OTC’s Lebanon Education Center thriving

By Steve Koehler

Ozark Technical Community College’s Lebanon Education Center has been a fixture in Laclede County for a dozen years and continues to draw more students with each passing semester.

Located in the Nelson Education Center, 533 W. Bland, OTC offers students a chance to earn an Associates of Arts degree, an Associate of Applied Science degree or work towards fulfilling requirements for a four-year degree.

Courses are offered both day and night to allow for a student’s busy schedule. Class topics range from life sciences and public speaking to economics and world history.

In addition, residents can take continuing education courses that will enlighten and educate them. There are courses available in business and leadership, computer training, foreign language and personal growth.

“I feel that Lebanon is very lucky to have the Nelson Education Center, including OTC, and the opportunities that they provide our area. Not only the traditional students, but many adults, are able to further their education right here in Lebanon,” said Debbie Wikowsky, executive director of the Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Lebanon center is especially convenient for Lebanon High School graduates who don’t want to spend valuable gas money traveling to Springfield two or three times a week.

“It’s going very well in Lebanon,” said Sue Moore, OTC’s Dean of Extended Campus and College Outreach. “Enrollment continues to increase every year. We’re adding full-time faculty. That makes a difference. The faculty cares about the students.”

Since Lebanon High School is an approved A+ campus, qualified students are eligible for tuition and fee reimbursements when they attend OTC at the Lebanon Center.

They also receive 50 percent of their textbook costs through the program. The program applies to those taking classes at the Lebanon center.

Information on the A+ program is available through the high school.

 In addition to offering general education courses, the Lebanon center is the only OTC education center that also offers technical programs including manufacturing technology, networking and machine shop, all of which are very popular, Moore said.

John Greer is the coordinator of the Lebanon Education Center. He can be reached at 447-8931 or 447-8932. The center’s main number is 532-5044 and the email address is lebanon@otc.edu.

Steve Koehler is coordinator of publications at OTC.