Fewer than 2% of teenage mothers graduate college by age 30. When Dee King heard that statistic, she knew she couldn’t do anything about being a teen mom, but she was determined not to become a part of the 98%.
Her son, Shane, was born in Dee’s hometown of Missoula, Montana, just before Christmas, during her first year at the University of Montana.
“Shane was a surprise, but the best surprise of my life,” Dee said. “Getting pregnant at 18 wasn’t the plan, but it gave me the deep motivation I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”
Shane and Dee King
Looking for a fresh start, 19-year-old Dee and her infant son moved to Springfield in 2002, where Dee’s grandmother had attended Missouri State when it was a teacher’s college. They had family connections in town, but Dee and Shane lived independently. Dee worked remotely for her father’s law firm in Montana, doing legal assistant work and attending OTC part-time.
“I felt like the whole vibe at OTC was supportive and encouraging,” Dee said. “If Shane got sick and I couldn’t make it in to take a test or something, my instructors would make accommodations so I could keep moving forward with my education.”
Dee eventually transferred to Missouri State, where she earned a bachelor’s in business. She worked in the hotel and banking business until recently, landing at Burrell Behavioral Health as the chief of staff.
“In my role, I talk to many state government officials, and anytime I mention that I’m from Springfield, they mention OTC,” Dee said. “I feel that OTC is best in class for our area and has a lot of respect in the state.”
And now, a couple of decades after his mom walked through the doors at OTC for the first time, Shane King is wrapping up his welding degree.
“What I like about OTC is it’s allowed me to try and truly experience welding,” Shane said. “I’m on A+, so the financial risk is minimal, and I’m able to see if I want to pursue welding for a career.”
Shane has experienced the same personal care his mom did at OTC. One of Shane’s instructors helped him get a job at Holloway America, where he worked about 55 hours a week over the summer. After OTC, Shane plans to transfer to MSU to earn a bachelor’s degree. He may not work in a welding shop forever, but Shane intends to wield a torch for the rest of his life.
“I have a Mustang, and I’m building an exhaust system for it,” Shane said. “I might study entrepreneurship and start a business fabricating car parts and other products.”
Now, this multi-generational OTC family sings the praises of their alma mater to whoever will listen.
“When I was in school, my public speaking teacher was so proud to teach at OTC,” Dee said. “I remember thinking, ‘I’m getting a super high-quality education, smaller class sizes, and I’m proud to be here.’ I feel like there’s a lot of Springfield pride around OTC.”