OTC multi-million dollar construction projects starting

Ozarks Technical Community College is launching an ambitious group of multi-million dollar construction projects to keep pace with the needs of our students.

From new construction to extensive remodeling, the plan will roll out over a two-year period. The OTC Board of Trustees recently approved $10 million in financing for a number of projects at Springfield, Lebanon and Hollister.

“We will be investing considerable resources into our communities in order to expand our offerings and more effectively serve the citizens in those areas,” said Dr. Hal Higdon, president of the College.  “While we have a significant need for expansions throughout the College, these projects are a great beginning.”

On the Springfield campus, approximately $2 million will be spent to add 10 classrooms and three faculty offices to the west end of Information Commons West. The work is expected to be completed for the fall 2011 semester.

The rooms, each about 1,000 square feet in size and equipped with state-of-the-art media equipment and technical tools, will provide learning space for 2,400 students a day.

“This project demonstrates the need for space, on the Springfield campus, and we are committed to use any space that is available,” said Rob Rector, vice president of administrative services.

The new classroom addition will create an opportunity to move the fitness center from the second floor to the first floor of ICW, putting it closer to the locker room facilities on that floor.

The café area will undergo extensive remodeling to be finished for this fall semester. The décor and menu will change. Students will be offered a variety of new branded foods, including chicken and pizza that will continue to be prepared by student workers.

In Lebanon, about $3 million will be spent to build 19 classrooms, parking lots and technical education facilities at the new center. Reuben and Mary Lou Casey of San Clemente, Calif., donated the $2.6 million facility to the college last year. The improvements are expected to be ready by the fall of 2011.

 In Hollister, the college is searching for land to locate the newest OTC education facility and plans to will spend approximately $5 million to complete the development of the center.