AN NU AL REP ORT 20 16 INNOVATIVE SPIRIT At Ozarks Technical Community College, bright ideas fuel our mission to provide life-changing educational opportunities to the region. And it’s this innovative spirit ­­­— a vivid and lasting light — that transforms the futures of our students, college and community.

Throughout the pages of our 2016 annual report, you will find artwork that reflects these themes of innovation. Light bulbs ­­­— comprised of triangles ­­­— represent the bright ideas that build our success. While triangles, considered the strongest geometric shape, represent the strength behind these ideas. Chancellor Hal Higdon received a standing ovation at his 10th anniversary celebration in August.

t Ozarks Technical Community College, innovation is the key to our success. That is why – in our 25th year of offering life-changing educational opportunities – we haveA been named one of the top 150 community colleges in the nation by the prestigious Aspen Institute.

This accomplishment is the direct result of our dedicated faculty, staff and board. Their tireless work ensures that every student who passes through our doors has the opportunity to experience limitless achievement. And when our students achieve their potential, incredible stories begin to take shape.

Throughout the pages of our 2016 annual report, you will read these stories firsthand. You will discover how one of our students turned her love for animals into her dream job as a zookeeper. You will learn about a student veteran who used his military knowledge and skills to earn a fire science degree. You will marvel at the success of another student who turned a class project into his own, thriving business. And you will cheer for a single mother who broke barriers and defied odds A MESSAGE to earn her dental hygiene degree. FROM THE The year 2016 marked my 10th at the helm of OTC. And, as I reflect CHANCELLOR on the past decade, it is truly remarkable to think about the college’s significant accomplishments. Not only have we expanded our programs, courses, and workforce training opportunities, but we have also strengthened our resources and funding. None of this was done alone. The college’s success stems from a shared vision between our founding members, community leaders and you.

In November, I lost my wife, Nancy, to ovarian cancer. Nancy was an accounting instructor with a passion for education. She believed that any person who had the desire to learn should be given the opportunity. To honor Nancy’s memory and continue her legacy of helping others on their educational journey, my family established a memorial scholarship. The overwhelming support Nancy’s scholarship has received has touched our hearts. On behalf of my family, I want to thank each of you. The kindness this community has shown our family will never be forgotten.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank you for sharing your time, knowledge and resources with OTC. The college’s successes and accolades would not be possible without your unwavering support. I like to think of OTC as the economic engine of southwest , and your support serves as the fuel that keeps our engine running. Because of you, we’ve made it this far. And because of you, we look forward to a bright and promising future.

Sincerely,

CONNECT WITH OTC

Chancellor OTC Annual Report 2016 3 NEARLY 40% of OTC students take at least one online course

5 MOST POPULAR DEGREES 2,617 AWARDED OTC students graduated in 2016 — including — 880 A+ students & 78 veterans

BY THE

NUMBERS 95% of OTC graduates OTC drives the economic engine of southwest Missouri by providing the most affordable education in the region and producing graduates with the stay in skills employers demand. More than 2,500 students graduated from OTC MISSOURI in 2016, and these students found employers waiting for them with open doors and robust paychecks.

In the fall of 2016, more than 13,000 students pursued life- changing education at OTC’s five locations and through OTC Online.

enrolled in the fall semester

640 students awarded scholarships 94% MORE THAN AVERAGE STUDENT AGE 94of our graduates +6 $800,000 find employment or IN SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED continue their education 22 at a four-year institution 4 OTC Annual Report 2016 Bass Pro Shops CEO Johnny Morris shared his story at OTC’s Excellence in Business Award event.

OTC named Aspen Institute Finalist January 28, 2016

The Aspen Institute College OTC honors Johnny Morris Excellence Program named OTC one with Excellence in Business Award of 150 finalists to compete for the 2017 Aspen Prize for Community March 24, 2016 College Excellence and $1 million in prize funds. OTC was one of just Johnny Morris, founder/CEO of Bass Pro Shops, was the 2016 recipient of two Missouri community colleges OTC’s Excellence in Business Award. Chancellor Hal Higdon presented the recognized by the Aspen Institute. award to Morris before an overflowing crowd at the White River Conference This is the second time in three Center. During the ceremony, Mark Miller, college director of communications and rounds OTC has been selected in the marketing, led a conversation with Morris. The two discussed the Bass Pro top 150. Shops founder’s love of fishing, conservation and family. Morris looked back on the humble beginnings of Bass Pro Shops, and publicly thanked his team The Aspen Prize, awarded every of employees. Morris credited his success to a “pioneering spirit” that exists two years, recognizes institutions within the company. for outstanding student outcomes Morris founded Bass Pro Shops in 1971 when he began to sell premium in four areas: student learning; fishing tackle in his father’s liquor store. By 1974, Morris was printing and certificate and degree completion; mailing the first Bass Pro Shops catalog. In 1978, he introduced Bass Tracker, employment and earnings; and the first boat, motor and trailer package designed exclusively for anglers. access and success for minority and Tracker has remained America’s No. 1 selling fishing boat for more than 35 low-income students. years. Today, Bass Pro Shops is America’s leading outdoor retailer with stores across the and Canada. Morris recently purchased rival outdoor “At OTC, we believe that if our retailer Cabela’s. students succeed then the Morris, a conservation advocate, has supported numerous initiatives community succeeds,” said including fish and wildlife habitat improvements, conservation and outdoor Chancellor Hal Higdon. “This skills education, and lake and spring water quality improvements. In addition recognition from the highly respected to Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Marine Group, Morris owns Big Cedar Lodge, Aspen Institute is a great honor.” Integrity Hills, Dogwood Canyon Nature Park and Top of the Rock.

OTC Annual Report 2016 5 Donors and students smiled for the camera together at the annual Donor Reception.

OTC Foundation hosts annual OTC instructors receive Governor’s Donor Reception Award for Excellence in Teaching April 5, 2016 April 18, 2016 The OTC Foundation hosted its annual The Missouri Community College Donor Reception at the Old Glass Place Association recognized three OTC in Springfield. The event gave scholarship instructors for excellence in the classroom. recipients the opportunity to meet Michael Holik, David Fotopulos and and thank the donors who made their Ginger Zaagsma each received the education possible. Governor’s Award for Excellence in Every year, the OTC Foundation awards Teaching. The awards, presented by approximately $200,000 in scholarships MCCA at a ceremony in Jefferson City, thanks to the generous support of were given to the top community college donors. instructors in the state. The awards included a proclamation from Missouri OTC’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter Gov. Jay Nixon. brings home seven international awards OTC and UMKC sign agreement to April 13, 2016 benefit honors students Representatives from OTC’s chapter of April 21, 2016 Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor Graduates of the OTC Honors Program society for two-year college students, who transfer to the University of Missouri- won seven awards at the organization’s Kansas City will automatically be eligible th 98 annual international convention. The for scholarships and admission to the convention was held in Washington, D.C. UMKC Honors College thanks to an and drew delegates from approximately articulation agreement signed in April. 1,300 Phi Theta Kappa chapters.

6 OTC Annual Report 2016 Early Childhood Education Center receives Farm to Preschool grant April 18, 2016 OTC’s Early Childhood Education Center was awarded a $2,000 grant to participate in the Missouri Farm to Preschool Pilot Project through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. “This grant allows our preschoolers to grow fruits and vegetables in their own classroom gardens and take field trips to local farms,” said Jennifer Crouch, Early Childhood Education Center manager. “Exposing young children to healthy foods early in life has the potential to reduce childhood obesity and positively impact long-term health.”

OTC Honors Program Director Todd Yerby (right) signed an agreement with UMKC’s Honors Program Director Dr. James McKusic.

OTC hosts community job fair OTC presents “Lucky Stiff” April 26, 2016 May 1, 2016 A steady crowd of students, alumni and The OTC Fine Arts department presented community members attended a job fair the musical comedy “Lucky Stiff” at the hosted by OTC’s Career Employment Springfield Art Museum. Performances Services. The free and open-to-the-public were free and open to the general public. event was designed for both career- The story of “Lucky Stiff” follows poor minded individuals and those seeking English shoe salesman Harry Witherspoon seasonal or part-time employment. as he is forced to take the corpse of his Nearly 400 jobseekers brought their recently murdered uncle on a vacation OTC instructors Michael Holik (above), David Fotopulos (far-left) and Ginger skills and qualifications to make personal to Monte Carlo in order to collect a Zaagsma (left) received the Governor’s connections with dozens of area multimillion-dollar inheritance. Award for Excellence in Teaching. employers including Bass Pro Shops, the OTC’s production featured 10 actors, City of Springfield, Great Southern Bank many playing several roles throughout the and O’Reilly Auto Parts. show.

OTC Annual Report 2016 7 Clockwise from top-left. Female graduates gathered outside JQH Arena to celebrate. Students enjoyed the commencement ceremony. A graduate celebrated her accomplishment with her young son. Dr. Higdon presented Jennifer Smith of the Traveling Chef the 2016 Distinguished Alumna of the Year award. Commencement speaker and local comedian Jeff Houghton encouraged graduates to “keep not quitting.”

8 OTC Annual Report 2016 OTC confers 3,428 degrees and certificates at commencement May 12, 2016

More than 700 OTC graduates walked in the 2016 commencement ceremony held at JQH Arena. OTC conferred 3,428 degrees and certificates to graduates, which included students who completed their course work from the summer 2015 semester through the spring 2016 semester. Jeff Houghton, Emmy Award- winning host of the local, late-night talk show “The Mystery Hour,” was the featured commencement speaker. The comedian’s message for the graduates was “keep not quitting.” “The dream you have in your heart doesn’t come with a road map, it comes with a machete,” said Houghton. “Those surprises that life throws at you may feel like dead ends, but they aren’t. Just get out of your car, grab your machete, step into the forest, and hack yourself a new path.” OTC also honored local entrepreneur Jennifer Smith owner of the Traveling Chef as the 2016 Distinguished Alumna of the Year. Smith, a former OTC Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management student, started her own catering business in 2004. The Traveling Chef was named one of the top caterers in southwest Missouri by 417 Magazine. “Jennifer’s entrepreneurial spirit, as well as her incredible talent and work ethic, make us proud to call her an OTC alumna,” said Chancellor Hal Higdon. Dr. Higdon concluded the ceremony by welcoming all graduates into the OTC Alumni Association.

OTC Annual Report 2016 9 Clockwise from top-left. Jim Towery was selected as the new chair of the OTC Foundation Board of Directors. OTC student Chantal Cheevers won a gold medal at the national SkillsUSA Championships. OTC honored Bob and Susan Beine with the naming of the Bob & Susan Beine Lobby in the Norman K. Myers building.

OTC Foundation announces new department thanks to a $95,703 grant accepted bronze in telecommunications leadership, new members from The Missouri Foundation for Health. cabling. May 13, 2016 The program was developed through Jim Towery was selected as the new discussions with the Missouri Department OTC recognizes Bob and Susan chair of the OTC Foundation Board of of Health, the Missouri Coalition of Beine with naming ceremony Directors. The board also selected Paul Community Health Centers and OTC August 25, 2016 Sundy to serve as its vice chair. David representatives. OTC honored Bob and Susan Beine with Taylor was appointed as secretary and the naming of the Bob & Susan Beine Curtis Jared was appointed as treasurer. OTC students excel at SkillsUSA Lobby located in the Norman K. Myers In addition to choosing new leadership, Championships building at the OTC Springfield Campus. the board selected seven new members: June 27, 2016 Bob Beine, owner of the Republic Ford Paula Adams, Rosa Davis, Harwood Four OTC students earned medals at Lincoln dealership, proudly supports the Ferguson, Jay Guffey, Andrew Herr, Ryan the SkillsUSA Championships held in college’s automotive programs and has Murray and Doug Neff. Louisville, Ky. Approximately 6,000 served on the OTC Foundation Board career and technical education students since 2009. Beine and his wife offer an OTC to offer behavioral health competed in 100 different fields. academic scholarship to students through support degree program OTC’s Chantal Cheevers won gold in the OTC Foundation each year. June 13, 2016 commercial baking; Chris Leisure won “It’s important for us to invest in our OTC began offering a new Associate silver in computer programming; Skyler community, our youth, and the students of Applied Science in Behavioral Health Massey accepted bronze in graphics who are striving to better themselves,” Support through OTC’s Allied Health imaging-sublimation; and Ashley Smith said Beine. 10 OTC Annual Report 2016 Chancellor Higdon accepted an award from members of the Board of Trustees and President Emeritus Dr. Norman K. Myers in recognition of his decade of service. Dr. Higdon was all smiles following the celebration ceremony.

OTC commemorates Chancellor Higdon’s 10th anniversary at the college August 23, 2016

College officials, students, employees and community what the community needs,” Snyder said. “When we hired leaders celebrated Dr. Hal Higdon’s 10th anniversary as him 10 years ago, his only promise was that he would come president and chancellor of Ozarks Technical Community in, listen to the community, listen to the board, and lead College. A brief ceremony featured reflections from the change where change was needed.” college’s President Emeritus Dr. Norman K. Myers, as well as The past 10 years have also brought about new campuses, remarks from Board of Trustees Chairman Chip Sheppard centers and capital improvements. The OTC Richwood and Trustee Larry Snyder. Valley Campus opened in 2007 and the OTC Lebanon Center Dr. Higdon began his career at Ozarks Technical followed in 2011. The OTC Table Rock Campus and OTC Community College on July 5, 2006. College officials and Waynesville Center opened in 2013. That same year, the administrators credit many of the college’s significant college’s Allied Health department unveiled a simulation lab milestones to his visionary leadership and guidance. at the Springfield campus to serve more than 600 students “OTC has thrived under the innovative and steady across 13 programs. leadership of Dr. Higdon,” said Sheppard. “As a life-long Throughout his tenure, Dr. Higdon worked to strengthen resident of Springfield, it has been rewarding to watch the college’s resources and funding. When he arrived at the the college’s growth and positive impact in our local college, the OTC Foundation had $500,000 in assets; today, community.” it has more than $5 million. Dr. Higdon built relationships In the past decade, Dr. Higdon helped boost OTC’s between Missouri’s community colleges and lawmakers significance with area employers by expanding the college’s in Jefferson City to help make state appropriations for workforce training opportunities and Allied Health two-year colleges a priority. He also brought the many programs. Enrollment enjoyed a steady increase under his challenges faced by community colleges into focus for state tenure with a peak of 15,179 students in 2011 — an increase and national leaders. of 9.1 percent from the previous year. In total, the college’s “I consider myself fortunate to have worked at this enrollment has grown more than 44 percent under his fine institution for the last decade,” Dr. Higdon said. “I’m tenure. especially proud of our dedicated faculty and staff who “Dr. Higdon believes the college should run based on work so hard to help our students achieve their goals.”

OTC Annual Report 2016 11 Clockwise from top left. Students enjoyed food, music, games and more at the annual fall student picnic. More than 100 golfers attended the 10th Annual OTC Foundation Golf Tournament that raised $17,000 for student scholarships. A Back to School Bash commemorated the first week of fall classes and included a visit from the area’s favorite food trucks.

OTC hosts inaugural Fall Trail Run September 24, 2016 The OTC Lebanon Center hosted its inaugural Fall Trail Run on a beautiful autumn day. More than 70 runners hit the 5-mile course. Sean Sieloff, Noah Long and Nicole Stowe earned first, second and third place respectively. All proceeds from the event went to support the OTC Lebanon Center.

12 OTC Annual Report 2016 OTC hosts Back to School Bash OTC receives $1 million grant to events expand diesel program August 22, 2016 October 3, 2016 OTC welcomed students back to campus OTC made plans to pursue an expansion with a series of fun events during the of its Diesel Technology Program thanks first week of classes. The college hosted to a $1 million grant from the Economic a Plaza Party, OTC’s first-ever Food Truck Development Administration of the U.S. Frolic and a Snow Cone Social. Department of Commerce. OTC will seek an additional $1 million in private funds OTC Foundation hosts 10th annual to secure the capital for the expansion. golf tournament The money will be used to expand the September 19, 2016 Industry and Transportation Technology The 10th annual OTC Foundation Golf Center on the OTC Springfield Campus. Tournament at Hickory Hills Country OTC will add four new truck bays and Club brought a record number of four learning labs. Currently, the Diesel players together for one common goal: Technology Program is at capacity. The supporting OTC students. The 28 teams expansion will allow for an additional 50 of four, along with event sponsors, students each year. raised more than $17,000 for student “We are excited and grateful to receive scholarships. this grant, and I want to thank Sen. “More than 60 percent of our students Roy Blunt for shepherding the grant qualify for some form of financial aid, through the Department of Commerce and providing scholarships through the for OTC,” said Chancellor Hal Higdon. OTC Foundation is critical to meeting “The expansion will allow us to train that need,” said Stephanie Sumners, more diesel mechanics to walk out of chief of staff/executive director of the graduation into high-paying jobs.” OTC Foundation. “Financial aid is often the deciding factor in whether or not a OTC to pursue flight-training student can attend college. The money program raised by the annual golf tournament October 3, 2016 helps us provide these students with the In October, the OTC Board of Trustees financial support they need to earn a approved for the college to enter into degree.” an agreement with Premier Flight Center Since the tournament’s inception 10 LLC – the first step toward the college years ago, players and sponsors have offering an aviation-focused associate helped raise more than $100,000 for degree. Graduates of OTC’s program student scholarships. will be prepared to immediately work as commercial pilots. The program must OTC holds Fall Picnic and Discover earn approvals from the Missouri Dept. OTC events for students. of Higher Education, the U.S. Dept. of September 23, 2016 Education, and earn accreditation from Music, free food and plenty of sunshine the Higher Learning Commission. The set a celebratory tone for OTC’s annual college plans to have its first cohort of Fall Picnic events held at each of OTC’s students in place to begin classes in the campuses and centers. Discover OTC day fall of 2017. coincided with the Fall Picnics, which gave prospective high school students the opportunity to visit OTC’s campuses and centers, learn more about the college’s programs and enjoy student activities.

OTC Annual Report 2016 13 OTC hosts car and motorcycle show October 15, 2016 OTC hosted its annual car and motorcycle show at the OTC Springfield Campus. OTC automotive students judged more than 100 vehicle entries and awarded trophies to the top contenders. All proceeds from the event supported SkillsUSA student activities.

CoxHealth President and CEO Steve Edwards and OTC Chancellor Hal Higdon celebrated the establishment of the nursing program at the OTC Table Rock Campus.

OTC and CoxHealth partner to The OTC Table Rock Campus also OTC students, faculty and establish Associate of Science in received a new nursing lab, conference administration receive statewide Nursing program room and tutoring center as part of the recognition at MCCA convention October 13, 2016 $2 million commitment. November 5, 2016 OTC and CoxHealth partnered to establish The Missouri Community College an Associate of Science in Nursing OTC announces Excellence in Association recognized OTC students, program at the OTC Table Rock Campus. Education Award Recipients faculty, administrators and staff at its College and hospital administrators say October 17, 2016 52nd annual convention. Dr. Steven the new program will help alleviate the OTC unveiled its 2016 Excellence in Bishop, the college’s retiring provost and critical shortage of qualified nurses in the Education award recipients at the vice chancellor, received the Senior Service healthcare industry. college’s annual Development Day: award, and Jacque Harris, instructional The new ASN program will begin in the Roseanne Killion and Kirsten Markley technologist, received the Technology fall of 2017, and it will have the capacity received the Excellence in Education Full Innovation award. Bishop and Harris were to produce 24 nursing graduates each Time Instructor award; Susan Lindenberg chosen from thousands of peers across year. These graduates will be eligible received the Excellence in Education the state for their outstanding leadership to take the exam to become registered Adjunct Instructor award; Ann White and support of OTC. nurses. received the Excellence in Education Three OTC students were also honored “This partnership with CoxHealth gives Professional Support Staff award; and at the convention. Nora Browne, Rodney us the opportunity to actively respond to Dr. Vivian Elder received the Excellence Bullock and Anthony Hendrickson the healthcare needs of our community,” in Education Administration award. Each received Student Leadership awards said Chancellor Hal Higdon. “The new winner was presented with a plaque and for their leadership and engagement ASN program will particularly benefit monetary award made possible by the on campus. CoxHealth received the Stone and Taney counties as we work to Turner Family Foundation. Distinguished Business and Industry train qualified nurses for the region.” Award for its relationship with OTC.

14 OTC Annual Report 2016 OTC hosts car and motorcycle show October 15, 2016 OTC hosted its annual car and motorcycle show at the OTC Springfield Campus. OTC automotive students judged more than 100 vehicle entries and awarded trophies to the top contenders. All proceeds from the event supported SkillsUSA student activities.

2016 Excellence in Education recipients: Kirsten Markley, Dr. Vivian Elder, Ann White, Susan Lindenberg and Roseanne Killion.

OTC hosts Chat with the Chancellor November 7, 2016 Chancellor Hal Higdon visited each of OTC’s campuses and centers to meet with students and listen to their stories. Hot topics of discussion included financial aid, scholarships, transfer opportunities and Dr. Higdon’s favorite subject, football. “I enjoyed conversing one-on-one with our students at the events, and I was particularly impressed with their focus and drive in achieving their goals,” said Dr. Higdon. “I met with one student who will pursue an internship at Microsoft and another who plans to transfer to Baylor University to pursue his doctorate in physical therapy.” Dr. Higdon visited with an OTC Table Rock Campus student about her experiences and educational goals at one of this fall’s “Chat with the Chancellor” events. Dr. Higdon expressed his admiration for the student veterans he met. “Their stories of perseverance and grit were truly inspiring,” he recalled. “It was fulfilling to see how the college has supported our veterans.”

OTC Annual Report 2016 15 OTC Fine Arts presents “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” November 11, 2016 The OTC Fine Arts Department presented its annual holiday production of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” at the Gillioz Theatre. The play was set in a 1940s radio studio theatre called WGLZ Playhouse of the Air where seven actors delivered all the lines from the classic film and created their own live sound effects. Guests were encouraged to dress in ‘40s attire for an immersive theatrical experience. “I really enjoyed the challenge of performing in a radio play,” said Eli Davidson, an OTC student actor who played the lead role of Jake Lawrence as George Bailey. “This production is something beyond film. It focused highly on the voice, so we had to use dynamics OTC students enjoyed stepping back in time in this year’s and inflection to help the audience holiday production of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.” members follow the story as if they lived back in 1947 and listened to the show on the radio.”

16 OTC Annual Report 2016 Veteran students and staff gathered on the OTC Springfield Campus to celebrate their service on Veterans Day. Dr. Tracy McGrady was named provost.

OTC hosts Veterans Day events OTC’s Tracy McGrady named Department of Labor awards November 11, 2016 provost and vice chancellor for $3 million to Springfield OTC observed Veterans Day with academic affairs November 28, 2016 ceremonies at its Springfield and November 14, 2016 The City of Springfield’s Department of Waynesville locations. The Springfield Dr. Tracy McGrady was named OTC’s Workforce Development and OTC were campus ceremony featured a speech by provost and vice chancellor for academic awarded a $3 million America’s Promise U.S. Army veteran Ron Timmins. Timmins affairs. She filled the position vacated grant by the U.S. Department of Labor. is the Safety and Security Supervisor by retiring Provost and Vice Chancellor The grant will provide tuition-free training at OTC’s centers in Lebanon and Steven Bishop on Jan. 3, 2017. Dr. Bishop and certifications in health-related Waynesville. served the college since its beginning in occupations for 372 individuals over the “Today is a day of national pride,” 1991. next four years. The U.S. Department Timmins said. “A day to show the As provost, Dr. McGrady leads the of Labor awarded a total of 23 grants strength of our country. A day to honor instructional areas of the college including nationwide. Springfield was the only our veterans. A day to show your support general education, technical education, community in Missouri to receive one. for our military.” allied health, business, online instruction The grant will provide unemployed, The ceremony also featured the and high school programs. The college’s underemployed and disadvantaged presentation of the colors by the Ozark ancillary academic services – the tutoring populations with access to high- Mountain Chapter of the Sons of the and learning center, adult education and quality, tuition-free education and American Revolution and performances literacy, and disability support – also fall training opportunities, specifically in by the OTC Concert Choir and the under her leadership. the healthcare fields of nursing and Central Middle Years Choir. Additionally, “Today’s higher education institutions behavioral health support. Jonathon Letner received the Outstanding rely on innovative and forward-thinking “The America’s Promise grant will OTC Student Veteran award from the administrators,” said Chancellor Hal remove financial barriers for hundreds Sons of the America Revolution. Higdon. “Dr. McGrady’s breadth of of students so they can graduate as The OTC Waynesville Center experience as both a higher education nurses, behavioral health specialists ceremony featured remarks from the administrator and faculty member – in or nursing assistants,” said Dr. Steven center’s dean, Rosalind Pride. Pride also addition to her passion for student Bishop, provost and vice chancellor for presented checks to representatives from success – will prove invaluable to the academic affairs at OTC. “The education the Disabled American Veterans and college as she steps into this new role.” they receive will prove invaluable to their Wounded Warrior Project. futures, our communities, and ultimately, the people they serve.” OTC Annual Report 2016 17 Lauren Sweet starts each day with a smile. Why? Because she has her dream job.

18 OTC Annual Report 2016 any young children dream of working with animals when they grow up. OTC graduate Lauren Sweet is living that dream. She doesn’t work with dogs, cats or even horses. HerM animal of choice can grow to be 20 feet tall and weigh as much as a ton. Lauren’s an assistant zookeeper and giraffe trainer at the Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield. “I dreamed about working at a zoo but I never dreamed of working with giraffes,” said Lauren, who graduated from OTC last May with her Associate of Arts. A GiANT While she was homeschooled for 12 years, Lauren would take trips to the zoo and the Springfield Nature Center with her mother. When she was 12, she volunteered at Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield. “I worked in the education center when it offered public programs. I loved working with the kids,” she said. Lauren attended OTC to take her general education courses. She DREAM knew right away that OTC was the place for her. “It was very important for me to stay out of debt and get a really good education. And that’s why OTC was the perfect choice,” she said. come true Lauren’s duties at the zoo include working with different animals depending on which zookeepers need assistance that day in either the South American, Australian or African areas of the zoo. She feeds animals in the morning and evening, cleans stalls and yards, does basic landscaping work, builds animal exhibits, and moves and weighs the animals. In addition to those duties, in her role as giraffe trainer, she teaches the animals to respond to stimuli like a ball on a stick that they must touch with their noses. When they complete the task successfully, Lauren gives the giraffes food to reward their behavior. “You can’t not be happy around giraffes. Anytime I work with them, they are happy to see me. So majestic,” she said. Ken Harmon, senior zookeeper at the Dickerson Park Zoo said Lauren always “greets everyone with a smile and a positive, enthusiastic attitude, which is refreshing. She is always willing to help.” No matter what is asked of her in her job at the zoo, Lauren is quick to oblige and does so with a smile. “I’m getting paid to do what I’ve always dreamed of doing. I love my job,” Lauren said. And Lauren, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Missouri State, was able to make her dream come true by attending OTC. “It’s a no brainer,” Lauren said. “If you’re looking to save money and get your dream job, OTC is the place to go.”

OTC Annual Report 2016 19 After some detours and tours, Kevin Newton finished his degree at OTC and became a Battlefield firefighter.

20 OTC Annual Report 2016 answering THE CALL

attlefield firefighter Kevin Newton loves to talk about his job and the education he received at OTC. He often tells people that two days a week he lives in a multi- million-dollarB house, drives a $500,000 vehicle and wears a $6,000 suit. “Then I tell them, I’m a firefighter and you can become one too at OTC,” Kevin said. After growing up in central California, Kevin’s parents moved to southwest Missouri where Kevin enrolled at OTC in 1998 to become a paramedic. Kevin’s educational path had several interruptions and detours over the years. But after watching the New York firefighters run towards danger on 9-11, Kevin knew he wanted to become a firefighter. “I found my calling then. I wanted to be a fireman,” he said. First though, Kevin decided to serve his country and joined the U.S. Navy in 2003. He completed four tours of duty overseas as a Navy medic, serving with a U.S. Marine infantry unit in Iraq and then serving in Afghanistan. “After my military service, I knew I had found my calling in fire service and enrolled again at OTC. I wanted to finish my associate degree in fire science,” he said. Kevin said he felt a little out of place coming back to school from a combat environment. “I didn’t know what I was getting into. I knew what firefighting entailed but not what a degree would look like,” he said. “I heard Chief (OTC instructor Danny Whisler) made you work. He expected the best out of us. I was used to that in the military.” Whisler, the former Springfield fire chief and director of OTC’s fire science technology program, said Kevin was looking for ways to put his military experience to work. “Kevin worked hard, applied himself and became—not just a good student—but a real asset to the program. Kevin is a prime example of how OTC can assist our military personnel and help them put their experiences to work to benefit our community and become a qualified and respected professional.” While taking classes at OTC, Kevin was able to earn a position with the Battlefield Fire Department. “I got to work for Battlefield while going through OTC’s fire science program. Whisler told me they had a live-in residence program. Battlefield has a station that is empty and if you have the right credentials, you can live in it rent free, but you are required to be there 60 hours a week as a volunteer,” he said. In 2015, the department was hiring and selected Kevin, from the top of the candidate list, as its new full-time fireman. Now, Kevin and Whisler work together to give other OTC fire science graduates a shot at full-time firefighter work.

OTC Annual Report 2016 21 mothers’ inspiration

tudents often show perseverance and grit attending classes, studying, working and taking as they overcome countless obstacles to care of the kids. reach graduation and the lucrative and “Mom was there for everything. She would help Sfulfilling jobs that come with OTC degrees. me clean homes and business offices. She was Kristi Christian is a perfect example. watching my kids,” Kristi said. Kristi learned many lessons in her time at OTC. Kristi would take her kids to school in the There were, of course, the lessons learned while morning, then head to OTC to take her classes. She working toward her dental hygiene degree. But, only slept three hours a day, usually from 6-9 at maybe more importantly, there were the lessons night, and sometimes, during a break in her classes. Kristi learned about life. But everything changed in 2011 when Lucille was Before she began attending OTC, Kristi’s support diagnosed with lung cancer. system was mainly her mother, Lucille. “I was numb. How was I going to continue going “My mom was my biggest advocate. She was to school? She was my strongest supporter. It was living across the street. She stayed with the kids tough,” Kristi said. when I worked overnight. I couldn’t have done it In 2011, just before Thanksgiving, Lucille died. without her,” Kristi said, who was divorced with “I was thankful her struggle had ended, but I three young children. knew a different journey was ahead for my kids and To support her family, Kristi worked full-time me,” Kristi said. stocking shelves on the overnight shift at Walmart. Enter Kristi’s other support group – her dental She also cleaned houses and businesses on hygiene family. weekends and her nights off. Her mother stayed “I had to keep going. I had to finish. I was so with the kids at night while Kristi worked. close. The instructors, classmates, everyone was “I don’t know how I did it,” she said looking so encouraging. I couldn’t have done it without back on those days. them,” she said. Kristi realized her schedule was not sustainable “Every single one of them was like family to me. and she wanted to do something else with her life. I lost my mom, but I gained a whole bunch of other The answer came to her one night while watching people.” television. And when Kristi received her degree in May “A commercial came on for OTC and it was 2012, she knew who would be watching her. scrolling all these programs offered at the college. “I walked across that stage and I just looked up Suddenly, dental hygiene came up and I sat up and and I said, ‘We did it mom. We did it.’ I got through said, ‘Is that right? That’s something I could go back it,” she said. to school for and not keep working at Walmart Since graduation, Kristi has gone to work for overnights.’ I was ecstatic,” she said. Dr. Marshall Snodgrass at Our Dental Home in After seeing the commercial, she came to OTC Marshfield. She’s also recently re-married. to get some more information. She walked out “Everybody goes through struggles. It’s how you registered for classes. deal with those struggles that’s going to make a Kristi, with the help of her mom, juggled all of difference and make you a stronger person in the the responsibilities she had as a student-parent: end.”

22 OTC Annual Report 2016 “Everybody goes through struggles. It’s how you deal with those struggles that’s going to make a difference and make you a stronger person in the end.”

Kristi Christian honored her mother’s memory by finishing her OTC degree and making a better life for herself and her children.

OTC Annual Report 2016 23 SETTAINGG THEE ST “If I was going to build the hip-hop scene, and do it right, I knew I was going to have to zarks Technical do it myself,” he said. “I choose who goes Community on my stage and try to keep the message College prides positive.” itselfO on offering degrees that So far, his company has been a big directly lead to employment. success. His last show in late August at OTC students head straight the Regency drew an audience of 500. “It into jobs as welders, nurses and did very, very well,” Victor said. “I like the mechanics, and now, you can diversity of music styles I bring together add concert promoter to that list by booking a rock band with hip-hop as well. sometimes.” OTC business student Victor A graduate of Kickapoo High School, Mitchell never thought the the 24-year-old is scheduled to graduate plan he developed for a class from OTC this spring with an associate would lead to a career, but Victor degree in Business Management and is now the owner of Futuristic plans to transfer to Missouri State Entertainment, which promotes and University to work on his four-year stages music events in Springfield. It degree in business. was a simple assignment in Victor’s “OTC has been beneficial to me in business principles class two years getting where I am today,” he said. “It ago that sparked the idea. helped spark ideas in me and one idea “We were told to develop plans sparks another to the point where I for three different-sized businesses. I said, ‘Hey, I want success.’” picked entertainment management as Victor said people in the my large business.” Victor said. “Once I community appreciate his business’s started pitching the idea to people, I said mission. to myself, ‘I kind of like this.’” “They want to see positivity when From then on, Victor began booking they come into the arena. I want shows at the downtown Regency and to change rap and hip-hop into a the Outland Ballroom. With his musical positive vibe. Right now, that music background playing drums for his church has a negative connotation,” he – James River Assembly of God – and at said. “There’s a lot of diversity in home, he worked to build the local hip-hop music in the area. That’s something and rap music scene. to celebrate.”

24 OTC Annual Report 2016 What started as a class project at OTC has become an exciting business venture for a motivated Victor Mitchell.

OTC Annual Report 2016 25 DONOR PROFILES Judy and Mike Breeding are passionate supporters of OTC. They established a scholarship and include the OTC Foundation in their estate planning

Judy and Mike Breeding have been long-time supporters of OTC.

udy Breeding may be small in stature but she longest tenured member of the board, Judy’s role in has played a big role in serving as one of OTC’s developing financial support for the institution has Jmost passionate supporters. become invaluable. When the foundation kicked- A native of Houston, Mo., Judy worked as an off its first capital campaign in 2008, Judy played accountant for more than 30 years. She began her an integral role as one of the campaign’s co-chairs. career at BKD as “I saw the economic need in southwest Missouri the firm’s first for something in addition to a traditional four-year female certified college education. So many people we came in public accountant contact with wanted skills training or an affordable (CPA) and later option for their first two years of college,” she said. BIG became its first Judy’s support of OTC’s students has extended female partner. beyond her service on the Foundation board. She Over the years, and Mike established a named scholarship for being a female in women seeking an accounting degree at OTC. IMPACT a male-dominated “I believe in women breaking through that glass environment ceiling. I was a recipient of a scholarship, and it provided challenges. However, as Judy’s husband of changed my life,” she said. 42 years, Mike, will tell you, her never-quit attitude It is this passion for investing in their community is what makes Judy who she is today. that has led the Breedings to include the OTC “No challenge is too big or small for Judy. She’ll Foundation in their estate planning. take it on,” he said. “Education is the best thing we can do for In 2001, Judy brought her bold and resourceful our community, and OTC is the best opportunity leadership to OTC when she became a member southwest Missouri has to improve the economic of the OTC Foundation Board of Directors. As the situation for so many people,” she said.

26 OTC Annual Report 2016 First-Hand Experience f you ask John Gentry for the key to success at his they gained made our employees more valuable to the company, Positronic, he will tell company,” John said. Iyou it’s a skilled workforce. Positronic, founded Upon experiencing first-hand the value OTC 50 years ago by John’s father, Jack, has grown into a provides to local businesses, John strengthened multi-national corporation that manufactures high- his relationship with OTC two-fold. First, he gave tech electronic connectors and assemblies, which financially to the OTC Foundation in order to increase provide innovative solutions for military, aerospace the college’s ability to serve students, the community and medical applications. When OTC came into the and industry. Second, he joined the OTC Foundation picture in 1990, Positronic was given the ability to Board of Directors. A few years later, John was elected strengthen its skilled workforce with a local solution. to the OTC Board of Trustees. “When OTC was founded 26 years ago, the college At home, John receives plenty of encouragement filled a need for skills and technical training for our to continue his support of the college’s mission. His Springfield region employees,” John said. wife, Susan, is a strong advocate for education and Though the college was still in its infancy in understands the value OTC provides to the local 1993, OTC partnered with Positronic and the U.S. community. Department of Labor to create an apprenticeship “Anything to do with education excites me,” Susan program for both existing employees and high said. “I believe strongly in the value of education. school students who wanted to be career-ready upon OTC fills a gap in this community. Continued learning graduation. only benefits the economic future of our region. It’s “I was very pleased with the results. The workers exciting and energizing for John and I to be a part of felt pride in completing their training, and the skills the OTC mission.”

John and Susan Gentry are strong advocates for the college and generous donors. John serves on the OTC Board of Trustees.

OTC Annual Report 2016 27 DONOR

HONOR ROLL $250,000 & ABOVE John & Susan Gentry Anonymous Gary George CoxHealth Great Southern Bank Neal Spencer Hal & Nancy* Higdon The Marion Bissett Hoblit Scholarship $100,000 - $249,999 Holloway America Judy Breeding Lake Professional Hearing Aid Center The Jared Family Larry Snyder & Company, Inc. Med-Pay, Inc. We would like to extend a $50,000 - $99,999 Marla Moody special thanks to those who Michael Beasley Jim F. & Cathy Moore support students and programs Turner Family Foundation O’Reilly Auto Parts, Inc. at OTC by contributing to Ollis | Akers | Arney the OTC Foundation. Your $10,000 - $49,999 Ozark Utility Bob & Susan Beine Parkcrest Dental Group generosity helps provide Corwin Dodge Steve & Raeanne Presley education, job training and Ada DeFontaine Trust Rick’s Automotive, Inc. lifelong learning to countless Max J. DeForest Revocable Trust SMC Electric Supply Co. students. Gravelle & Harris Scholarship Fund Scotsman Ice Sam & June Hamra Chip & Sylvia Sheppard Gifts and pledges received Mark & Laura Haseltine Southwest Missouri Code Officials between July 1, 2015, and Lelia Heuer Foundation Stainless Fabrication December 31, 2016, are included Robert & Frances Keever Trust State Farm in this report. Johnstone Supply Steelman Transportation Keith & Randy LaFerriere Paul & Crystal Sundy (*Deceased) The Larson Family Tank Components, Inc. Musgrave Foundation Wendy’s of Missouri, Inc. Charlie & Mary Beth O’Reilly Family Mary Jane White Foundation Wounded War Veterans Fund Ozarks Antique Auto Club PJC Insurance $1,000 - $2,499 Positronic Industries, Inc. Michael Adamek Reliable Toyota/Lexus Mitchell Ahrens Silver Dollar City American Products, LLC Roy W. Slusher Foundation BKD Foundation Smith-Glynn-Callaway Medical Mike & Joan Barrett Foundation Brent Bergen Jim & Barbara Towery Steven Bishop Wal-Mart Distribution Center Barbara Brooks Wal-Mart Foundation Tim & Keena Burnet Christian County Elks Lodge 2777 $2,500 - $9,999 Carol Collins 3M Commerce Bank Bates & Associates, Inc. Copy Products, Inc. Jim & Debby Baugh Terrence Coulter John & Barbara Bunselmeyer Custom Metalcraft Catalyst Carolyn Dankel Central States Industrial Equipment & Cliff Davis Service Greg DeLong Community Foundation of the Ozarks Detroit Tool Metal Products Davis Properties Management LLC Jerre & Lloyd Edwards Memorial Fund Gary & Voncille Elmer Harwood Ferguson 28 OTC Annual Report 2016 OTC students lit up the plaza with some sparklers to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Gary & Karen Garwitz Matthew Simpson Goetze Dental Bob Grand Ron & Sue Carroll Terry Gregg Hartley Jay Guffey Trinity Stainless, Inc Dave Hoffman Sam & June Hamra Family Foundation Watson Metal Masters, Inc Jim Hutcheson Fund Kenny & Marcia Wheeler Linda Johns Scott Haymes KRBK HD Wanda Holloway $500 - $999 Russell Keller International Dehydrated Food Paula Adams Elaine Kramer Jackson Brothers of the South, LLC Amy Bacon Vicki MacDonald Jeff & Deborah Jochems Tim Baltes Tracy McGrady JPS & Associates Bear State Bank McKowen Family Dental Jennifer Kennally Abigail Benz Holly Melton KI Denny Brown Mark & Kelly Miller KPM Buckeye International Kathleen Murnan Lathrop & Gage LLP Linda Caldwell nForm Architecture Willis H. Lott Care to Learn Ozarks Coca Cola / Dr Pepper Bottling Morgan Stanley Foundation Carnahan Family Real Estate Investments Company Multi-Craft Contractors Carson-Mitchell, Inc. Penmac Staffing Ryan & Maggie Murray Shanna Cass Reliable Superstore Norman K. & Pat Myers Chestnut Expressway Properties LLC Reliable Toyota Collision Center Neale & Newman, LLP Mary Childers Republic Ford Lincoln Vicki Newport James L. Combs River Poodles Pet Sitting & Training O’Reilly Family Foundation Rebecca Crocker Rural Sleep Solutions, LLC Paragon Architecture Rosa Davis David Sears Patterson Dental Michael Dawson Kathryn Shade Dolly F. Plaster Clement David Esping Jennifer Snyder Jerry C. Quinn Ever Green Garden Club Springfield Preventive Medicine Clinic, Rob Rector Excel Dental LLC Janet Sell Steve & Jo Fritts Robert Stone James Skahan Topper Glass Stephanie Sumners

OTC Annual Report 2016 29 DONOR HONOR ROLL

$500 - $999 (CONTINUED) Susanne Beard Carolyn Cantrell David Taylor Wendy Beard Debbie Carlstrom UMB Bank Natalie Beckler Bill Carpenter Jody Vance Lisa Beebe James & Elizabeth Carpenter Randell Wallace Marge Bell Dana Carroll Steven Warlick Amy Bennett Jennie Carter Cynthia Wilson Heather Berbereia Kim Cary Young & Company Amy Bergant Patrick Casey Carmela Berry Cash Family Orthodonics UP TO $499 Kimberly Berry Lesley Cash Marylynne Abbott Best Impressions Family Dentistry James Cauble Andrew Aberle Robert Bezanson Twila Chambers Jim Abramovitz Audrey Bishop Connie Chapman James Ackerman Cameron Black Cary Charles Stephen Ackerman Susan Blakey Thomas Cheffins Debra Adams Jason Bound Dusty & Angela Childress Advanced Endodontics Adi Bosch Jordan Chilton Doug & Kelli Akers Will & Kristin Bowers Vanda Chism Haley Alexander Joella Bowman Charlotte Choate Elizabeth Aley Christina Boyce Tong Choe Melanie Allen Stacey Boyce Sally Clark Kat Allie Trixie Braden Bruce & Catherine Clemens Cray Allred Ann Brand Julee Coffey Amazon Smile Brentwood Christian Church Sherry Coker Ginny Amberger Jimmy Bridwell Pam Collard Danyel Anderson Daniela Brink Jill Colony Jim & Janet Anderson Randy Brock Cindy Cook Richard Anderson Carolyn Brockman Dewey Cooper Raylene Appleby Hope Brooks-Lovan Regina Cooper Philip Arnold Julie Brown Ricky Cornish Arquitt Pediatric Dentistry Judy Brunner Haley Cotham McGregor Atwell Tiffany Brunner James Coulter Steve Austin Owen Bryson Jane Cowden Denise Baer Kathy Buchholz Jill Cox Kim Bailey Ronda Buckner Marsha Cox Alyson Baker Caitlin Buening Katherine Craft Martha Baker Jennifer Bump Claude Crain Terri Baker Laurie Burky Samantha Crandall Crystal Baldwin Dana Burpo Martha Crise David Ball Burrell Behavioral Health Marianne Crocker Coldwell Banker Annette Burtin Deana Crouch Gabriele Barber Cynthia Burton Jason Crouch Robert Barber Linda Burton Jennifer Crouch Rose Barber Staci Burton Michelle Crum Sarah Bargo Annie Busch Daniel Cunningham Leroy Barker Rona Butrick Jack Curtis Teri Bartell Gary Buzbee Dio Daily Joyce Bateman Gerald & Donna Bryant Becky Dalton Mark Bates Jose & Rebecca Caceres Chasity Daniels Bays Chiropractic Clinic Christie Campbell Aaron Dannegger

30 OTC Annual Report 2016 Barbara Darnell Alisha Frieze-Mitchell Judith Dasovich Amanda Frost Megan Davidson Katherine Funk Pat & Ransom Davis Charitable Fund GHN Architects + Engineers Sharon Day Dane Galloway & Debbie Thompson Ashley Dedmon John Gambon Christina Delgado Shelby Gannott Chris Delp Jessica Garoutte Crystal DeMeyer Gail Garton Matthew DeMeyer* Gretchen Gawron Rachel DeMoro Jason Gaynor Brenda Descamps Ramona George Greta Detherage Thomas Georges Keith Dinwiddie Jessica Gerard Erin Dooley Vanessa Germeroth Kathy Shade Jack Dozier George Gibeau Jennifer Dunkel Charles Gili Julie Dunlap Kim Ginn GIVING BACK Jared Durden Tara Glenn Elaine Edwards Mindy Gomez Eric and Kathy Shade were married Peter Edwards Good Samaritan Care Clinic 27 years when Eric passed away Vivian Elder Marshall & Ann Gordon from colon cancer in 2015. Kathy, a Devon Ellis Donna Graham geology instructor at OTC, and her late Lacey Ellis Craig Granger husband, Eric, who taught computer Charity Elmer Janel Grassi science at Missouri State University, Angie Enlow Renee Graves spent their careers educating students. Anthony Evans Brian Gray Through their profession, they both saw Kelly Everding Kim Greene first-hand the financial difficulties many Terri Fahnestock Virgie Greer students face. Holly Faust Karla Gregg Following Eric’s passing, Kathy searched for the best way to honor his Tiffany Featherston Cara Griffin life, and continuing to help students Gayla Fewell Rob Griffith reach their goals was the answer. Scott Fiedler Sherry Griffitts “Eric was passionate about helping Dandy Finney Susan Griffitts students. I wanted to continue his Brian Fischer Jonathan Grindstaff legacy of making a difference by helping John Fishback Danny Gutirrez OTC students who need it the most,” Robert Flatness Raymond Haggard said Kathy. Jan Fleischman Lynnar Hamilton Kathy was able to achieve that goal Debbie Fletcher-Adams Charla Hampton by making a memorial contribution to Brian Fogle Donna Hanley the OTC Foundation Student Emergency Juline Fontinelle Jacque Harris Fund, which offers assistance to OTC Tiffany Ford Doug Hayter students who find themselves in a Philip Forrester John Heard financial crisis. Many times, assistance Susan Forte Lisa Hearn from the Student Emergency Fund is the David Fotopulos Nicholas Hein difference between a student staying in Lisa Heart of America Beverage Distribution school or being forced to drop out. Lavonna Franklin Doug Henry “I know my contribution is going to Eric Freeman Jonathan Herbert directly affect students. I’m proud of Greg & Laura French Heritage Bank of the Ozarks that. And I know Eric would be too,” Melissa Freres Matthew Hernando said Kathy.

OTC Annual Report 2016 31 DONOR HONOR ROLL

UP TO $499 (CONTINUED) Kimberly Kosmicke Darla McDowell Elizabeth Herrion Rebecca Krouse David McKinsey & Maithe Enriquez John M. Hess Barbara Kuhn Elizabeth Melvin David Higginbotham Steven Kurtz Todd Messenger Harlan & Joyce Hill Eric Kyle Jeff Meyer Norman Hill Danielle Lacio William Meyers Kathy Hinds Tara Lacio Jean Miles Sheri Hoenes Gabby Lampe Lisa Miles Haley Holiday JD Landon Angela Miller Michael Holik Danny Lane Joe Millsap Julia Holmes Jeff Lashley Mineral Area College James Holmes Shirley Lawler Mississippi Gulf Coast Community Trudy Holtkamp Don Lawrence College Foundation Ken Horne Gary Ledford Missouri Community College Association Michelle Howard Rebecca Lehman Peggy Mitchell Tracy Hudgens Matthew Lemmon Mitsubishi Polysilicon Matt Hudson Nichole Lemmon Melissa Mittag Kerri Huff Susan Lemmon Thomas Moffitt Sheila Hunter Scott Leven Josh Montgomery Erick Hutson Jacob Lewellen Dale & Laree Moore Morgan Hutson Kelli Lewis Katie Moore Lisa Jacks Cheryl Li Teresa Morris Rhonda Jackson Aaron Light William Mustain Alice Jefferson Jared Lightle Jessica Myers Joe Jenkins David Lind Doug Neff Rebecca Jenkins Linn State Technical College Alison Nelson Jeffrey Johnson Tracie Liska Ellen Newby-Hines Loree Johnson Tracy Livingston Kyleigh Newell Sandy Johnson Robin Loney Bera Nichols David Johnston Billy Long Martha Nimmo Andrea Jones Audi Lopez Melissa Nisbett David Jones Veronica Lowe Bob Noble Jonathan Jones Ginger Luke Linda Nobles Hilary Jones Loren Lundstrom Becky Noel Ronda Jones Marilyn Madden North Central Missouri College Wendy Kalbaugh Toni Marchese Robert Nunn Sheila Kaylor Glenn Marcum William Nunn Faith Keithley Lisa Marks O’Bannon Bank Cheri Kembell Jordan Marsh Gavin O’Connor Karon Kessler Jennifer Marshall-Hoggatt Richard O’Connor Roseanne Killion Roy Masceri Kimberly Otradovec Gary King Don & Donna Massengale Kathy Owen Marshall & Winter Kinne Lacey Mattheis OTC Dental Program Donald Kleier Danelle Maxwell OTC Adult Education & Literacy Curtis Klotz Jena McAmis OTC Career Center Lora Knight Nora McAmis-Payne OTC Math Department Norman Knowlton Corky McCormack OTC Richwood Valley Campus Trish Knox J’Neal McCoy OTC Tutoring & Learning Center Steve & Donna Koehler Loralei McCoy Ozarks Community Health Center Daniel Kopsas Patrick McDermott Stephen Parker

32 OTC Annual Report 2016 Spring showers revealed colorful flowers and umbrellas on campus.

Todd Parnell Mike Pulley Karla Rues Carla Parry Penni Quinn Paula Ruth Heather Payne Ashley Rains Brenda Sales Marie Pearl Ronn Ramey Andy Salmon Julie Peebles Jerome Ransom Nancy Sanders Jody Pena Chris Rantz Sandra Sanford Susan Perotka Jill Rea Alison Saul Jacqulyn Perryman Bradley Reagan Mitzi Schenewerk Dennis Peters Kelly Reasoner Mike Schilling Joan Petty Craig Rechkemmer Rose Schmidly Marcia Pfeiffer Ryan Reed Virginia Schnabel Sherry Phelan Jenna Reeves Jeannette Schreiber Phi Theta Kappa Kari Reichert Amy Schneider Cindy Phillips Reliable BMW/Audi Steve Schneider Julie Pontious Lance Renner Brittany Schrader David Pope Ronald Rey Jordan Schreiber Pope St. Pius the X Knights of Columbus Missy Riley Matthew Scott Council 6871 Renee Riley Sandy Scroggins Autumn Porter Fran Ritchey Carolyn Seibert Kayla Porter Lisa Roberson James Sheldon Allison Potter Elizabeth Roberts Amy Shelley-King Rosalind Pride Jan A. Robbins Misty Shelton Print Group Inc. Belinda Rogers Sue Shook Donna Pritchard David A. Roling Susan Siemens John Proctor Teri Rose Joseph Siler Christopher Przybylski Lynn Royer Matheau Simpson

OTC Annual Report 2016 33 DONOR HONOR ROLL

UP TO $499 (CONTINUED) Emily Swyden Robert Varady Kacie Sims Linda Szura Ryan Verfurth Katie Sledge Barrie Talbott Kelsey Vestal Clifton Smart Tammy Tate Laura Visnosky Rebekah Smith Chelsey Taylor Raymond Wade Ginger Smith Carol Taylor Eric Wahlquist Ellen Smith Rick & Carol Taylor Amanda Walker Sharon Smith Sherry Taylor J.C. Walker Lindsey Smotherman Bernard Tellez Nicole Wallen Stacy Sontheimer Ashley Terrey Jarvis Walton Lindsay Sorbo Diann Thomas Christine Walz Geneva Sorrell Eloise Thomas John Wanamaker Kathy Southard Holly Thomas Jeff Warner Robert Spence Justin Thomas Susan Warner Jayna Spindler Jennifer Thompson Susan Warren Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Mandy Thompson Sallee Webb State Fair Community College Cheryl Thompson-Stacy Lupe Welch Cindy Stephens Kelly Tillery Dick Wells Billy Stewart Ron Timmins Kimberly Whalen William Stimson Elaine Tipton Mary Lu Wheeler Deborah Stinnett Misty Tollett Ann White William & Amanda Stone Eric Tolliver Candice White Krista Stone Brian Towry Hannah White Scott Stopka Max & Melissa Trader Trisha White Michelle Stout Kathy Trantham White Smiles Family Dental Amanda Stowe Maureen Travis Andy Whitney Nicole Stowe Tracy Tropepe Wil Fischer Companies Lyndsey Strahan Heather Trusty Barbara Wilkinson Peter Sullivan Richard Turner Christian Willard Teri Summerfield Vicki Underhill Shelby Willcox Catherine Sumners United Way of the Ozarks William G. & Lucille W. Magers Family Kim Sutton John VanDiggelen Foundation Sussie Sutton Shirey Vanhook Mary Beth Williams Regina Williams Ashlei Woelk The Hammons Fountain underwent a facelift in 2016. In an Sam Woelk effort to conserve water, the monument is now a planter. Brenda Woods Joseph Woods Daniel Wooten Chelsey Wright Dawn Wright Rex Wright Russ Wydeen Todd Yerby Emily Yoast Matthew Young Volen Young Ginger Zaagsma Zachary Zweigle

34 OTC Annual Report 2016 SCHOLARSHIPS

ASA (Automotive Service Association) Linda Gingry-Clark Memorial Scholarship Scholarship Marti Speckman Scholarship Bob and Susan Beine Scholarship Matt McKinsey Memorial Scholarship for Bob Grand Scholarship Students with Special Needs Carol Jones Scholarship Mercy Health System Scholarship Center for Workforce Development Michael F. Kavanaugh and Rosa Student Scholarship Kavanaugh Davis Scholarship Chancellor’s Scholarship Musgrave Foundation Scholarship Charles T. Banta Sr. Scholarship Nina Myers Memorial Scholarship Charlie and Mary Beth O’Reilly Nursing Scholarship Scholarship O’Reilly Auto Parts Scholarship Christian County Elks Lodge 2777 OTC Alumni Scholarship Scholarship OTC English Department Scholarship CoxHealth Scholarship OTC Foundation Golf Tournament Many special scholarships Culinary Arts Scholarship Scholarship have been established through David James Moore Scholarship Ozarks Antique Auto Club Scholarship the OTC Foundation. Some Dean, Anna Mae and David Dean Lewis Parkcrest Dental Scholarship are in memory of individuals; Scholarship Pepsi Scholarship others are funded by generous Dolores and Alden Brooks Memorial Fund Rabbit Trap Scholarship businesses, organizations and Dental Programs Scholarship Ralph and Helen Ramsey Memorial individuals in our communities. Enactus Scholarship Scholarship Ever Green Garden Club Horticulture Reliable BMW / Audi Springfield Scholarship Automotive Scholarship Fine Arts Scholarship Reliable Toyota Lexus Scion Automotive First Generation College Student Scholarship Scholarship Richard Glenn Staats Scholarship Frances Collins Memorial Scholarship Rick and Karen Hughlett Scholarship Frank Shepard Study Abroad Scholarship Robert and Frances Keever Trust Fuller / Moody Family Scholarship Scholarship Gravelle & Harris Scholarship Roy W. Slusher Foundation Scholarship Hartmann Foundation Construction Russell “Kelly” Campbell Memorial Scholarship Scholarship Hughes Foundation Book Fund Sam F. and June S. Hamra Scholarship Integrity Home Care Scholarship Sgt. Joseph M. Peters Memorial J.E. (Ed) Jenkins Memorial Scholarship Scholarship Jared Family Fund Shady Inn Scholarship Jarred Welch Memorial Scholarship Smith-Glynn-Callaway Foundation Jerald Powers Memorial Scholarship Scholarship Jim and Barbara Towery Scholarship Society of Manufacturing Engineers Jim E. Frank Memorial Scholarship Scholarship Joe and Betty Jo DeLong Scholarship Southwest Missouri Code Officials John Lambert Scholarship Scholarship Judge Russell Clark Memorial Scholarship Staff Association Scholarship Judy Breeding Accounting Scholarship Ted Andrews Memorial Scholarship Lander James Johnston Memorial Transland Scholarship Scholarship Trustees Scholarship Larson Family Scholarship Turner Family Scholarship Layman Family Fund William N. Bunselmeyer Memorial Lee H. Cruse Charitable Trust Scholarship Scholarship Lelia Heuer Charitable Trust Scholarship

OTC Annual Report 2016 35 IN MEMORY Gifts to honor or remember outstanding individuals are a special way to pay tribute to a friend or loved one. The following donors made contributions to the OTC Foundation in honor or in memory of someone special. (*Deceased)

IN HONOR OF SAM & JUNE HAMRA Raylene Appleby GHN Architects & Engineers Shelby Willcox Phillip Arnold Topper Glass Travis & Amy Bacon Marshall & Ann Gordon IN MEMORY OF TED ANDREWS David Ball Janel Grassi PJC Insurance Tim Baltes Renee Graves Rose Barber Karla Gregg IN MEMORY OF Mark Bates Rob Griffith ALDEN & DOLORES BROOKS Abby Benz Jay & Lisa Guffey Brentwood Christian Church Robert & Cynthia Bezanson Danny Gutirrez Barbara Brooks Steven Bishop Hamra Family Foundation Jim & Barbara Blaine Sam & June Hamra IN MEMORY OF Will & Kristin Bowers Donna Hanley WILLIAM N. BUNSELMEYER Ann Brand Mark & Laura Haseltine John Bunselmeyer Mike & Judy Breeding John Hess Gary & Karen Garwitz The Honorable Jason & Julie Brown Hal Higdon Johnstone Supply Tiffany Brunner Ellen Newby-Hines Gerald & Donna Bryant Matt Hudson IN MEMORY OF JUDGE RUSSELL CLARK Burrell Behavior Health Rick & Karen Hughlett Jerry Clark Quinn Annie Busch Jim Hutcheson David & Geneva Sorrell Linda Caldwell Jeffrey & Deborah Jochems Carolyn Cantrell Linda Johns IN MEMORY OF LINDA GINGRY-CLARK Catalyst David & Marjorie Johnston Carolyn Dankel Tong Choe Jennifer Kennally Mary Jane White Bruce & Cathy Clemens Norman Knowlton Pam Collard KPM IN MEMORY OF JERRE & LLOYD Leon & Dorothy Combs Keith & Randy LaFerriere EDWARDS Commerce Bank Jeff & Sally Lashley Russ Edwards Community Foundation of the Ozarks Shirley Lawler Jane Mellers Regina Cooper Don Lawrence Jill Cox Linn State Technical College IN MEMORY OF DON EVANS CoxHealth Plans Billy & Barbara Long Rick & Karen Hughlett Martha Crise Willis & Ethel Lott Jennifer Crouch Ginger Luke IN MEMORY OF JIM E. FRANK Judith Dasovich Loren Lundstrom Holly Melton Cliff Davis William G. & Lucille W. Magers Rosa Davis Foundation IN MEMORY OF THELMA GENTRY Sharon Day Don & Donna Massengale Hal & Nancy* Higdon Greg DeLong J’Neal McCoy Jennifer Dunkel Tracy McGrady IN MEMORY OF NANCY HIGDON Julia Edwards Med-Pay, Inc. Michael Adamek Charity Elmer Joe Millsap Paula Adams Harwood Ferguson Mineral Area College Elizabeth Aley Jan Fleischman Mississippi Gulf Coast Community Kat Allie Brian Fogle College Foundation Cray & Jessie Allred Greg & Laura French Missouri Community College Association Danyel Anderson Jason Gaynor Mitsubishi Polysilicon Jim & Janet Anderson John & Susan Gentry Marla Moody

36 OTC Annual Report 2016 Dale & Laree Moore Matthew Simpson IN MEMORY OF DAVID J. MOORE Norman & Pat Myers Clif & Gail Smart Jim & Cathy Moore Neale & Newman, LLP Sharon Smith Doug & Tina Neff Larry & Donna Snyder IN MEMORY OF NINA MYERS Martha Nimmo Robert Spence Norman & Pat Myers Bob & Carol Noble Neal Spencer Becky Noel Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce IN MEMORY OF SGT. JOSEPH M. PETERS North Central Missouri College Cheryl Thompson-Stacy Terri Fahnestock O’Bannon Bank State Fair Community College Lavonna Franklin OTC Adult Education & Literacy Billy Stewart Charles Gili OTC Career Center William & Amanda Stone Norman Hill OTC Math Department Stephanie Sumners Loren Lundstrom OTC Richwood Valley Campus Carol Taylor Dennis Peters OTC Tutoring & Learning Center Rick & Carol Taylor Rosalind Pride Todd & Betty Parnell Jim & Barbara Towery Rick Taylor Nora Payne John VanDiggelen Marcia Wheeler Penmac Staffing Randell & Carla Wallace Brenda Woods Marcia Pfeiffer Nicole Wallen Sherry Phelan John & Lori Wanamaker IN MEMORY OF FRANK SHEPARD Phi Theta Kappa Steve Warlick Staci Burton Autumn Porter Kenny & Marcia Wheeler Julia Edwards Steve & Raeanne Presley Trisha White Jessica Gerard Jill Rea Daniel Wooten Loren Lundstrom Rob & Kelly Rector Zachary Zweigle Jeff Meyer Reliable BMW/Audi Michael Pulley Reliable Superstore IN MEMORY OF Barrie Talbott Reliable Toyota Collision Center LANDER JAMES JOHNSTON Shirey VanHook Reliable Toyota/Lexus Hal & Nancy* Higdon Ronald & Martha Rey IN MEMORY OF ELDON WALLACE Jan Robbins IN MEMORY OF MATTHEW MCKINSEY Hal & Nancy* Higdon David Roling David McKinsey & Maithe Enriquez Steve Schneider Laura Peterson IN MEMORY OF JARRED WELCH Janet Sell Tim & Keena Burnet Chip & Sylvia Sheppard

LEGACY SOCIETY Friends of OTC who remember the OTC Foundation through a bequest or other type of planned gift become members of the Legacy Society. For more information, contact the OTC Foundation. (* Deceased)

MEMBERS: Mike & Judy Breeding Max & Fern DeForest* Hal & Nancy* Higdon Charlie & Mary Beth O’Reilly Alden & Dolores Brooks* Ada DeFountaine* Carol Jones Jan Robbins Eugene & Mildred* Carey Chuck & Karla Gregg David Lewis* Neal Spencer

OTC Annual Report 2016 37 The OTC Foundation is incorporated as a not- FOUNDATION for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation independent from the college. All gifts made payable to the OTC Foundation are tax deductible to the REPORT extent allowed by federal and state laws.

Campaign Update

The OTC Foundation is in the midst of its second comprehensive campaign titled: Passion. Purpose. Promise. — The Campaign for OTC. This campaign is designed to fulfill our mission of transforming lives and strengthening our communities. The campaign includes initiatives to support our students through scholarships, emergency assistance, and access to excellent programs and facilities.

The community response to this $15 million campaign has been overwhelmingly positive; individuals and organizations have invested more than $13 million in support of the 0campaign to date. At 588 percent in funds raised10 toward our goal, we15 are eager to complete20 the promise of changing lives and strengthening the community.

$15 MILLION GOAL How will the $15 million be utilized? STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS $2.7 M $1.5 M $6.3 M $1.575 M $3 M $3 M EMERGENCY CASH PLANNED GIFTS GRANTS REMAINING ASSISTANCE $1 M TECHNICAL EDUCATION $3 M ALLIED 88% complete HEALTH $5 M BUILDINGS $725 K $2.2 M & LAND PLEDGES GIFTS-IN-KIND

$5.2 M $5.1 M $4.8 M 242 OTC FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED $3.6 M

$3 M

Assets Growth $2.7 M

$1.5 M

$1.1 M $1 M 908 GIFTS $945 K — from — $613 K $720 K 503 DONORS — in 2016 — 200512+14+19+23+21+30+54+61+73+97+100‘06 ‘07 ‘08 ‘09 ‘10 ‘11 ‘12 ‘13 ‘14 ‘15 2016

To learn more about how we can align your passion with OTC’s mission, MOBalance Community Sheet Colleges contact the OTC Foundation at (417) 447-2651 or [email protected]. Fund Balance 2016 Unrestricted $825,248 OTC Foundation Staff Stephanie Sumners, Chief of Staff & Executive Director of the OTC Foundation Restricted $1,640,557 MO Four-Year Universities Amy Bacon, College Director of Development Endowment (Irrevocable) $2,738,077 Cray Allred, Operations Coordinator Kristin Bowers, Secretary for the OTC Foundation Total Fund Balance $5,203,882

38 OTC Annual Report 2016

OTC National Benchmark*

OTC $1,212

Missouri* $6,102

Nation* $6,966

0 $1,000 $2,000 $3,000 $4,000 $5,000 $6,000 $7,000 $8,000 MISSION STATEMENT OTC Board of Trustees The college mission is to provide accessible, high quality, and affordable learning opportunities that transform lives and Chip Sheppard, Chair strengthen the communities we serve. Jennifer Kennally, Vice Chair J. Howard Fisk, Secretary John Gentry, Treasurer Larry Snyder Greg DeLong

OTC Foundation Board of Directors

Jim Towery, Chair Paul Sundy, Vice Chair David Taylor, Secretary Curtis Jared, Treasurer

Paula Adams Bob Beine Judy Breeding Dr. Jerry F. Cash Dr. Dolly F. Plaster-Clement Leon Combs Rosa Davis Voncille Elmer Harwood Ferguson Eric Fuhr Marshall Gordon, Ph.D. Jay Guffey Sam F. Hamra Andrew Herr Rick Hughlett Jim Hutcheson Joe Jenkins Dr. Keith LaFerriere Ryan Murray Doug Neff Steve Plaster Neal D. Spencer Randell Wallace

OTC Chancellor’s Cabinet

Dr. Hal L. Higdon, Chancellor & OTC Springfield Campus President Dr. Steve Bishop, Provost & Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Marla Moody, Vice Chancellor for Finance Rob Rector, Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services Joan Barrett, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Cliff Davis, OTC Table Rock Campus President Dr. Jeff Jochems, OTC Richwood Valley Campus President Tim Baltes, Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources & Workforce Development David Esping, Chief Technology Officer Stephanie Sumners, Chief of Staff & Executive Director of the OTC Foundation Mark Miller, College Director of Communications & Marketing Matthew Simpson, College Director of Research, Strategic Planning & Grant Development

OTC Annual Report 2016 39 1001 EAST CHESTNUT EXPRESSWAY SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI 65802 OTC.EDU