That鈥檚 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.

麻豆社 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 麻豆社 emphasizes providing the support they need to succeed 鈥渜uite a bit鈥� or 鈥渧ery much,鈥� up from 86.6% in 2023. Support for learners was 麻豆社鈥檚 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 麻豆社 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 麻豆社 emphasizes putting classroom concepts into practice.

In 2026, 71.1% said 麻豆社 emphasizes applying theories or concepts to practical problems or new situations 鈥渜uite a bit鈥� or 鈥渧ery much,鈥� up from 62.6% in 2023. Another 72.3% said 麻豆社 emphasizes using information they have read or heard to perform a new skill.

Building those skills is a major reason students attend 麻豆社. 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 麻豆社 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.

麻豆社 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鈥檚 student population.

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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.

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

Houston attends classes at 麻豆社 in Rolla.

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

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鈥檚 colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.

Learn more about 麻豆社鈥檚 Radiologic Technology program and other scholarship opportunities at

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The Class of 2026 was recognized during a pinning ceremony at 麻豆社, where nine graduates celebrated earning an Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Care.

The graduates are Kelsey Buxton, Anissa Cox, Benjamin Gutz, Aurora Hubbard, Cody Knutson, Molli Mahalovich, Eden Nelson, Briana Parrott and Logan Pursifull.

The Respiratory Care program was launched to address a shortage of respiratory care professionals in rural Missouri. It is offered through MHPC by 麻豆社, Moberly Area Community College, North Central Missouri College, State Fair Community College and Three Rivers College, with 麻豆社 serving as the fiscal agent and program lead.

The consortium allows the colleges to share resources and student enrollment, making specialized health care programs available in rural areas where individual colleges may not have enough students to sustain a program on their own. Students select a home college where they enroll and ultimately earn their degree.

The inaugural class included graduates from three of the five colleges. Nelson and Hubbard are 麻豆社 graduates; Gutz is a Moberly Area Community College graduate; and Buxton, Cox, Knutson, Mahalovich, Parrott and Pursifull are State Fair Community College graduates.

The Respiratory Care program was developed with support from a $5.5 million U.S. Department of Labor grant awarded to 麻豆社 in 2024. The grant supports respiratory care education and workforce development across predominantly rural areas of Missouri. The initiative was designed to reach 70 predominantly rural and low-income counties.

Guest speaker Lori Hubbard, Manager of Respiratory Care Services at Boone Health, addressed the graduates and reflected on the significance of the inaugural class.

鈥淭oday we celebrate not only your graduation, but the success of a vision that many believed in and worked tirelessly to bring to life,鈥� Hubbard said. 鈥淚 have had the privilege of watching many of you grow from uncertain students into skilled, confident professionals, and I could not be prouder of what you accomplished.鈥�

麻豆社 President Dr. Jon Bauer welcomed those attending the ceremony. Dr. Nancy Mitchell, Dean of Health Sciences, delivered opening remarks, and Dr. Robyn Walter, Vice President of Academic Affairs, provided closing remarks.

Graduate Aurora Hubbard delivered student remarks during the ceremony.

Program Director Valerie Norwood and Director of Clinical Education Denise King presented the graduates with their pins.

Three graduates also received special recognition during the ceremony.

Eden Nelson received the MHPC Clinical Excellence Award, which recognizes a graduate who has demonstrated exceptional clinical skills and excellence in patient care. The award also recognizes evidence-based practice, continued learning and mentorship, and the delivery of safe, effective and compassionate care.

Briana Parrott received the Rising Star Award, recognizing her growth and dedication throughout the program, including excellence in clinical performance, technical skills and commitment to patient care.

Benjamin Gutz received the MHPC Outstanding Respiratory Care Award, recognizing outstanding leadership, academic excellence and clinical achievement.

Norwood serves as program director for the MHPC Respiratory Care program, and King serves as director of clinical education. Michelle Todd and Josh Hickman serve as adjunct faculty.

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Instead, it was her boss at Indoor Comfort Team.

A 90-year-old customer had called the HVAC company after reading online reviews. She wasn’t looking for an estimate.

She wanted the technician whose name kept appearing in five-star reviews: Sabrina McIntyre.

For the 26-year-old 麻豆社 graduate, it was one of those moments that confirmed she had chosen the right career.

Just a few months earlier, McIntyre completed 麻豆社’s Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) program.

McIntyre is a Metallica Scholar, and she was featured in an

Today, she spends her days diagnosing and repairing heating and cooling systems. When the workday ends, she’s often back on campus.

This time, she’s in the welding lab.

She’s not taking welding just to add another skill to her r茅sum茅. She has a plan. McIntyre wants to fabricate exhaust systems for commercial and industrial kitchens, a growing niche that also extends to high-end residential homes with commercial-style kitchens.

McIntyre, of Union, didn’t return because she needed another job. She returned because she’s building toward a bigger goal.

“I chose welding because I want to build exhaust systems for industrial kitchens,” she said. “A lot of people are starting to put industrial ovens in their homes. It’s a very profitable field to get into.”

She’s also working toward a business degree. Together, the three areas of study will help prepare her for what she hopes is the next chapter: opening her own business.

“My welding skills open more opportunities to build my career,” she said. “A business degree will help me better my career and give me more opportunities in the future.”

Combined with her business degree, the additional training is helping her build toward the ultimate goal of owning her own company.

McIntyre’s path to HVAC wasn’t a straight line.

She first enrolled at 麻豆社 at 17 to study business before putting college on hold after the birth of her daughter, Zoey. After returning to work, she realized she didn’t want to spend her career behind a desk.

Working as an insulator in the carpenters union introduced her to the HVAC trade.

“I saw the HVAC guys working and took an interest,” she said. “I decided to go back to school for HVAC.”

She liked that the trade offered stability and room to grow.

“It is a skill that will never go out of style,” she said. “It can transition into so many other industries.”

Two months after graduating, she was hired by Indoor Comfort Team.

Today, she enjoys solving problems, but what she enjoys most is helping people.

Her work has taken her into homes and businesses across the region, where she has earned a reputation for attention to detail, clear communication and putting customers at ease.

“I enjoy meeting all different types of people and genuinely helping them,” she said.

McIntyre knows some customers are surprised when she arrives at their door.

“As a woman in HVAC, I feel I am questioned as soon as I walk through the door,” she said. “But by the time I am done with the job, they would prefer me over most of the men they have met.”

She believes attention to detail, good communication and a willingness to listen have helped earn customers’ confidence.

Those same qualities helped her at 麻豆社, where she was the only woman in her HVAC class.

“Being the only girl in the class, I had to insert myself into the groups,” she said. “The instructors were seasoned HVAC professionals, which made them good sounding boards.”

Balancing work, classes and family isn’t easy. McIntyre credits her husband for putting his own career on hold so she could continue pursuing hers.

“I never thought about stopping my education,” she said. “I feel like there is always something to learn.”

Looking ahead, she hopes to become a journeyman technician, continue adding skills and eventually open her own company. She’s even talked with 麻豆社 instructors about someday returning as an adjunct.

“It would be weird at first,” she said with a laugh. “But I think I could help students understand what to expect when they get into the field.”

She also hopes to continue learning. Even after earning her HVAC credential, McIntyre says she’d still like to take additional refrigeration and commercial HVAC courses if the opportunity arises.

For anyone considering a career in the skilled trades, her advice is simple.

“Do it,” she said. “Don’t let anyone intimidate you.”

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Vondera’s mother, Robin, passed away in 2022 before Tonya entered the 麻豆社 Nursing program. A 1984 graduate of the Washington School of Practical Nursing, Robin spent nearly 40 years caring for patients in nursing homes, clinics, home health settings, and correctional facilities.

To honor her mother on graduation day, Tonya, of Union, planned to recreate Robin’s graduation photo while wearing her cap and gown and holding her mother’s portrait.

What she didn’t expect was a surprise from 麻豆社 Dean of Nursing Dr. Nancy Mitchell and Union Nursing Program Coordinator Dr. Brittany Clark.

The two located a vintage nursing cap from the nursing department that closely resembled the one Robin wore in her graduation photograph more than 40 years ago.

“The nursing cap was actually found in the depths of the nursing program closet,” Vondera said. “Dean Mitchell and Dr. Clark dug for it so I could match my mom in her graduation picture.”

With the cap in place, Tonya was able to recreate the photograph and honor the woman who inspired her nursing journey.

“I know how excited she would have been to be right there with me,” Tonya said. “She was my best friend. I wanted her there to see it. They made this picture perfect for me.”

Following in Her Footsteps

Tonya was able to share the news that she planned to become a nurse before her mother passed away.

“She was so excited she bought an IV practice kit for me that had a whole fake arm in it,” Tonya recalled.

More than anything, Tonya remembers the example her mother set.

“My mother poured herself into her patients, family, and friends,” she said. “She often left little for herself. She carried burdens she never talked about and pushed through exhaustion because someone else might need her.”

Tonya said her mother viewed nursing as more than a profession.

“She saw caring for others as a privilege, not an obligation,” she said.

A Lasting Influence

Those lessons stayed with Tonya as she worked through the challenges of nursing school. She credits her mother with teaching her perseverance, compassion, and the importance of advocating for both patients and her.

“She taught me to keep going when things get difficult,” Tonya said. “She taught me to care deeply for people and to speak up when something isn’t right.”

As she completed the nursing program at 麻豆社, Tonya found support from faculty members who understood the significance of her mother’s influence and helped make graduation day even more meaningful.

The nursing cap was a small gesture, but one that carried tremendous meaning.

“It meant everything to me,” Tonya said. “They went out of their way to help me honor my mom.”

Now, as she begins her own nursing career, Tonya carries with her the lessons her mother taught and the example she set through a lifetime of caring for others.

Thanks to a vintage nursing cap, a cherished nursing pin, and a graduation photo recreated more than four decades later, she also has a lasting reminder of the bond they shared and the legacy she now carries forward.

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The 2026 Nursing Pinning Ceremony was held May 16 in the Donald D. Shook Student Center gymnasium at 麻豆社鈥檚 Union campus. The event included remarks from 麻豆社 President Dr. Jon Bauer and 麻豆社 Dean of Health Sciences and Director of Nursing Dr. Nancy Mitchell.

Student welcome remarks were delivered by Olivia Reed, and student closing remarks were presented by Adrianne Case. The keynote address was delivered by Trista Elias, nursing instructor at 麻豆社 Union, and 麻豆社 Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Robyn Walter offered closing remarks.

Ceremony Meaning

The pinning ceremony is a longstanding tradition in the nursing profession and at 麻豆社, symbolizing the completion of rigorous coursework and clinical experiences. Each graduate was presented with a nursing pin and participated in the candle-lighting ceremony, signifying their commitment to compassionate patient care.

The following graduates were recognized during the 2026 pinning ceremony:

Riley Alexander, Melissa Bono, Ava Brand, Annalee Brooks, Dakota Cartwright, Adrianne Case, Abby Duncan, Norah Evans, Tara Flynn, Summer Glastetter, Grace Halmick, Kya Harbour, Kallie Harmon, Devon Kerckhoff, David Knorr II, Olivia Long, Moriah Mankin, Amanda Midyett, Addyson Murphey, Olivia Reed, Audrey Revelle, Harper Rollins, Allison Sauceda, Anna Scanlon, Audrey Schroeder, Toni Sells, Christabel Southards, Jacey Spurgeon, Amy Studdard, Shelbi Tittel, Tonya Vondera, and Melissa Winters.

Nursing Student Awards

Each year, 麻豆社 recognizes students for outstanding academic achievement, clinical excellence, leadership, and professionalism.

The Outstanding Nursing Student Award, selected by 麻豆社鈥檚 nursing faculty, is given to graduates who have excelled both in the classroom and in clinical settings. These students often credit 麻豆社 with helping them realize their dreams of becoming nurses.

The Spirit of Clinical Excellence Award is presented by 麻豆社鈥檚 healthcare partners, including Mercy Hospital Washington, Phelps Health in Rolla, and Missouri Baptist Hospital Sullivan, to students who demonstrate exceptional care, compassion, inquiry, critical thinking, and organizational skills.

麻豆社 Nursing faculty from Union and Rolla campuses presented the awards, recognizing the graduates鈥� dedication and achievements.

This year, four students received special recognition:

Ava Brand 鈥� Outstanding Nursing Student (Union)

Amy Studdard 鈥� Outstanding Nursing Student (Rolla)

Shelbi Tittel 鈥� Spirit of Clinical Excellence (Union)

Jacey Spurgeon 鈥� Spirit of Clinical Excellence (Rolla)

Ava Brand, center, received the 麻豆社 Outstanding Nursing Student Award for the Union program. She is pictured with, from left, Trista Elias, nursing instructor; Jessica Van Leer, nursing instructor; Dr. Brittany Clark, Union nursing program coordinator; and Andrea Bailey, nursing instructor.

Amy Studdard received the 麻豆社 Outstanding Nursing Student Award for the Rolla program. Pictured, from left, are Julie Chirban, nursing instructor; Jon Elias, nursing instructor; Studdard, and Jeannie Miles, nursing instructor.

Shelbi Tittel, center, received the Spirit of Clinical Excellence Award for Union. She is pictured with, from left, Trista Elias, nursing instructor; Jessica Van Leer, nursing instructor; Andrea Bailey, nursing instructor; and Dr. Brittany Clark, Union nursing program coordinator.

Jacey Spurgeon received the Spirit of Clinical Excellence Award for Rolla. Pictured, from left, are Julie Chirban, nursing instructor; Jon Elias, nursing instructor; Spurgeon, and Jeannie Miles, nursing instructor.

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The award was presented to the Warrenton resident by 麻豆社 President Dr. Jon Bauer during the College鈥檚 Commencement ceremony on May 16.

鈥淟indsey is the kind of student who represents the very best of 麻豆社,鈥� said Kim Daman-Scheel. 鈥淪he has shown tremendous dedication and perseverance while balancing a full life outside the classroom.鈥�

While working full time, raising four children, selling two homes, and building a new one, Womack maintained a 3.7 GPA and completed her Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Management at 麻豆社.

Womack also earned a Certificate of Achievement in Health Information Management and is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Her nominators praised her persistence, time management, and ability to balance the demands of family life, full-time employment, and full-time coursework.

In addition to her academic and professional responsibilities, Womack remained actively involved in supporting her children鈥檚 activities, including high school band and travel basketball.

鈥淓ven with family responsibilities, full-time work, full-time coursework, and major life changes, Lindsey stayed focused on her goals and continued to excel,鈥� Daman-Scheel added. 鈥淪he is very deserving of this recognition.鈥�

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Instead, the Union student found her fit in 麻豆社鈥檚 Health Information Management (HIM) program, a field that blends healthcare, technology, and data management behind the scenes of patient care.

A conversation with her boyfriend鈥檚 grandmother first introduced White to the field. After learning about HIM, she began researching the career path and quickly realized it aligned with her interests and long-term goals.

鈥淚 value healthcare, data integrity, and helping others,鈥� White said. 鈥淚 can still work in the health field and make a difference behind the scenes.鈥�

One year into 麻豆社鈥檚 associate degree program, White expects to graduate in spring 2027 and says the program has helped strengthen both her knowledge and confidence in the field.

HIM combines healthcare, information systems, and technology. Professionals in the field help organize and protect patient information, manage healthcare records, oversee coding and billing processes, and support the accuracy of medical data used throughout the healthcare industry.

For White, one of the biggest surprises has been the number of career opportunities connected to the field.

鈥淗IM is not just one set in stone job,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou can be a medical coder, medical biller, health data analyst, clinical documentation improvement specialist, clinical informatics specialist, and more.鈥�

She said she especially enjoys learning about the technology and information systems used in healthcare settings. One of the most meaningful parts of the program, she said, has been working with AHIMA Virtual Labs (V-Labs), which allow students to gain hands-on experience using healthcare systems like those used in hospitals and clinics.

鈥淚 find the V-Labs very meaningful for experiencing scenarios and working with systems that are similar to what I will be working with daily,鈥� White said.

At 麻豆社, students in the HIM program study subjects including medical terminology, pharmacology, healthcare technology, coding, billing, healthcare quality management, and health data analysis. The program also includes opportunities for students to gain practical experience in professional healthcare environments.

White said the coursework has helped her better understand both the technical and healthcare sides of the profession.

鈥淪o far, I have learned a lot of fundamentals about information systems and technology in healthcare, pharmacology, legal aspects of healthcare, the history and basics of HIM, and more,鈥� she said. 鈥淭his knowledge will be extremely helpful for my second-year classes and my future in HIM.鈥�

White hopes to begin her career in HIM after graduation, while continuing to expand her skills through additional certifications and specialized training opportunities.

She encourages anyone considering the program to explore the field and ask questions before making a decision.

鈥淒o your research, talk to your advisor, and make sure it is what you want to do,鈥� she said. 鈥淥nce you have decided it is what you want to do, enroll.鈥�

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For 12 麻豆社 students, spring break meant exploring historic landmarks, viewing famous works of art, and experiencing live theatre across the pond.

The Arts and Humanities trip to London, England, was led by Leigh Kolb, associate professor of English; Katie Holtmeyer, English instructor; and Haley Walter, enrollment counselor.

The students who participated in the trip are:

The group visited renowned sites including Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, Shakespeare鈥檚 Globe Theatre, the Tate Modern and Tate Britain galleries, the British Library, and the Tower of London.

They also experienced a live performance of “Oh, Mary!” in London鈥檚 celebrated West End theatre district.

In addition to their time in the city, the group took a day trip to hike along the White Cliffs of Dover and tour Canterbury Cathedral.

The London Spring Break experience has a rich history at 麻豆社: it was originally initiated for art students in 2008. Since then, the program has expanded to include a broader range of disciplines. Kolb began serving as co-advisor in 2016, opening the experience to English and Media Studies students alongside Art students.

Today, the tradition continues with participants from the Arts and Humanities Pathway, Art Club, Student Publications, and others with an interest in these fields making the annual journey.

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During the induction ceremony, Dr. Bauer shared remarks, and 麻豆社 English instructor Katie Holtmeyer delivered the keynote address. The 麻豆社 PTK鈥揅hi Delta Alumni Chapter provided refreshments.

The Chi Delta chapter co-advisors are Lindsay Riegel and Leigh Kolb.

For more information about PTK鈥揅hi Delta, reach out to co-advisors Leigh Kolb and Lindsay Riegel.

To be invited to join PTK, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.4 and be enrolled as a full-time student for one semester. After induction, members must maintain an overall GPA of 3.2 to remain in the honor society.

Membership is open to students in all majors across the college, including those pursuing degrees or certificates.

For more information about PTK and to contact chapter advisors, visit .

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