCA provides advocacy, education, information, and networking opportunities in service of the state’s 5,700 community college faculty, staff, administrators, and trustees. More about MCCA’s legislative priorities can be viewed on their website at www.mccatoday.org.

Faculty Member and Students Honored

April 22, 2015 | Campus News

A long-time faculty member and two East Central College students were honored by the Missouri Community College Association on April 8 in Jefferson City. The students were named to the All-Missouri Academic Team, an honor bestowed on the state’s top community college students.

Dr. Bill Cunningham, associate professor of sociology at ECC, received the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. The award is given to the top community college teachers in the state each year and includes a proclamation from Missouri Governor Jay Nixon. Cunningham has taught at the college since 1993.

All-Missouri Academic Team member Dawn Little is majoring in psychology at ECC and plans to become a clinical psychologist working in an underserved area of the state. The Union resident is currently president of Phi Theta Kappa and Rotaract, and has been a volunteer for the long-term care ombudsman program. She also serves as a campus peer coach. Little earned recognition as a Phi Theta Kappa 5 star member, Student Government Association senator of the month, and has been on both the vice president’s and dean’s honor lists. After completing her studies at ECC she plans to transfer to Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla.

Little is also a Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Silver Scholar Award recipient. Each year the foundation honors the 150 highest-scoring All-USA Team members from around the country by presenting them with gold, silver, or bronze medallions and a stipend.

Faith Joyce of Union is currently studying music and hopes to eventually work full-time at East Central College, teaching and

Faith Joyce, 2015 All-Missouri Academic Team Member

helping students. She is involved in community choir, piano performance and instruction, musical outreach to the elderly, and music tutoring. She has earned many honors and awards including outstanding music student, president’s academic honor list, and the community college president’s transfer scholarship. Joyce plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Little and Joyce received scholarships made possible by a donation from MOHELA, the state’s not-for-profit secondary market lender and servicer in the student loan industry.