Dr. Tracy McGrady will be the new provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at Ozarks Technical Community College. Dr. McGrady was chosen following a national search that garnered dozens of applicants. The OTC Board of Trustees approved her appointment today, Monday, Nov. 14.
Dr. McGrady will fill the position vacated by retiring Provost and Vice Chancellor Steven Bishop on Jan. 3, 2017. Dr. Bishop has been with the college since its beginning in 1991.
As provost, Dr. McGrady will lead the instructional areas of the college including general education, technical education, allied health, business, online instruction and high school programs. The college’s ancillary academic services – the tutoring and learning center, adult education and literacy, and disability support – will also fall under her leadership.
“Today’s higher education institutions rely on innovative and forward-thinking administrators,” said Dr. Hal Higdon, chancellor of Ozarks Technical Community College. “Dr. McGrady’s breadth of experience as both a higher education administrator and faculty member – in addition to her passion for student success – will prove invaluable to the college as she steps into this new role.”
Dr. McGrady has worked in higher education for nearly 20 years as an administrator and faculty member. She has been with OTC since 2001. Dr. McGrady currently serves the college as dean of academic and student affairs at the OTC Richwood Valley Campus. Prior to that appointment, she worked in various advancement roles including assistant to the vice chancellor for advancement, interim director of the Community Enrichment Center and college director of grants development. From 2001 to 2012, she served OTC as a communications instructor.
“I am deeply honored to have been selected to serve as the next provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs,” said Dr. McGrady. “Students often tell us that their time at OTC has been transformative for them, and I am so proud of the exceptional faculty and staff who are passionate about creating those meaningful experiences. I am eager to work in partnership with them and the administrative leadership to continue our efforts to promote student success and teaching excellence.”
Dr. McGrady earned her bachelor’s degree in English and her master’s degree in communication from Missouri State University. She earned her doctorate in higher education administration with an emphasis in instructional leadership from Lindenwood University in 2013.
