Amid humming machinery and whirring computer systems, OTC student Abigail Dotson has found her happy place. One of just three women in the college’s Industrial Systems Technology Program, Abbey hopes to become a mechanical engineer someday. “Taking stuff apart, fixing it and putting it back together – it’s just always something that I’ve enjoyed doing,”…
Nurses and physicians figure prominently in coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic. But there’s another vital group of health care professionals who don’t always get the same recognition: respiratory therapists. OTC graduate Jeff Atkinson is a prime example, having treated hundreds of COVID-19 patients at Cox South Hospital in Springfield. Jeff is one of more than…
The term “service learning” may conjure images of earnest college students helping build a Habitat for Humanity home or donating time to paint a school. But, those types of activities are more likely volunteering — heavy on the “service” portion and light on “learning.” Service learning gives students experiences that enhance their overall understanding of…
Tucked away in quiet workspaces or offices, linked only by technology and their shared mission, OTC’s COVID-19 case managers have been hard at work for months. Responsible for helping students navigate coronavirus-related issues, these employees spend their days communicating by email or phone as they sift through student reports, questions and concerns. “We don’t just…
OTC serves as the economic engine of southwest Missouri, and one alumna has a promising future in the driver’s seat. Peyton Andrews is entering her fourth year working for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, where she and her team work to promote the region’s economic health, stimulate job growth, and improve the quality of life in…
Too many people experience harm at the hands of an intimate partner, but we can all take steps to make our campus and community safer. See the resources and information below to learn how you can be part of the solution. About Domestic Violence Dating or domestic violence is when one partner uses coercive and…
The 2021-2022 FAFSA opens Oct. 1, and now’s the time to submit your application. A completed FAFSA will determine your federal financial aid eligibility. It can also help you secure additional grants and scholarships. For example: If you qualified for the A+ Scholarship in high school and are still eligible, you must have a valid…
It’s no secret the restaurant industry has been forced to adapt in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and OTC’s student-led restaurant – Scallions – is no exception. In the past, Scallions offered an on-campus, fine-dining experience with cuisine prepared and served by OTC culinary students. This fall, Scallions will switch things up by offering lunch…
Renowned local dentist Dr. Gary Buzbee is swapping his dental drill for gardening gloves. After leading a successful dental practice for nearly 43 years, the Springfield native is starting a new adventure in OTC’s agriculture program. Gary still works part time at his established practice, Buzbee Dental, but his passion for horticulture continues to grow.…
Luke Livgren is making a world of difference with his degrees from OTC. Since graduation, the registered nurse has traveled the globe on seven different medical missions. His first trips involved two- and three-month stints in war-torn Iraq. Most recently, he worked in New York City’s Beth Israel Hospital during the coronavirus outbreak. “After finding…
Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. Comments or thoughts about suicide — also known as suicidal ideation — can begin small with sentiments like, “I wish I wasn’t here” or “Nothing matters.” But over time, these comments or thoughts can become more explicit and dangerous. Helping others If you have…
OTC’s Dr. Loren Lundstrom survived one of the deadliest days in modern American history. The now-retired Lieutenant Colonel was one of about 20,000 government employees working in the Pentagon when American Airlines flight 77 hit the building at 9:37 a.m. on Sept. 11, 2001. The consequences of the attack, coupled with his robust military career,…
In today’s world full of digital information, e-books and the internet, is there still a reason to visit your college library? The answer is “YES.” We would argue that saying you don’t need a library because you have the internet is like saying you don’t need a math class because you have a calculator. Both of…
Heads up, Eagles. Spring 2021 scholarship applications are open now through Nov. 1. On average, OTC awards more than $900,000 in scholarships to students each year. If you’re interested in applying for a scholarship or two, keep reading for tips on how to navigate the application process. If you’re ready to apply, click here. Choose a…
For most of us, the changes we’ve experienced in the last several months have been difficult to navigate. If you’re looking for healthy ways to cope with our new reality, consider the following tips from OTC Counseling Services: Maintain routines as much as possible. Whether you are returning to the classroom or participating in online learning, try…
The fall semester begins Aug. 24, and we’ve compiled our favorite OTC hacks to make your life a little easier in the coming weeks. Keep reading to learn how you can sign up for emergency text alerts, connect with student support services and more. 1. Sync your OTC email to your phone. It’s the easiest…
It’s been more than 150 days since we were last together on campus, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for the first day of classes. To ensure your health and wellness, and that of our faculty and staff, the fall semester will look a little different this year. Think of our return-to-campus plan…
Pediatric Occupational Therapist Marge Cheesman will be the recipient of Ozarks Technical Community College’s 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award. Formally presented each year at commencement, the award honors OTC alumni who have distinguished themselves for their career accomplishments and community service. With the college’s 2020 commencement ceremony canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cheesman will accept…
Crystal Robinson’s new degree in behavioral health support is the best of both worlds. She’s pursuing her dream career in social services, but entering the workforce two years sooner than she would have with a more traditional degree in the field. The mother of five says her own childhood experiences inspired her to pursue the…
It’s no surprise that men dominate the fire service industry, with the National Fire Protection Association reporting more than 90 percent of firefighters as male. However, a mother/daughter duo from Pleasant Hope, Missouri is working against that trend. Andrea and Karleigh Lane recently completed their certification at OTC. The pair, who both work for the…
Audrey Sly was determined to become a dental hygienist, no matter the setbacks she faced. The young mother of two applied for OTC’s dental hygiene school not once, but twice before landing a spot in the coveted program. She also overcame numerous obstacles to earn her degree, including a devastating house fire and a global…
It’s been hard to plan for the fall semester, but we’re here with news to make it a little easier. The OTC Foundation is extending its fall 2020 scholarship deadline through August 10. That means there’s still time to submit your one-size-fits-all application at this link. In other words, you don’t need to apply for…
Heroes of the COVID-19 outbreak are often portrayed wielding stethoscopes and personal protective equipment. But one OTC graduate fought the virus with a hammer, tools and the latest HVAC technology instead. As the pandemic began its spread across southwest Missouri, Chad Porter – a senior project manager at Trane Technologies – worked with 20 other…
The Student African American Brotherhood (SAAB) – a national leader in helping Black and Latino young men navigate college – is moving its headquarters to Springfield, Missouri. The relocation is a point of pride for OTC student and local chapter president Javeon England, who says the change will provide local men of color with more…
Ozarks Technical Community College is offering two new financial aid options for students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic this fall. These awards are benefits that students do not have to pay back: The OTC Online Class Credit provides three credit hours of tuition and common fees for students who take more than 12 hours of…