Tag: Phi Theta Kappa

New Campus Life Coordinator Has Connection to ECC

February 5, 2021 | Campus News

Carson Mowrey is no stranger to East Central College, and on Feb. 1, she began a new relationship at the institution.

Mowrey was recently was hired as the ECC Campus Life and Leadership Coordinator on the Union campus.

She graduated from Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO), Cape Girardeau, in December 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in small press publishing.

Prior to that, Mowrey earned an associate of arts with an emphasis in humanities from ECC in May 2019. Mowrey, who originally is from Salem, Mo., attended classes at the ECC Rolla site and she was the president of the Beta Omicron Phi chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society.

“ECC did so much for me, and when I attended SEMO, I loved talking to other students about two-year colleges,” Mowrey said. “ECC is so special to me because it has prepared me for my future in many different ways.”

She said two primary goals as the campus life and leadership coordinator are to strengthen communication between the Union campus and Rolla sites and build student engagement.

“A community college is just as valid of a college experiences as a four-year school,” Mowery said. “I want students to see how valuable the experience can be.

“I want to give ECC students the experience to feel that they belong to a community and be proud to say that they graduated from ECC,” she added.

According to Mowery, a great college experience also will increase student retention.

“When they know we are concerned with their wellbeing, they are more interested in coming back,” she commented.

Family Connection

Mowery’s father, Ray Mowery, is an economics adjunct instructor at ECC Rolla and her stepmother, Tracy Mowery, is a full-time instructor who teaches biology, anatomy, and other courses at ECC Rolla.

As a child, Mowery would come to the ECC campus for events in which her father or stepmother participated.

“ECC has always been a family thing for us,” she said.

Mowery further added that she has had a lot of great experiences at ECC, including a trip to London with ECC faculty members and students, and while she was employed as a Student Success Center specialist tutoring students in English, writing and speech.

“ECC has always been something in my life,” she said, “whether as a child of an employee, an employee or as a student myself.”

As Campus Life and Leadership Coordinator, Mowery also serves as the Student Government Association advisor.

Students who would like more information about activities at ECC, or student government can contact Mowery at 636-584-6583 or carson.mowery@eastcentral.edu, or stop by her office near Café Central in the Donald Shook Student Center

From Homeschool to Honor Society, Siblings Learn Together

December 21, 2020 | Campus News

Belle area siblings Kya and Jace Nilges were homeschooled together, and now they are continuing their education together at East Central College in Rolla.

They both took time off after high school to work before enrolling at ECC. They decided to take the plunge and enroll in Fall of 2019.

The siblings agreed that attending ECC turned out being an easier transition than either of them thought.

“I was worried about coming to college, but it ended up being totally fine and I wished I had done it sooner,” Kya explained.

“I was kind of worried I’d be out of my depth,” Jace added. “I expected it to be much harder than it was.”

Jace, who is 15 months older than Kya, said they both recognize the value of attending ECC because of the short drive from their hometown and the affordability of classes.

“We chose ECC for the proximity and the price. It’s also a good stepping-stone in getting credits to transfer. It makes it a lot easier and more efficient,” added Kya.

Kya plans on completing an associate degree in liberal studies, then she hopes to transfer to Stephen’s College to pursue Fashion Communication or Communication Design. Jace is leaning toward an associate degree in Radiologic Technology through ECC and the Rolla Technical Center.

Students with Honors

The duo was invited into Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society for two-year colleges, based on their impressive GPAs. While neither one of them quite expected being inducted into an honor society, they both embraced the opportunity.

“I didn’t really know much about Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) before I was sent the invitation,” Jace said.

“It was kind of a surprise but then thought ‘well yeah, this sounds good!’ I’m glad I was invited.”

Kya noted that she was aware of PTK but she did not expect to be part of the organization. They were inducted into PTK in November.

“It’s really amazing to be a part of it,” she said. “I did not expect this good of grades. We were both homeschooled so I had no idea what my grades would be like starting out — It was unpredictable.”

They attribute part of their success to holding each other accountable in their schoolwork. Going to school with a sibling gives the opportunity of always having a study partner.

“It’s nice to have someone built-in to study with. You always have someone there to talk it through with. A lot of other people don’t have that,” Kya commented.

They also attribute some of their success to having chosen ECC.

“Attending ECC has given me a lot more opportunities and I have become way more confident in myself.” Kya said.

Jace had parting advice to those considering enrollment at ECC:

“Going to college seems scary but the scariest part is taking that first step. Once you’re actually in school, it just becomes normal. You are more capable than you think you are.”

Students Inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, Rolla Chapter

December 2, 2020 | Campus News ECC Rolla

There were 16 students from East Central College in Rolla who were inducted into the Beta Omicron Phi chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society on Saturday, Nov. 14.

PTK is an international honor society for two-year colleges. To be eligible for induction, students must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.4 for one semester and maintain a 3.2 GPA after their induction. Students can be pursuing any major, degree or certificate.

“I’ve seen how this organization impacts students and helps them gain confidence in their schoolwork and in the community” explains PTK Rolla advisor, Dr. Beth Winters-Rozema.

“This organization is a great way to develop their leadership skills” she adds.

This year’s Fall inductees are Jozlyn Belcher, Robert Berkelman, Isabel Bramel, Jennifer Breedlove, Brendan Coyne, Lauren Ely, Jaime Gregory-Snyder, Alex Kitchens, Lauren Moersch, Corene Muecke, Megan Myslinski, Jace Nilges, Kya Nilges, James Parrish, Gaven Schmidt and Claire Smith.

This year’s ceremony was held via Zoom and featured keynote speaker Brandy Howdeshell, volunteer coordinator for The Rolla Mission in downtown Rolla. She urged students to do what they can to make the world a better place.

Howdeshell also told her story about being in trouble and how the community came together to support her. The Rolla Mission provides daily hot meals, free laundry and showering facilities for the disadvantaged.

“We are very proud of our newest PTK members,” said ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer.

“Being a member of PTK opens many doors to success for students and I always look forward to seeing what triumphs they achieve throughout their time here at ECC.”

East Central College Alumni Invited to “Class Reunions” at 50th Anniversary Celebration

August 26, 2019 | Campus News

On September 15, East Central College will celebrate its 50^th Anniversary from 12 – 4 p.m. at its Union campus, 1964 Prairie Dell Road.

“This will be a day full of fun and reminiscing,” said Jay Scherder, director of public relations. “The event is free, and we’ll have lots of activities for families – including food trucks, a petting zoo, inflatables and more.”

A big part of the day will include “Class Reunions” for alumni. Space will be set aside in the lobby of the Performing Arts Center for former East Central College athletes, Phi Theta Kappa members, Student Government Association members and other student club members.

“This will also be a time for former faculty and staff to meet with one another,” Scherder added. “We also encourage any choir, band or theatre performers to join in on the fun!”

Class Reunion Schedule: Phi Theta Kappa, Student Government Association, athletes, coaches and other student clubs – 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Performing arts alumni, faculty and staff – 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

A ceremony honoring the people who have impacted the college over the years will be held at 2 p.m. in the theater. A time capsule will also be sealed at the ceremony. Activities will be held in all campus buildings throughout the day. Shuttles will be available for patrons. In the event of rain, activities will be moved indoors.

2019 Commencement Speaker Announced

March 27, 2019 | Campus News

East Central College is proud to announce that Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner will serve as the speaker for the 49^th Annual Spring Commencement on May 11, 2019.

Dr. Tincher-Ladner is President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the nation’s oldest and largest honor society for students seeking associate degrees and credentials from community colleges. Most of her time is spent creating opportunities for some of the nation’s hardest working students by connecting them to life-changing scholarships and family-sustaining employment.

“I tell my children that I have the best job on the planet,” she explained. “I am a passionate champion for community colleges and community college students. I love using data to tell their stories and to advocate for the support of these amazing students and their quality institutions of higher learning.”

With nearly 30 years in higher education, she has been a community college math, chemistry, and physics instructor; computer programmer; database administrator; institutional researcher; and university faculty member. She serves on national boards for the College Promise Campaign, the Center for Community College Student Engagement and the American Association of Community College’s Commission on Student Success.

“East Central College has a long history with Phi Theta Kappa,” said Dr. Jon Bauer, president. “The organization has been an important part of our campus culture over the years, and we are honored to have Dr. Tincher-Ladner as our speaker this year.”

Learn more about the 49th Annual Spring Commencement.

#InspiringExcellence – Students Named to 2019 All-Missouri Academic Team

March 13, 2019 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Each year, students are selected for the All-Missouri Academic Team by the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. East Central College is proud to announce four students made the list in 2019!

Joshua German – First Team All-Missouri
Carson Mowery – Second Team All-Missouri
Stephanie Brown – Second Team All-Missouri
Benjamin Bone – Third Team All-Missouri

Members of the All-Missouri Academic Team are selected based on the extent to which they meet the definition of the word “scholar,” which Phi Theta Kappa defines as “one who excels in the classroom, has the intellectual curiosity to pursue an academic career and cultural enrichment outside the traditional classroom, shows evidence of substantial development of talents in academics and technical education and has demonstrated an ability to share this development with others.”

Students from each of Missouri’s 25 Phi Theta Kappa chapters apply to be on the All-Missouri Academic Team. Only 42 students were selected this year. The students are recognized at a Missouri Community College Association luncheon in April in Columbia, MO. Each student will receive a cash scholarship and a medallion from MCCA. Phi Theta Kappa is the officially recognized honor society for two-year colleges on a national level.

ECC Phi Theta Kappa Chapters Receive National Recognition

March 7, 2019 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Due to its outstanding recruitment efforts in 2018, the Beta Omicron (Rolla) and Chi Delta (Union) Chapters of Phi Theta Kappa have achieved “REACH” status through the national organization! The REACH Rewards program recognizes and rewards Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapters that excel in the area of membership development.

As a result of the honor, the chapters will receive 11 PTK graduation stoles to be worn by chapter officers or members at the commencement ceremony in May. Other PTK members can still purchase stoles for graduation.

“We created this program because we believe strongly in the mission of Phi Theta Kappa and want as many students as possible to receive the benefits of membership,” National PTK President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner said. “Increased opportunities to apply for scholarships and engage with their peers and key faculty members lead to higher completion rates, and students get those opportunities through PTK.”

Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for two-year colleges. Members pursue activities that fall under the direction of the society’s hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship.

Headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi, Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in higher education with 1,285 chapters on college campuses in all 50 of the United States, U.S. territorial possessions and eight sovereign nations. More than three million students have been inducted since its founding in 1918, with approximately 134,000 students inducted annually.

#InspiringExcellence – Students Named to 2018 All-Missouri Academic Team

April 27, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Each year, students are selected for All-Missouri Academic Team by the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. East Central College is proud to announce three students made the list in 2018!

Jamie Foutch was named to the All-Missouri Second Team. She currently serves as the President of the Union chapter.

“At her time at East Central College,” said Phi Theta Kappa advisor Wendy Pecka, “Jamie has grown as both a leader and a scholar. One of Jamie’s strengths is her gregarious nature. She effectively serves as the voice of PTK on campus. She is not afraid of tackling a challenge and doesn’t give up when encountering roadblocks.”

Another All-Missourian Second Team designee, Hannah Bausch-McKellips currently serves as the Public Relations Secretary for the Union chapter.

“Hannah is able to quietly serve as a group leader as we plan fundraisers, campaigns and fellowship events,” said Pecka. “Her passion for helping others is an asset to our chapter. When I think about Hannah’s impact on our organization, I am reminded of Mahatma Gandhi’s words, ‘in a gentle way, you can shake the world.’”

Sally Cundiff was named to the All-Missouri Third Team this year. Phi Theta Kappa advisor Beth Winters-Rozema says the Rolla student is a valuable, active member who joined in October 2015.

“Sally serves as a link between past and current good ideas,” said Winters-Rozema. “She brings maturity and life experiences to discussions and is very good at applying what she learns in classes to chapter discussions of current issues.”

Students from each of Missouri’s 25 Phi Theta Kappa chapters apply to be on the All-Missouri Academic Team. Only 40 students are selected each year. The students are recognized at a Missouri Community College Association luncheon in April in Columbia, MO.

Phi Theta Kappa is the officially recognized honor society for two-year colleges on a national level.

Featured photo: Hannah Bausch-McKellips.
Below photo: Jamie Foutch, left, Sally Cundiff, right.

#InspiringExcellence – Bauer Receives National Recognition

February 22, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

East Central College President Dr. Jon Bauer was honored with the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society in February. He was one of 35 recipients to receive the accolade nationwide.

“The Phi Theta Kappa chapter at East Central College congratulates Dr. Bauer on this honor and thanks him for the support and dedication he has given and continues to give every semester,” said ECC instructor and Phi Theta Kappa advisor Kevin Dixon.

Each year, Phi Theta Kappa recognizes college presidents who have demonstrated outstanding effort toward promoting the goals of the organization. The award is named in honor of the late Dr. Shirley B. Gordon, longtime chair of the PTK Board of Directors and president emeritus of Highline College.

“I am proud to support Phi Theta Kappa’s mission. They are a very important part of East Central College’s campus culture,” said Dr. Bauer. “I was actually inducted to PTK when I was a community college student, so this award is especially meaningful.”

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in nine nations.

Phi Theta Kappa Inducts New Members

October 25, 2017 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

The Chi Delta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa welcomed new members during its annual Fall Induction Ceremony. Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is the international honor society for the two-year college. Members pursue activities that fall under the direction of the society’s hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship.

“Phi Theta Kappa membership is by invitation only,” said PTK Advisor Kevin Dixon. “Students must have a 3.4 GPA as a full time student for a semester. Once they are inducted into PTK, students have to maintain an overall GPA of 3.2.”

“The college is extremely proud of the new Phi Theta Kappa members,” said President Dr. Jon Bauer. “These students and the organization represent a very important part of campus culture.”

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

Rachel Reagan-Purschke, an ECC alumna and former chapter president was the keynote speaker at the event. She shared her story of becoming a successful nontraditional student and successful local attorney.

Congrats to the new members!

Jennifer Alvarez, New Haven
Benjamin Bone, Union
Curtis Brinker, Washington
Haley Cluck, Sullivan
Matthew Dobsch, Catawissa
Zachariah Drayton, Warrenton
Molly Femmer, Beaufort
Katherine Haring, Sullivan
April Head, Rhineland
Jessica Horn, Union
Jessica Kelly, Union
Lydia Klenke, Union
Kaitlyn Knickmeyer, Washington
Jonathon Monasmith, Pacific
Amanda Peirick, Villa Ridge
Matthew Reis, Marthasville
Matt Snodgrass, Union
Jonathon Stone, Villa Ridge
Nathan Walter, Washington
Samantha White, Festus
Leah Whitworth, Washington
Madelyn Woods, Jonesburg