Breakout sessions are the educational backbone of the MCCA Annual Convention. Our comprehensive programming is designed to give you a full range education, from the basics that every professional needs to the innovative ideas that are changing how you work. With a wide variety of topics during each time slot, these 45 minute sessions allow you to focus on the areas that are most relevant to your needs. No matter where you are in your career, there is something for you.
Program Tracks
Sessions are organized by seven thematic tracks designed to help illuminate overarching focus areas and help attendees easily navigate the event.
Sessions are organized by seven thematic tracks designed to help illuminate overarching focus areas and help attendees easily navigate the event.
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Recruiting, retaining and graduating students are ongoing challenges for community colleges. Join your colleagues in exploring new strategies and best practices for increasing enrollment and driving student success from start to finish.
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
A robust economy depends upon a highly skilled workforce. These sessions explore the many ways colleges are meeting the workforce needs of their communities, particularly through apprenticeship programs and partnerships with local employers.
Learning & Teaching
College professionals continue to develop new and innovative ways of approaching learning and teaching. These sessions afford educators the opportunity to share their ideas and innovations with colleagues.
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Accountability mandates, fluctuating funding, demographic shifts, and the rapid pace of change within higher education continue to challenge college administrators to explore innovative strategies for leadership and organizational change.
Strategic Planning & The Community College Workplace
Every day, both teaching and non-teaching professionals work to advance the mission of Missouri’s community colleges and workforce partners. This ongoing track will explore innovative and forward-thinking initiatives that will impact the future of community colleges, from financial planning and human resources to continuous improvement, strategic management and everything in between.
HLC Accreditation
HLC accreditation assures quality by verifying that an institution meets standards and is engaged in continuous improvement. HLC's institutional accreditation includes all degree levels as well as on-site and online offerings. This track will ensure participants going through this process or preparing for an upcoming review will have the most up-to-date information and communication about best practices.
Special Topics
Interested in something more specific? Explore a variety of targeted topics, trends and challenges within higher education today.
Business Meetings
Wednesday, November 13
12:00 - 2:00 P.M.
Fall Creek
Presidents & Chancellors
Short Creek 1
Trustees
Short Creek 2
Faculty
Short Creek 3
Chief Student Affairs Officers (CSAOs)
Short Creek 4
Classified Staff
Cooper Creek 1
IE Professionals
Cooper Creek 2
Chief Academic Officers (CAOs)
Cooper Creek 3
Grants Professionals
Compton Ferry
Chief Human Resource Officers (CHRO)
Roark Creek
CTE & Workforce Development Professionals
Presidents & Chancellors
Short Creek 1
Trustees
Short Creek 2
Faculty
Short Creek 3
Chief Student Affairs Officers (CSAOs)
Short Creek 4
Classified Staff
Cooper Creek 1
IE Professionals
Cooper Creek 2
Chief Academic Officers (CAOs)
Cooper Creek 3
Grants Professionals
Compton Ferry
Chief Human Resource Officers (CHRO)
Roark Creek
CTE & Workforce Development Professionals
2:00 - 3:00 P.M.
Short Creek 1
P/C Council and Trustees
P/C Council and Trustees
2:00 - 4:00 P.M.
Short Creek 2
Online, Instruction & AI
Short Creek 3
Chief Information Officers (CIOs)
Short Creek 4
Health Sciences Deans
Cooper Creek 1
IR Council
Cooper Creek 2
Chief Financial Officers (CFOs)
Cooper Creek 3
Marketing Professionals
Compton Ferry
ABA2 (MoSEPWork)
Roark Creek
SkillUP Coordinators
Bee Creek
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Professionals
Online, Instruction & AI
Short Creek 3
Chief Information Officers (CIOs)
Short Creek 4
Health Sciences Deans
Cooper Creek 1
IR Council
Cooper Creek 2
Chief Financial Officers (CFOs)
Cooper Creek 3
Marketing Professionals
Compton Ferry
ABA2 (MoSEPWork)
Roark Creek
SkillUP Coordinators
Bee Creek
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Professionals
Breakout Sessions
Our comprehensive program is designed to give you a full range education, from the basics that every professional needs to the innovative ideas that are changing how we work. No matter where you are in your career, there is something for you!
Our comprehensive program is designed to give you a full range education, from the basics that every professional needs to the innovative ideas that are changing how we work. No matter where you are in your career, there is something for you!
Thursday, November 14
8:45 - 9:30 A.M.
Fall Creek
Is Your College Designed to Serve Your Learners and Communities?
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Dr. Chett Daniel | Associate VP of Workforce and Innovations, Crowder College
Matt Newlin | Senior Education Designer, Rural Initiatives, Education Design Labs
The mission of a community college is to serve students and their communities. But, are your solutions designed for the learners and communities you’re seeking to serve? Come and learn how the Education Design Lab’s human-centered design process is helping community colleges to think differently about how they are engaging and designing with their local learners and communities to create sustainable and scalable approaches focused on increasing access, employment, community buy-in, and more. Participants will learn more about the work of Education Design Lab and how Crowder College is partnering with the Lab and 11 other colleges as part of the Rural College Design and Data Academy.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 1
Construction Management for Campus Capital Projects
Strategic Planning & The Community College Workplace
Hart Nelson | Chief Operating Officer, St. Louis Community College
Nick Fiehler | Project Director, Navigate Building Solutions
Capital projects are complex. Hear how STLCC engaged a construction manager advisor to identify needs, onboard design professionals, ensure campus programming needs were met to smoothly move into the construction phase.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 2
Building a Successful CTE Program with NSF Funding
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
Dr. Robyn Gordon | Dean of Technical Education, Ozarks Technical Community College
Landon Vinson | Manufacturing Department Chair, Ozarks Technical Community College
Rodney Boyer | Automation & Robots Instructor, Ozarks Technical Community College
Jacque Harris | Instructional Designer, Ozarks Technical Community College
This presentation provides an in-depth look at the journey of establishing a successful Automation and Robotics program, funded by a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant. It covers the critical steps, including collaboration with local industries to ensure relevant curriculum development, the formation of an advisory council to guide the program’s growth, and the launch of a summer camp aimed at recruiting students by sparking their interest in Robotics and Automation fields. The discussion will highlight the challenges faced, key successes, and the strategies employed to create a sustainable pipeline of talent for the growing demands of the automation and robotics sectors.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 3
Reimagining the Campus Bookstore: Fixing What’s Broken With BibliU
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Sam Holding | Strategic Partnerships Lead, BibliU
Ginny Conners | Senior Account Executive, BibliU
Join BibliU’s Ginny Conners and Sam Holding for an engaging session on reimagining the campus store experience. Drawing on their insights from over 190 campus store visits, they will address the pressing challenges institutions face today—rising costs, declining revenues, and inconsistent service levels. Discover how BibliU is turning these challenges into opportunities by transforming traditional bookstores into innovative campus hubs, while providing students with affordable, day one access to course materials.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 4
Encouraging LGBTQ+ Gen-Z Student Success
Special Topics
Sav Campbell | Campus Life and Leadership Coordinator, Metropolitan Community College - Blue River
20% of Gen-Z identify as LGBTQ+ in some way - more than double that of previous generations. While some of our best practices remain, it's important to recognize that we need to adapt to meet the needs of the new generation of LGBTQ+ students. In this presentation, we will talk about the differences to keep in mind when supporting LGBTQ+ Gen-Z student success and the best practices we need to know moving forward. You don't have to know all of the lingo to be an ally. You just have to come to the table with best intentions in mind.
--- --- ---
Cooper Creek 1
Goofus & Gallant: A Tale of Two Students
Learning & Teaching
Ross Lowrance | Instructor - CIS, Ozarks Technical Community College
Using the classic highlights magazine characters Goofus and Gallant, my session aims to train teachers to develop ethical AI statements for their classes, and teach their students how to use AI as a resource, not a crutch.
--- --- ---
Cooper Creek 2
Igniting Student Comebacks: Show Me the Impact of Momentum-Focused Support!
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Dr. Catherine Snoddy | Director of Academic Services, WGU Missouri
Join us to explore how WGU has redefined the narrative around online learners facing challenges—not as "at risk," but through the lens of student momentum. In this engaging session, we'll discuss how targeted faculty intervention can significantly change the trajectory of a student’s course experience. Discover actionable strategies for providing momentum-focused support that empowers students to overcome their challenges and succeed. Learn how a simple shift in perspective can transform your approach and make a lasting impact on your students’ academic journeys. Don’t miss this opportunity to help your learners thrive!
--- --- ---
Cooper Creek 3
From Perfectionism to a Healthy Pursuit of Excellence
Special Topics
Stacey Gillette | Behavioral Health Support Department Coordinator and Social Science Instructor, Mineral Area College
This presentation will help individuals differentiate between perfectionism and healthy pursuit of excellence. Participants will be given strategies to reinforce healthy boundaries when it comes to graded tasks in classroom settings to prevent reinforcement of perfectionist tendencies.
--- --- ---
Compton Ferry
Past Learning Leads to Future Results: The Impact of Missouri’s Adult Learners
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Megan Wadley | Coordinator of Adult Education & Literacy and High School Equivalency, Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education
Alice Whalen | Adult Education Program Director, East Central College
Over 350,000 workforce-aged Missourians do not have a high school diploma or its equivalency, and approximately 275,000 people in Missouri do not have proficiency in the English language. DESE’s office of Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) serves these adults by offering free educational services that allow Missouri’s postsecondary training institutions to connect with this population. DHEWD’s “Sixty for All” strategic plan outlines two tactics supported by a partnership with DESE AEL. In this session, delve into Tactic #3, Ability to Benefit (ATB), and Tactic #21, Integrated Education and Training (IET). Discover how institutions implement these strategies, foster enrollment diversity, and contribute to workforce development. Learn how to partner with DESE AEL educational services to equip students for a successful postsecondary journey.
--- --- ---
Roark Creek
CTE Certifications, Microcredentials & Pathways-NC3 (National Coalition of Certification Centers)
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
Jacob Haefner | Sales Consultant, Advanced Technologies Consultants (ATC)
Where Education and Industry Meet- The National Coalition of Certification Centers is a value-driven organization and the future model for Career and Technical Education, creating highly-skilled, job-ready professionals through a growing network of educational partners and global industry leaders.
In this workshop we will go over the different NC3 Certifications/Microcredentials to help advance your CTE Programs across the board. We will also go over different Pathways for several topics of coverage (Mechatronics, Engineering, Industrial Maintenance, Alternative Energy, Construction, etc.).
Is Your College Designed to Serve Your Learners and Communities?
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Dr. Chett Daniel | Associate VP of Workforce and Innovations, Crowder College
Matt Newlin | Senior Education Designer, Rural Initiatives, Education Design Labs
The mission of a community college is to serve students and their communities. But, are your solutions designed for the learners and communities you’re seeking to serve? Come and learn how the Education Design Lab’s human-centered design process is helping community colleges to think differently about how they are engaging and designing with their local learners and communities to create sustainable and scalable approaches focused on increasing access, employment, community buy-in, and more. Participants will learn more about the work of Education Design Lab and how Crowder College is partnering with the Lab and 11 other colleges as part of the Rural College Design and Data Academy.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 1
Construction Management for Campus Capital Projects
Strategic Planning & The Community College Workplace
Hart Nelson | Chief Operating Officer, St. Louis Community College
Nick Fiehler | Project Director, Navigate Building Solutions
Capital projects are complex. Hear how STLCC engaged a construction manager advisor to identify needs, onboard design professionals, ensure campus programming needs were met to smoothly move into the construction phase.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 2
Building a Successful CTE Program with NSF Funding
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
Dr. Robyn Gordon | Dean of Technical Education, Ozarks Technical Community College
Landon Vinson | Manufacturing Department Chair, Ozarks Technical Community College
Rodney Boyer | Automation & Robots Instructor, Ozarks Technical Community College
Jacque Harris | Instructional Designer, Ozarks Technical Community College
This presentation provides an in-depth look at the journey of establishing a successful Automation and Robotics program, funded by a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant. It covers the critical steps, including collaboration with local industries to ensure relevant curriculum development, the formation of an advisory council to guide the program’s growth, and the launch of a summer camp aimed at recruiting students by sparking their interest in Robotics and Automation fields. The discussion will highlight the challenges faced, key successes, and the strategies employed to create a sustainable pipeline of talent for the growing demands of the automation and robotics sectors.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 3
Reimagining the Campus Bookstore: Fixing What’s Broken With BibliU
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Sam Holding | Strategic Partnerships Lead, BibliU
Ginny Conners | Senior Account Executive, BibliU
Join BibliU’s Ginny Conners and Sam Holding for an engaging session on reimagining the campus store experience. Drawing on their insights from over 190 campus store visits, they will address the pressing challenges institutions face today—rising costs, declining revenues, and inconsistent service levels. Discover how BibliU is turning these challenges into opportunities by transforming traditional bookstores into innovative campus hubs, while providing students with affordable, day one access to course materials.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 4
Encouraging LGBTQ+ Gen-Z Student Success
Special Topics
Sav Campbell | Campus Life and Leadership Coordinator, Metropolitan Community College - Blue River
20% of Gen-Z identify as LGBTQ+ in some way - more than double that of previous generations. While some of our best practices remain, it's important to recognize that we need to adapt to meet the needs of the new generation of LGBTQ+ students. In this presentation, we will talk about the differences to keep in mind when supporting LGBTQ+ Gen-Z student success and the best practices we need to know moving forward. You don't have to know all of the lingo to be an ally. You just have to come to the table with best intentions in mind.
--- --- ---
Cooper Creek 1
Goofus & Gallant: A Tale of Two Students
Learning & Teaching
Ross Lowrance | Instructor - CIS, Ozarks Technical Community College
Using the classic highlights magazine characters Goofus and Gallant, my session aims to train teachers to develop ethical AI statements for their classes, and teach their students how to use AI as a resource, not a crutch.
--- --- ---
Cooper Creek 2
Igniting Student Comebacks: Show Me the Impact of Momentum-Focused Support!
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Dr. Catherine Snoddy | Director of Academic Services, WGU Missouri
Join us to explore how WGU has redefined the narrative around online learners facing challenges—not as "at risk," but through the lens of student momentum. In this engaging session, we'll discuss how targeted faculty intervention can significantly change the trajectory of a student’s course experience. Discover actionable strategies for providing momentum-focused support that empowers students to overcome their challenges and succeed. Learn how a simple shift in perspective can transform your approach and make a lasting impact on your students’ academic journeys. Don’t miss this opportunity to help your learners thrive!
--- --- ---
Cooper Creek 3
From Perfectionism to a Healthy Pursuit of Excellence
Special Topics
Stacey Gillette | Behavioral Health Support Department Coordinator and Social Science Instructor, Mineral Area College
This presentation will help individuals differentiate between perfectionism and healthy pursuit of excellence. Participants will be given strategies to reinforce healthy boundaries when it comes to graded tasks in classroom settings to prevent reinforcement of perfectionist tendencies.
--- --- ---
Compton Ferry
Past Learning Leads to Future Results: The Impact of Missouri’s Adult Learners
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Megan Wadley | Coordinator of Adult Education & Literacy and High School Equivalency, Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education
Alice Whalen | Adult Education Program Director, East Central College
Over 350,000 workforce-aged Missourians do not have a high school diploma or its equivalency, and approximately 275,000 people in Missouri do not have proficiency in the English language. DESE’s office of Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) serves these adults by offering free educational services that allow Missouri’s postsecondary training institutions to connect with this population. DHEWD’s “Sixty for All” strategic plan outlines two tactics supported by a partnership with DESE AEL. In this session, delve into Tactic #3, Ability to Benefit (ATB), and Tactic #21, Integrated Education and Training (IET). Discover how institutions implement these strategies, foster enrollment diversity, and contribute to workforce development. Learn how to partner with DESE AEL educational services to equip students for a successful postsecondary journey.
--- --- ---
Roark Creek
CTE Certifications, Microcredentials & Pathways-NC3 (National Coalition of Certification Centers)
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
Jacob Haefner | Sales Consultant, Advanced Technologies Consultants (ATC)
Where Education and Industry Meet- The National Coalition of Certification Centers is a value-driven organization and the future model for Career and Technical Education, creating highly-skilled, job-ready professionals through a growing network of educational partners and global industry leaders.
In this workshop we will go over the different NC3 Certifications/Microcredentials to help advance your CTE Programs across the board. We will also go over different Pathways for several topics of coverage (Mechatronics, Engineering, Industrial Maintenance, Alternative Energy, Construction, etc.).
10:15 - 11:00 A.M.
Fall Creek
Advancing Higher Education Through Philanthropy
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Dr. Brent Bates | President, State Fair Community College
Dr. Matt Beem | Chairman & CEO, Kinetic
Dr. Kimberly Beatty | Chancellor, Metropolitan Community College
Community colleges, especially today, are one of the best investments of time and resources available. Our missions reside in the sweet spot of affordable and relevant, experiential and goal-oriented. The wisdom of choosing a community college—taking advantage of an authentic college experience while staying the course, efficiently, toward a defined career goal—has never been more apparent. In addition, many donors have tired of giving to higher education without seeing real- world, positive outcomes. Giving students more hands-on learning using cutting-edge equipment as well as providing workforce training that’s informed by companies providing in-demand jobs... it is truly our time.
The question is: Are you leveraging this season for all it’s worth? When you look around your campus, are you still thinking in terms of “doing more to make do” or are you envisioning big improvements for your students, staff, faculty and wider community? Some of the biggest challenges facing community colleges include academic affairs, financial matters, governmental relations and external fundraising, (collegepresidentresearch.uark.edu). In other words, 50% of the challenge is money related; and the other 50% is easier to address when money isn’t a problem. So, how can you help your community college leverage this season to change the trajectory of your institution forever, for good. For State Fair Community College, it was taking the bold, brave step to undertake a campaign. This session will break down the pre-campaign steps necessary to ensure your efforts are success. A brief overview of topics include:
--- --- ---
Short Creek 1
The Footprints of Women in Higher Education That Lead to the Future
Special Topics
Genia Harrison | IR Coordinator/Data Analyst, Crowder College
The Rise of Women in Higher Education: How, Why, and What’s Next (Berg, 2020) is a brief history of women’s roles, growth trends, and changes over time to 2020. The data is compelling in describing future implications; however, it is now the future. In an effort to fill the gap between 2020 and the present, the latest data collections will be reviewed regarding topics that were presented in this book.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 2
Navigating Student Success: Implementing the Student Success Model at Ozarks Technical Community College
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Daniel Gutirrez | Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Ozarks Technical Community College
Jordan Schreiber | College Director of Student Success, Ozarks Technical Community College
Matthew Simpson | Chief Research and Governmental Affairs Officer, Ozarks Technical Community College
After years of planning, the student success model was implemented at Ozarks Technical Community College in the Fall 2022 semester. Learn about the college’s shift towards a more data-informed, holistic, proactive, and student-centered approach to serving students. We'll explore the challenges, victories, and invaluable lessons learned throughout the process, along with preliminary results shaping the future of student support.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 3
What Industry Wishes Educational Leaders Knew About the Impact of Data and AI on Work-Ready Skills
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
Mariah Presley | Education & Workforce Partnerships Lead, Trane
Chris Torline | Education Engineer & Data/AI Expert, Trane
Amy Hughes | Data & Analytics Leader and Commercial AI Representative, Trane
Jim Pajares | Controls & Building Automation Consultant, Trane
Business and industry are evolving as technology and the data that fuels it becomes integral to many mission-critical roles. With the increasing use of data, employers need a workforce skilled in data analytics – and soon, in artificial intelligence (AI). For community college leaders, understanding the convergence of these trends and how they impact the future of work in high-tech, high-skilled industries is not only critical to the success of students entering the workforce, but to regional economic prosperity. Prioritizing these skill sets also help bridge the digital equity divide, supporting underserved populations at risk of being left behind and establishing a regional footprint.
Learning Objectives:
--- --- ---
Cooper Creek 1
Empowering Adult Learners: Insights From Jefferson College’s Task Force & Beyond
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Saranda Lund | Student Services Specialist, Jefferson College
Lora Warner | Director of Workforce and Employment Services, Jefferson College
Julie Johns | Director of Adult Education and Literacy, Jefferson College
With the looming 2025 enrollment cliff and the charge from the state of Missouri, Jefferson College has developed a task force to focus on supporting adult learners. The session will discuss the charge of the Adult Learner Task Force at Jefferson College, share survey data from adult learners at Jefferson College (all students 25 years or older, including AEL and Workforce students), discuss action items to support adult learners and lessons learned from the Adult Learner Taskforce. The task force has found ways to provide wrap-around services for our adult learners while not siloing students or campus departments. Moreover, a discussion about how journey mapping has influenced the process after attending a Student Journey Mapping workshop for adult learners hosted by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development will be held so fellow community colleges can utilize this information to implement similar initiatives to support adult learners.
--- --- ---
Cooper Creek 2
Fostering a Culture of Care in Higher Education
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Dr. Joe Parisi | President, Missouri Valley College
Derek Bohnsack | Director of Admissions & Financial Aid, Missouri Valley College
Dr. Cynthia Bice | Vice President of Academic Affairs, Missouri Valley College
Dr. Joe Alsobrook | Vice President of Strategic Initiative & Online Operations, Missouri Valley College
In the face of growing societal skepticism, economic pressures, and an evolving job market, higher education institutions must reevaluate their role and embrace a transformative approach to sustain and thrive. This presentation explores current challenges confronting higher education, including declining enrollment and funding, alongside the widening skills gap, and underscores the necessity for a paradigm shift towards systemic changes that reinforce the intrinsic value of higher education. Focusing on internal investments, we highlight strategies for community building that foster a sense of belonging and purpose among students, as well as initiatives to nurture talent and career interests through holistic support programs and services. Additionally, we will discuss actionable strategies to cultivate a culture of care through enhanced extracurricular engagement and meaningful partnerships that provide practical opportunities such as internships and mentorships. Drawing on successful case studies and testimonials from Missouri Valley College, this session will demonstrate how targeted investments in student, staff, and faculty development not only enhance individual growth and success but also contribute to the overall resilience and excellence of higher education institutions. Attendees will gain valuable insights and actionable strategies to implement similar initiatives within their own institutions, fostering a supportive and dynamic educational environment amid contemporary challenges.
--- --- ---
Cooper Creek 3
Human-Generated Content: Discussing AI Among Colleagues
Special Topics
Emily Lewis | English Instructor, Crowder College
Dr. Keith Zoromski | Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Mineral Area College
Jackson Lewis-Hite | Computer Information Sciences Instructor, Ozarks Technical Community College
Jason Johnson | Instructor and Coordinator of College Studies, Jefferson College
Erin Anglin | Executive Director Learning Center & Academic Support, East Central College
"But how do I keep them from using AI?" That isn’t the question we should be asking, but it is the conversation we should be having. Let’s chat (not just GPT) about how different disciplines and multiple community colleges are embracing AI; in and outside the classroom. This panel will also discuss AI questions pertaining to policy and procedures used by fellow institutions. Come with your questions, ideas, and concerns, and let's create a new narrative on AI-generated content.
--- --- ---
Compton Ferry
Unlocking Potential in the IT Workforce: The Apprenticeship Advantage
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
Julie Fickas | Campus President and Chief Academic Officer, St. Louis Community College-Forest Park
Bill Mitchell | Executive Director, Access Point
The Access Point program provides a direct pathway to employment using a Department of Labor apprenticeship model. This program increases enrollment in IT coursework at community colleges and also provides hypercare for students who begin as dual-enrollment students until they complete their bachelor's degree.
--- --- ---
Roark Creek
Show-Me Student Success! Innovative AI Strategies at Jefferson College
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Kyle Brown | Partnerships Director, EdSights
Brenna Young | Director of Advising & Retention, Jefferson College
The presenters will explore Jefferson College’s use of EdSights AI technology to support students’ needs and increase student retention. Focusing on data-driven strategies, the presenters will reveal how tailored programming enhances student success. Key insights include using the EdSights program to identify and respond to students in need of support and collaborating with departments across campus to target specific student groups with tailored outreach.
--- --- ---
Bee Creek
Focusing on Learning: Implementing Specification Grading
Learning & Teaching
John Fishback | Bioclinical Sciences Instructor, Ozarks Technical Community College
Dr. Sarah Nixon | Professor of Literacy, Missouri State University
As educators, we continuously strive to enhance student learning experiences and optimize assessment strategies. One progressive method gaining popularity is specifications grading. This presentation will detail the integration of specifications grading into two college science courses, with a particular emphasis on how it enhances learning, the obstacles encountered, and the resulting student achievements. How to implement it in other disciplines will also be discussed.
Advancing Higher Education Through Philanthropy
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Dr. Brent Bates | President, State Fair Community College
Dr. Matt Beem | Chairman & CEO, Kinetic
Dr. Kimberly Beatty | Chancellor, Metropolitan Community College
Community colleges, especially today, are one of the best investments of time and resources available. Our missions reside in the sweet spot of affordable and relevant, experiential and goal-oriented. The wisdom of choosing a community college—taking advantage of an authentic college experience while staying the course, efficiently, toward a defined career goal—has never been more apparent. In addition, many donors have tired of giving to higher education without seeing real- world, positive outcomes. Giving students more hands-on learning using cutting-edge equipment as well as providing workforce training that’s informed by companies providing in-demand jobs... it is truly our time.
The question is: Are you leveraging this season for all it’s worth? When you look around your campus, are you still thinking in terms of “doing more to make do” or are you envisioning big improvements for your students, staff, faculty and wider community? Some of the biggest challenges facing community colleges include academic affairs, financial matters, governmental relations and external fundraising, (collegepresidentresearch.uark.edu). In other words, 50% of the challenge is money related; and the other 50% is easier to address when money isn’t a problem. So, how can you help your community college leverage this season to change the trajectory of your institution forever, for good. For State Fair Community College, it was taking the bold, brave step to undertake a campaign. This session will break down the pre-campaign steps necessary to ensure your efforts are success. A brief overview of topics include:
- Research-based fundraising
- Setting the campaign goal
- Campaign gift sources
- Building a campaign team
- Campaign readiness
--- --- ---
Short Creek 1
The Footprints of Women in Higher Education That Lead to the Future
Special Topics
Genia Harrison | IR Coordinator/Data Analyst, Crowder College
The Rise of Women in Higher Education: How, Why, and What’s Next (Berg, 2020) is a brief history of women’s roles, growth trends, and changes over time to 2020. The data is compelling in describing future implications; however, it is now the future. In an effort to fill the gap between 2020 and the present, the latest data collections will be reviewed regarding topics that were presented in this book.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 2
Navigating Student Success: Implementing the Student Success Model at Ozarks Technical Community College
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Daniel Gutirrez | Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Ozarks Technical Community College
Jordan Schreiber | College Director of Student Success, Ozarks Technical Community College
Matthew Simpson | Chief Research and Governmental Affairs Officer, Ozarks Technical Community College
After years of planning, the student success model was implemented at Ozarks Technical Community College in the Fall 2022 semester. Learn about the college’s shift towards a more data-informed, holistic, proactive, and student-centered approach to serving students. We'll explore the challenges, victories, and invaluable lessons learned throughout the process, along with preliminary results shaping the future of student support.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 3
What Industry Wishes Educational Leaders Knew About the Impact of Data and AI on Work-Ready Skills
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
Mariah Presley | Education & Workforce Partnerships Lead, Trane
Chris Torline | Education Engineer & Data/AI Expert, Trane
Amy Hughes | Data & Analytics Leader and Commercial AI Representative, Trane
Jim Pajares | Controls & Building Automation Consultant, Trane
Business and industry are evolving as technology and the data that fuels it becomes integral to many mission-critical roles. With the increasing use of data, employers need a workforce skilled in data analytics – and soon, in artificial intelligence (AI). For community college leaders, understanding the convergence of these trends and how they impact the future of work in high-tech, high-skilled industries is not only critical to the success of students entering the workforce, but to regional economic prosperity. Prioritizing these skill sets also help bridge the digital equity divide, supporting underserved populations at risk of being left behind and establishing a regional footprint.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the relationship between big data and artificial intelligence
- Discuss evolving needs of business and industry as technology and data become integral to many roles
- Explore the implications of Artificial Intelligence in the skilling of high-demand, high-tech and high-skill workforces
- Learn what a global leader in energy services and manufacturing wishes educational leaders know about AI and the workforce
- Engage in open Q&A with an industry panel in roles spanning data/IT, service, technician and talent
--- --- ---
Cooper Creek 1
Empowering Adult Learners: Insights From Jefferson College’s Task Force & Beyond
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Saranda Lund | Student Services Specialist, Jefferson College
Lora Warner | Director of Workforce and Employment Services, Jefferson College
Julie Johns | Director of Adult Education and Literacy, Jefferson College
With the looming 2025 enrollment cliff and the charge from the state of Missouri, Jefferson College has developed a task force to focus on supporting adult learners. The session will discuss the charge of the Adult Learner Task Force at Jefferson College, share survey data from adult learners at Jefferson College (all students 25 years or older, including AEL and Workforce students), discuss action items to support adult learners and lessons learned from the Adult Learner Taskforce. The task force has found ways to provide wrap-around services for our adult learners while not siloing students or campus departments. Moreover, a discussion about how journey mapping has influenced the process after attending a Student Journey Mapping workshop for adult learners hosted by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development will be held so fellow community colleges can utilize this information to implement similar initiatives to support adult learners.
--- --- ---
Cooper Creek 2
Fostering a Culture of Care in Higher Education
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Dr. Joe Parisi | President, Missouri Valley College
Derek Bohnsack | Director of Admissions & Financial Aid, Missouri Valley College
Dr. Cynthia Bice | Vice President of Academic Affairs, Missouri Valley College
Dr. Joe Alsobrook | Vice President of Strategic Initiative & Online Operations, Missouri Valley College
In the face of growing societal skepticism, economic pressures, and an evolving job market, higher education institutions must reevaluate their role and embrace a transformative approach to sustain and thrive. This presentation explores current challenges confronting higher education, including declining enrollment and funding, alongside the widening skills gap, and underscores the necessity for a paradigm shift towards systemic changes that reinforce the intrinsic value of higher education. Focusing on internal investments, we highlight strategies for community building that foster a sense of belonging and purpose among students, as well as initiatives to nurture talent and career interests through holistic support programs and services. Additionally, we will discuss actionable strategies to cultivate a culture of care through enhanced extracurricular engagement and meaningful partnerships that provide practical opportunities such as internships and mentorships. Drawing on successful case studies and testimonials from Missouri Valley College, this session will demonstrate how targeted investments in student, staff, and faculty development not only enhance individual growth and success but also contribute to the overall resilience and excellence of higher education institutions. Attendees will gain valuable insights and actionable strategies to implement similar initiatives within their own institutions, fostering a supportive and dynamic educational environment amid contemporary challenges.
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Cooper Creek 3
Human-Generated Content: Discussing AI Among Colleagues
Special Topics
Emily Lewis | English Instructor, Crowder College
Dr. Keith Zoromski | Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Mineral Area College
Jackson Lewis-Hite | Computer Information Sciences Instructor, Ozarks Technical Community College
Jason Johnson | Instructor and Coordinator of College Studies, Jefferson College
Erin Anglin | Executive Director Learning Center & Academic Support, East Central College
"But how do I keep them from using AI?" That isn’t the question we should be asking, but it is the conversation we should be having. Let’s chat (not just GPT) about how different disciplines and multiple community colleges are embracing AI; in and outside the classroom. This panel will also discuss AI questions pertaining to policy and procedures used by fellow institutions. Come with your questions, ideas, and concerns, and let's create a new narrative on AI-generated content.
--- --- ---
Compton Ferry
Unlocking Potential in the IT Workforce: The Apprenticeship Advantage
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
Julie Fickas | Campus President and Chief Academic Officer, St. Louis Community College-Forest Park
Bill Mitchell | Executive Director, Access Point
The Access Point program provides a direct pathway to employment using a Department of Labor apprenticeship model. This program increases enrollment in IT coursework at community colleges and also provides hypercare for students who begin as dual-enrollment students until they complete their bachelor's degree.
--- --- ---
Roark Creek
Show-Me Student Success! Innovative AI Strategies at Jefferson College
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Kyle Brown | Partnerships Director, EdSights
Brenna Young | Director of Advising & Retention, Jefferson College
The presenters will explore Jefferson College’s use of EdSights AI technology to support students’ needs and increase student retention. Focusing on data-driven strategies, the presenters will reveal how tailored programming enhances student success. Key insights include using the EdSights program to identify and respond to students in need of support and collaborating with departments across campus to target specific student groups with tailored outreach.
--- --- ---
Bee Creek
Focusing on Learning: Implementing Specification Grading
Learning & Teaching
John Fishback | Bioclinical Sciences Instructor, Ozarks Technical Community College
Dr. Sarah Nixon | Professor of Literacy, Missouri State University
As educators, we continuously strive to enhance student learning experiences and optimize assessment strategies. One progressive method gaining popularity is specifications grading. This presentation will detail the integration of specifications grading into two college science courses, with a particular emphasis on how it enhances learning, the obstacles encountered, and the resulting student achievements. How to implement it in other disciplines will also be discussed.
1:00 - 1:45 P.M.
Fall Creek
Show-Me Synergy: Growing the Healthcare Workforce in St. Louis
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
Jeff Pittman, Ph.D. | Chancellor, St. Louis Community College
William Hubble, Ph.D. | District Division Dean - Health Sciences, St. Louis Community College
Jordan Cooper, MSN, RN, FNP-BC | District Division Dean - Nursing, St. Louis Community College
Kim Kraft, MSN, RN | RN Student Placement Coordinator, St. Louis Community College
This presentation will discuss successful efforts at St. Louis Community College to address the healthcare workforce shortages in the St. Louis region.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 1
AI & Academic Integrity: What Happened to Critical Inquiry?
Special Topics
Kami Hancock | English Instructor, East Central College
In January 2023, a survey of over 1,000 university students reported that over one-third were using ChatGPT for assessment writing. Of these students, 75% thought it counted as cheating but did so anyway. These student behaviors led some universities to ban the use of ChatGPT and prompted some academics to describe such tools as a “threat” and a “plague on education” (Sullivan 2023). The goal of this session is to provide scaffolding for institutional conversations surrounding AI, and practical strategies in developing critical inquiry skills through alternative assessment options in the classroom. The session will begin with the narrative of my home institution's pathway in responding to the influx of Academic Integrity reports in the era of AI. In the spring of 2022, the institution created the subcommittee, AISS (Artificial Intelligence Sub-Committee). Its charge was as an advisory committee comprised of faculty and staff to gather information and policy recommendations regarding the use of AI by faculty, students, and staff. The committee worked with Academic Affairs and Students Affairs to create a response to student use of AI in the classroom. The discussions of AI use in the classroom were divided. How did we resolve issues surrounding academic integrity and academic freedom for instructors in the classroom? How did we share information about AI developments? Also, how did we support faculty in their quest to aid students in developing their ability to engage in critical inquiry? This session will discuss the methods and teaching techniques that were used to respond to these questions.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 2
1-2-3-4! What Do You Think Our PREP Squad's For?
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Becky Rose | Technical Project Coordinator, State Fair Community College
Darci McFail | Executive Director, Institutional Effectiveness, State Fair Community College
Allison Brosch | Dean of Health Sciences, State Fair Community College
Dr. Michael Murders | Vice President, Academics and Student Success, State Fair Community College
5-6-7-8! Gonna make those programs great! SFCC's Program Review Effectiveness Project (PREP) set out to improve the effectiveness of program and discipline review for its intended purposes: identifying areas for improvement, making meaningful changes, and improving the quality of programs/disciplines. Members of the team (dubbed the PREP Squad) will share how they defined the scope and process, gathered input, and communicated with faculty stakeholders. While the outputs of the project will be unveiled, each institution’s end product may be different, depending on the needs identified.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 3
Innovative Leadership: Empowering Supervisors With AI and Strengths-Based Insights
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Anne Brackett | Chief Engagement Officer, Strengths University
Alicia Wojciuch | Chief Education Officer, Strengths University
Supervisors have a huge impact on the success of their team and the institution. Gallup has found that direct supervisors impact up to 70% of the variance in employee engagement. Since employee engagement is just as important for your institution’s success as student engagement, supervisors need to have the resources they need to manage and lead their team members. In this session, you’ll learn how you can use AI and Strengths-Based Insights to empower the supervisors on your campus to improve outcomes and engagement. You’ll also learn the basics skills supervisors need to know before they can maximize the use of these valuable tools.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 4
Digital Marketing: Connecting Business Owners With Student Consultants
Learning & Teaching
Kelly Asbury | Director, MO Small Business Development Center at State Fair Community College
Renee Anthony | Instructor, State Fair Community College
Rochelle Hockett | Director of Career Services, State Fair Community College
The Missouri Small Business Development Center at State Fair Community College has partnered with the accredited Digital Marketing Essentials course to offer one-on-one consultation and collaboration to benefit both business owners and students. The partnership facilitates experiential learning for students and an improved digital marketing footprint for business owners. Join this session to learn how this collaboration works and the benefits it creates for both students and business owners.
--- --- ---
Cooper Creek 1
FAFSA Simplification: Changes, Impacts & Lessons Learned
Special Topics
Paula Carpenter | Director of Financial Aid, Jefferson College
Amy Hager | Director of Financial Aid, Moberly Area Community College
Kimberly Meeker | Director of Financial Aid, North Central Missouri College
Stacy Bogier | Director of Financial Aid, East Central College
Significant changes to the form, terminology, user experience, and backend processes have changed the FAFSA for everyone. Join financial aid directors as we discuss how students, families, and financial aid offices have experienced the 2024-25 FAFSA, as well as the challenges, outcomes and opportunities it has created.
--- --- ---
Cooper Creek 2
Student Centered Transfer Revolution: Rethinking Policies, Practices and Partnerships
Special Topics
Mitzi Clayton | Director of Community Relations and NCAA Certification, University of Missouri
Helen Hale | Director of Student Success and Retention, Crowder College
Gavin O'Connor | Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Ozarks Technical Community College
Steve White | Campus President and Chief Academic Officer, St. Louis Community College - Wildwood
Some might say we are in the midst of a transfer revolution. There’s no time like the present to raise issues, challenge existing policies and practices and take action to improve time to completion for our students. Members of the MDHEWD Committee on Transfer Articulation (COTA) will share current data regarding Missouri transfer trends and invite discussion on hot transfer topics. Your input will help inform programming for the February 2025 COTA Conference.
--- --- ---
Cooper Creek 3
Getting Funded: How to Work With Your College's Grants Office
Strategic Planning & The Community College Workplace
Calie Holden | College Director of Strategic Planning and Grant Development, Ozarks Technical Community College
Josephine Kershaw | Dean of Institutional Effectiveness and Innovation, Jefferson College
D'Andrea Weeks | Director of Grants, St. Louis Community College
Have an idea that needs funding? This session will explore working with your college’s grants office, from developing an idea through to the final report. Hear from three grant writers across the state on the ins and outs of restricted funding. This session will include a panel discussion of the tips and tricks to help you get your next idea funded. A mix of the fundamentals and examples of funded projects, along with plenty of time for Q&A. This session will cover topics relevant to both veteran and new project managers.
--- --- ---
Compton Ferry
Transactional & Stopgap Relationships Between Community College Department Chairs & Their Adjuncts
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Dr. Keith Zoromski | Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Mineral Area College
As community colleges continue to rely heavily on adjunct faculty to provide instruction, institutions can better serve these instructors by considering the perspectives and experienced relationships between adjunct faculty and their department chair administrators. This session will present researched findings and opportunities to move past transactional relationships with limited depth through prioritizing relationship-building to meet student needs beyond course scheduling demands.
--- --- ---
Roark Creek
Breaking the Enrollment Plateau: Innovative Campaigns for Community Colleges
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Crystal Berry | Vice President, 25th Hour Communications
Learn how to break through stagnant enrollment with fresh, innovative marketing strategies that make an impact.
--- --- ---
Bee Creek
What is Academic Coaching?
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
David Smith | Advising Specialist--STEAM; President, MACADA, Jefferson College
Just exactly what is academic coaching? Well, think of it in terms of an athletic coach. Successful coaches are and were at least good players at their sport in high school or college. Coaches, however, do not play the sport any longer, so they are not a participant, especially in your event. The coach is a teacher, an encourager, a cajoler, and a trusted companion. This presentation will inform and encourage you to consider academic coaching as a skill, or even a program within your institution. We’ll talk about what coaching is, what it isn’t, and how to do it effectively.
Show-Me Synergy: Growing the Healthcare Workforce in St. Louis
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
Jeff Pittman, Ph.D. | Chancellor, St. Louis Community College
William Hubble, Ph.D. | District Division Dean - Health Sciences, St. Louis Community College
Jordan Cooper, MSN, RN, FNP-BC | District Division Dean - Nursing, St. Louis Community College
Kim Kraft, MSN, RN | RN Student Placement Coordinator, St. Louis Community College
This presentation will discuss successful efforts at St. Louis Community College to address the healthcare workforce shortages in the St. Louis region.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 1
AI & Academic Integrity: What Happened to Critical Inquiry?
Special Topics
Kami Hancock | English Instructor, East Central College
In January 2023, a survey of over 1,000 university students reported that over one-third were using ChatGPT for assessment writing. Of these students, 75% thought it counted as cheating but did so anyway. These student behaviors led some universities to ban the use of ChatGPT and prompted some academics to describe such tools as a “threat” and a “plague on education” (Sullivan 2023). The goal of this session is to provide scaffolding for institutional conversations surrounding AI, and practical strategies in developing critical inquiry skills through alternative assessment options in the classroom. The session will begin with the narrative of my home institution's pathway in responding to the influx of Academic Integrity reports in the era of AI. In the spring of 2022, the institution created the subcommittee, AISS (Artificial Intelligence Sub-Committee). Its charge was as an advisory committee comprised of faculty and staff to gather information and policy recommendations regarding the use of AI by faculty, students, and staff. The committee worked with Academic Affairs and Students Affairs to create a response to student use of AI in the classroom. The discussions of AI use in the classroom were divided. How did we resolve issues surrounding academic integrity and academic freedom for instructors in the classroom? How did we share information about AI developments? Also, how did we support faculty in their quest to aid students in developing their ability to engage in critical inquiry? This session will discuss the methods and teaching techniques that were used to respond to these questions.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 2
1-2-3-4! What Do You Think Our PREP Squad's For?
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Becky Rose | Technical Project Coordinator, State Fair Community College
Darci McFail | Executive Director, Institutional Effectiveness, State Fair Community College
Allison Brosch | Dean of Health Sciences, State Fair Community College
Dr. Michael Murders | Vice President, Academics and Student Success, State Fair Community College
5-6-7-8! Gonna make those programs great! SFCC's Program Review Effectiveness Project (PREP) set out to improve the effectiveness of program and discipline review for its intended purposes: identifying areas for improvement, making meaningful changes, and improving the quality of programs/disciplines. Members of the team (dubbed the PREP Squad) will share how they defined the scope and process, gathered input, and communicated with faculty stakeholders. While the outputs of the project will be unveiled, each institution’s end product may be different, depending on the needs identified.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 3
Innovative Leadership: Empowering Supervisors With AI and Strengths-Based Insights
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Anne Brackett | Chief Engagement Officer, Strengths University
Alicia Wojciuch | Chief Education Officer, Strengths University
Supervisors have a huge impact on the success of their team and the institution. Gallup has found that direct supervisors impact up to 70% of the variance in employee engagement. Since employee engagement is just as important for your institution’s success as student engagement, supervisors need to have the resources they need to manage and lead their team members. In this session, you’ll learn how you can use AI and Strengths-Based Insights to empower the supervisors on your campus to improve outcomes and engagement. You’ll also learn the basics skills supervisors need to know before they can maximize the use of these valuable tools.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 4
Digital Marketing: Connecting Business Owners With Student Consultants
Learning & Teaching
Kelly Asbury | Director, MO Small Business Development Center at State Fair Community College
Renee Anthony | Instructor, State Fair Community College
Rochelle Hockett | Director of Career Services, State Fair Community College
The Missouri Small Business Development Center at State Fair Community College has partnered with the accredited Digital Marketing Essentials course to offer one-on-one consultation and collaboration to benefit both business owners and students. The partnership facilitates experiential learning for students and an improved digital marketing footprint for business owners. Join this session to learn how this collaboration works and the benefits it creates for both students and business owners.
--- --- ---
Cooper Creek 1
FAFSA Simplification: Changes, Impacts & Lessons Learned
Special Topics
Paula Carpenter | Director of Financial Aid, Jefferson College
Amy Hager | Director of Financial Aid, Moberly Area Community College
Kimberly Meeker | Director of Financial Aid, North Central Missouri College
Stacy Bogier | Director of Financial Aid, East Central College
Significant changes to the form, terminology, user experience, and backend processes have changed the FAFSA for everyone. Join financial aid directors as we discuss how students, families, and financial aid offices have experienced the 2024-25 FAFSA, as well as the challenges, outcomes and opportunities it has created.
--- --- ---
Cooper Creek 2
Student Centered Transfer Revolution: Rethinking Policies, Practices and Partnerships
Special Topics
Mitzi Clayton | Director of Community Relations and NCAA Certification, University of Missouri
Helen Hale | Director of Student Success and Retention, Crowder College
Gavin O'Connor | Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Ozarks Technical Community College
Steve White | Campus President and Chief Academic Officer, St. Louis Community College - Wildwood
Some might say we are in the midst of a transfer revolution. There’s no time like the present to raise issues, challenge existing policies and practices and take action to improve time to completion for our students. Members of the MDHEWD Committee on Transfer Articulation (COTA) will share current data regarding Missouri transfer trends and invite discussion on hot transfer topics. Your input will help inform programming for the February 2025 COTA Conference.
--- --- ---
Cooper Creek 3
Getting Funded: How to Work With Your College's Grants Office
Strategic Planning & The Community College Workplace
Calie Holden | College Director of Strategic Planning and Grant Development, Ozarks Technical Community College
Josephine Kershaw | Dean of Institutional Effectiveness and Innovation, Jefferson College
D'Andrea Weeks | Director of Grants, St. Louis Community College
Have an idea that needs funding? This session will explore working with your college’s grants office, from developing an idea through to the final report. Hear from three grant writers across the state on the ins and outs of restricted funding. This session will include a panel discussion of the tips and tricks to help you get your next idea funded. A mix of the fundamentals and examples of funded projects, along with plenty of time for Q&A. This session will cover topics relevant to both veteran and new project managers.
--- --- ---
Compton Ferry
Transactional & Stopgap Relationships Between Community College Department Chairs & Their Adjuncts
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Dr. Keith Zoromski | Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Mineral Area College
As community colleges continue to rely heavily on adjunct faculty to provide instruction, institutions can better serve these instructors by considering the perspectives and experienced relationships between adjunct faculty and their department chair administrators. This session will present researched findings and opportunities to move past transactional relationships with limited depth through prioritizing relationship-building to meet student needs beyond course scheduling demands.
--- --- ---
Roark Creek
Breaking the Enrollment Plateau: Innovative Campaigns for Community Colleges
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Crystal Berry | Vice President, 25th Hour Communications
Learn how to break through stagnant enrollment with fresh, innovative marketing strategies that make an impact.
--- --- ---
Bee Creek
What is Academic Coaching?
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
David Smith | Advising Specialist--STEAM; President, MACADA, Jefferson College
Just exactly what is academic coaching? Well, think of it in terms of an athletic coach. Successful coaches are and were at least good players at their sport in high school or college. Coaches, however, do not play the sport any longer, so they are not a participant, especially in your event. The coach is a teacher, an encourager, a cajoler, and a trusted companion. This presentation will inform and encourage you to consider academic coaching as a skill, or even a program within your institution. We’ll talk about what coaching is, what it isn’t, and how to do it effectively.
2:30 - 3:15 P.M.
Fall Creek
Effective Advocacy: Understanding & Motivating Students for Life Outside of the Classroom
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
Laurie Hawkins | Sr Health Program Manager, STLCC CHW Program, St. Louis Community College
Ciearra Walker | President & CEO, STL CHW Coalition
Ryan Smith | Director of CHW Leadership & Development
Sandra Ginger | STLCC CHW Lead Facilitator
In this breakout session, we will explore the critical role of advocacy in preparing students for success beyond the classroom. Focusing on the St. Louis Community College’s Community Health Worker program, we’ll discuss strategies for empowering students to advocate for their profession, define their roles, and contribute to integrated healthcare teams. Attendees will gain insights into building coalitions, forming professional associations, and fostering workforce development. Session Objectives: Understand the importance of student advocacy in shaping professional roles. Learn from the success story of the STL CHW Coalition and its impact on the CHW workforce. Explore practical steps to engage students in advocacy efforts. Discuss mentorship programs as a means to support graduates in their advocacy journey.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 1
The VIP Student Program: Intentionally Recruiting Our Next Student Leaders in the New Era of Student Engagement
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Sav Campbell | Campus Life and Leadership Coordinator, Metropolitan Community College - Blue River
Richard Monroe | Student Engagement Manager, Metropolitan Community College - Blue River
The Covid-19 pandemic hit student organizations and the student leader base hard. At MCC - Blue River, we created the VIP Student program to intentionally rebuild our next group of student leaders from the ground up, and have found incredible success. This new era of student engagement is different from the past ones, but through creating intentional connections with our students, we can recreate and rebuild student involvement and engagement to meet the needs of our current generation of students. Throughout this presentation, we will discuss how we built this program to rebuild student involvement and how we have connected with Gen-Z students through intentional programming.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 2
Think Beyond: Empowering Higher Education Staff by Unlocking AI’s Potential with ChatGPT
Special Topics
Jonathan Staats | Assistant College Director of Project Management, Ozarks Technical Community College
Philip Arnold | Director of Instructional Support, Ozarks Technical Community College
The current discourse on AI in academia primarily revolves around its implications for teaching and learning. However, this session shifts the focus towards the untapped potential of AI for college staff, highlighting how ChatGPT can become an essential part of their productivity toolkit. At Ozarks Technical Community College, initiatives such as the OTC AI Advisory Group are pioneering efforts to navigate the complex landscape of AI in an effort to increase staff efficiency and reduce apprehensions associated with generative AI technologies. This session will introduce the basics of ChatGPT, followed by a dynamic exploration of its practical applications in the daily operations of higher education staff. Attendees will engage in hands-on activities designed to familiarize them with the tool, fostering a better understanding of how to adapt AI solutions to their specific professional operations. By simplifying the technology and illustrating its practical benefits, attendees will learn how valuable and accessible AI can be in the collegiate employment toolkit.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 3
Navigating Students’ Pathways: Embracing AI/AR/VR's Role in Career Exploration
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Michael Carbenia | Senior Executive Director of Workforce, zSpace
Rochelle Hockett | Director, Career Services, SFCC
Discover how educational leaders across Missouri use creative approaches including AI, AR, and VR to engage and inspire students. This session will demonstrate how students research, learn, and experience a variety of concepts and the associated career pathways in STEM, Health Science, Advanced Manufacturing, Agri-Science, Transportation and more. Based on this exploration, students are able to develop plans for post-secondary study and/or earn valuable certifications.
Learning Objectives:
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Short Creek 4
In My Swift Lit Era: Connecting Past & Present Literature to a 21st Century Audience
Learning & Teaching
Leandra Toomoth | Instructional Designer, Crowder College
Kayla Branstetter | English Instructor, Crowder College
Stephanie Witcher | Communications Division Chair, Crowder College
Interest in traditional humanities has fluctuated throughout the decades, resulting in poor enrollment and limited course offerings. To confront these challenges and encourage enthusiasm for literature studies, a new course was born: Women in Literature (featuring Taylor Swift). A Communications Division Chair, an English Instructor, and an Instructional Designer from Crowder College will present their work of developing, collaborating, and co-teaching an online course that challenges students to compare the work of Taylor Swift to the work of both past and present female writers, including Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights and Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar.
--- --- ---
Cooper Creek 1
Recruitment Through the Ages: A Look at Where We've Been, Where We Are & Where We Are Going
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Carrie Greer | Senior Director of Enrollment Management, Jefferson College
Jared AuBuchon | Admissions Specialist, Jefferson College
Jessica Bartlett | Early College Coordinator, Jefferson College
Recruitment strategies have evolved significantly over time, adapting to demographic shifts, societal changes, and advancements in technology. In this presentation, we will explore the historical context of recruitment at Jefferson College, examine the current recruitment structures for both high school and adult populations, and outline strategic approaches going forward as we approach the demographic cliff. Additionally, we will discuss how we are focusing on more data driven strategies and leveraging our supplemental relationships such as early college programs, Adult Education and Literacy (AEL), Workforce Employment Services (WES), and Area Technical School (ATS), as well as the importance of partnerships and overlap in achieving recruitment goals. Attendees should come prepared to discuss and share ideas on recruitment strategies.
--- --- ---
Cooper Creek 2
Addressing Teacher Shortages Through Innovative Apprenticeship Programs
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
Kerston Thurman | Apprenticeship Coordinator, Central Methodist University
Shawn Young | Human Services Department Chair, Mineral Area College
Jeff Williams | Regional Site Director, Central Methodist University
As our communities face the challenge of impending teacher shortages, the need for quality and affordable education has never been more critical. Mineral Area College and Central Methodist University have partnered together to offer an innovative solution designed to attract and train future educators already working within our K-12 schools—The C3 (Central Career Changer) Apprenticeship Program and the Mineral Area Youth Apprenticeship (MAYA). Gain insight into the current landscape of teacher shortages and declining enrollment in educator preparation programs, and how DESE is working to address these issues through recruitment grants. You will discover how Mineral Area College and Central Methodist University are partnering to offer a unique three-year teacher certification apprenticeship program, tailored for dedicated school district employees such as aides, paraprofessionals, and other employees. The MAC-CMU Apprenticeship Program provides participants a high-quality education while gaining valuable teacher certification, all while continuing to work in their current roles. This initiative aims to shorten the path to certification, making it more accessible for those already committed to supporting our students.
--- --- ---
Cooper Creek 3
Educational Excellence Through Process Alignment: A Tailored Framework Approach
Strategic Planning & The Community College Workplace
Elizabeth Desrosiers | Process Improvement Manager, St. Louis Community College
Angela Carson | Process Improvement Manager, St. Louis Community College
Valerie Missi Sieth | Process Improvement Manager, St. Louis Community College
Understanding and streamlining your college’s day-to-day business processes can be difficult without a framework to provide structure for the effort. Standard industry process models and frameworks are available for corporate and government businesses, but they fall short of addressing the unique needs of community colleges. In this session we will describe our path to creating an effective process framework for our college. Then we’ll share how our college applies the framework to document and improve our business processes and strategic planning initiatives. The session will wrap up with small group discussions, where we will explore the development and use of process frameworks in more depth, together with you, to deliver excellence for Missouri’s community college students.
--- --- ---
Compton Ferry
Confessions of a High Performance Technology Support Organization
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Jeffrey Wetherill | Director of Technology Support Services, St. Louis Community College
Megan Greathouse Gause | Sr. Manager, Campus Technology and Helpdesk, St. Louis Community College
Muhamed Hadziselimovic | Sr. Manager, End User Support Services, St. Louis Community College
Kris Dysert | Technology Asset Manager, St. Louis Community College
Reggie Richards | Lead IT Support Project Coordinator, St. Louis Community College
The Technology Support Services Leadership Team at St Louis Community College will share best practices, operational insights, and lessons learned about providing support to faculty, staff, and students across 4 campuses and 2 education centers. The team will provide a transparent look at leading teams, managing customers, and implementing technology change.
--- --- ---
Roark Creek
A Journey of Discovery: Transfer Task Force Findings From Missouri State University
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Campbell Keele | Coordinator, Transfer Initiatives, Missouri State University
Andrea Mostyn | Director of Strategic Communications, Missouri State University
Jaime Ross | Director, Transfer Articulation and Nontraditional Student Services, Missouri State University
In January 2024, Missouri State University’s Executive Vice President created a task force with a charge to examine the transfer state at MSU and offer suggestions for potential improvements to enhance transfer student enrollment, retention, and completion. Join us as we share how the taskforce came together to evaluate the current transfer landscape and its associated structures and processes. We will share what steps we took to identify best practices, potential opportunities, and recommendations to improve the transfer student experience at MSU.
Effective Advocacy: Understanding & Motivating Students for Life Outside of the Classroom
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
Laurie Hawkins | Sr Health Program Manager, STLCC CHW Program, St. Louis Community College
Ciearra Walker | President & CEO, STL CHW Coalition
Ryan Smith | Director of CHW Leadership & Development
Sandra Ginger | STLCC CHW Lead Facilitator
In this breakout session, we will explore the critical role of advocacy in preparing students for success beyond the classroom. Focusing on the St. Louis Community College’s Community Health Worker program, we’ll discuss strategies for empowering students to advocate for their profession, define their roles, and contribute to integrated healthcare teams. Attendees will gain insights into building coalitions, forming professional associations, and fostering workforce development. Session Objectives: Understand the importance of student advocacy in shaping professional roles. Learn from the success story of the STL CHW Coalition and its impact on the CHW workforce. Explore practical steps to engage students in advocacy efforts. Discuss mentorship programs as a means to support graduates in their advocacy journey.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 1
The VIP Student Program: Intentionally Recruiting Our Next Student Leaders in the New Era of Student Engagement
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Sav Campbell | Campus Life and Leadership Coordinator, Metropolitan Community College - Blue River
Richard Monroe | Student Engagement Manager, Metropolitan Community College - Blue River
The Covid-19 pandemic hit student organizations and the student leader base hard. At MCC - Blue River, we created the VIP Student program to intentionally rebuild our next group of student leaders from the ground up, and have found incredible success. This new era of student engagement is different from the past ones, but through creating intentional connections with our students, we can recreate and rebuild student involvement and engagement to meet the needs of our current generation of students. Throughout this presentation, we will discuss how we built this program to rebuild student involvement and how we have connected with Gen-Z students through intentional programming.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 2
Think Beyond: Empowering Higher Education Staff by Unlocking AI’s Potential with ChatGPT
Special Topics
Jonathan Staats | Assistant College Director of Project Management, Ozarks Technical Community College
Philip Arnold | Director of Instructional Support, Ozarks Technical Community College
The current discourse on AI in academia primarily revolves around its implications for teaching and learning. However, this session shifts the focus towards the untapped potential of AI for college staff, highlighting how ChatGPT can become an essential part of their productivity toolkit. At Ozarks Technical Community College, initiatives such as the OTC AI Advisory Group are pioneering efforts to navigate the complex landscape of AI in an effort to increase staff efficiency and reduce apprehensions associated with generative AI technologies. This session will introduce the basics of ChatGPT, followed by a dynamic exploration of its practical applications in the daily operations of higher education staff. Attendees will engage in hands-on activities designed to familiarize them with the tool, fostering a better understanding of how to adapt AI solutions to their specific professional operations. By simplifying the technology and illustrating its practical benefits, attendees will learn how valuable and accessible AI can be in the collegiate employment toolkit.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 3
Navigating Students’ Pathways: Embracing AI/AR/VR's Role in Career Exploration
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Michael Carbenia | Senior Executive Director of Workforce, zSpace
Rochelle Hockett | Director, Career Services, SFCC
Discover how educational leaders across Missouri use creative approaches including AI, AR, and VR to engage and inspire students. This session will demonstrate how students research, learn, and experience a variety of concepts and the associated career pathways in STEM, Health Science, Advanced Manufacturing, Agri-Science, Transportation and more. Based on this exploration, students are able to develop plans for post-secondary study and/or earn valuable certifications.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the AI/AR/VR landscape and its role in supporting STEM curriculum and CTE certifications
- Discover clinical evidence supporting learning gains through learning with AR/VR
- Consider funding sources for the integration of new technology
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Short Creek 4
In My Swift Lit Era: Connecting Past & Present Literature to a 21st Century Audience
Learning & Teaching
Leandra Toomoth | Instructional Designer, Crowder College
Kayla Branstetter | English Instructor, Crowder College
Stephanie Witcher | Communications Division Chair, Crowder College
Interest in traditional humanities has fluctuated throughout the decades, resulting in poor enrollment and limited course offerings. To confront these challenges and encourage enthusiasm for literature studies, a new course was born: Women in Literature (featuring Taylor Swift). A Communications Division Chair, an English Instructor, and an Instructional Designer from Crowder College will present their work of developing, collaborating, and co-teaching an online course that challenges students to compare the work of Taylor Swift to the work of both past and present female writers, including Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights and Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar.
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Cooper Creek 1
Recruitment Through the Ages: A Look at Where We've Been, Where We Are & Where We Are Going
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Carrie Greer | Senior Director of Enrollment Management, Jefferson College
Jared AuBuchon | Admissions Specialist, Jefferson College
Jessica Bartlett | Early College Coordinator, Jefferson College
Recruitment strategies have evolved significantly over time, adapting to demographic shifts, societal changes, and advancements in technology. In this presentation, we will explore the historical context of recruitment at Jefferson College, examine the current recruitment structures for both high school and adult populations, and outline strategic approaches going forward as we approach the demographic cliff. Additionally, we will discuss how we are focusing on more data driven strategies and leveraging our supplemental relationships such as early college programs, Adult Education and Literacy (AEL), Workforce Employment Services (WES), and Area Technical School (ATS), as well as the importance of partnerships and overlap in achieving recruitment goals. Attendees should come prepared to discuss and share ideas on recruitment strategies.
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Cooper Creek 2
Addressing Teacher Shortages Through Innovative Apprenticeship Programs
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
Kerston Thurman | Apprenticeship Coordinator, Central Methodist University
Shawn Young | Human Services Department Chair, Mineral Area College
Jeff Williams | Regional Site Director, Central Methodist University
As our communities face the challenge of impending teacher shortages, the need for quality and affordable education has never been more critical. Mineral Area College and Central Methodist University have partnered together to offer an innovative solution designed to attract and train future educators already working within our K-12 schools—The C3 (Central Career Changer) Apprenticeship Program and the Mineral Area Youth Apprenticeship (MAYA). Gain insight into the current landscape of teacher shortages and declining enrollment in educator preparation programs, and how DESE is working to address these issues through recruitment grants. You will discover how Mineral Area College and Central Methodist University are partnering to offer a unique three-year teacher certification apprenticeship program, tailored for dedicated school district employees such as aides, paraprofessionals, and other employees. The MAC-CMU Apprenticeship Program provides participants a high-quality education while gaining valuable teacher certification, all while continuing to work in their current roles. This initiative aims to shorten the path to certification, making it more accessible for those already committed to supporting our students.
--- --- ---
Cooper Creek 3
Educational Excellence Through Process Alignment: A Tailored Framework Approach
Strategic Planning & The Community College Workplace
Elizabeth Desrosiers | Process Improvement Manager, St. Louis Community College
Angela Carson | Process Improvement Manager, St. Louis Community College
Valerie Missi Sieth | Process Improvement Manager, St. Louis Community College
Understanding and streamlining your college’s day-to-day business processes can be difficult without a framework to provide structure for the effort. Standard industry process models and frameworks are available for corporate and government businesses, but they fall short of addressing the unique needs of community colleges. In this session we will describe our path to creating an effective process framework for our college. Then we’ll share how our college applies the framework to document and improve our business processes and strategic planning initiatives. The session will wrap up with small group discussions, where we will explore the development and use of process frameworks in more depth, together with you, to deliver excellence for Missouri’s community college students.
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Compton Ferry
Confessions of a High Performance Technology Support Organization
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Jeffrey Wetherill | Director of Technology Support Services, St. Louis Community College
Megan Greathouse Gause | Sr. Manager, Campus Technology and Helpdesk, St. Louis Community College
Muhamed Hadziselimovic | Sr. Manager, End User Support Services, St. Louis Community College
Kris Dysert | Technology Asset Manager, St. Louis Community College
Reggie Richards | Lead IT Support Project Coordinator, St. Louis Community College
The Technology Support Services Leadership Team at St Louis Community College will share best practices, operational insights, and lessons learned about providing support to faculty, staff, and students across 4 campuses and 2 education centers. The team will provide a transparent look at leading teams, managing customers, and implementing technology change.
--- --- ---
Roark Creek
A Journey of Discovery: Transfer Task Force Findings From Missouri State University
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Campbell Keele | Coordinator, Transfer Initiatives, Missouri State University
Andrea Mostyn | Director of Strategic Communications, Missouri State University
Jaime Ross | Director, Transfer Articulation and Nontraditional Student Services, Missouri State University
In January 2024, Missouri State University’s Executive Vice President created a task force with a charge to examine the transfer state at MSU and offer suggestions for potential improvements to enhance transfer student enrollment, retention, and completion. Join us as we share how the taskforce came together to evaluate the current transfer landscape and its associated structures and processes. We will share what steps we took to identify best practices, potential opportunities, and recommendations to improve the transfer student experience at MSU.
3:30 - 4:15 P.M.
Fall Creek
So You're Thinking About a Redesign
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Sarah Leassner | Vice President, Student Development, East Central College
Is your department or division needing a revamp? Are you interested in moving towards a more best practice model, but are stuck in historical preference by staff. Are communication breakdowns and inefficiencies hindering your ability to achieve strategic goals? In this session we will discuss the good, the challenge, and the ugly of a re-design consideration and implementation.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 3
Leveraging New Analytics in Academic Operations for Student Success
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Brian Davenport | Director of Partnerships, Coursedog
Historically, academic operations such as scheduling, curriculum management, and catalog creation lived in silos that made data hard to access. However, new solutions now enable institutions to leverage the wealth of data in these functions. Learn how integrating your academic operations unlocks new data and analytics that support student retention and bolster institutional financial health.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 4
The Future of Learning: Exploring AI Integration in Education for Enhanced Teaching, Learning & Administration
Learning & Teaching
Phyllis Davis | Associate Professor of Computer and Information Technology, St. Louis Community College
Feng Hou | Chief Information Officer, St. Louis Community College
Renita Luck | Associate Vice Chancellor for Distance Learning & Academic Support, St. Louis Community College
Elida Kraja | Professor of Accounting, St. Louis Community College
Karana Phillips | Assistant Professor, St. Louis Community College
In this dynamic breakout session, explore the profound influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on education, with a special emphasis on its practical applications and strategic integration within St. Louis Community College (STLCC). Discover how AI is revolutionizing student services and refining the student experience, while uncovering its capacity to amplify teaching effectiveness and enrich learning journeys. Gain valuable insights into seamlessly integrating technology into educational settings and join us for an engaging exploration of leveraging AI to elevate educational outcomes.
--- --- ---
Cooper Creek 1
Challenge Accepted: 21 Days in April
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Pam Jaycox | Arts & Communications Division Chair, Mineral Area College
Dan Jaycox | Director of EXCEL/SSS, Mineral Area College
Leslie Evans | Accreditation and Assessment Coordinator, Mineral Area College
Sarah Rodgers | Dual Credit Coordinator, Mineral Area College
In April 2021, Mineral Area College’s president assembled a task force and challenged members to re-envision MAC’s dual credit program and create a proposal to overhaul dual credit with a due date 21 days later. Projects of this magnitude can take committees years to accomplish, but the compressed time frame and the campus-wide focus and investment in improving dual credit led to the project’s success. The subsequent improvement in the relationships between area high schools and our campus has directly led to a steady increase in enrollment, stronger partnerships, and improved campus and community perceptions of dual credit. While the presenters will focus on sharing their own experiences and thought-processes, the presentation team will also invite participants to share the challenges they face in their programs and discuss possible strategies.
--- --- ---
Cooper Creek 2
Unlocking the Future Workforce: The Power of CLRs and LERs in Bridging Education and Employment
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Sherry Reed | Education Solution Specialist, Territorium
In today’s rapidly evolving job market, the alignment between education and employment is more critical than ever. Missouri’s Community Colleges play a pivotal role in this alignment. Attend this session and explore the transformative potential of Comprehensive Learner Records (CLRs) and Learning and Employment Records (LERs). Together, we will examine how these innovative tools redefine the pathway from education to meaningful careers.
Participants will learn how CLRs and LERs are not just reshaping the educational landscape but are also setting new standards for workforce readiness. These records offer a verifiable, skill-based approach that allows learners to connect their academic achievements with real-world job opportunities directly. The session will cover the practical applications of CLRs and LERs, including their impact on curriculum design, credentialing, and the future of workforce development.
Attendees will walk away with a comprehensive understanding of how CLRs and LERs can be leveraged to enhance the educational experience and bridge the gap between education and employment. Whether you are an educator looking to innovate your curriculum, an administrator focused on student success, or a workforce development professional seeking to align skills with industry needs, this session promises actionable strategies and valuable insights into the future of education and employment integration.
--- --- ---
Cooper Creek 3
Fueling Innovative Technology With an Innovation Academy
Learning & Teaching
Monica Swindle | Instructional Designer, St. Charles Community College
Andrea Compton | Assistant Vice President of Learning Enterprises, St. Charles Community College
Jerol Enoch | Instructional Designer, St. Charles Community College
Interactive multimedia patient simulations for nursing. Adaptive modules and think aloud activities for developmental math. Online annotation to think like a historian when working with primary sources. Interactive online lab activities for bio labs. These are all projects faculty have created as part of our FIT (Fueling Innovative Technology) Academy at St. Charles Community College. Join us to learn more about how FIT was designed, funded, and implemented and how the results have positively impacted our faculty, students, and college so you too can Get FIT!
--- --- ---
Compton Ferry
Shaping OTC's Future Through Integrated Planning
Strategic Planning & The Community College Workplace
Misty Tollett | Assistant Director of Strategic Planning, Ozarks Technical Community College
Marcia Wheeler | Director of Accreditation and Assessment, Ozarks Technical Community College
Jennifer Severson | College Director for Finance, Ozarks Technical Community College
Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) has long recognized the critical importance of strategic planning, assessment, and budgeting to enhance institutional quality, effectiveness, and innovation. Recognizing the need to ensure these processes are meaningful, streamlined, and collaborative, OTC developed and implemented an Integrated Planning process that applies to every unit across the system, including all instructional, student support, administrative, divisional, and campus/center leadership. This session will explore how Integrated Planning has transformed our planning processes, fostering a cohesive, proactive strategy that is shaping the future of OTC.
--- --- ---
Roark Creek
Young Authors' Conference: Igniting Literacy in Our Communities
Special Topics
Dr. Stephanie Witcher | Communications Division Chair/Chair, Young Authors Conference Committee, Crowder College
Emily Lewis | English Instructor/Secretary, Young Authors Conference Committee, Crowder College
Leandra Toomoth | Instructional Designer/Instructor/Treasurer, Young Authors Conference Committee, Crowder College
Kayla Branstetter | English Instructor/Author/Liaison to Presenters & Teachers, Young Authors Conference Committee, Crowder College
Dr. Maggie Beachner | Education Instructor/Student Liaison, Young Authors Conference Committee, Crowder College
Many of us remember creating our own first author book during elementary school, but somehow this tradition has taken a back seat. We believe bringing Young Author Conferences back to multiple regions of the state will help combat low literacy rates and help bridge connections to K-12 public, private, and home school groups, fostering literacy among all ages. Crowder College just held their 1st Annual Young Authors’ Conference, and in this session, we are excited to share key takeaways, ah-ha moments, and how this ‘why’ can engage humanities at your own college and in your community. Our vision is to encourage other community colleges to establish their own conferences and build a state-wide competition/conference to encourage literacy and creativity for a new generation of students.
So You're Thinking About a Redesign
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Sarah Leassner | Vice President, Student Development, East Central College
Is your department or division needing a revamp? Are you interested in moving towards a more best practice model, but are stuck in historical preference by staff. Are communication breakdowns and inefficiencies hindering your ability to achieve strategic goals? In this session we will discuss the good, the challenge, and the ugly of a re-design consideration and implementation.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 3
Leveraging New Analytics in Academic Operations for Student Success
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Brian Davenport | Director of Partnerships, Coursedog
Historically, academic operations such as scheduling, curriculum management, and catalog creation lived in silos that made data hard to access. However, new solutions now enable institutions to leverage the wealth of data in these functions. Learn how integrating your academic operations unlocks new data and analytics that support student retention and bolster institutional financial health.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 4
The Future of Learning: Exploring AI Integration in Education for Enhanced Teaching, Learning & Administration
Learning & Teaching
Phyllis Davis | Associate Professor of Computer and Information Technology, St. Louis Community College
Feng Hou | Chief Information Officer, St. Louis Community College
Renita Luck | Associate Vice Chancellor for Distance Learning & Academic Support, St. Louis Community College
Elida Kraja | Professor of Accounting, St. Louis Community College
Karana Phillips | Assistant Professor, St. Louis Community College
In this dynamic breakout session, explore the profound influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on education, with a special emphasis on its practical applications and strategic integration within St. Louis Community College (STLCC). Discover how AI is revolutionizing student services and refining the student experience, while uncovering its capacity to amplify teaching effectiveness and enrich learning journeys. Gain valuable insights into seamlessly integrating technology into educational settings and join us for an engaging exploration of leveraging AI to elevate educational outcomes.
--- --- ---
Cooper Creek 1
Challenge Accepted: 21 Days in April
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Pam Jaycox | Arts & Communications Division Chair, Mineral Area College
Dan Jaycox | Director of EXCEL/SSS, Mineral Area College
Leslie Evans | Accreditation and Assessment Coordinator, Mineral Area College
Sarah Rodgers | Dual Credit Coordinator, Mineral Area College
In April 2021, Mineral Area College’s president assembled a task force and challenged members to re-envision MAC’s dual credit program and create a proposal to overhaul dual credit with a due date 21 days later. Projects of this magnitude can take committees years to accomplish, but the compressed time frame and the campus-wide focus and investment in improving dual credit led to the project’s success. The subsequent improvement in the relationships between area high schools and our campus has directly led to a steady increase in enrollment, stronger partnerships, and improved campus and community perceptions of dual credit. While the presenters will focus on sharing their own experiences and thought-processes, the presentation team will also invite participants to share the challenges they face in their programs and discuss possible strategies.
--- --- ---
Cooper Creek 2
Unlocking the Future Workforce: The Power of CLRs and LERs in Bridging Education and Employment
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Sherry Reed | Education Solution Specialist, Territorium
In today’s rapidly evolving job market, the alignment between education and employment is more critical than ever. Missouri’s Community Colleges play a pivotal role in this alignment. Attend this session and explore the transformative potential of Comprehensive Learner Records (CLRs) and Learning and Employment Records (LERs). Together, we will examine how these innovative tools redefine the pathway from education to meaningful careers.
Participants will learn how CLRs and LERs are not just reshaping the educational landscape but are also setting new standards for workforce readiness. These records offer a verifiable, skill-based approach that allows learners to connect their academic achievements with real-world job opportunities directly. The session will cover the practical applications of CLRs and LERs, including their impact on curriculum design, credentialing, and the future of workforce development.
Attendees will walk away with a comprehensive understanding of how CLRs and LERs can be leveraged to enhance the educational experience and bridge the gap between education and employment. Whether you are an educator looking to innovate your curriculum, an administrator focused on student success, or a workforce development professional seeking to align skills with industry needs, this session promises actionable strategies and valuable insights into the future of education and employment integration.
--- --- ---
Cooper Creek 3
Fueling Innovative Technology With an Innovation Academy
Learning & Teaching
Monica Swindle | Instructional Designer, St. Charles Community College
Andrea Compton | Assistant Vice President of Learning Enterprises, St. Charles Community College
Jerol Enoch | Instructional Designer, St. Charles Community College
Interactive multimedia patient simulations for nursing. Adaptive modules and think aloud activities for developmental math. Online annotation to think like a historian when working with primary sources. Interactive online lab activities for bio labs. These are all projects faculty have created as part of our FIT (Fueling Innovative Technology) Academy at St. Charles Community College. Join us to learn more about how FIT was designed, funded, and implemented and how the results have positively impacted our faculty, students, and college so you too can Get FIT!
--- --- ---
Compton Ferry
Shaping OTC's Future Through Integrated Planning
Strategic Planning & The Community College Workplace
Misty Tollett | Assistant Director of Strategic Planning, Ozarks Technical Community College
Marcia Wheeler | Director of Accreditation and Assessment, Ozarks Technical Community College
Jennifer Severson | College Director for Finance, Ozarks Technical Community College
Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) has long recognized the critical importance of strategic planning, assessment, and budgeting to enhance institutional quality, effectiveness, and innovation. Recognizing the need to ensure these processes are meaningful, streamlined, and collaborative, OTC developed and implemented an Integrated Planning process that applies to every unit across the system, including all instructional, student support, administrative, divisional, and campus/center leadership. This session will explore how Integrated Planning has transformed our planning processes, fostering a cohesive, proactive strategy that is shaping the future of OTC.
--- --- ---
Roark Creek
Young Authors' Conference: Igniting Literacy in Our Communities
Special Topics
Dr. Stephanie Witcher | Communications Division Chair/Chair, Young Authors Conference Committee, Crowder College
Emily Lewis | English Instructor/Secretary, Young Authors Conference Committee, Crowder College
Leandra Toomoth | Instructional Designer/Instructor/Treasurer, Young Authors Conference Committee, Crowder College
Kayla Branstetter | English Instructor/Author/Liaison to Presenters & Teachers, Young Authors Conference Committee, Crowder College
Dr. Maggie Beachner | Education Instructor/Student Liaison, Young Authors Conference Committee, Crowder College
Many of us remember creating our own first author book during elementary school, but somehow this tradition has taken a back seat. We believe bringing Young Author Conferences back to multiple regions of the state will help combat low literacy rates and help bridge connections to K-12 public, private, and home school groups, fostering literacy among all ages. Crowder College just held their 1st Annual Young Authors’ Conference, and in this session, we are excited to share key takeaways, ah-ha moments, and how this ‘why’ can engage humanities at your own college and in your community. Our vision is to encourage other community colleges to establish their own conferences and build a state-wide competition/conference to encourage literacy and creativity for a new generation of students.
Friday, November 15
8:45 - 9:30 A.M.
Fall Creek
Enhancing the First-Year Experience Program for Community College Students: Creating a Cohort Model to Encourage Success, Engagement & Sense of Belonging
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Dr. Vicky Herbel | Professor of Sociology, St. Charles Community College
Dr. Kim Mercurio | Assistant Dean for School of Business, Technology & Workforce Readiness; St. Charles Community College
A dissertation presentation. Community Colleges are facing significant challenges to enrollment due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impending enrollment cliff which will require higher education administration to adapt, get creative, and lead change in recruiting and retention strategies. Using the Sense of Community Theory (Serason, 1974) and the Involvement Theory (Astin, 1984), this study aims to evaluate student success, engagement, and sense of belonging. Through a qualitative comparative case study, students in a Men of Color (MOC) cohort, a pre nursing (NUR) cohort, and a baseline group of students in the standard college success seminar course enrollment were evaluated using in vivo, value and pattern coding of course assessments, reflections, and semi-structured focus groups. To provide more detailed and rich comparisons, course completion, course success, and student retention quantitative data were incorporated into each case analysis. The research findings indicate that the cohort model two-semester course format had a positive impact on student success, engagement, and sense of belonging. From this the researchers propose several recommendations for community colleges. First, it is recommended community colleges use a cohort model in assigning students to first year experience programs that are either career focused for students who identify a discipline of study or some other affinity for students who do not identify a discipline of study. Second, it is recommended that community colleges incorporate campus engagement activities within the first-year experience program and incentivize students to attend the activities. Third, it is recommended students receive ongoing follow-up not only during the first year at the college but through their credential completion to encourage retention. Fourth, it is recommended the instructors for the college success seminar course be well-trained, vetted, and highly engaging individuals to achieve the goals.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 1
Tedious Tasks: Streamlining Repetitive Work
Special Topics
Brandon Scheldt | Website Specialist, Mineral Area College
Learn how electronic devices used by artists and musicians can increase your workflow efficiency, regardless of your role or types of software you might use. Go beyond the keyboard and mouse to explore a variety of peripherals that can help streamline all of your most common tasks. Specifically, this session will discuss devices from TourBox, Elgato, and Loupedeck.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 2
From Data to Action: How AI and 1M Student Voices Are Revolutionizing Student Persistence
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Brenna Young | Director of Advising & Retention, Jefferson College
Kyle Brown | Partnerships Director, EdSights
Join EdSights and Jefferson College as we explore how AI-driven insights from over 1M student conversations are transforming the way community colleges address student persistence challenges. We’ll dive into real-world examples of how timely, data-driven actions are enhancing retention efforts, engaging students more effectively, and providing proactive support. Participants will also discover strategies for turning data into actionable insights, paving the way for a more personalized and responsive approach to student success.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 3
Resilience & Grit: Two Foundations to Build Individual, Organizational & Societal Impact On
Special Topics
Stephen Smith, Ph.D. | MCC Trainer, MCC
Brian Davidson | CEO, Mindvue
Resilience and Grit play a critical role in how people approach personal and professional life. Understanding a person's grit and resilience helps with leadership, coaching, and mentoring. Showing individual and organizational progress is simpler when team members and stakeholders understand the fundamental role that grit and resilience play in our day-to-day lives and how these two measures impact our private and public work. Examples will be shared where building off of grit and resilience measures has improved individuals and academic organizations. Most importantly, our dialogue will identify opportunities for participants to grow their grit, resilience, and influence in their personal and professional endeavors.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 4
Building Skilled Nursing Leaders: CNA Preceptor Apprenticeship
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
Todd Tracy | Executive Director, Center for Workforce Development, East Central College
Alice Whalen | Director, Adult Education & Literacy, East Central College
Terri Warmack | Health Careers Outreach Coordinator, East Central College
Melissa Richards | Apprenticeship & Business Training Coordinator, East Central College
East Central College’s Center for Workforce Development and Adult Education & Literacy departments combined efforts to train each Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) student. The outcomes of this alignment with the adult education and literacy program are providing instruction with reading skills to the students, wrapped in workforce preparation, and soft skills lessons. For those students demonstrating leadership qualities, a DOL registered apprenticeship program up-skilling CNA Preceptors was developed to help advance these individuals to bridge the gap between the floor nurse and CNA. At the CNA Preceptor level, the objective is to improve upon and capitalize on the strengths that each of these individuals possess. The program focuses on the development of leadership and mentoring skills necessary to train new or new-to-the-facility nursing team members. From helping students with low reading and math skills to providing leadership training to CNA’s to work as preceptors, the ECC CWD program is providing the skills needed for this portion of the workforce. These experienced healthcare providers (CNAs) will be empowered to contribute positively to mentoring new CNA students and/or new employees by adapting to a culture of accountability and developing their own leadership skills. Quantitatively, the goal is to reduce staffing turnover and maintain CNA retention.
--- --- ---
Cooper Creek 1
What About Us?
Special Topics
Stacey Gillette | Behavioral Health Support Department Coordinator and Social Science Instructor, Mineral Area College
In our pursuit of doing good work and looking out for our students, our health and well-being is sacrificed. This session's focus will be on self-care strategies and improving emotion regulation skills among faculty and staff at community colleges.
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Cooper Creek 2
"What Gets Measured Gets Managed" — Strategic Plan Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Strategic Planning & The Community College Workplace
Ed Foley | Executive Director | Enterprise Project Management, Planning & Institutional Effectiveness, Metropolitan Community College - Kansas City
Melisa Giese | Executive Director | Institutional Research & Analytics, Metropolitan Community College - Kansas City
This session will take you through the insights MCC has learned about tracking the progress of our Strategic Plan through the use of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Come see how we identify, track and report our KPIs.
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Cooper Creek 3
Preventative Maintenance as a Best Practice
Special Topics
Scott Dobson | Director of Facilities, Raymore-Peculiar R-II School District
Mike Fox | Maintenance Technician, Crowder College
This presentation is about designing and implementing a successful Preventive Maintenance Plan in a facility. We talk about where to start the planning, people that should be included, software options. It will walk through the step-by-step process of starting a plan or improving a current plan.
--- --- ---
Compton Ferry
Competency-Based Learning & Its Place in CTE
Learning & Teaching
Kati Donahue | HVAC Instructor, Jefferson College
So many of our students who are going through the trade programs are already employed in that trade and have many of the skills that we are teaching them. Why then are we requiring them to sit for a classroom lecture to teach them what they are already doing? Why not instead provide those students with the opportunity to accelerate through the class by proving competencies with both hands on and traditional testing on topics that they are expected to learn in class? This allows students the opportunity to accelerate through aspects of the course that they understand, while offering the opportunity to gain assistance on the particulars that they are struggling with.
--- --- ---
Roark Creek
Employee Engagement in a Union Environment — Challenge Accepted!
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Jennifer Arvin | Executive Director, Marketing and Communications, St. Louis Community College
Tanya Dupske | Chief Human Resources Officer, St. Louis Community College
Employee engagement is a critical factor in organizational success. In higher education unionized environments, where the balance of power can be complex, fostering engagement becomes even more crucial. This proposal outlines practical strategies to enhance employee engagement without relying on significant budgets or large staff. Learn from experienced leaders with expertise in corporate business and higher education, on how they launched an employee engagement survey and created a platform for ongoing engagement strategies. By committing to open and honest two-way communication, including tough conversations, and listening and engaging with employees, the College committed to ongoing work to improve employee engagement. Participants will receive relevant templates with actionable ideas to implement within their organizations.
--- --- ---
Bee Creek
Missouri Apprenticeships in Manufacturing Programs (MoAMP) — The Struggle Is Real
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
Kelly Deloch | Business Manager, Workforce Solutions Group, St Louis Community College
Sean Guess | District Director, Workforce & Talent Development, St Louis Community College
Amanda Sizemore | Assistant Vice President, St Charles Community College
Becky Epps | Manager, Center for Workforce Innovation, St Louis Community College
Discuss the obstacles the consortium overcame to implement a successful grant.
Enhancing the First-Year Experience Program for Community College Students: Creating a Cohort Model to Encourage Success, Engagement & Sense of Belonging
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Dr. Vicky Herbel | Professor of Sociology, St. Charles Community College
Dr. Kim Mercurio | Assistant Dean for School of Business, Technology & Workforce Readiness; St. Charles Community College
A dissertation presentation. Community Colleges are facing significant challenges to enrollment due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impending enrollment cliff which will require higher education administration to adapt, get creative, and lead change in recruiting and retention strategies. Using the Sense of Community Theory (Serason, 1974) and the Involvement Theory (Astin, 1984), this study aims to evaluate student success, engagement, and sense of belonging. Through a qualitative comparative case study, students in a Men of Color (MOC) cohort, a pre nursing (NUR) cohort, and a baseline group of students in the standard college success seminar course enrollment were evaluated using in vivo, value and pattern coding of course assessments, reflections, and semi-structured focus groups. To provide more detailed and rich comparisons, course completion, course success, and student retention quantitative data were incorporated into each case analysis. The research findings indicate that the cohort model two-semester course format had a positive impact on student success, engagement, and sense of belonging. From this the researchers propose several recommendations for community colleges. First, it is recommended community colleges use a cohort model in assigning students to first year experience programs that are either career focused for students who identify a discipline of study or some other affinity for students who do not identify a discipline of study. Second, it is recommended that community colleges incorporate campus engagement activities within the first-year experience program and incentivize students to attend the activities. Third, it is recommended students receive ongoing follow-up not only during the first year at the college but through their credential completion to encourage retention. Fourth, it is recommended the instructors for the college success seminar course be well-trained, vetted, and highly engaging individuals to achieve the goals.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 1
Tedious Tasks: Streamlining Repetitive Work
Special Topics
Brandon Scheldt | Website Specialist, Mineral Area College
Learn how electronic devices used by artists and musicians can increase your workflow efficiency, regardless of your role or types of software you might use. Go beyond the keyboard and mouse to explore a variety of peripherals that can help streamline all of your most common tasks. Specifically, this session will discuss devices from TourBox, Elgato, and Loupedeck.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 2
From Data to Action: How AI and 1M Student Voices Are Revolutionizing Student Persistence
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Brenna Young | Director of Advising & Retention, Jefferson College
Kyle Brown | Partnerships Director, EdSights
Join EdSights and Jefferson College as we explore how AI-driven insights from over 1M student conversations are transforming the way community colleges address student persistence challenges. We’ll dive into real-world examples of how timely, data-driven actions are enhancing retention efforts, engaging students more effectively, and providing proactive support. Participants will also discover strategies for turning data into actionable insights, paving the way for a more personalized and responsive approach to student success.
--- --- ---
Short Creek 3
Resilience & Grit: Two Foundations to Build Individual, Organizational & Societal Impact On
Special Topics
Stephen Smith, Ph.D. | MCC Trainer, MCC
Brian Davidson | CEO, Mindvue
Resilience and Grit play a critical role in how people approach personal and professional life. Understanding a person's grit and resilience helps with leadership, coaching, and mentoring. Showing individual and organizational progress is simpler when team members and stakeholders understand the fundamental role that grit and resilience play in our day-to-day lives and how these two measures impact our private and public work. Examples will be shared where building off of grit and resilience measures has improved individuals and academic organizations. Most importantly, our dialogue will identify opportunities for participants to grow their grit, resilience, and influence in their personal and professional endeavors.
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Short Creek 4
Building Skilled Nursing Leaders: CNA Preceptor Apprenticeship
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
Todd Tracy | Executive Director, Center for Workforce Development, East Central College
Alice Whalen | Director, Adult Education & Literacy, East Central College
Terri Warmack | Health Careers Outreach Coordinator, East Central College
Melissa Richards | Apprenticeship & Business Training Coordinator, East Central College
East Central College’s Center for Workforce Development and Adult Education & Literacy departments combined efforts to train each Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) student. The outcomes of this alignment with the adult education and literacy program are providing instruction with reading skills to the students, wrapped in workforce preparation, and soft skills lessons. For those students demonstrating leadership qualities, a DOL registered apprenticeship program up-skilling CNA Preceptors was developed to help advance these individuals to bridge the gap between the floor nurse and CNA. At the CNA Preceptor level, the objective is to improve upon and capitalize on the strengths that each of these individuals possess. The program focuses on the development of leadership and mentoring skills necessary to train new or new-to-the-facility nursing team members. From helping students with low reading and math skills to providing leadership training to CNA’s to work as preceptors, the ECC CWD program is providing the skills needed for this portion of the workforce. These experienced healthcare providers (CNAs) will be empowered to contribute positively to mentoring new CNA students and/or new employees by adapting to a culture of accountability and developing their own leadership skills. Quantitatively, the goal is to reduce staffing turnover and maintain CNA retention.
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Cooper Creek 1
What About Us?
Special Topics
Stacey Gillette | Behavioral Health Support Department Coordinator and Social Science Instructor, Mineral Area College
In our pursuit of doing good work and looking out for our students, our health and well-being is sacrificed. This session's focus will be on self-care strategies and improving emotion regulation skills among faculty and staff at community colleges.
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Cooper Creek 2
"What Gets Measured Gets Managed" — Strategic Plan Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Strategic Planning & The Community College Workplace
Ed Foley | Executive Director | Enterprise Project Management, Planning & Institutional Effectiveness, Metropolitan Community College - Kansas City
Melisa Giese | Executive Director | Institutional Research & Analytics, Metropolitan Community College - Kansas City
This session will take you through the insights MCC has learned about tracking the progress of our Strategic Plan through the use of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Come see how we identify, track and report our KPIs.
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Cooper Creek 3
Preventative Maintenance as a Best Practice
Special Topics
Scott Dobson | Director of Facilities, Raymore-Peculiar R-II School District
Mike Fox | Maintenance Technician, Crowder College
This presentation is about designing and implementing a successful Preventive Maintenance Plan in a facility. We talk about where to start the planning, people that should be included, software options. It will walk through the step-by-step process of starting a plan or improving a current plan.
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Compton Ferry
Competency-Based Learning & Its Place in CTE
Learning & Teaching
Kati Donahue | HVAC Instructor, Jefferson College
So many of our students who are going through the trade programs are already employed in that trade and have many of the skills that we are teaching them. Why then are we requiring them to sit for a classroom lecture to teach them what they are already doing? Why not instead provide those students with the opportunity to accelerate through the class by proving competencies with both hands on and traditional testing on topics that they are expected to learn in class? This allows students the opportunity to accelerate through aspects of the course that they understand, while offering the opportunity to gain assistance on the particulars that they are struggling with.
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Roark Creek
Employee Engagement in a Union Environment — Challenge Accepted!
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Jennifer Arvin | Executive Director, Marketing and Communications, St. Louis Community College
Tanya Dupske | Chief Human Resources Officer, St. Louis Community College
Employee engagement is a critical factor in organizational success. In higher education unionized environments, where the balance of power can be complex, fostering engagement becomes even more crucial. This proposal outlines practical strategies to enhance employee engagement without relying on significant budgets or large staff. Learn from experienced leaders with expertise in corporate business and higher education, on how they launched an employee engagement survey and created a platform for ongoing engagement strategies. By committing to open and honest two-way communication, including tough conversations, and listening and engaging with employees, the College committed to ongoing work to improve employee engagement. Participants will receive relevant templates with actionable ideas to implement within their organizations.
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Bee Creek
Missouri Apprenticeships in Manufacturing Programs (MoAMP) — The Struggle Is Real
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
Kelly Deloch | Business Manager, Workforce Solutions Group, St Louis Community College
Sean Guess | District Director, Workforce & Talent Development, St Louis Community College
Amanda Sizemore | Assistant Vice President, St Charles Community College
Becky Epps | Manager, Center for Workforce Innovation, St Louis Community College
Discuss the obstacles the consortium overcame to implement a successful grant.