Tag: Missouri S&T

Math and Science Career Night attendees participate in an experiment with electricity with an ECC faculty member.

Area High Schoolers Invited to ECC Math & Science Career Night

September 8, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

On Wednesday, Sept. 18, area high school students are invited to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degrees and career pathways offered by East Central College and Missouri S&T. The event will take place in the ECC Theatre in Hansen Hall from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Math & Science Career Night is hosted by ECC with special guests from Missouri S&T. Current high school students and East Central College students are encouraged to attend to discover STEM degrees and career paths, and to meet with faculty and students from both institutions across various fields, from Engineering to Biology and beyond.

This image provides the date, time and location of the ECC Math and Science Night. It lists ECC as the sponsor and Missouri S&T as a guest.

Please fill out this form to RSVP or email Alison Tucker, STEM Recruitment and Success Coordinator, at alison.tucker@eastcentral.edu or by calling 636-584-6677.

Students will hear firsthand accounts of what it’s like to work in STEM fields and gain insights into the careers of tomorrow. For example, ECC Engineering student Ryah Cullom, who attended Math & Science Career Night as a high school senior, shared her experience:

“I found the activities to be helpful and geared toward influencing the students to pursue this career. The teachers were very welcoming, and they strived to create a dedicated environment,” she said. “I enjoyed talking to the Engineering department because it reassured me that this major will help me to be successful in terms of lifestyle and the responsibilities of each job.”

Attendees will also receive advice on which high school classes will best prepare them for STEM degrees in college. Parents are also welcome to attend.

Additionally, several door prizes will be awarded, including a Texas Instruments TI-84 calculator.

ECC and Missouri S&T faculty from various STEM fields — ranging from Engineering to Biology and more — will be available to discuss students’ interests and potential career paths.

“STEM Career Night gives students an opportunity to mingle with faculty and students in a variety of STEM programs,” said Tucker. “ECC and S&T have enjoyed a strong relationship for over 40 years, including hosting this event for the past 25 years. We understand that students and parents appreciate the chance to ask questions and learn how to be best prepared for a STEM career path, no matter where they transfer.”

To learn more about ECC’s STEM programs, visit www.eastcentral.edu/science/.

College Receives State Grant to Encourage Math, Science Teaching Careers

November 1, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College has been awarded a state “Grow Your Own” grant to encourage students in its education program to pursue careers in teaching math and science at the middle school level.

The College is receiving $45,000 through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in the form of a Developing an Educator Workforce that Expands Yearly (DEWEY) award to address the critical need of STEM teachers in the region.

ECC was one of five two-year colleges in Missouri awarded a DEWEY grant with the intent to inspire more students to pursue careers in education.

Dr. Robyn Walter, ECC Vice President of Academic Affairs, said math and science were strategically chosen due to their historically low enrollment certification rates in the service area, as well as the pressing need for teachers in these fields within local school districts.

“We anticipate that by offering incentives for students to pursue certification areas with historically low enrollment statewide, those students would be more likely to consider those certification areas over others,” Walter said.

Scholarships

Under this innovative initiative, ECC is set to offer $1,000 scholarships to complete their first year of an Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) focused on Middle School math or science. Upon completing their second year at ECC and providing proof of enrollment at a transfer institution for certification in Middle School math and science, students will receive an additional $2,000 to continue to pursue their bachelor’s degree.

“We selected these areas due to their historical low enrollment in our service region, and the school districts we serve are in critical need of educators in these fields,” said Greg Stotler, Assistant Professor, Education/Teacher Coordinator at ECC. “Students who choose science or math programs oftentimes are drawn into professions with higher salaries.”

The College expects to award the $1,000 scholarships in the Spring of 2024.

“This money goes straight to students in a joint effort of growing our own educators,” Walter added.

Transfer Schools

The DEWEY grant aligns ECC with their four-year transfer partners, including Missouri S&T and Central Methodist University (CMU), who can further support students through the Missouri Teacher Recruitment Scholarship opportunity during their student teaching experience. CMU and Missouri S&T are among the 15 four-year colleges in the state to receive $70,000 each in DEWEY grants.

ECC is also hopeful that DESE will expand scholarship opportunities to encompass additional certification areas in the future.

The primary objective of the “Grow Your Own” initiative is to contribute to the growth of qualified educators within the state and tackle the challenge of teacher shortages. DESE reports that just over 5 percent of its teaching workforce is either not qualified or underqualified for their positions, equivalent to 3,579 full-time employees, as of December 2022. The most in-demand subjects are elementary education, cross-categorical positions, and early childhood special education.

DESE’s data from 2023-2024 shows a significant decrease in courses taught by instructors with “inappropriate certification,” down from 45,509 in the previous year to 13,314 courses, signifying the positive impact of these types of initiatives.

This initiative, fueled by the DEWEY grant, is a testament to ECC’s commitment to creating opportunities for aspiring educators and addressing critical teacher shortages across the state.

For more information about ECC’s Education programs, visit www.eastcentral.edu/education/education/.

High School Students Invited to Learn About STEM Careers

October 28, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College and Missouri S&T faculty members are gearing up for the Math & Science Career Night.

On Wednesday, Nov. 9, high school students from the area are invited to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) ECC and S&T degrees and pathways to careers. The event is in the ECC Theatre in Hansen Hall from 6-8:30 p.m.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Alison Tucker, STEM recruitment and success coordinator at alison.tucker@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6677.

Students will hear first-hand accounts of what it’s like to work in the STEM field and hear about the careers of tomorrow. They also will get advice on what classes to take in high school to best prepare them for STEM degrees in college. Parents also are invited to attend.

Students will receive a free Math & Science Career Night T-shirt and there will be several door prizes, including a Texas Instruments TI-84 calculator.

ECC and Missouri S&T faculty in STEM fields — ranging from engineering to biology, and much more — will be on hand to talk with students about their interests and potential career fields.

“STEM Career Night gives students an opportunity to mingle with faculty and students in a variety of STEM programs,” said Alison Tucker, STEM recruitment and success coordinator. “ECC and S&T have had a strong relationship for over 40 years including hosting this event for over 23 years.

“We understand students and parents appreciate the chance to ask questions and learn how to be best prepared for a STEM career path no matter where they transfer.”

Following is the schedule for Math and Science Career Night:

Meet and explore fields
6- 7 p.m.

Welcome
7-7:10 p.m.

ECC admissions
7:10 to 7:20 p.m.

ECC STEM programs and transfer
7:20 to 7:30 p.m.

Missouri S&T admissions
7:30 to 7:45 p.m.

Madison Jolly is President’s Spirit Award Recipient

May 20, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla

The 2022 President’s Spirit of East Central College award was presented to Madison Jolly during the May 14 graduation ceremony.

Jolly, of Rolla, graduated Cum Laude with an Associate of Arts in Teaching. ECC president Dr. Jon Bauer presented her with the award.

The prestigious President’s Spirit of ECC award, formerly the Outstanding Student Award, recognizes one student who demonstrates exemplary academic excellence, and significant student involvement during their time at ECC.

Jolly graduated with a 3.8 GPA and she has been an active member of the Beta Omicron Phi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. Jolly also is a member of SMSTA, Student Missouri State Teachers Association.

Jolly will attend Missouri S&T in the Fall to finish her bachelor’s in middle school English education. Her goal is to become a teacher, and she believes that ECC has helped her tremendously in achieving that goal.

“My experience at ECC has been phenomenal. When I first started in August 2020, I had only been on my own for about a month,” Jolly said.” I was forced to start fresh with my life and ECC has helped tremendously.”

“Throughout my experience, I have had teachers reach out to me and help me figure out the net steps in my life and for that I am forever grateful,” she added. “I am now in the process of pursuing my absolute dream job of teaching middle school. As I move on to Missouri S&T and eventually my own classroom, ECC will always have a special place in my heart.”

Greg Stotler, assistant professor of education and teacher education coordinator, taught Jolly in several classes.

“Ms. Jolly is one of the most driven students I have had,” he said. “Her passion for the teaching profession is commendable — she will be a future leader in our field.

“I am excited to watch the next chapter of her journey as an S&T Miner.”

Along with Stotler, other instructors agreed that Jolly is an excellent recipient for the award.

“Madison is an excellent student. She attends class religiously, pays attention, asks insightful questions, and completes her work on time,” said Timothy Deerfield, instructor of psychology and sociology.

“More than that, however, she puts effort into her work that is above and beyond what is expected. Even in upper-level courses, her work stands out as thorough and above average,” Deerfield continued.

“She is an excellent example of the quality of thought and work that we hope to see in our ECC students. Without a doubt, she deserves this award.”

Matthew Gifford, instructor of philosophy and religion, said Jolly has a bright future.

“Madison is 100 percent self-made and completely authentic. She will not be held back and will always overcome,” he said.

“Her future is bright; however, you will not find her in the spotlight, she will be helping those in need and doing what is good,” he commented. “If she chooses the life of fame and riches it will not be by chance, she will succeed and pull others up with her.”

Mier Family Shares the College Experience at ECC

May 10, 2022 | Art Campus News

Sarah, Ethan and Ryan Mier may be on different educational journeys, but to reach their destinations, the mother and her sons are taking the same path — East Central College.

Sarah, 42, is the mother of Ethan, 21, and Ryan, 18. The family of ECC students live in St. Clair with, their father and husband, Andrew Mier.

“I love attending ECC with my boys — this kind of thing doesn’t happen very often, and it wasn’t planned at all,” Sarah said. “I never thought that I would be going back to school with my children.”

Sarah will be walking across the stage at the ECC Commencement ceremony this Saturday, May 14, while Ethan plans to take one more course at ECC this summer. Ryan will attend ECC through the 2022-23 school year.

Sarah, the president Phi Delta Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, is studying social science and she plans to attend Central Methodist University to work toward a degree in social work.

Ethan’s path is leading him to Webster University, where he will pursue a degree in Computer Animation. Ethan recently was part of the ECC Theatre Department’s “Puffs” and he is a member of the Art Club.

Ryan expects to graduate from ECC in the spring of 2023 and then he will pursue a degree mechanical engineering from Missouri S&T in Rolla.

“All our paths have been different here at ECC and each of us have had different struggles and strengths,” Sarah said.

“I am grateful that ECC has been a part of our journey together,” she added. “All three of us have been able to grow together academically and as family. I am blessed that we had this unique opportunity.”

None of the Miers have had classes together this semester, but they still would see each other on campus, which is, “always a nice surprise and makes my day,” Sarah said.

“We’re always excited to see each other because we don’t have any classes in the same buildings at the same times,” said Ethan.

“My mom and I only interact when I walk past her in the student center,” Ryan added. “She often just asks how I’m doing and sends me on my way.”

Ethan noted that he and his mother had one class together last summer, an online art appreciation class.

“We were able to study together over the summer,” he said. “We were able to help each other study with some parts and help with different forum posts.”

The Mier Home

With three college students under one roof, it is easy to understand why the Mier home looks similar to a dorm room at times.

“Our home a lot of days looks like a library spilled over into it, or it looks like an art studio,” Sarah said. “There are always backpacks and books on the kitchen table, and I would not have it another way — I know at some time, I am going to miss it.”

She added that the challenges of going to college full-time are made easier with the support of her husband.

“I think it’s great,” Andrew said. “Sarah and the boys are going through and experiencing a lot of the same things and they relate to each other very well.

“I am happy to support them in any way I can — whether it be extra chores around the house or running to the store at the last minute for art supplies,” he added. “This is time together that they will look back fondly on.”

Proud Mother

Sarah noted that experiencing college alongside her sons offers a unique insight that she may not have otherwise.

“I am beyond proud of my two sons,” she commented. “They are two vastly different people, yet just as equally smart and talented.

“Ethan’s creative mind blows me away, he can see the beauty in anything,” Sarah added. “He has a God-given gift that will take him far in life. He makes me laugh every day.”

For Ryan, Sarah said, his knowledge, skill, and curiosity of computers and technology are incredible.

“Ryan’s ability to look into a computer, break it apart and then want to know how that works and program it to do more is awe-inspiring,” she said. “He will be writing programs to better the world one day.”

Although Sarah recognizes how bright her children are, what impresses her the most is how they treat others.

“What I am most proud of is that both my boys are kind, caring, and compassionate human beings,” she said. “They will put all things aside when I am having a bad day just to sit with me and make me laugh.”

Family Background

All three of the Mier students are St. Clair High School graduates. Sarah was part of the Class of 1998; and Ethan and Ryan graduated from SCHS in 2019 and 2021, respectively.

Sarah joined the U.S. Air Force after high school. She met Andrew Mier while they both were stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville, Ark. After Ethan was born, Sarah stayed home while Andrew continued to serve in the military.

As is typical with families in the military, Sarah added, the Miers moved often.

“With moving around so much and raising a family, school was never an option,” she said.

However, her opportunity would come after Andrew retired from the Air Force and then earned a degree in early childhood education.

“As soon as Andrew was done it was my turn to go to school, and it just so happened to be at the same time my boys were also attending college,” Sarah said.

Initially, Sarah planned to take online courses, just as her husband had done.

“I was also going in that direction, and at the last minute I changed my mind and decided that in-person learning at ECC was a better decision for me,” she said.

Sarah noted that in-person classes offered many more experiences and opportunities than online-only courses could.

“I could not be happier with the decision that I made,” she added. “The education, connections and experience here at ECC has been amazing.”

“Community Colleges May Be Our Best Idea”

April 16, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla

By Jon Bauer, Ph.D., President, East Central College

Our national parks have been called America’s best idea. Others would argue that idea best belongs to the Declaration of Independence. Nope, has to be jazz. Wrong again…. definitely baseball.

Might I add another to the list? Community colleges may be our best idea.

Who has done more than the American community college to level the playing field and change lives? What has impacted our communities and country more than broad access to the best system of higher education in the world?

Our roots stretch back over 100 years, but it was in the last half of the 20^th Century that community colleges truly exploded on the scene.

We can thank a Missourian. President Harry Truman did not invent the community college. But in 1947 he called for a system of community colleges that would serve students across the country. States like Missouri took up the challenge and the movement exploded. We opened a new community college at a pace of once a week—including East Central Junior College in 1968.

Today, we serve students ranging from the traditional high school graduate to the adult learning to reenter the workforce. Our doors are open for everyone.

Certainly, we continue to serve the recent high school graduate, many of whom are planning to start with a community college and transfer to a baccalaureate institution.

But we also remain the college of choice for adult learners. At East Central College, 43 percent of our students are 20 or older, including students in their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond. Often, we are the only choice, a role we embrace.

Today we are serving more students who are younger than the college student of the past. One out of five students at ECC is under 18. Who needs to wait for high school graduation? Not only do we serve students in traditional dual credit classes offered in high school, but today we have students from four high schools on our campus in the Early College Academy.

These students are full-time Falcons, and still involved with high school activities. This spring we will see the first of the ECA students graduate from ECC. By the fate of the calendar, they will actually cross our stage as graduates before earning their high school diploma a few weeks later.

For some students, college is even more unique. Students in our Campus Connections program are enrolled both at East Central and Missouri S&T in Rolla. Many are using their A+ benefit for most of their courses while taking others from S&T in preparation for eventual transfer as a full-time Miner. As freshmen and sophomores, these students benefit from both institutions at the same time.

Our students cover the socioeconomic spectrum. Many are the first in their family to go to college, others are the latest in their family to attend East Central. Most of our students are working, many are parents, all have a dream.

Community colleges serve more and more students in Missouri. For the first time ever, more first-time, full-time undergraduates are enrolled at community colleges than four-year institutions in the state. That’s smart. Our students learn from highly experienced faculty who are devoted to teaching. Students save money—those with the most need have no cost—and move on well prepared for what comes next.

And there’s more. Many in our community are enrolled at East Central in non-credit programs. Across the United States there are over 1 million unique postsecondary credentials. Obviously, this includes traditional college degrees. But these credentials also include certificates, badges, licenses, and more. Community colleges work closely with employers to train, retrain, upskill, retool, and otherwise enhance the workforce in our region. Last year, approximately 800 individuals participated in customized training, incumbent worker, or apprenticeship programs at East Central. This is yet another dimension of the community college mission.

That’s a lot. But I’ve only touched on a portion of our story. Community college means athletics, the arts, student clubs, films and lectures, and more. Our campus is used primarily for teaching and learning, but also for voting, vaccinations, music contests, community meetings, concerts, theatre, even a farmers market.

April is Community College Month. I will spend each day—30 in all—touting on social media the reasons I love community colleges. My challenge is not finding 30 reasons to love community colleges. The challenge is deciding what I’ll need to leave out until next year. As I reflect daily on another reason I love East Central specifically, and community colleges in general, I’m increasingly convinced we are more vital today than we were even two years ago. Our students and communities need us.

Community colleges are indeed our best idea.

New Members Inducted into Chi Delta Chapter of PTK

December 2, 2021 | Campus News

There were 49 new members inducted into the Chi Delta Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at East Central College in Union during the Fall semester.

Jennifer Harrell, former vice president of public relations for the Chi Delta PTK chapter and 2020 ECC Student of the Year, was the keynote speaker during the recent induction ceremony.

She spoke about her experiences in PTK and how they have helped her as a student at Missouri S&T, Rolla, where she is slated graduate in May 2022.

PTK membership is by invitation only and students must have a 3.4 GPA as a full-time student for a semester to join the organization.

Students must then maintain an overall GPA of 3.2 once they are inducted into the honor society.

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

Those remaining who have been invited to join, but haven’t yet, can still do so through the end of the year.

To learn more about PTK and to find contact information for advisors, visit https://www.eastcentral.edu/student-activities/clubs-and-organizations/.

Listed below are the names of members inducted this Fall followed by their hometown:

Shane Alexander, Marthasville; Hailey Bennett, Columbia; Haley Brock, Sullivan; Lauren Brown, St. Clair; Alik Callahan, Sullivan; Robert Claspill, Gerald; Emily Copeland, Owensville; Kimberly Counts, Bourbon; Katelyn Dobsch, Catawissa; Hannah Faust, Marthasville;

Heather Galvan, Marthasville; Dalton Halloran, Leslie; Hunter Hanson, St. Clair; Melissa Helms, Villa Ridge; Anne Henderson, Union; Kyley Henry, St. Clair; Hannah Jackson, New Haven; Alexis Johnson, Sullivan; Emily Knoppe, New Haven; Alyce Koch, Ellisville; Jaisie Kulick, Robertsville;

Elleanor Lahmann, Bourbon; Connor Lang, Owensville; Rebekah Lewis, Washington; Feng Li, Washington; Tristen Madigan, St. Clair; Suzi Martin, Sullivan; Gabrielle Mattli, Washington; Joseph McInnes, Union; Ashley McPherson, Rolla; Allie Medows, Lonedell;

Katie Melton, Pacific; Brandon Morrow, Union; Sierra Morton, St. Louis; Kylie Phinney, Union; Kaylie Rowe, Washington; Jennifer Shaw, Pacific; Sage Sparkman, Union; Jacob Straatmann, Villa Ridge; Avery Street, Washington; Claire Strubberg, Washington; Mackenzie Strubberg, Beaufort

Carly Sullentrup, Washington; Brianna Sullivan, St. Clair; Kylee Terrill, Owensville; Tiffani Vines, Washington; Emma Walters, St. Clair; Emma Weston, High Ridge; and Tiffany Winholt, Villa Ridge.

College to Host Math and Science Career Night

October 20, 2021 | Campus News

East Central College will host a Math and Science Career Night Wednesday, Nov. 10.

ECC is teaming up with Missouri S&T to present the event, which allows for high school students and their families to meet with faculty and students from both institutions.

Math and Science Career Night will be held in the ECC gym from 7-9 p.m.

Missouri S&T will give a presentation on engineering careers after high school students and parents have an opportunity to talk one-on-one with representatives from both colleges.

High schoolers also will get advice on what they can do to best prepare for college while in high school.

STEM occupations are expected to grow by more than 10 percent through 2030. The average salary is nearly twice the salary of non-STEM jobs, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

STEM occupations include computer and mathematical, architecture and engineering, and life and physical science occupations, as well as managerial and postsecondary teaching occupations related to these functional areas and sales occupations requiring scientific or technical knowledge at the postsecondary level.

For more information about Math and Science Career Night Linda Arrington at 636-584-6677 or email her at Linda.Arrington@eastcentral.edu.

Alumni Spotlight -“East Central College Helped Set Me Up for Success at Missouri S&T”

September 11, 2018 | Campus News

He’s the type of person who likes to figure things out. It’s why Blake Bohl decided to become an engineer.

“I enjoy problem solving and determining the most effective solution to a given problem,” the Owensville native explained. “I enjoy studying engineering because I know I will eventually be in a place where I can improve the quality of life for many people, and I know I will enjoy doing it.”

Bohl got his start at East Central College.

“Instructors at ECC not only challenged me to do my best on my coursework, but also helped me to understand what I really wanted to do with my life,” he said.

He is now continuing his education at Missouri S&T, where he is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.

“East Central College helped set me up for success at Missouri S&T,” He said. “At ECC, I got out what I put in. The harder I studied, the more my instructors noticed and were able to get to know me better. Although she was not the only one, Linda Arrington played a big role in who I became at ECC and what I am going to become at Missouri S&T.”

He received a bit of good news this semester. Bohl was one of only six students in an eight-state region to receive the Weary Scholarship – designed to help deserving, academically-oriented students to further their college education.

“I was ecstatic! I felt an incredible amount of joy, but also relief,” he said. “This scholarship will cover roughly half of this semester’s costs and allow me to spend more time studying, or participating in clubs and design teams rather than working as much.”

East Central College and Missouri S&T have had a thriving transfer partnership for more than 40 years. Originally established for the benefit of engineering students, the partnership has expanded to include students majoring in more than 40 different degree programs.

East Central College, Missouri S&T Sign Historic Agreement

October 13, 2017 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College and Missouri University of Science and Technology are now working together to help reduce college costs and help students earn a degree in less time.

On October 13, Dr. Jon Bauer, East Central College President, Dr. Christopher G. Maples, Missouri S&T interim chancellor, and Dr. Robert Marley, Missouri S&T Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, formalized the concurrent enrollment agreement, allowing students to enroll in both schools at the same time.

Two students are helping pilot the Campus Connections program, including Fletcher Collins (pictured below).

“You really get the best of both worlds,” said Collins. The computer engineer major says the Campus Connections program just makes fiscal sense. “I’m using my A+ Scholarship money to pay for my East Central College classes, and I still get the perks of attending a four-year university.”

Approved by the Missouri Department of Higher Education for inclusion in a state-wide pilot program, the concurrent enrollment program is designed to help students earn a degree in less time while spending less on college.

“This program works because we are putting students in the center,” said Dr. Bauer. “This is not about competition between schools – it’s about collaboration between schools.”

Students also will have the ability to complete an associate’s degree from East Central College while working toward a bachelor’s degree from Missouri S&T.

East Central College and Missouri S&T have a thriving transfer partnership that was established more than 40 years ago. Originally established for the benefit of engineering students, the partnership has expanded to include students majoring in more than 40 different degree programs.

Learn more about how to apply for the program!

Freshmen Fletcher Collins, Rolla, is enrolled in classes at ECC-Rolla and Missouri S&T.