Open houses set for OTC education centers

The start of fall classes maybe eight weeks away, but there are plenty of opportunities over the next few weeks to discover what’s planned for OTC’s education campuses and centers next semester.

Open houses have been set starting July 19 and ending Aug. 11 with a special open house at the new OTC Lebanon Center, which will give students and community members a chance to discover what’s inside the new facility. Visitors can register for a chance to win an iPad2.

 The open house dates and times are:

• Richwood Valley: Tuesday, July 19, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

• Branson: Tuesday, July 26, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

• Waynesville: Wednesday, July 27, 9 a.m. – noon

• Lebanon: Thursday, Aug. 11, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The Lebanon Center is moving from its current location in the Nelson Education Center Aug. 2 to the new facilities at 22360 Highway MM, just south of Interstate 44.

The final touches are being put on Casey Hall, named after Reuben and Mary Lou Casey of San Clemente, Calif., who donated the two buildings and more than 13 acres of land to OTC. The total property is valued at approximately $2.6 million and is the largest gift the college has ever received.  

The Casey Hall will be home to 13 new classrooms, a student lounge and student services department. A branch of the OTC Bookstore along with a Center for Workforce Development office will also be located in the other building on the campus.

Students can begin registering at the new center starting July 5.

“We are very excited that the OTC Lebanon facility will be open for fall classes. This should be a great educational addition for the people of Lebanon and Laclede County to use to their advantage. I hope everyone will come to the open house and discover what’s there for them,” said Dr. Hal Higdon, president of Ozarks Technical Community College.

Jeff Kulbach, director of the Lebanon center, said the staff is eager to begin operations.

“Over the months, we’ve been closely involved in the initial planning, design, infill construction and set up of the new buildings. We are very excited to be offering residents a new and expanded classes in this new facility,” he said.

Steve Koehler is coordinator of publications at Ozarks Technical Community College. Contact him at koehlers@otc.edu.