Drury University and Ozarks Tech collaborate through Drury Springfield Promise for affordable and accessible education

Blog: Around The College, News, News Releases

In a significant step to broaden educational pathways and make higher education more accessible for transfer students, Drury University and Ozarks Technical Community College are partnering through the Drury Springfield Promise. This innovative partnership enhances degree access, reduces financial barriers, and provides a seamless transition for academically qualified Ozarks Tech students aiming to complete their…

Longtime Ozarks Tech business supporter Rick’s Automotive recognized at MCCA Annual Convention

News Releases

Rick’s Automotive, Springfield auto repair business and longtime Ozarks Tech supporter, received the Missouri Community College Association Distinguished Business & Industry Award at this year’s MCCA annual convention. The Distinguished Business & Industry Award recognizes individuals and/or businesses that have engaged in significant partnerships with their local community college to stimulate economic activity and support…

Groundbreaking event celebrates the new Michael L. Parson Student Union at Ozarks Tech

News Releases

Today, community members and legislators joined Ozarks Tech students, faculty and staff to celebrate the momentous final phase of the college’s master plan for the Springfield campus – a new student union focused on workforce development and student success. The groundbreaking event supports the ongoing transformation of student life at Ozarks Tech. Since its inception,…

Hume High School College and Career Advisor Receives Statewide Award for Helping Rural Students Succeed After Graduation

News Releases

ST. CHARLES, Mo. (Aug.6, 2024) – Following a statewide nomination and selection process, Hume High School college and career advisor Janine Castillo was awarded the 2024 Advisor of the Year by rootEd Missouri for her exemplary efforts to help high school students in rural communities develop and achieve strong plans for life after graduation. rootEd…

Center for Workforce and Student Success

Ozarks Technical Community College Announces New Center for Workforce and Student Success

Blog: Around The College, News, News Releases

Ozarks Technical Community College is moving forward with construction of the institution’s new Center for Workforce and Student Success, following the approval of the state’s FY 2025 budget by Missouri Governor Mike Parson.   The project, which is estimated to cost $60 million, was approved June 12 by the Ozarks Tech board of trustees. The college…

Commencement 2024

OTC is first community college in Mo. to award bachelor’s degrees

Blog: Around The College, News Releases

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.…

OTC bachelor's grads

Three students will receive bachelor’s degrees at OTC’s commencement

Blog: Around The College, News Releases

Just over a third of Americans have bachelor’s degrees, and this year, Ozarks Technical Community College will directly contribute to the number of people with four-year degrees.   At OTC’s 2024 commencement, the college will make history by awarding three Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy degrees to Daniel Bowles, Samantha Gonzalez and Jade Humphreys. This…

Hughlett Student Lounge Dedication

OTC celebrates another donation from long-time supporter Rick’s Automotive

Blog: Around The College, News Releases

Ozarks Technical Community College dedicated the Rick’s Automotive Student Lounge today, Thursday, May 9. The lounge is in the newly remodeled Industry and Transportation Technology Center. In 2022, Rick and Karen Hughlett donated to the new Robert W. Plaster Center for Advanced Manufacturing to establish a student lounge in the PMC. “We continue to donate…

rooted Arcadia Valley high school

ARCADIA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS CELEBRATE COLLEGE AND CAREER PLANS AT DECISION DAY EVENT

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IRONTON, Mo. (May 6, 2024)— Arcadia Valley High School today hosted Decision Day, an event for the 81 high school seniors to announce their plans following graduation, which ranged from enrolling in college, undertaking technical training, and enlisting in the military. Missouri Commissioner of Education Dr. Margie Vandeven joined the event in recognition of the…

JMARK Team CyberSecurity

JMARK and OTC partner to advance technology education

Blog: Around The College, News Releases

Local information technology firm JMARK and Ozarks Technical Community College partnered to create the JMARK Cybersecurity Lab. JMARK’s strategic investment in the college’s cybersecurity program helps create career avenues for students to work at JMARK or other local companies.   Cybersecurity debuted at OTC in the fall of 2022. Immediately, cybersecurity was one of the most…

Robert-Thomas Gumersell

2024 OTC Student Commencement Speaker: Robert-Thomas Gumersell

Blog: Around The College, News Releases

The 2024 Ozarks Technical Community College Commencement Ceremony student speaker is Robert-Thomas Gumersell.   The 21-year-old Springfield native is receiving his Associate of Arts in General Studies and a Certificate of Specialization in Honors Studies.  Robert-Thomas, known around campus as R.T., started attending OTC as a dual-enrolled home school high school student when he was 18.…

MCCA All State 2024

OTC students honored for leadership, academic achievement

Blog: Around The College, News Releases

Nine Ozarks Technical Community College students were honored today, Thursday, April 11, at the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Student Leadership and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Awards Luncheon at Stephens College in Columbia.  The PTK/MCCA All-Missouri Team recognizes high-achieving two-year college students who demonstrate academic excellence, intellectual rigor, leadership, and service that extends their education beyond the classroom to benefit society. …

Tom Douglas

JMARK CEO to speak at OTC graduation on May 16

Blog: Around The College, News Releases

JMARK CEO Tom Douglas will give the commencement address at Ozarks Technical Community College’s graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 16, at 5 p.m. Great Southern Bank Arena on the Missouri State University campus is the site for the graduation ceremony. JMARK is a Springfield-based information technology company with a “People First, Technology Second” philosophy. “Good people aspire…

Heather Eberlin

OTC ag instructor Heather Eberlin named semi-finalist for Golden Owl Award®

Blog: Around The College, News Releases

Educators devote limitless time, and often their own resources, to helping students pursue their passions. To recognize the contributions of Missouri’s leading agricultural teachers, Nationwide and the Missouri FFA Foundation are honoring exceptional teachers as semi-finalists for the Missouri Golden Owl Award. This was the inaugural year for the Golden Owl Award contest in Missouri.…