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 55th 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.