OTC, SRC combine to offer education program

By Steve Koehler

Ozarks Technical Community College and Springfield Remanufacturing Co. are working together to give SRC’s personnel the opportunity to improve their education.

OTC has been conducting classes for about 20 students at the SRC site for several semesters as employees work towards an associate’s degree in manufacturing.

Travis Morrison, Human Resources Manager for SRC Heavy Duty, said there were three barriers the company wanted to break down in offering the courses on site.

“First, we wanted to remove the cash crunch.  Even though SRC has paid 100 percent tuition reimbursement for many years, we realized that personally funding even one class for a semester is difficult for some people.

“Second,  we wanted to create an inviting environment for the non-traditional student. Third, we wanted to eliminate the inconvenience of traveling to campus and hoping for a parking spot.  Attending a familiar classroom setting with familiar faces allows our students to quickly dig into topics without having to re-introduce themselves to each class,” Morrison said.

Shirley Lawler, associate vice president for academic affairs, said the pilot program with SRC has been customized to fit SRC personnel’s needs.

“Since it’s being held on site, we can start classes whenever it’s most convenience for the students. They are used to working in a manufacturing environment so long breaks aren’t needed,” she said.

OTC gains by taking the courses to the company’s site, Lawler said, because the SRC students aren’t using parking spaces in the lots or seats in classrooms on campus.

“It’s a win-win for SCR and OTC,” Lawler said.

OTC will work with other businesses to configure similar programs. For more information call 417-447-8102.

Steve Koehler is coordinator of publications for Ozarks Technical Community College.