From a young age, Anthony Bardon knew he wanted to be a professional soccer player. His determination and will to succeed have allowed him to perform on the field all across the United States and Europe. Those same positive characteristics have helped him pursue an online degree from Ozarks Technical Community College. Bardon’s path to…
Did you know that one of the many perks of OTC is the free resources we provide to help students, like you, thrive? With the fall semester now underway, we’ve got your back. Whether you need homework help, personal support or job-search assistance, you can count on OTC to provide you with the necessary tools…
The beginning of school is less than a week away, and we at OTC are ready to kick it off with our yearly Back to School Bash tradition. Your first week on campus will be engaging, fun-filled, and food-stuffed. How great does that sound? Check out our Back to School Bash events at the Springfield…
The inherent privileges of American citizens, like the choice to obtain an education, can often be overlooked by individuals who never had to face the hardships of an oppressive government. However, for members of the Gradinariu family, this is not the case. With their successful escape from Romania near the end of the Cold War,…
Standing at 6-feet-5-inches tall, retired U.S. Navy veteran Jason Wilson towers above the preschoolers in his Early Childhood practicum class. But the kids don’t find Jason intimidating. In fact, they think he’s much more fun to climb than their outdoor playground equipment. “They always run to me when they see I’m in the classroom,” Jason…
When Josh Green enrolled at OTC several years ago to study welding, his goal was to learn a worthwhile trade so he could move out of, what he called, his dead-end retail job. Before his college career was over, he had more than eclipsed that goal. Josh was one of the first students to enroll…
With only a few weeks of classes left this semester, final exams are looming closer than ever. Make sure you’re prepared with the following study tips from our friends at the Speckman Tutoring & Learning Center. 10. Start early – Cramming is counter-productive. Give your brain the time it needs to learn the material. To avoid…
Ozarks Technical Community College’s respiratory therapy program received the Registered Respiratory Therapist Credentialing Success Award from CoARC, the Committee of Accreditation for Respiratory Care. OTC respiratory therapy staff accepted the award during the American Association for Respiratory Care Summer Forum, held June 25 in Tucson, Ariz. Eighty-seven programs received the award this year. OTC’s respiratory therapy program is…
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…