OTC to mark 10th anniversary of tobacco-free initiative

SPRINGFIELD, MO. – Ozarks Technical Community College will mark the 10th anniversary of its tobacco-free initiative with a celebration at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 14, in the Jared Family Atrium on the OTC Springfield Campus.

“We are proud to mark the 10th anniversary of OTC taking a leadership role in removing tobacco from all of our campuses and centers. It has been a worthwhile and rewarding 10-year effort,” said OTC Chancellor Dr. Hal L. Higdon. 

Capt. Jose Belardo of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will be the keynote speaker along with Dr. Higdon, OTC President Emeritus Dr. Norman Myers and other community and college leaders.

Dr. James Blaine, lead physician of OTC’s Health and Wellness Center, said the College has become a national model that other universities and institutions look to for guidance on becoming tobacco-free.

“I am very proud of OTC and the leadership role they have assumed in the tobacco-free campus effort over the past 10 years and currently,” Dr. Blaine said.

 The Ozarks Technical Community College system offers associate degrees and certificates in a variety of technical, allied health, and two-year transfer degree programs, as well as workforce development opportunities and community enrichment courses.  Classes are available at six locations throughout southwest Missouri, including the option to earn a complete associate degree online.