OTC purchases properties for future campus in Hollister

SPRINGFIELD, MO. —The Board of Trustees of Ozarks Technical Community College has approved the purchase of two properties for a future campus in Hollister.  The properties are located on Highway 165, which includes the former Crockey’s restaurant and an adjacent parcel of land, both of which face Highway 65.

 “We value the support and interest of all of the area property owners who have been a part of this process as we have weighed all the options.  We believe we have selected the best location possible for this project,” said Dr. Hal Higdon, president of Ozarks Technical Community College.

 The Crockey’s property is 2.39 acres and was purchased for $848,000. The adjacent 5.86 acres was purchased for $1.4 million. The city of Hollister has agreed to donate another .83 acre of land adjacent to the two purchased properties, providing the College a total of 9.08 acres for the project.

 Citizens in the Hollister School District voted in April 2010 to join the Ozarks Technical Community College taxing district.  Joining the OTC district allows Hollister residents to pay the in-district tuition to attend the College, which is significantly lower than the cost for students living outside of the district.

“OTC appreciates the confidence of the voters in the Hollister school district, the Hollister school district and its Board of Education, the City of Hollister and its leadership, and the Hollister Chamber of Commerce,” Dr. Higdon said.  “We look forward to enhancing the economic and workforce development in Hollister and the Table Rock Lake area.”