The educators were presented Inspirer of Excellence Awards on May 7 by the ����vlog���� chapter of the National Education Association (NEA). ����vlog���� students nominated their former high school teachers who made an impact in their lives and educational journeys.

����vlog���� faculty members Jenifer Goodson, EMS Program Director; Lisa Hanneken, business instructor; and Katie Holtmeyer, English instructor, served as co-chairs of the Inspirer of Excellence Teacher Recognition Award Ceremony held in the John Edson Anglin Performing Arts Center.

In the nominations, students wrote about their former teachers and why they should be recognized as Inspirers of Excellence.

The following educators and retirees were recognized:

• Ginny Pope
• Diane Shoemaker
• Michael Orf
• Dustin Howard
• Tyler Ahring
• Amy Quertermous
• Sarah Manno
• Vicki Harvey
• Susie Ashby
• Kevin Daharsh
• Emily Mullen
• Bonnie Hall
• Logann Cardin
• Elizabeth Hogan
• Kandice McCuskey
• Carmen Ruszala
• Drew Reed
• Renee Kruse
• Valerie Foster
• Tim Karth
• Sandra Dews
• Valarie McEuen
• Melissa Bestgen
• Alicia Schoonover
• Tina Kluesner
• Claire Smith
• Michael Underberg
• Kyle Ellrich
• Jessie Katz
• Karen Fixsal
• Jim Parsons, retired
• Jessica Fitzgerald
• Chris Lanemann
• Nathan Cabot
• Mike Olszowka

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The 2026 Nursing Pinning Ceremony was held May 16 in the Donald D. Shook Student Center gymnasium at ����vlog����’s Union campus. The event included remarks from ����vlog���� President Dr. Jon Bauer and ����vlog���� 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 ����vlog���� Union, and ����vlog���� 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 ����vlog����, 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, ����vlog���� recognizes students for outstanding academic achievement, clinical excellence, leadership, and professionalism.

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

The Spirit of Clinical Excellence Award is presented by ����vlog����’s 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.

����vlog���� Nursing faculty from Union and Rolla campuses presented the awards, recognizing the graduates’ dedication and achievements.

This year, four students received special recognition:

Ava Brand — Outstanding Nursing Student (Union)

Amy Studdard — Outstanding Nursing Student (Rolla)

Shelbi Tittel — Spirit of Clinical Excellence (Union)

Jacey Spurgeon — Spirit of Clinical Excellence (Rolla)

Ava Brand, center, received the ����vlog���� 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 ����vlog���� 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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Leading the group was Jakob Holmlund, who was named a Phi Theta Kappa Coca-Cola Scholar. He received a medallion and a $1,300 scholarship in recognition of the honor. Holmlund is from Salem and majors in Music at ����vlog���� in Union.

����vlog���� Union honorees:

• Savhanna Hixenbaugh of St. Clair, a Special Education major;
• Jakob Holmlund, a Music major;
• Samantha Lay, Leslie, a Nursing major; and
• Sabrina McIntyre of Union, a Welding major.

����vlog���� honorees:

• Dylan Brown of Rolla, an Education major;
• Summer Houston of Rolla, a Radiologic Technology major;
• Michelle Sharp of Rolla, a Nursing major; and
• Elise Falls of Cuba, a Social Sciences major.                                                                                                                                                      

These students were selected for their outstanding academic records, leadership, and community involvement. ����vlog���� annually nominates students from its campuses for the All-USA Team, which automatically qualifies nominees for the All-Missouri Academic Team. Nominees complete a rigorous application process that includes academic achievements, campus and community involvement, and a detailed account of a significant endeavor during their time at ����vlog����.

All-state honorees are recognized at a ceremony sponsored by the MCCA and receive a commemorative medallion and certificate, along with a $225 scholarship funded by the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA).

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually to PTK members through the Coca-Cola Academic Team program, celebrating students who are leading the way in their communities and academic programs.

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Crain was recognized alongside departmental award recipients and years-of-service honorees at ����vlog����’s Adjunct Appreciation Dinner on April 14.

Crain’s nomination described her as a reliable, professional, and student-centered instructor whose courses are intentionally structured, engaging, and supportive. It also highlighted her collaboration with faculty, her role in departmental assessment and review work, and her steadfast dedication to students.

The following adjunct faculty members were recognized for excellence in their respective academic areas:

• Sue Wurdack, Outstanding Adjunct Health Sciences
• Dr. Amy Jackson, Outstanding Adjunct Fine and Performing Arts
• Elizabeth Rosebrough, Outstanding Adjunct English and Humanities
• David Kelch, Outstanding Adjunct Social Sciences and College Success
• Heather Young, Outstanding Adjunct Business and Industry
• Wendy Scheer, Outstanding Adjunct Dual Credit
• Laura Roselli Insall, Outstanding Adjunct STEM

Wurdack, a nursing adjunct, was praised for consistently going above and beyond to support students. Her nomination said she has “a rare gift for helping students recognize their strengths while gently guiding them to see where improvements are needed,” and noted that her professionalism, warmth, and support make her both a mentor to students and a valued colleague.

Jackson was honored as Outstanding Adjunct Fine and Performing Arts for her work in Art. Her nomination highlighted her dedication to arts education and the way she has refined and enriched ����vlog����’s online Art Appreciation course to make it more engaging and effective for students.

Elizabeth “Lissa” Rosebrough received the Outstanding Adjunct English and Humanities award. A longtime English adjunct, Rosebrough was recognized as an indispensable resource to the department and as a trustworthy, dependable instructor who demonstrates excellence in her teaching and expects excellence from her students.

Kelch, recognized as Outstanding Adjunct Social Sciences and College Success, was noted for creating handouts, course resources, and concept videos that support student learning in accounting. He also teaches religion courses, sometimes building them from scratch.

Young received the Outstanding Adjunct Business and Industry award for her work in culinary. Her nomination described her as well-prepared, informative, and consistently positive, noting that she is “a great example of what a teacher should be” and that ����vlog���� is fortunate to have someone who inspires both students and instructors.

Scheer’s nomination cited her organization, timely communication, and thoughtful collaboration, which helped support the relaunch of dual credit at New Haven High School and expand opportunities for students.

Laura Roselli Insall was recognized as Outstanding Adjunct STEM. Her nomination highlighted her success in online mathematics instruction, emphasizing her well-organized course design, effective engagement strategies, and commitment to helping students work through complex concepts with confidence.

Together, this year’s honorees reflect the important role adjunct faculty play across ����vlog����. Through strong teaching, meaningful support for students, and ongoing contributions to their departments, they help shape the learning experience for students across a wide range of disciplines.

Years-of-service honorees also were recognized at the event.

5 Years

• Emily Brasher
• Jaclyn Campos
• Charles Cassidy
• Nicole Crawford
• Jacquelyn Drury
• Philip Giacomelli
• Awad Lemnifi
• Sarah Muir
• Anna Schwein
• Matthew Vogeler

10 Years

• Nancy Tappe

15 Years

• Kristen Adams
• Stephanie Juengling
• Vanessa Whittle

20 Years

• Terry Brookshire

25 Years

• Colin Flynn

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While often less visible to the public than doctors, nurses, or other frontline providers, health information professionals play a critical role in modern healthcare. They help ensure patient information is accurate, secure, organized, and available when it is needed, supporting everything from quality care and compliance to communication and decision-making across the healthcare system.

That work is becoming increasingly important as healthcare grows more complex and more dependent on technology, data, and coordinated information systems.

At ����vlog����, the HIM program is designed to prepare students for that environment, equipping them for careers that connect healthcare, technology, and patient information.

����vlog����’s program has recently been recognized on two fronts.

The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education, or CAHIIM, has recognized ����vlog����’s Health Information Management program as a Program of Distinction, a designation awarded to select programs demonstrating leadership in healthcare education and commitment to the HIM Future Education Model.

CAHIIM says these programs are helping shape the future of HIM education through collaboration, data collection, and innovation in competency-based learning. They have also received commendation, the accreditor’s highest level of recognition.

����vlog���� is among the programs receiving that honor.

The distinction also reflects the leadership behind the program. Kim Scheel, HIM Program Director, and Dr. Nanette Sayles, professor of Health Information Management, have played an important role in building a program known for quality, innovation and student support. Their work has helped position ����vlog����’s HIM program for this kind of recognition and continues to strengthen opportunities for students entering the field.

In addition to the accreditation distinction, the ����vlog���� Foundation was selected to receive $32,356.22 in AHIMA Foundation funding to support students in the College’s HIM program.

The funding can be used for tuition and curriculum-related expenses, including textbooks, technology, practicum support, AHIMA exam preparation materials, exam registration, and AHIMA student memberships. The award places ����vlog���� among a select group of colleges chosen for funding support and further reflects the strength of the program and its commitment to student success.

����vlog����’s HIM program is offered online and uses a hybrid competency-based education model designed to help students build practical knowledge and workforce-ready skills. Graduates are also eligible to pursue the Registered Health Information Technician, or RHIT, credential.

Together, the recognition and funding mark an important moment for the program, affirming both the quality of ����vlog����’s approach and the value of preparing students for careers in a field that keeps healthcare information working behind the scenes.

More information about ����vlog����’s Health Information Management program is available at .

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The College received the FCAUW’s 2025 Greatest Percentage Increase in Giving award after increasing its employee pledge total by 102 percent compared to the previous year. During the 2025 campaign, ����vlog���� donated $15,971, contributing to the FCAUW’s overall campaign total of $1,450,085.

In addition to the increase in giving, ����vlog���� was recognized as a Top 30 Company and selected as one of four Pacesetter Companies. Pacesetter Companies are tasked with launching early, high-energy employee campaigns designed to build momentum in the weeks leading up to the Annual Community Campaign.

����vlog���� employees Stacy Langan and Ashley Straatmann are in their first year of service on the FCAUW Board of Directors. They also serve on the ����vlog���� United Way Campaign Committee alongside Stephanie Baker, Cynthia Cubas, Cassidy Desmond, and Bridgette Kelch.

“From movie screenings to dine-to-donate events, raffles, and even community classes, they found innovative ways to raise awareness, engage supporters, and invite everyone to be part of the mission,” United Way officials said.

“They consistently went above and beyond, investing their time, talent, and enthusiasm into every event they hosted. Their efforts brought people together, sparked excitement, and created meaningful opportunities for the community to learn, connect, and give back.”

Langan said the recognition reflects the collective effort of ����vlog���� employees.

“Our employees truly stepped up this year,” Langan said. “The generosity and creativity shown throughout the campaign demonstrate how committed the ����vlog���� community is to making a positive impact, not only on campus but throughout the region.”

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That inspired Treece, 19, of Leasburg, to enroll in ����vlog����’s Health Information Management program.

Treece is halfway through her first semester in the program and expects to graduate in 2027. She said she has enjoyed learning how the program is structured and how each course connects to the skills needed in the field. One of her favorite early experiences has been medical terminology, which she described as interesting and fun to learn.

Treece added that the support she has received at ����vlog���� has helped her feel more confident as she builds a foundation in the program.

“Everyone at ����vlog���� is kind and very helpful when I have questions, even when I have asked them many times,” she said. “This has helped me gain confidence to ask more questions about anything in my field.”

Flexibility is a central focus of ����vlog����’s Health Information Management program. Students can take courses fully online and enroll either full time or part time, which allows them to balance school with work and family responsibilities. Students also have the option to start the program at any time during the year, adding another layer of convenience.

Career Paths

The program’s appeal extends beyond scheduling. HIM graduates can choose from a wide range of career paths in the health care industry. Opportunities span hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, government agencies, physician practices, and other health service organizations.

Kim Scheel, HIM Program Director, highlights the broad scope of the field. The work includes administrative, operational, and clinical elements of health care. HIM specialists play a crucial role in supporting quality patient care by managing information at every stage of the health care process.

����vlog���� also offers a Healthcare Security Certificate of Specialization within the HIM program. This certificate provides training in the growing area of health information security.

After completing the full program, Treece hopes to work as a biller and coder and would like to pursue a position at the hospital where her mother is employed. She encouraged others who are considering the program to take time for themselves and stay focused on their coursework.

For more information about ����vlog���� and the Health Information Management program, visit eastcentral.edu or contact Kim Scheel at kim.daman-scheel@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6662.

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The keynote address was given by Dr. Aurelia Von Tress, English instructor, who spoke on “The Power of Stories,” during the Fall New Member Induction Ceremony held on Sept. 28.

Attendees included 2025–26 PTK Beta Omicron Phi Chapter Vice President Michelle Sharp, Recording Secretary Shylah Ragan, and new members Kaytte Forister, Eden Sands, Annia Viramontes, Simon Olguin, Summer Houston, Abigail Emmett, Khloe Baldwin, Joy Wallis, and Collin Hale.

Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society for two-year colleges, where members engage in activities reflecting the organization’s hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship.

To qualify for induction, students must achieve a GPA of at least 3.4 for one semester and maintain a 3.2 GPA thereafter. PTK membership is open to students across all majors, degrees, and certificates.

Students who are eligible but have not yet joined still can do so through the end of the year. For more information about PTK in Rolla, contact chapter advisor Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema at 573-466-4084 or elizabeth.rozema@eastcentral.edu.

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The Faculty Fellowship distinction honors educators who have made outstanding contributions to health information education through leadership, teaching excellence, and innovation.

Dr. Sayles has spent decades advancing the Health Information Management (HIM) profession through education, research, and service. At ����vlog����, she has developed and taught high-quality online courses, helping prepare students for careers that connect healthcare, technology, and data. She has also served in national leadership roles, including as a CAHIIM accreditation surveyor and as a member of committees for the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

“Dr. Sayles’ impact on HIM education is unparalleled,” said Dr. Nancy Mitchell, Dean of Health Sciences at ����vlog����. “Her work has shaped not only our program at ����vlog���� but also national standards for HIM and Health Informatics education. This recognition reflects her dedication to student success, program innovation, and professional leadership.”

In addition to her teaching and service, Dr. Sayles is a published author of several textbooks and scholarly articles that have advanced the HIM profession.

����vlog����’s Health Information Management program is accredited by CAHIIM. The program offers flexible online learning options and equips graduates with the skills needed to manage patient information, ensure data accuracy, and support healthcare operations.

Learn more about the program here: HIM Program.

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From approximately 1,000 community colleges nationwide, the Aspen Institute identified 200 with the strongest student outcomes in areas such as retention, completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates.

Colleges do not apply to be considered for eligibility; selection is based solely on national data analysis of student success and outcomes. Started in 2010, this is the ninth cycle of the Aspen Prize. The selection process will conclude in spring 2027, when the Aspen Institute will name the winner of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff who work every day to help students achieve their goals,” said Dr. Jon Bauer, president of ����vlog����. “It affirms the progress we continue to make in student success and reinforces our commitment to strengthening the communities we serve.”

Together, these 200 colleges represent the breadth and diversity of the community college sector. They are in urban, rural, and suburban areas across the country and serve anywhere from a few hundred students to tens of thousands. Some of these colleges focus primarily on workforce programs, while others focus on transfer and bachelor’s attainment or a combination of the two.

“The Aspen Prize rewards colleges that achieve the kind of outcomes that actually matter to students—completing college degree programs that, in turn, lead to lifelong success,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “Aspen Prize winners offer a powerful message: Community colleges can deliver the kind of life-changing education that makes the American Dream real.”

Community colleges educate nearly 6 million students. Yet community college student outcomes fall short in both the rate at which students graduate and the percentage of students who achieve success after graduation. The Aspen Prize process identifies and celebrates community colleges that demonstrate that achieving stronger outcomes is possible, providing a roadmap of effective practices and strategies for other colleges to follow.

The 200 eligible colleges have been invited to apply and participate in a rigorous review process that will culminate in the naming of the Aspen Prize winner in spring 2027. Over the coming 20 months, the colleges that apply for the Aspen Prize will be assessed based on (1) student outcomes data, ranging from student transfer and completion rates to employment and wages after graduation and (2) whether they have engaged in scaled practices that led to high and improving student outcomes.

“Among these 200 colleges are some really special places that deliver strong and improving outcomes for students across the board,” Wyner said. “Our job over the coming 20 months is to gather a lot more data and work with a deep bench of field experts to assess which of these 200 stand out so we can not only honor them with a monetary award but drive attention to the most effective field practices that other colleges can replicate.”

This is the first time since the inception of the Aspen Prize that 200 colleges are eligible to apply, growing from 150. This year, in addition to publicly available federal data, more than 600 colleges authorized the use of National Student Clearinghouse data on their institution’s degree completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates for full- and part-time students.

The full list can be accessed on the Aspen Prize homepage.

The next steps in the process include:
• Nov. 13/Dec. 9, 2025: Application deadlines for the 2027 Prize
• April 2026: Announcement of 25 semifinalists, selected based on assessments of                     extensive data and the application by a group of 11 experts in community colleges, higher education, and workforce
• June 2026: Announcement of 10 finalists, selected by the same group of experts
• Fall 2026: Collection of additional data from the 10 finalists, including employment and earnings data for graduates from 2020 and 2025, as well as qualitative assessments of practices by field experts during multi-day site visits to each of the 10 finalists
• February 2027: The Aspen Prize winner selected by a distinguished, independent jury
• Spring 2027: Announcement of the Aspen Prize winner and celebration of the 10 finalists at an event in Washington, D.C.

Read more about the .

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