Ozarks Technical Community College’s 2024 commencement ceremony was historic. The 2024 graduation marked the first time in history that a Missouri community college has awarded bachelor’s degrees. Daniel Bowles, Samantha Gonzalez and Jade Humphreys each earned a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy.
In 2021, the Coordinating Board for Higher Education approved OTC and St. Louis Community College to offer bachelor’s degrees in respiratory therapy. OTC’s bachelor’s in respiratory therapy debuted in January of 2023 with students in Springfield and at the college’s new respiratory therapy laboratory at OTC Waynesville.
“OTC proudly stands at the forefront of educational innovation in Missouri as we confer our first Bachelor of Science degrees in Respiratory Therapy,” said Dr. Hal Higdon, OTC Chancellor. “We honor the hard work and dedication of these trailblazers who are setting new standards for excellence in higher education. Congratulations on your pioneering achievement!”
More than 800 Ozarks Technical Community College graduates walked in the 2024 Commencement ceremony, held Thursday, May 16, at Great Southern Bank Arena on the Missouri State University campus.
This year, OTC conferred 2,562 degrees and certificates to graduates, including students who completed or are pending the completion of their coursework from the summer 2023 semester through the summer 2024 semester.
JMARK CEO Tom Douglas delivered the keynote address at the ceremony. A Navy veteran and Bolivar native, Douglas purchased JMARK in 2001. The technology company has more than 125 employees serving clients in 43 states.
Douglas told the graduates, “The theme of what I learned along the way can be summed up by this singular concept: to have a meaningful and happy life… You have to earn it.”
The college honored 2001 OTC Graduate Ben McBride as its 2024 Distinguished Alumnus. McBride earned bachelor’s and law degrees from Oklahoma City University. Following a successful legal career, McBride more recently became the Executive Director of the non-profit I Pour Life. McBride also serves as a Municipal Judge for the City of Republic.
The ceremony featured 2024 OTC graduate Robert-Thomas Gumersell as the student speaker. Gumersell, a formerly homeschooled student, thrived in college. He became an officer with the Politically Active student group and the International Honor Society Phi Theta Kappa. Gumersell also worked as a student ambassador. He will transfer to Missouri State in the fall to pursue a degree in communication.
After the college awarded all the credentials, OTC Chancellor Hal Higdon concluded the ceremony by congratulating the graduates and welcoming them into the OTC Alumni Association.