Campus News Archives - �鶹��

Students Give �鶹�� High Marks for Experience, Support and Learning

gjones — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:11 +0000

Nearly 98% of �鶹�� students surveyed would recommend the college to friends and family.

That’s according to the 2026 Community College Survey of Student Engagement, which highlighted strengths in student support, practical learning and connections with instructors.

The survey also found that 93.8% rated their overall educational experience as good or excellent, up from 89.8% in 2023.

�鶹�� exceeded national, small-college and comparison-group averages in three areas: support for learners, student-faculty interaction and academic challenge. Achieving the Dream is a national network of community colleges focused on student success.

The findings reflect the experiences of students pursuing a range of goals, from preparing for a career to transferring to a university or building new skills.

Support for Success

Among surveyed students, 89.5% said �鶹�� emphasizes providing the support they need to succeed “quite a bit” or “very much,” up from 86.6% in 2023. Support for learners was �鶹��’s highest-scoring benchmark.

That support matters for students balancing college with responsibilities beyond the classroom. Just over half of respondents, 50.6%, work at least 21 hours per week, and 23.1% spend more than 30 hours per week caring for dependents.

Students also reported stronger social support. The share who said �鶹�� emphasizes providing the support they need to thrive socially rose to 55.6%, an increase of 10.4 percentage points since 2023.

Practical learning

More students reported that �鶹�� emphasizes putting classroom concepts into practice.

In 2026, 71.1% said �鶹�� emphasizes applying theories or concepts to practical problems or new situations “quite a bit” or “very much,” up from 62.6% in 2023. Another 72.3% said �鶹�� emphasizes using information they have read or heard to perform a new skill.

Building those skills is a major reason students attend �鶹��. Among respondents, 76.6% identified obtaining or updating job-related skills as a goal.

Students could select more than one goal. Transferring to a four-year college or university was a goal for 54.7%, while 36.8% identified changing careers as a reason for attending.

Connections With Instructors

Students reported gains in several measures of instructor interaction, including feedback on their work and conversations about grades and assignments.

Nearly 72% said they often or very often receive prompt written or oral feedback from instructors, up from 67.2% in 2023. The share of students who often or very often discuss grades or assignments with an instructor also increased, from 48% to 52.3%.

Student-faculty interaction was one of three areas in which �鶹�� exceeded all three comparison-group averages.

The report also identified opportunities to strengthen active and collaborative learning and student effort, helping the college focus on ways to improve the student experience.

�鶹�� administers the survey every three years. The spring 2026 online survey received 286 valid responses from 1,852 invited students, a 15% response rate. Results are weighted by enrollment status and gender identity to better reflect the college’s student population.

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Bauer Completes Term as Chair of National Rural College Alliance

gjones — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 19:16:50 +0000

For two years, �鶹�� President Dr. Jon Bauer helped bring the needs of rural colleges and their students to the national stage as chair of the board of directors.

Bauer recently completed his term leading the national organization, which advocates for rural community colleges. He will continue serving on its board, a position he has held since 2020.

His term concluded during RCCA’s annual conference, held Sept. 16-18 at Northwest Mississippi Community College in Senatobia, Mississippi, where he received an award recognizing his service.

“It has been an honor to serve as national chair,” Bauer said. “I’ll continue serving on the RCCA board of directors and remain fully engaged in the work of this important organization.”

RCCA’s mission reflects the work colleges like �鶹�� do in their own communities: helping students prepare to transfer, training workers for local employers and providing educational and cultural opportunities close to home.

The alliance advocates for rural and tribal colleges, brings their leaders together to share ideas and helps institutions connect with resources to support students. According to RCCA, rural community and tribal colleges serve 3.4 million students at approximately 600 colleges across the country.

“Rural community colleges are often the most accessible path to higher education for the people we serve,” Bauer said. “Students can prepare for a career or begin a bachelor’s degree without leaving their community. RCCA helps ensure those students and the colleges serving them have a voice in decisions about higher education.”

Bauer was elected chair in September 2024. During his term, �鶹�� hosted the organization’s 2025 national conference, bringing college leaders from across the country to Union.

At this year’s conference, colleagues continued to compliment �鶹��’s work as host, Bauer said, recognizing the programming, logistics and hospitality provided by college employees.

“Our team did an outstanding job hosting last year’s conference,” he said. “Colleagues from other states went out of their way to compliment �鶹�� again this year. That speaks to the care and effort our employees put into making it a great experience.”

His continued board service will keep �鶹�� involved in RCCA’s efforts to strengthen rural colleges and the opportunities they provide for students.

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�鶹�� Fall Enrollment Reaches Highest Level Since 2017

gjones — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 21:16:20 +0000

�鶹��’s fall enrollment has grown by nearly 400 students in two years, reaching its highest level since 2017.

There are 2,758 students enrolled this fall, up 83 students, or 3.1%, from last fall. Credit hours increased by 1,382, or 5.3%, to 27,358.This information is part of the Fall Census report released in September.

Enrollment increased 12.8% last fall and continued to grow this year. �鶹�� now has 387 more students than it did in fall 2024, a two-year increase of 16.3%.

“This is significant growth for �鶹��,” said �鶹�� President Dr. Jon Bauer. “We’ve seen enrollment grow for two consecutive years, and we now have our largest fall enrollment since 2017. It’s a strong indication that students see the value of an �鶹�� education.”

The increase in credit hours this year is largely tied to more students attending full time. �鶹�� has 1,313 full-time students, its largest full-time student population since 2016. That is an increase of 98 students, or 8.1%, over last fall.

Enrollment also increased among students attending college for the first time, transferring to �鶹�� from other colleges and returning from the previous spring semester:

First-time students increased 6.4% to 848.
Transfer students increased 15.1% to 145.
Continuing students increased 9.6% to 955.

�鶹��’s enrollment is up in Union, Rolla and Washington. The Union campus has 1,163 students, up 6.8% from last fall, while Rolla enrollment rose 1.3% to 400. In Washington, enrollment increased from 10 to 59 students, primarily because of the addition of the Licensed Practical Nursing program.

Male student enrollment reached 1,037, an increase of 161 since fall 2024.

“Enrollment is the work of the entire college,” Bauer said. “Our faculty and staff each play a role in helping students choose �鶹�� and continue their education. I want to congratulate them on the work that has contributed to this growth.”

These figures reflect enrollment as of Sept. 21, the college’s official fall enrollment reporting date. At that point, dual credit enrollment was down 12.6% from last fall, with additional registrations still being processed.

More enrollment data and �鶹��’s Census Enrollment 10-Year Trend dashboard are available at www.eastcentral.edu.

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�鶹�� Manufacturing Summit to Explore AI Tools, Economic Outlook

gjones — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 18:33:14 +0000

�鶹�� will bring area manufacturers together Wednesday, Oct. 14, to discuss artificial intelligence, the economic outlook and resources available to their businesses.

Hosted by �鶹��’s Center for Workforce Development, the fourth annual Manufacturing Summit will run from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Business & Industry Center in Union. The free event is part of National Manufacturing Month.

There is no registration fee, but seating is limited. Register by noon Friday, Oct. 9, or call 636-649-5806.

Summit topics include:

Practical uses for AI in manufacturing
Economic trends affecting manufacturing and the labor market
Clemco Industries’ NASCAR Cup Series sponsorship
Resources from APEX Accelerator and Child Care Aware® of Missouri

Attendees can also network with industry peers and tour �鶹��’s Business & Industry Center training labs. A light breakfast will be served.

Dr. Sean Siebert and Simon Siebert of Invent Yourself, LLC, will explore how manufacturers can use AI for forecasting, business intelligence, cash flow management, workforce support and better operational decisions. Dr. Sean Siebert founded the AI and strategic management firm. Simon Siebert is its director of artificial intelligence and leads the development of AI tools for practical use.

Featured speaker Kathleen Navin, a senior economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, will close the summit with an economic outlook covering manufacturing, the labor market and broader regional and national trends. At the St. Louis Fed, she analyzes economic and banking conditions in the United States and regionally. She previously served as executive director of U.S. economics at S&P Global Market Intelligence.

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�鶹�� Seeks Community Input to Shape Future Events

gjones — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 15:23:18 +0000

�鶹�� is asking community members to help shape future events on campus.

�鶹��’s Community Events Survey is designed to help the college attract more people to the Union campus and offer activities that reflect the community’s interests.

Through the survey, the College aims to learn what types of events people would attend, what may prevent them from participating and how �鶹�� can make events easier to find and attend.

The survey supports the Community Vibrancy pillar of �鶹��’s Strategic Plan, which focuses on strengthening connections with the community and bringing more people to campus.

�鶹�� offers a variety of events open to the public, including concerts, theatre performances, art exhibits, films, lectures, sporting events and activities for children and families.

Survey results will guide future event planning and communication, helping �鶹�� focus on activities the community values and reach people with information when and where they are most likely to see it.

The survey asks about familiarity with current events, activities residents would like to see, attendance barriers, preferred days and times and how people typically learn about community activities.

The survey takes about five minutes to complete. Responses should reflect interest in events held at �鶹��’s Union campus. An email address is optional.

Complete the Community Events Survey ⇨ www.eastcentral.edu/community-events-survey/

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�鶹�� Student Named 2026 Chime Workforce Scholar

gjones — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 19:25:59 +0000

�鶹�� Radiologic Technology student Summer Houston has been named a 2026 Chime Workforce Scholar, joining 200 students nationwide recognized for their academic achievement and pursuit of career-focused education.

The Chime Workforce Scholarship, funded by the Chime Scholars Foundation and administered by the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, provides each scholar with $1,000. The scholarship helps students cover educational expenses while completing a certificate or associate degree that prepares them to enter the workforce in a high-demand field.

“At the Chime Scholars Foundation, we believe that career and technical education opens doors to financial progress and long-term opportunity. We’re proud to support students who are working hard to gain in-demand skills and build better futures for themselves and their families,” said Jeni Izuel, president of the Chime Scholars Foundation.

Houston attends classes at �鶹�� in Rolla.

“We are thrilled to launch this new program and award hardworking students with Chime Workforce Scholarships,” said Amanda Karpinski Gorman, executive director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “These scholarships support students pursuing career and technical education at two-year colleges, and we look forward to seeing all they go on to accomplish.”

The Chime Workforce Scholarship supports students preparing for high-demand careers that strengthen their communities and local economies. By helping students complete their education and earn workforce credentials, the program contributes to a stronger pipeline of skilled workers in fields where they are needed most.

Chime (Nasdaq: CHYM) is a financial technology company founded on the premise that core banking services should be helpful, easy and free.

Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them grow as scholars and leaders.

The society includes more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.

Learn more about �鶹��’s Radiologic Technology program and other scholarship opportunities at

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�鶹��, SFCC Partner to Expand Access to Dental Hygiene Training

gjones — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 23:45:58 +0000

�鶹�� and State Fair Community College have entered into an agreement designed to bring more dental hygienists to eastern Missouri by making training available closer to home.

The partnership could make SFCC’s accredited Dental Hygiene program available in the �鶹�� service area as early as fall 2027.

Under the agreement, students would enroll at State Fair Community College, Sedalia, while completing their clinical training at a dental office in Franklin County. SFCC would provide the program, curriculum and instruction.

The �鶹�� Board of Trustees approved the memorandum of understanding during its September meeting.

“We are pleased to partner with �鶹�� to expand access to dental hygiene education and help meet an important workforce need in the region,” said SFCC President Dr. Brent Bates. “We look forward to working together to prepare well-trained professionals who can make an immediate impact in their communities.”

Need for Hygienists

�鶹��’s interest in the partnership grew from conversations with dental professionals across the region.

“There is a critical need for dental hygienists in our region, but opportunities to enter the field are limited,” �鶹�� President Dr. Jon Bauer said. “This agreement allows �鶹�� to begin addressing that need much sooner while making an established, respected program more accessible to students.”

Those discussions began in late 2025 and showed strong demand for additional trained professionals. They also highlighted the challenges facing students who must travel or wait for an opening in an existing program.

Creating an �鶹�� Dental Hygiene program remains the College’s long-term goal. However, developing the specialized facilities, equipment, faculty and clinical partnerships needed for a new program is expected to take four to five years.

The agreement with SFCC allows �鶹�� to address the region’s immediate workforce needs while continuing to develop its own program.

About the Program

State Fair’s Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene program was first accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation in 2005.

The program combines classroom instruction, laboratory work and hands-on clinical training. Students prepare for the national board, practical skills and Missouri jurisprudence examinations required for licensure in the state.

Dental hygienists provide preventive care, assess patients’ oral health and educate patients about maintaining healthy teeth and gums. They work in private dental practices, public health settings and other health care environments.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of dental hygienists will grow 8 percent over the next decade, faster than the average for all occupations.

Additional work is needed before the program can begin, including preparing the clinical location and completing required program and accreditation processes.

If those steps remain on schedule, the first group of students could begin in August 2027. Enrollment and application information will be announced as details are finalized.

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�鶹�� Heading to the NASCAR Track with Clemco

gjones — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 14:34:20 +0000

�鶹�� will soon be picking up the pace … by about 150 mph.

Thanks to longtime partner Clemco Industries, the �鶹�� name will be along for the ride when Ricky Stenhouse Jr. takes the Hyak Motorsports No. 47 Chevrolet to the track at World Wide Technology Raceway on Sunday, Sept. 13.

“�鶹��” will stretch across the rear spoiler of the No. 47 during the Enjoy Illinois 300, putting the College name before NASCAR fans at the track and a national television audience.

The appearance will also mark a first for community colleges in the state. �鶹�� will be the first Missouri community college to have its name featured on a NASCAR Cup Series car.

“This is certainly one of the fastest ways we’ve ever shared the �鶹�� name,” �鶹�� President Dr. Jon Bauer said. “But what makes this opportunity especially meaningful is the partnership behind it.

“Clemco has been part of this community for generations, and our relationship shows what can happen when education and industry work together. We’re helping people build skills, advance in their careers, and strengthen the workforce right here in our region.”

Clemco, headquartered in Washington, is a primary sponsor of Stenhouse and the No. 47 and is sharing space on the car with two Washington-area organizations, �鶹�� and Blues Hog. The opportunity comes at no cost to the College.

Clemco has spent 85 years developing surface preparation equipment and technologies used by industries around the world. Throughout its history, the company has maintained its headquarters in Washington and invested in its employees and the region.

�鶹�� has worked with Clemco to provide education and training that helps employees develop new skills, strengthen technical capabilities and prepare for greater responsibilities and leadership roles.

That relationship reflects an increasingly important role for community colleges as technology and manufacturing continue to evolve.

“Learning doesn’t stop when someone earns a degree or starts a career,” Bauer said. “As industries and technology change, people need opportunities to keep learning and developing new skills. That’s where partnerships like the one we have with Clemco make a real difference.”

For Clemco, that partnership has a direct impact on its workforce.

“�鶹�� is an important partner in the health and continued success of our business,” said Mark Warren, President of Clemco Industries. “Many of our employees have attended �鶹�� or are enrolled today, and we see firsthand how those experiences help people grow both professionally and personally.

“�鶹�� gives our employees opportunities to learn more, develop new capabilities and prepare for what comes next in their careers,” Warren added. “That investment in people makes Clemco stronger, and it makes our entire community stronger.”

The NASCAR appearance will put that partnership on display before a national audience while highlighting the role education and industry play together in developing the regional workforce.

Clemco’s support of �鶹�� extends beyond the racetrack. The company recently served as a VIP sponsor of the �鶹�� Music Festival, which kicked off the College’s 2026-27 music season.

Fans will get their first look at the No. 47 Chevrolet featuring �鶹�� when the car design is unveiled Wednesday, Sept. 9, on NASCAR.com.

Stenhouse, winner of the 2023 Daytona 500, will drive the Clemco-sponsored No. 47 Chevrolet at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Ill., just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. The Enjoy Illinois 300 begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, and will be televised nationally on USA Network.

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�鶹�� Repeats as Missouri’s Top Community College

gjones — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 18:18:07 +0000

�鶹�� has been named Missouri’s top community college for the second consecutive year in WalletHub’s annual ranking of two-year colleges across the country.

The 2026 Best & Worst Community Colleges report evaluated 613 institutions nationwide based on affordability, student success and career outcomes.

�鶹�� earned the highest ranking among Missouri’s 12 community colleges, repeating the distinction it received in WalletHub’s 2025 report.

“Being ranked Missouri’s top community college for a second consecutive year speaks to the quality and value our students can expect from �鶹��,” said Dr. Jon Bauer, �鶹�� president.

“Our faculty and staff are committed to helping students succeed, whether their next step is transferring to a university, beginning a career or gaining new skills to move forward in the workforce,” he added.

In the report released Aug. 11, WalletHub ranked colleges using 18 measures in three categories: Cost & Financing, Education Outcomes and Career Outcomes.

Those measures include graduation and retention rates, student-to-faculty ratios, credentials awarded, transfer rates, student-loan default rates and earnings after attending college.

The only Missouri institution ranked ahead of �鶹�� was State Technical College of Missouri. State Tech is a statewide public technical college and is not part of Missouri’s community college system.

Affordability also played a significant role in the rankings. According to WalletHub, tuition and fees for full-time, in-state students at public two-year colleges averaged $4,150 during the 2025–26 academic year. That compares with $11,950 at public four-year institutions and $45,000 at private four-year colleges.

At �鶹��, students can begin their education before transferring to a four-year institution, prepare to enter the workforce through a career or technical program, or earn credentials that can help them advance in their current careers.

The recognition comes as �鶹�� continues its focus on providing an affordable education and preparing students for their next step, whether that is continuing their education or entering or advancing in the workforce.

To learn more about �鶹��, visit .

To read WalletHub’s complete 2026 Best & Worst Community Colleges report and learn more about the methodology used to determine the rankings, visit .

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�鶹�� Invites Seniors Back to the Classroom Through Tuition Waiver Program

gjones — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:58:46 +0000

It’s never too late to learn something new.

Missouri residents age 65 and older can return to the classroom at �鶹�� and explore subjects ranging from art and music to business, science, history and more through �鶹��’s Lifelong Learning Program.

Through Missouri’s Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver, eligible participants can audit select college credit courses without paying tuition, providing an opportunity to pursue a longtime interest, discover something new or simply enjoy learning without working toward a degree.

The program is open to residents who are 65 or older on or before Aug. 1 of the academic year. Courses are taken on an audit basis, meaning participants attend class and take part in the learning experience but do not receive a grade or college credit.

Enrollment is available on a space-available basis after tuition-paying students have had an opportunity to register. Participants also must meet any prerequisites required for the course.

While tuition is waived, students remain responsible for general and special course fees, textbooks, supplies and other required materials.

A variety of courses may be available each semester. Current options include classes in art, business, criminal justice, geography, music, philosophy, sociology, Spanish, theatre and other areas. Availability varies by course and semester.

Eligible senior citizens may begin registering three weeks before the start of the semester. Participants must complete the Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver Form and provide proof of eligibility.

A list of available classes, eligibility requirements, registration information and the waiver form are available on �鶹��’s Lifelong Learning Program webpage:

For assistance, contact �鶹�� Enrollment Services at 636-584-6588 or Admissions@eastcentral.edu.

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