Josh Pennekamp was a business student who knew nothing about welding before he came to OTC this year. However, after completing the college’s 20-week Industrial Welding Technology program, Josh is a business major with a twist. He says welding will be incorporated into his dreams of becoming a manufacturer. “I love welding. It’s a great…
One might think a career in Early Childhood Development would be a complete departure from a career in the U.S. military, but OTC student William Nelson insists that both of his careers share important themes. “The Army is all about building confidence, strength and leadership ─ so is Early Childhood Education,” he said. William is…
Students who complete 12 or more credit hours are eligible for the Chancellor’s List and Dean’s List. Recognition is based on the grade point average attained during the 12-credit-hour increment. The Dean’s List requires a GPA of 3.50 to 3.84, and the Chancellor’s List requires a GPA of 3.85 or higher. Chancellor’s List and Dean’s List recipients can expect a…
There may not be another OTC alumnus who has lived the “Start Here, Go Anywhere” motto like Wendell Bandy. In fact, OTC President Emeritus Dr. Norman K. Myers says Wendell took that motto a step further. “Wendell has started here and gone everywhere,” Dr. Myers said during a recent reunion between Myers and Bandy at OTC.…
Two years, three cars and 33,000 miles on the road ─ that’s what it took for Ehlaina Hudson to earn her drafting and design degree from OTC. Yet, despite all the costs associated with her daily commute, Ehlaina insists that OTC was still more affordable than the local college options in her home state of…
The term “triple threat” is typically associated with a football player who can run, pass and kick, or a performer who can sing, act and dance. But those who know OTC graduate Sami Johnson would say she’s a triple threat in her own right. The 23-year-old has earned not one, not two, but three healthcare…
The deadline to apply for fall 2017 scholarships at OTC is Thursday, June 1. On average, 640 students receive more than $800,000 in scholarship money each year. Sounds pretty good, right? Keep reading for more scholarship details. If you’re ready to apply, click HERE. There are two types of scholarships available: OTC Institutional scholarships and…
Andrew Hedgpeth, vice president of human resources at CoxHealth, received OTC’s Distinguished Alumnus of the Year award at the college’s 2017 commencement, held May 18 at JQH Arena. “Andrew’s professional accomplishments serve as a testament to the college’s mission,” said OTC Chancellor Hal Higdon. “When we, as a community, invest in our students through educational…
Hundreds of OTC graduates will march into JQH Arena this week to the cheers and best wishes of family and friends. Among those receiving degrees will be Angela Ellis and Sean Maenner. But they won’t have to listen too intently to hear well wishes from a family member or to find a nearby relative. This…
Soon-to-be graduates, the moment you’ve waited for is practically here. Our 2017 graduation ceremony will be held Thursday, May 18 at 6 p.m. at JQH Arena on the Missouri State University Campus. And whether you’re celebrating your own graduation this year, or that of a fellow student, friend or family member, share your excitement on social media…
Meet Seth King, OTC academic advisor. Seth helps ensure you are signed up for the classes you need to earn your degree at OTC. Seth will be serving up your favorite drinks at OTC’s Starbucks on Monday, May 8 from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Make sure you stop by, take a photo with Seth, and post it on Instagram or…
The American Sign Language department recently hosted its inaugural American Sign Language Showcase on April 27 at the OTC Springfield Campus. The event, which will be held every fall and spring semester, highlights the skills of American Sign Language students in ASL II, III and IV classes. “The showcase provided our students with the opportunity to…
The Gillioz Theatre has hosted many great events in its nearly 100-year history, including its service as home to the OTC Fine Arts program for the last decade. Next semester, however, the program will move to the OTC Springfield Campus. The Gillioz, with its architectural ambiance rich with visual textures, colors, and shapes, has provided OTC…
Meet Vicki MacDonald, OTC’s assistant college director of admissions. Vicki’s job involves helping students through the admissions process and making sure they have fun once they’re here! Vicki will be serving up your favorite drinks at OTC’s Starbucks on Thursday, May 4 from 10-11 a.m. Make sure you stop by, take a photo with Vicki, and…
The future looks bright for OTC students like Jessi Thomason and Ricki Hackworth who will begin their careers as respiratory therapists this month. The duo recently earned statewide recognition at the Missouri Society for Respiratory Care conference, held April 19-21 in Osage Beach, Mo. Jessi, a Mountain View native, was one of four students selected…
Meet Dr. Hal Higdon, chancellor of Ozarks Technical Community College. In addition to keeping all of OTC’s campuses and centers running smoothly, Dr. Higdon will be serving up your favorite Starbucks drinks on Monday, May 1 from 11 a.m. to noon. In other words, Monday is a great day to stop by OTC’s Starbucks, visit…
Thanks to a $4,500 grant from one of the oldest service clubs in the nation ─ Sertoma Inc. ─ OTC students who are deaf or hard of hearing can access a new technological device on campus that will help them easily communicate with staff, students and instructors. The device, called an UbiDuo, is a communication tool…
With a constant bright smile and happy demeanor, Ozarks Technical Community College student Andrew Kirkpatrick exudes optimism. He understands the value of his OTC education and what it will mean for him in the future. “Like the saying goes at OTC, ‘Start here, go anywhere.’ It’s so true and I found that out very quickly.…
Meet James Ackerman, OTC communication instructor and Speech Communication Center director. This fitness guru/Harry Potter fanatic/Zoolander fan will be serving up your favorite Starbucks drinks on Monday, April 17 from 11 a.m. to noon. When you stop by for your favorite drink on Monday, be sure to grab a photo with Mr. Ackerman and post…
Students representing the various technical programs of Ozarks Technical Community College brought home 47 medals from the SkillsUSA state competition, held recently on the campus of State Technical College of Missouri in Linn, Mo. Approximately 90 OTC students participated the event, where thousands of technical education students from across the state competed in a variety of categories…
Keshia Guffey is attending OTC intent on becoming a social worker to help those with substance-use disorders. It’s a topic close to Keshia’s heart because she lived the life of an addict for a number of years. An Ozark High School graduate, Keshia later became addicted to opioids for two years after she started using…
Meet Dr. Zachary Zweigle, OTC social sciences department chair and history instructor. In addition to his teaching duties, student advising, departmental leadership and curriculum design, Dr. Zweigle will serve up your favorite Starbucks drinks on Wednesday, April 5 from 10 to 11 a.m. Fun fact: Dr. Zweigle was an actual Starbucks barista back in the day, and…
Ozarks Technical Community College will dive into collegiate sports with the launch a Division II skydiving team in the fall of 2017. College officials unveiled their plans to the National Junior College Athletic Association today, Saturday, April 1. The new skydiving team, called the OTC Screamin’ Eagles, will compete at the regional and state level…
I would like to share a story with you about a young man from a low-income, single-parent home; a young man who was the first person in his family to graduate college; a young man who worked 30-50 hours a week in addition to being a full-time student. This extraordinary young man also came to college…
Melanie Johnston has enjoyed the best of times as a student at OTC after suffering the worst of times in an abusive marriage. Melanie is now an honors student and vice president of publicity and outreach for the college’s Honors Program. She also works as a tutor at the Carol Jones Writing Center, which suits her…