OTC names new Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Ozarks Technical Community College has selected Dr. Steven Bishop as its new Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, pending approval at the May meeting of the College’s Board of Trustees.  Dr. Bishop, who currently serves as the College’s dean of Allied Health and interim dean of General Education, will assume the new position on July 1, 2012.

“In his years at OTC, Dr. Bishop has demonstrated a dedication to academic excellence, a commitment to students, and a focus on providing the training and education needed to help those students find success in their careers,” said Dr. Hal Higdon, chancellor of Ozarks Technical Community College.  “His leadership will be invaluable as we continue to develop the College and its role in our community.”

Dr. Bishop holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Education from Missouri State University, as well as a Doctorate in Higher and Adult Education from the University of Missouri in Columbia.  He has 31 years of experience in education; he began his teaching career as the program director for the School of Respiratory Care through CoxHealth.  He has worked with OTC since the beginning of the institution, in 1991, and has served the College as director of the Respiratory Therapy program, dean of Allied Health and interim dean of General Education. 

Dr. Bishop will take over the position from Dr. Shirley Lawler, who is retiring after 15 years with the College.  Dr. Lawler will continue to serve as a part-time instructor in OTC’s Associate of Arts in Teaching program, and will remain involved in both the OTC Chancellors Leadership Academy program and the Lindenwood University doctoral program offered on the OTC Springfield Campus.