MCCA Honors SCC Faculty, Staff and Alumni at Annual Conference in Kansas City

Published: 11/25/2019

SCC President Dr. Barbara Kavalier and Dean of Nursing and Allied Health Amy Koehler at the annual MCCA convention in Kansas City. 

The efforts and achievements of three individuals from SCC, as well as one alumna, were recognized by the Missouri Community College Association at its 55^th annual convention in November.

Amy Koehler, dean of nursing and allied health, proudly accepted the Technology Innovation award for her work in creating a virtual hospital at the SCC – Dardenne Prairie campus. The award is given to only one community college each year and recognizes creative and effective use of technology at Missouri’s community colleges.

“Our virtual hospital allows faculty to better teach students how to respond to various scenarios in a lifelike simulation environment,” explained Koehler. “They can experience every type of patient experience, from an intensive care unit, to a birthing suite, to a home health scenario.”

The 10-bed virtual hospital housed in the Center for Healthy Living has two units that use hospital-grade medical equipment. Each unit provides nursing faculty the opportunity to view simulations from a control room behind a one-way mirror. The entire simulation is recorded with overhead cameras, allowing the activity to unfold without faculty interruption.

“Leveraging this innovative technology in the virtual hospital setting truly prepares student nurses for the complexity of the healthcare environment and the realities of patient care,” added Koehler. “It is something we are proud to offer our students and believe it is making a substantial impact in their career-readiness and advancement.”

Meanwhile, Courtney Barrett, associate professor in the occupational therapy assistant program, received the Governor’s Excellence in Teaching award at the conference. It is presented annually for outstanding instructors from each community college campus in Missouri for work done during the previous year.

Kathy Brockgreitens-Gober, assistant vice president for college transitions and support systems, was honored with the Senior Service Award. The award is presented annually to a long-serving employee from each of Missouri’s community colleges. Recipients are recommended for the award by their college President or Chancellor. To receive this award, the employee must have worked at a community college for 20 years or more.

Former St. Charles mayor and SCC alumna Sally Faith was one of only two people recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award. It is presented to exceptional individuals who have attended a Missouri community college. It is one of the most prestigious awards presented by the membership of the Association. Faith was selected for her outstanding professional accomplishments and contributions to her community.