East Central College

06/18/2026

Work is underway to renovate ECC's walking trail. 🚶
The improvements will include a wider surface, better drainage, and enhanced accessibility.

As part of the project, Bradford pear trees are being removed. The trees are an invasive species known for weak branches, short lifespans, and their impact on native plant communities.

The pear trees will be replaced with native Missouri species selected for their beauty and environmental benefits. 🌳

06/18/2026

Helping classmates feel more confident in the classroom became one of the most rewarding parts of Ella Barcomb’s experience at ECC. 📚✨

📝 Student Worker Spotlight: Ella Barcomb

Ella Barcomb, of Saint James, Mo., studied Secondary English Education at ECC Rolla and chose ECC because it allowed her to stay close to home and family while beginning her college journey.

As a Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leader, Ella helped students through study sessions, peer support, and academic guidance. She especially enjoyed helping students who felt stressed or overwhelmed by the subjects she supported.

Through her role, Ella learned how to step outside of her comfort zone to support others and became more confident communicating with professors and classmates.
“I have learned that I can get out of my shell to help others when they may be stressed about a subject or professor.”

Outside of school and work, Ella enjoys walking trails, spending time in nature, listening to music, and reading. 🌿🎶

After ECC, she plans to attend Missouri S&T to continue her education degree before earning her master’s degree. Her dream is to become a high school or college English teacher.

Learn more about Supplemental Instruction at www.eastcentral.edu/student-support/academic-support/supplemental-instruction/

06/17/2026

🌿 Fresh landscaping is bringing new life to the area around Buescher Hall.

Thank you to the ECC Foundation for supporting the project, Karen Leslie, former president of the Franklin County Master Gardeners, for sharing her expertise and green thumb, and our Facilities team for bringing the vision to life.

The project features Missouri native plants and other enhancements that help keep our campus beautiful and welcoming.

06/16/2026

Turn sparks into a career!
ECC's Welding program combines hands-on training with the skills employers are looking for.

06/15/2026

Congratulations to ECC Theatre Director Grace Austin on this outstanding achievement and well-deserved recognition of her work with young performers!

Best Youth Direction COCA (Center of Creative Arts)

06/15/2026

Supporting classmates through study sessions, peer mentoring, and academic support made a big impact on students across campus this year.
Now, we’re spotlighting some of the Falcons who helped fellow students succeed at ECC.📚

📝 Student Worker Spotlight: Lauren Christians

Lauren, an Accounting graduate from Bellevue, Neb., was inspired to attend ECC after seeing friends use their ECC experience as a launchpad into new careers.

She served as a Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leader, helping students through study sessions and serving as a peer mentor on campus. Through the role, Lauren discovered how much she enjoys working in team environments and helping others grow.

As an SI Leader, she strengthened her organizational skills while building connections with fellow students and faculty.

“I enjoy connecting with other students and watching them grow.”

Lauren enjoys cooking, hiking, spending time with family, and marching in parades. 🎺 She has marched in more than a dozen parades and counting.

She plans to begin a career in accounting 🧮 while continuing work toward her bachelor’s degree.
Learn more about Supplemental Instruction at www.eastcentral.edu/student-support/academic-support/supplemental-instruction/

06/15/2026

From ECC student leader to the U.S. Secret Service, Brad Beeler has built a career around communication, leadership, and service.

Brad returned to the area on Saturday for a book signing and discussion at Neighborhood Reads, where he shared insights from his book, "Tell Me Everything," with a packed audience.

After serving as president of Phi Theta Kappa at East Central College, Brad went on to a distinguished career with the Secret Service, helping protect U.S. presidents. His book draws on lessons learned throughout that journey and explores the power of communication and connection.

Brad also has deep ties to ECC. His father, Ron Beeler, taught mathematics at the college and was known for creating innovative videotaped lectures that helped students succeed. As a child, Brad even appeared in some of those educational videos.

06/12/2026

📚 Meet this week's Featured Falcon: June Thebeau!

A Union native and former ECC student, June knows firsthand the difference a supportive college experience can make. After starting at ECC, June transferred to Webster University and is now pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Writing. 📝

As a Learning Center Specialist, June works with students to help them build confidence and strengthen their writing skills. June says the instructors met at ECC helped reveal the potential to achieve goals that once seemed out of reach.

Today, June helps Falcons discover that same confidence and potential through encouragement, support, and a passion for learning.

06/11/2026

Helping classmates succeed while strengthening his own skills made Nicholas Mehmert’s time at ECC especially meaningful.

📚 Student Worker Spotlight: Nicholas Mehmert

Nicholas came to ECC because of its partnership with Missouri S&T and the opportunity to use A+ benefits while pursuing engineering. ⚙️

As a student tutor, he enjoyed helping other students better understand challenging subjects while also reinforcing his own knowledge along the way.
“The ability to teach others gives me a broader understanding of the subject matter.”

Working at ECC also helped Nicholas discover how important balance is between academics and work responsibilities.

Outside the classroom, Nicholas enjoys making music, watching movies, and gaming. Although he studies engineering, he says many people are surprised to learn he plays piano and guitar and enjoys singing as a creative outlet. 🎹

Nicholas is transferring to Missouri S&T to study biomedical engineering, with the long-term goal of designing more affordable prosthetics. 🩺

Learn more about The Learning Center and tutoring services at www.eastcentral.edu/student-support/the-learning-center/

06/11/2026

We were honored to host Wednesday's MCCA Classified Staff Day and welcome community college staff members from across Missouri for a day of learning, connection, and professional development.

More than 130 participants joined the event in person and online, making it a record-setting gathering of classified staff dedicated to supporting students and strengthening Missouri's community colleges. 🎓

The day featured presentations, educational sessions, networking opportunities, and discussions. The keynote address was delivered by Heather Bond, ECC Director of Wellness Services and Lead Counselor, who shared insights from the book "The Science of Hope."

Thank you to the nd everyone who helped make the event a success.