Three East Central College Rolla graduates from the LPN to RN Bridge program were honored for their exceptional performance in clinical settings and academics. Morgan Buffington, Savannah Gregory, and Tabitha Martin received recognition on Dec. 10 during the program’s pinning ceremony, which celebrates licensed practical nurses who continued their education to become registered nurses.
This year’s guest speaker was Leslie Crabtree, Clinical Nurse Educator at Mercy Hospital Washington and a Class of 2022 ECC LPN-to-RN graduate. The ECC Rolla LPN to RN Bridge Class of 2024 includes Priscilla Brandhorst, Kimberly Bridgeman, Morgan Buffington, Savannah Gregory, Caitlin Hughes, Faith Kelley, Tabitha Martin, Samantha Pointer, and Carley Tritch. Awards of Excellence As part of the ceremony, graduates were recognized for their outstanding achievements in clinical and academic settings. • Savannah Gregory received the ECC Outstanding Nursing Student Award, showcasing her commitment, adaptability, and integrity. Savannah has been described as highly organized and determined, excelling in clinical settings and seeking unique learning opportunities. Her preceptor noted that she is a “phenomenal addition” to the nursing profession.
• Tabitha Martin was honored with the Mercy Hospital Spirit of Clinical Excellence Award. Tabitha’s quiet focus and compassionate care have left a lasting impression on clinical staff. Her ability to prioritize patient-centered care with confidence and organizational skill distinguishes her as a future asset to any nursing team. • Morgan Buffington was recognized with the Phelps Health Spirit of Clinical Excellence Award. Morgan’s dedication to quality, compassionate care and her willingness to embrace challenges were celebrated. Her preceptor described her as a “good team player” who skillfully translates knowledge into practice.
Layla Watson enrolled in East Central College’s Surgical Technology program in Rolla because she always wanted to be part of an operating room team.
“I’ve always been intrigued by surgery,” she said. “The surgical tech classes at ECC explore all the different types of surgeries in depth, and they have so much class participation.”
Watson, 21, of Waynesville, is conducting clinicals at Lake Regional Hospital, where she plans to remain and begin a career as a certified surgical technician. From there, she plans to continue her education and eventually return to a surg tech classroom to teach future members of operating room teams.
Watson and her classmates in ECC’s Surgical Technology program are poised to enter the workforce with many occupational options. Jennifer Wall, Surgical Technology Program Director, said there are numerous openings in the field, giving surg tech graduates various job opportunities.
“Most of our hospitals have more openings than any one program could fill in the next five years,” Wall said, adding, “With the nationwide shortage, our program is an integral part of the community.”
Additionally, Wall said there are many areas in health care that surgical technicians can pursue, including hospital surgery units, outpatient surgery centers, labor and delivery, dentists or oral surgeons, veterinary offices, or traveling companies. Some graduates, like Watson, will pursue an advanced degree.
“Surgical technologists can obtain a position that allows for an accommodating schedule that makes further education possible,” Wall commented.
Surge Tech at ECC
Surgical Technology is a “1 plus 1” degree program that requires one year of general education, followed by three semesters of surgical technology courses and clinicals. In the program, students learn concepts of aseptic technique, instrumentation, surgical procedures, and patient care. They are trained to anticipate the surgeon’s needs and assist throughout the procedure, making them a vital member of the operating room team.
Clinical sites ECC students attend extend across the state, including hospitals and surgery centers in Jefferson City, Columbia, Osage Beach, Springfield, Lebanon, Rolla, Sullivan, Washington, Festus, Farmington, and St. Louis.
The Surgical Technology program, under ECC since Fall 2022, is taught at the Rolla Technical Center under the guidance of two full-time certified instructors. Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science degree and are eligible to take the national licensure exam by the NBSTSA.
Wall said she’s proud of the program’s perfect pass rate on the certification exam last year and 100 percent job placement over the past decade.
“Since this certification is national, our students can go anywhere in the United States and find employment,” she added. “Our graduates typically have many offers before graduation.”
Procedural drop-in that students use when training with the positioning and procedure manikin
State-of-the-Art Training
The Surgical Technology program recently received a new Positioning and Procedure Manikin to simulate the use of surgical tools in a lifelike model. The manikin’s realistic surface closely resembles the layers of human skin and is reinforced for suturing, allowing students to train with scalpels and other tools.
The manikin features an adhesive mixture within the skin that closes a “wound” and allows for additional training for many years to come. Additionally, the program received a flat abdominal skin topper, a procedural drop-in, and an insufflated skin topper to simulate laparoscopy.
Watson was the first Surg Tech student to use the new manikin.
The manikin’s realistic surface closely resembles the layers of human skin and is reinforced for suturing, allowing students to train with scalpels and other tools.
“It gives us a real sense of human anatomy during surgery and the layers of skin when opening and closing,” she said. “The laparoscopic belly is pretty accurate too, which is good because a lot of belly cases in real-world scenarios are done laparoscopically.”
Watson noted that the equipment provides additional functions that previous equipment could not.
“We’ll be able to actually move the manikin’s extremities for draping techniques,” she added. “Overall, it’ll give a better idea of patient handling in the operating room and the steps during procedures.”
The manikin was purchased through a Vocational Enhancement Grant.
‘Truly Flourishing’
Watson will be the first on her mother’s side of the family to graduate college — an accomplishment she and her family are proud of.
“Maintaining the work/life balance while still trying to reach my goals has been a challenge,” she noted. “It is worth it though.”
“I love everything that I have been taught and I am continuing to learn. My motivation within the program is to better myself and to go the extra mile,” Watson added. “I feel as though I am becoming the person I am meant to be — I am truly flourishing in this program.”
For more information on the Surgical Technology program, visit eastcentral.edu/pathway/ or contact Nancy Mitchell, Dean of Health Science, at Nancy.Mitchell@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6619.
East Central College Thursday announced the acquisition of a building in Rolla, providing the opportunity for the college to consolidate its operations into a single facility.
State funds specifically appropriated for the project were used for the purchase.
College officials said a single, comprehensive facility will better serve students and enable ECC to grow its programs and services.
ECC purchased the building that now houses the United States Geological Survey operations in Rolla. The purchase price was $5.1 million. The 107,000 square-foot facility is located at 1400 Independence in Rolla.
The USGS has operated in the building since 1974. The agency will continue to operate in the facility at least until February 2025 through its current lease. That may be extended, as ECC begins work to design the renovation of the facility for use as a community college.
“This is a momentous and historic time for East Central College and the Phelps County region,” said Dr. Jon Bauer, ECC president. “Rolla is a key strategic priority for us to greatly enhance educational opportunities throughout the ECC service region. Our mission is to better the lives of our community members through education, and this is a big step forward to accomplishing that goal.”
ECC, a comprehensive community college based in Union, has operated in Rolla since 1995 and currently operates in two facilities. The college leases space from the Rolla Public Schools at the Rolla Technical Center and leases a building located at 2303 North Bishop Road. The College will move out of the two spaces once its newly acquired facility is fully renovated.
The engineering firm Cochran, based in Union, was utilized to assess the building for renovation and construction costs. A preliminary schedule calls for renovations to begin in mid-2025 and for the facility to open to students in 2027. Mike Woessner of Investment Realty was the agent on the transaction.
State and federal funding approved for the project includes $13 million from the State of Missouri and $3 million earmarked by Congress through the Department of Health and Human Services. The upcoming state budget includes an additional $3.5 million in state funds through the MO Excels program for a Center for Advanced Manufacturing. The FY25 state budget awaits the Governor’s signature.
The state and federal funding ECC has received for the Rolla facility can only be used for this project. Additional funding through grants, foundations and other sources will be pursued.
Bauer expressed gratitude for the support from former Sen. Roy Blunt, who sponsored the federal earmark for this project, and from Gov. Mike Parson and the legislature for the state funds.
The Rolla region is part of the college’s state-designated service region, but outside of its taxing district.
“No local property tax funds will be used for designing and renovating the facility,” added Bauer. “Securing state and federal funding for this project made it possible.”
Students living outside of the ECC taxing district pay a higher rate of tuition than those living inside the college taxing district, because those students do not pay local property taxes to support the college. Much of the state’s land mass is located outside one of Missouri’s 12 community college districts. Service regions enable the community colleges to serve those areas and recoup costs through higher tuition.
One facility provides East Central with the ability to better serve students and the Phelps County area.
“Our facilities have served us well to this point, but there are challenges. Students find themselves driving between the facilities to attend classes. That limits options for scheduling, and it means they may not be in a building where other services are available,” said Bauer. “One permanent facility provides an accommodating class schedule, enhanced student and academic services, and the ability to grow programs to serve area business and industry.”
Once renovations to the building are complete, the facility will house ECC Rolla’s current academic programs and student services, a new advanced manufacturing center, and space for Certified Nurse Assistant, Certified Medical Technician, and GED programs.
Bauer said the facility also provides ample space for strategic partners such as colleges offering complementary bachelor’s degree completion programs, service providers, and others.
“Our vision is for the building to serve the needs of the region in a comprehensive fashion, primarily through the programs and services offered by East Central, but also by those offered by partners who would like to operate in the building,” Bauer said.
More information about program and service offerings at ECC Rolla is available at www.eastcentral.edu/Rolla.
East Central College students, Donna and Emily Neulinger, share a passion for anatomy and both aspire to work in the medical field. Their mutual love for medical sciences has led them to enroll in the Allied Health programs at ECC’s Rolla location.
Donna, 43, is a graduate from Newburg High School and she has been living in the Rolla area for most her life. She has always love learning, and particularly enjoyed helping Emily with her college coursework when the 22-year-old attended Crowder College, Neosho, Mo., where she earned an Associates of Arts degree.
Donna, inspired by her daughter’s pursuit of a college degree, made a life-changing decision and enrolled as a full-time student at ECC in Rolla.
“I thought to myself, what is holding me back? I enjoyed helping Emily so much with her classes, I wanted that for myself,” Donna said.
“In high school, I wasn’t a good student,” she added. “I lacked focus and motivation, but life gave me wisdom and experience and that motivates me to discover and pursue my real passion.”
That passion, Donna said, is anatomy.
“Anatomy is my baby,” she added. “I’m absolutely fascinated with it and how the human body works.”
Donna’s initial goal was to become a nurse, but the COVID-19 pandemic changed her perspective due to the critical need for nurses.
She had initially planned to enroll in the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program at ECC in Rolla. However, she made a shift toward the Registered Nurse (RN) program while taking the required Intro to Anatomy & Physiology class. This allowed her to explore a more extensive range of human anatomy and science courses.
Tracy Mowery, Associate Professor of Biology, played a critical role in Donna’s academic journey.
“Donna has an admirable zest for learning and as a student always went above and beyond to learn about the human body,” she commented. “As an educator, it is refreshing to the spirit when you have a student who desires knowledge for its sake alone. ”
Mowery also encouraged Donna to apply for ECC’s Student Success Specialist position, where she now tutors other students in anatomy, biology, and chemistry. Donna enjoys helping her fellow students and hopes her passion for science is contagious.
Daughter and Returning Student
Emily, 22, also has a love of anatomy and plans to apply to either ECC’s Radiologic or Surgical Technology programs. Right now she is enrolled in Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology, a prerequisite to the College’s Allied Health programs.
Emily’s interest in anatomy developed into an extensive animal bone collection that she has learned to clean, preserve and display.
“It started with just a walk in the woods when I found some pieces of bones,” she said.
The collection has grown to the point that Emily is preparing to assemble a complete feline skeleton.
“Seeing my mom succeed has given me motivation to find my own successes through ECC,” Emily said.
That’s why she returned to college after her AA degree and is pursuing training in the medical field.
“Living at home, working a job part-time, and going to school part-time allows me to have a social atmosphere that enables success,” Emily said, adding that attending ECC with her mother has its perks.
“I love seeing her after classes to say, ‘Hi.’ “
Emily’s love for learning extends to her eagerness to travel across the country with her mom to visit museums.
During their fall break in October, they explored the Mütter Museum at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. They’ve also visited the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington, D.C., and the National Museum of Health and Medicine in Bethesda, Md.
Their Dream Jobs
When asked about her dream job, Donna said she’d be a school nurse.
“I would be able to have an impact on a child, not only physically but also psychologically.” Donna said, remembering the vital role of a school nurse from her childhood. “For me, it gave me the time to take a breath and reset before going back to class. In this job, I feel I can really make a difference in a child’s life and guide them in the right direction.”
When asked what her dream job would be, Emily, without hesitation, answered, “To be an owner of a cat café – but I know that is only a dream.”
There still are opportunities to register for Summer Learning Academy (SLA) classes offered through East Central College’s Community Education program.
SLA provides a unique, fun experience for area youth on the Union campus and in Rolla. There is no cost to attend classes, but registration is required. To sign up for classes or to request to be on a waitlist, visit www.eastcentral.edu/community/SLA.
SLA is free thanks to the generosity of sponsors, including SLA Gold sponsors: Jimmy John’s, the Rotary Club of Washington, ECC Foundation, Brewer Science, Inc. and Edward Jones (various offices). View all of our sponsors on the SLA website.
Some classes meet once, and others meet twice in a week, or three to five days. The first class in Rolla begin July 10, and all the classes wrap up on or before Aug. 3.
Classes in the College’s SLA are designed with curiosity and creativity in mind — letting students develop talents and encourage exploration and personal growth. Classes are offered for students ages five to 18 and cover a wide range of topics.
According to Loretta Peterman, corporate STEM education manager with Brewer Science, Inc., SLA offers a fun opportunity for children to learn.
“The Summer Learning Academy is always a lot of fun and the students are eager to have fun while learning,” she said. “Students can explore at their own speed — no grades and no homework make Summer Learning Academy very attractive.”
SLA is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn new skills, make new friends, and have fun. All area youth are invited to participate.
Michelle Widener, the mother of an SLA participant, said she is impressed with the program and her family quickly noticed the benefits.
“It was a great way to introduce my daughter to new experiences and it opened up a new creative avenue for her,” she said. “We are so thankful for this great resource.”
Among the classes still available in Union are:
Fiber Crafts
Laugh Your Way to Improve
Escape Room-Post Apocalyptic
Get to Know Franklin County
Fishing
Christmas in July
Fire Safety
Internet Safety
Drumming Leadership
Some of the classes still available in Rolla are:
Intro to Kayaking
Mammals of Missouri
Amazing Anatomy
Picture Yourself a Radiologic Technician
Christmas in July
Jazz Funk Dance
Juggling for Beginners
It’s Your Bag
Animal Portraiture
Tabletop Game Design
Internet Safety
WeDo Robotics
Students or parents will be asked to prioritize their interests while registering. Participants can register for a maximum of four classes, but not all the classes are guaranteed.
For more information, people may email Pam.Kaiser@eastcentral.edu or call 636-649-5803.
The day before she was recognized as an Educator of the Year, Julie Chirban said to her colleagues, “It is the neatest thing to see my students growing and that I get to be part of their story.”
That level of care and dedication to teaching and her students is why, in part, she was named the Missouri Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (MO-OADN) Educator of Year. Chirban, a nursing instructor at ECC-Rolla, was nominated by Joannie Blakely, ECC-Rolla Nursing program coordinator.
“Julie said she is so blessed that she has just a moment of your life, and she is part of your story,” Blakley said to the students who gathered for the award announcement. “She thinks that’s the most amazing thing.”
Chirban, of Rolla, was presented the award in front of coworkers and the first- and second-year nursing students.
“It is so cool that I get to have a footprint in your path,” Chirban said to the students. “To me it’s such an honor and blessing and I can’t imagine anything I’d rather do.
“You’re going to do amazing things and I am so excited that I get to have a part of your story.”
Challenging Students
To be considered for this award, instructors must have three years of teaching experience in an Associate Degree Nursing program and spend more than half their time with students in classroom or clinical settings.
“She embraces new teaching strategies and technologies to reach every learning style within her classroom,” Blakely wrote in the nomination. “Julie makes learning fun while engaging and challenging students to critically think and make clinical judgments.
“She maintains the highest standards personally, professional, ethically and academically for herself and her students,” she added. “Julie is devoted and passionate about nursing education and preparing future nurses for the workforce.”
Innovative Teaching
Chirban implements innovative instructional methods that encourages critical thinking and motivates students to perform at the highest level.
“Julie has a love of technology that shines in her classroom, whether it be face-to-face or online,” Blakley said, adding that Chirban recently had students create a TikTok video that showcased specific medications.
“This technique challenged students to collaborate with one another to create a teaching presentation video highlighting their medication. Students voiced the benefit of this technique especially when asked to recall apply medication knowledge.”
Chirban also is a role model as a professional nurse, she works closely with her with colleagues to the benefit of the Nursing program; and she is involved in college, professional and community activities.
“Julie collaborates with the local hospital to teach newborn classes to expecting parents and continuing education to fellow nurses and physicians,” Blakely wrote. “Julie also developed a summer community course for school-aged children on caring for newborns.”
About the OADN
The mission of the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) is to provide visionary leadership in nursing education to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities served. OADN ensures that Associate Degree Nursing remains a pathway for a diverse spectrum of students, enriching the profession and meeting the health care needs of patients, families and communities.
A new partnership at East Central College will offer law enforcement training in the Rolla area that fits students’ schedules and provides the opportunity for financial aid and services.
The inaugural basic training class of the ECC Phelps Law Enforcement Training Center (LETC) will begin in August. It was developed through a collaboration between the College and the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD).
ECC Rolla Director Christina Ayres said the one-year certificate program combines theory, experiential learning, and practical applications to prepare students for a career as a peace officer. Students who successfully complete this Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) approved program are eligible to take the Missouri Peace Officer License Exam (MPOLE) to become a licensed peace officer.
Students also have the option to take additional general education coursework to complete an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Law Enforcement degree.
Courses will be taught in the evenings and Saturdays during the fall, spring and summer semesters at ECC in Rolla, with breaks in between. That allows students to continue their employment while attending training.
Applications are due June 1 for the sessions that begin Aug. 21. There is a selective admission process utilized for students who apply for the program. For more information about the program, visit our Law Enforcement program page, or contact LETC@eastcentral.edu or 573-202-6960.
Local Program
Ayres has been working with Phelps County Sheriff Mike Kirn and Rolla Police Capt. Will Loughridge since August 2021 in preparation for this new program. She explained that a basic law enforcement training program in Rolla alleviates barriers for employers and future officers.
“Local agencies have seen a gap in the employment pipeline,” she said. “This partnership will provide a local training option reducing additional costs for travel and lodging out of the area.”
“The location of the basic training academy in Rolla will reduce lengthy commutes,” Loughridge added. “It will allow people in our community to attend training close to home, while still allowing them to work and take care of their families until they transition to a career with a police organization.”
Kirn said that a local program will bolster the ranks of the PCSD and police agencies in the Phelps County area.
“This academy will allow local law enforcement agencies access to quality candidates from our area. Young people who were raised here will take more interest in their community,” he said. “People raised here and trained here will stay here.”
“This academy will give us a chance to witness the student’s drive, integrity and work ethic,” Kirn added. “Having this knowledge will allow us to make better decisions when hiring.”
Ayres noted that LETC students will have access to federal financial aid, scholarships and services, including tutoring and advising, that all ECC students are provided.
“This is what we do — we have services and resources already in place to support student learning,” she said.
The state requires 600 training hours for a basic training program. The ECC Phelps LETC basic training program exceeds state requirements by providing 700 contact hours to further enhance the skills and knowledge of students.
Collaboration
The “theory” and classroom segments of the curriculum will be taught at ECC Rolla North, located at 2303 North Bishop, and the hands-on “experiential learning” will utilize facilities and equipment provided by the PCSD.
“Partnering with the sheriff’s department is a perfect example of carrying out our mission of empowering students and enriching our communities through education.” Ayres said. “By addressing this need together, we have the opportunity to maximize each other’s strengths — delivering quality education and support services with highly-trained faculty in well-equipped facilities.”
Students who take general education courses, along with electives, to complete an AAS in Law Enforcement have the option to transfer for a bachelor’s degree. An associate degree in law enforcement provides a foundation for a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, pre-law, public administration, emergency management and more.
The degree program could have a remarkable impact on law enforcement in the region, according to Loughridge.
“The college degree path offered through the ECC Phelps LETC is a significant benefit to attendees and future employers,” he said. “Research shows officers with a college degree often have less use of force incidents and less complaints, which limits liability to the organization.”
Loughridge added that the ECC Phelps LETC will assist in keeping law enforcement officers in the community as a pipeline for agencies, such as the Rolla Police Department.
“There is a potential to have nearly all new officers coming out of the academy with an associate degree and their law enforcement certificate,” he said.
When East Central College officially took the reins of its Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program in Rolla this fall, the LPN program already had been serving the community and healthcare system for 55 years, while graduating over 1,250 new nurses.
Today, the need for trained healthcare professionals is as great as it has ever been.
That’s according to Michelle Chick, ECC Rolla’s LPN program director, who said that turnover and vacancy rates are at an all-time high among healthcare professions across the state.
“The majority of our graduates seek employment in this area; therefore, program sustainment is imperative to help with this nursing shortage,” she said. “We need a pipeline of LPN graduates to help meet the growing demands in our area.”
ECC took sponsorship of the LPN program for the Rolla School District in October 2021 so the school district could focus its resources on K-12 education. The Fall 2022 semester was the first under ECC.
Students Benefit
The program is three semesters over 11 months, and it includes a clinical experience. Once students complete the program, they earn a certificate of graduation and are qualified to take the national licensure examination (NCLEX-PN).
After passing the exam, graduates can begin earning higher wages and taking on new challenges and responsibilities.
LPN program student Claude Wyatt, 51, had been a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) for several years.
“I absolutely love health care. I worked 16 years as a CNA performing caregiving duties,” he said. “Working under wonderful nurses made me want to step up my care to the next level.”
Today, Wyatt does custodial work, but he never lost his love for the medical field.
“This program finally allowed me to pursue my dream of being a nurse and returning to health care,” he said, encouraging other adult learners to pursue LPN certification.
“I am living proof of how life can get in the way, but don’t give up,” Wyatt added. “Your brain is never too old to learn.”
For Monique Matos, becoming an LPN is a way to better her life and that of her children.
“As a single parent, my kids are my biggest motivation and I want to prove that no matter where life takes you, your goals are always possible with hard work and dedication,” Matos said. “I have always worked in health care and have had a passion for helping others. Ultimately, I want to make a difference in the way someone receives care, and I know I can as an LPN.”
In fact, she already is aware of how the program helped her in her current position as a Medication Aide at The Gingerbread House, in Rolla.
“I am becoming more organized, professional, and confident as a student nurse,” she noted. “Also, I can already see a change in my resident care at work.”
Matos is a first-generation college student and the second in her family to graduate high school.
“I am so grateful for this experience,” she commented. “Before I was living day-to-day but now, I can honestly say that I am excited to see what the future has in store for me.”
Heath Care Partners
Jessica Fischer, LPN instructor and clinical coordinator, and Chick both value their clinical partnerships at area hospitals, long-term care facilities and outpatient clinics. They are aware that these facilities need resilient nurses who are ready to accept the challenging environment of health care.
“The unprecedented stressors placed on all health care professionals, not just nurses, during the pandemic has caused an impact on morale and has caused a major toll on nurses,” Fischer said.
That’s why the LPN program also focuses on stress management, she added.
“As nursing educators, we are working on teaching students how to manage and deal with the stressors of the health care environment they will face, Fischer commented. “Teaching students how to mitigate stress, adapt positively, and develop the ability to recover and overcome difficult situations.”
Four East Central College Rolla nursing graduates were recognized for outstanding work in clinicals and in the classroom.
Lauren Pilkington, Tiffany Rademacher, Leslie Crabtree and Carli Nesheim each were recognized Dec. 13 during a pinning ceremony for LPN to RN Bridge graduates.
There were 16 nursing graduates taking part in the pinning ceremony, which is held to recognize Licensed Practical Nurses who continue their education to become Registered Nurses.
ECC Outstanding Student Nurse
Lauren Pilkington received the ECC Outstanding Student Nurse award. Pilkington is an excellent student in the classroom and clinical arena.
To be considered for the Outstanding Nursing Student award, ECC has had to make a difference in the life of the student.
For the Outstanding Student Nurse award recipients, had ECC not been in their community, they most likely would not have realized the dream of becoming a registered nurse.
Pictured, from left, are Joannie Blakely, Nursing Coordinator–ECC Rolla; Julie Chirban, Nursing Instructor–Rolla; Lauren Pilkington and Elisha Chaney, guest speaker and Nursing Adjunct at ECC.
Spirit of Clinical Excellence
The awards for Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing are presented to graduating nurses who demonstrate characteristics of caring and compassion, the spirit of inquiry, exceptional critical thinking and decision making and have superior organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize.
There were three awards presented to students who work with ECC’s clinical partners.
Tiffany Rademacher — Missouri Baptist Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing
Pictured, from left, are Joannie Blakely, Nursing Coordinator-ECC Rolla; Julie Chirban, Nursing Instructor–Rolla; Rademacher and Elisha Chaney, guest speaker and Nursing Adjunct at ECC.
Leslie Crabtree — Mercy Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing
Pictured, from left, are Joannie Blakely, Nursing Coordinator–ECC Rolla; Julie Chirban, Nursing Instructor–Rolla; Crabtree and April Lueckenhoff, Mercy Hospital Washington.
Carli Nesheim — Phelps Health Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing
Pictured, from left, are Joannie Blakely, Nursing Coordinator-ECC Rolla; Julie Chirban, Nursing Instructor–Rolla; Nesheim, Kate Roy, Phelps Health.
All Four Award Recipients
Front row, from left, are Tiffany Rademacher, Missouri Baptist Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing; Leslie Crabtree, Mercy Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing; Lauren Pilkington, Outstanding Nursing Student; and Carli Nesheim, Phelps Health Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing. Back row, from left, are Joannie Blakely, Nursing Coordinator-ECC Rolla; Julie Chirban, Nursing Instructor–Rolla; and Elisha Chaney, guest speaker and Nursing Adjunct at ECC.
Volpi Foods is one of 19 local industries working with the East Central College Center for Workforce Development (CWD) to secure and utilize state funds totaling $677,000 that is earmarked for training and development.
According to Kathy Price, director of human resources at Volpi foods, the Union meat processing plant is benefiting from $45,000 in the Missouri One Start program, which is funding leadership, safety and industrial maintenance training for its employees.
Price said she learned about the Customized Training funds through an informational meeting for area HR representatives hosted by the CWD; and ECC staff, Cindy Brinker, CWD grant and program administrator, and Melissa Richardson, CWD apprenticeship and business training program coordinator, were essential in assisting Price with completing required documents prior to submission.
“I was not aware that the grant fund opportunity existed until I went to the presentation,” she said. “They also followed up individually with me to see how they could assist Volpi in completing the application and made an in person visit to review the key steps in applying.”
Volpi Foods has been handcrafting artisan cured meat since 1902. The female-operated manufacturer has been run by the same family for 120 years. Chief Executive Officer Lorenza Pasetti is the great niece of Volpi’s founder. She has been in charge of Volpi since 2002.
Customized Training awards through Missouri One Start range from $10,000 to $100,000 this year with awards averaging around $41,000. That’s compared to an average award in 2021 of $23,000. The increase in average awards is primarily due to Missouri One Start more than doubling its budget for workforce projects in Missouri.
Training for the industries ranges from leadership development, safety training, introductory welding programs, project management to LEAN and Six Sigma training.
“We are still finalizing exactly how we intend to spend the money, but our focus will be on leadership training for our managers, safety training for all employees and some specialized industrial maintenance technical training for our maintenance team members,” Price added.
Royal Canin
Royal Canin, Rolla — a leading producer of science-based cat and dog health nutrition — is receiving $30,000 in Missouri One Start program funding that will be utilized for several areas of training.
According to Derric Fane, Royal Canin Technical Manager, the manufacturer produces over 200 unique formulas of pet food, and each formula uses different ingredients.
“That means there is a high-level of variability — some are high in starch, some are high in protein — there are no two jobs alike,” Fane said.
He added that the Missouri One Grant will fund advanced training for Royal Canin employees for both machine operations and maintenance.
“It will include advanced training for our employees so they can train others,” Fane said, “It will be training to sharpen their skill level so in the future, they can pass along that knowledge.”
Founded by a veterinarian in 1968, Royal Canin has more than 50 years of experience in delivering individualized nutritional solutions. The Royal Canin product line offers a range of diets based on size, age, breed, lifestyle and therapeutic requirements.
Manufacturers Awarded Funds
Through the Missouri One Start Customized Training program the following manufacturers, listed by their locations, were awarded matching training grants:
Paramount Apparel, Bourbon; Homeyer Precision Manufacturing, Marthasville; Henniges Automotive, New Haven; Walker Products and Klauber Machine & Gear, Pacific; Royal Canin, Rolla;
Atro Engineering and Performance Engineering & Manufacturing Racing, St. Clair; Ace Manufacturing and Enjet Aero, Sullivan; Linmark Machine and Volpi Foods, Union; and Clemco Industries, Computech, Enjet Aero, Hodges Badge, Frick’s Meats, WEG Transformers and Parker Hannifin, Washington.
Learn more about the program by contacting the CWD team at training@eastcentral.edu or visit missourionestart.com/.
To learn more about CWD industry training and consulting visit www.eastcentral.edu/cwd/.
