OTC administrators and trustees honored the 2021 Excellence in Education award recipients at the college’s monthly board meeting in November. Candidates were nominated by staff members and selected by a college-wide committee. Each winner was presented with a plaque and monetary award, made possible by a donation from the Turner Family Foundation.
OTC 2021 Excellence in Education award recipients
Full-Time Faculty Award: Dr. Judy Dasovich
A retired internal medicine physician, Dr. Judy Dasovich brings real-world clinical experience to her physiology and pathophysiology courses. The native Iowan practiced internal medicine in northern Missouri and later in Springfield along with volunteering at a free clinic in the Queen City. She retired in 2012 and came to work at OTC a few years later. Dr. Dasovich tries to impart critical thinking skills to her students and encourages them to be advocates for their patients.
Adjunct Instructor Award: Dr. Harlow “Sandy” Sanders
Dr. Sandy, as his students call him, has a varied and interesting career. He majored in music as an undergrad and played the drums professionally, including a stint as the percussionist for the jazz-rock group “Blood, Sweat and Tears.” Sanders eventually ended up playing professionally in Branson, but the late nights and long hours of a musician were not conducive to family life. He turned to teaching and eventually earned his doctorate in English education. Doctor Sandy teaches English composition and music appreciation at OTC Table Rock.
Full-Time Staff Award: Chelsea Foresee
College Navigator Chelsea Foresee works in student success with technical education students making sure they’re on the right path to achieve their goals. Chelsea studied education in college but decided to make an impact on students outside of the classroom. A first-generation college student herself, Chelsea finds fulfillment in building relationships and helping students navigate their way through higher education.
Part-Time Staff Award: Cindy Hurt
Cindy Hurt has only worked at OTC for a year-and-a-half, but she is no stranger to education having taught in the K-12 arena for 34 years. Now, an administrative assistant at the OTC Lebanon Center, Cindy says new college students are so excited when they come in to register that it reminds her of kindergarteners. With more than three decades of experience under her belt, Cindy focuses on what students need and how she can help them achieve their goals.
Administration Award: Blayne Radford
When Blayne Radford had the opportunity to become the College Director of Project Management, he was excited for the opportunity to come to work at his alma mater. Blayne oversees the construction activities across the college system. While he rarely interacts directly with students, Blayne has students top-of-mind as he strives to make OTC the best community college in the country with an appealing, healthy and innovative learning environment.
Photo caption: (L-R) Blayne Radford, Cindy Hurt, Dr. Judy Dasovich, Chelsea Foresee, Dr. Harlow “Sandy” Sanders