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College Matters
| September 2011
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Fall classes begin with 15,212 students enrolled
Enrollment up 8.8 percent for opening day With fall classes now underway, enrollment at OTC has increased once again. A total of 15,212 students were enrolled by the first day of classes, 8.8 percent more than the fall of 2010.
"Our student population continues to grow because we continue to offer what the citizens of southwest Missouri need," explained Dr. Hal Higdon, chancellor of OTC. "With the opening of our new facility in Lebanon and our new classrooms in Springfield, we are working hard to provide the classes and study spaces our students need to succeed." All six of OTC's locations have grown by at least six percent, with the most dramatic increases at the OTC Waynesville Center (20.9 percent) and in OTC Online (15.9 percent). For the full breakout of enrollment numbers, read the complete news release here. Pictured: Student Services Representative Gayla Fewell helps a student to register on opening day.
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OTC Fine Arts Gallery: September ArtWalk
The Gallery will feature the art of Isaac Karner at this month's reception  The OTC Fine Arts Gallery, located on the 3rd floor of the historic Gillioz Theatre in downtown Springfield, will hold an opening reception during First Friday ArtWalk, Friday, September 2, from 6-10 p.m. The Gallery will feature intriguing artwork from local mixed media painter Isaac Karner.
Karner's artist statement explains, "I am fascinated by the way common objects take on symbolic meaning when they are placed in an artistic context. Growing up around farms in Colorado, I grew to love finding bits of junk and machinery. Each piece has a history and is a connection to whoever had it before. There is an intriguing similarity between Art and Trash - both indicate what societies and cultures are like. Perhaps that is why I find found objects so useful in creating an artistic experience, which is a communication between the artist, the art itself, and the viewer. It is my hope to take the detritus of our society and create something new, beautiful, and transcendent. I strive to create art that speaks of redemption and hope without ignoring or trivializing the plights of our society." Karner's exhibit will be featured September 2 through October 3. For images of his artwork visit his website or check out the OTC Fine Arts Facebook page! The OTC Fine Arts Gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information contact Kat Allie at 417-447-8977, alliek@otc.edu, or finearts@otc.edu . Pictured: A sample of Karner's work.
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Unlocking Student Potential
All about the Keys to College Success Program  A new semester is always a time of anticipation and promise for students and faculty alike, but for 34 dedicated instructors, this semester holds even more excitement than usual.
In January, a new vision for developmental education at OTC was announced with a clear goal in mind: increasing educational success and attainment for underprepared developmental education students. The plan, which rolled out this fall, includes innovations in English, math, and reading instruction, along with enrollment in the CAC 120: Keys to College Success course for students who test into two or more developmental areas. Student enrollment in CAC 120 this fall is over 1,000 strong, with more than 750 on the OTC Springfield campus alone. Instructor Kelly Anthony comments, "What I have noticed most in my classroom these first few days, is that students already feel safe. They know they have a support on campus they would not otherwise have."  Keys to College Success instructors come from various disciplines across the college and have participated in intensive professional development in preparation to teach the course. Lead Instructors Martha Crise and Lisa Marks facilitated a lively, hands-on training program that all CAC 120 faculty attended over the summer. Enthusiastic about this new adventure, many instructors also met on their own time in informal groups and networked with other faculty to share ideas, discuss best practices, and plan their class activities together. Instructors also have access to a dedicated Blackboard site full of resources and support for teaching the course, with additional professional development opportunities planned for the semester.
Keys to College Success focuses on the whole student, empowering them with tools to attain greater academic, professional, and personal achievement. The course explores personal responsibility, self-motivation, self-management, interdependence, self-awareness, lifelong learning, emotional intelligence, college culture and resources, and self-confidence. Cathy Clemens, department chair of Arts and Humanities, is teaching CAC 120 for the first time this fall. Her philosophy is at the heart of why so many instructors are excited to teach Keys to College Success: "I understand the role our community college plays in our student's lives and futures. We hold the key to their future, and I want to be more involved in that." For the students' perspective on CAC 120, watch the video. Pictured: Top - Lisa Marks and Martha Crise, lead instructors. Bottom, clockwise from top left - Joe Millsap, Dane Galloway, Kim Berry, David Fotopulos, Trish White, Linda Rogers, Sam Cash, and Kelli Stephens, all of whom are teaching CAC 120 this fall.
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New Fitness Center Now Open
Plus, fall exercise class schedule now available
The new OTC Fitness Center is now open!
Take advantage of this great resource in its new location, ICW 118 at the OTC Springfield campus, during the following hours of operation:
Monday - Thursday, 6 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. The OTC Fitness Center is free of charge for all students, faculty and staff. Please bring your SmartCard as proof of identification.The schedule for Fall semester exercise classes is below. All classes are free to OTC students, faculty and staff. Pilates When: Mondays and Wednesdays
Time: 12 - 12:45 p.m.
Location: Main Campus, Lincoln 211*
What is Pilates? Pilates is a core building exercise that improves flexibility and agility. Stability balls and resistance bands will be used in class for total body exercises.
Zumba
When: Mondays and Wednesdays
Time: 5:15 - 6 p.m.
Location: Main Campus, Lincoln 211*
What is Zumba? Zumba fuses Latin rhythms and easy to follow dance moves, creating a fun and easy workout.
Cardio and Tone When: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Time: 12 - 12:45 p.m.
Location: Main Campus, Lincoln 211*
What is Cardio and Tone? Using interval, circuit training exercises to increase heart rate for cardio and resistance exercises to tone - this workout is for anyone. This class will contain some outside exercises.
*Locations subject to change.
If you have any questions about this fall's exercise classes or schedule, please contact Jennifer Marshall.
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Respiratory Care Hosts 10th Annual Seminar
Program provides free seminar for area respiratory care practitioners For the tenth year in a row, the faculty of the Respiratory Care program at OTC provided a free seminar for Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCPs) in Springfield and surrounding areas.
This year's seminar was held on June 24, 2011, and featured presentations on asthma, new technologies for lung secretion removal, and effective teaching in the clinical setting, among other topics. Approximately 175 respiratory therapists were in attendance from the four-state area. All speakers donated their time, and current students helped with various tasks, including the registration of attendees. Since the inaugural seminar in 2002, 60 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) have been awarded to approximately 1,200 participants. Using a conservative estimate for the cost of one CEU, this represents an economic gift to the respiratory care community of approximately $72,000 over the ten-year period. "Many of the therapists that attend our seminars act as clinical preceptors for our students. This is our way of giving back for the tremendous work that they do," said Doug Pursley, Respiratory Care Program Director. Missouri RCPs are required to attain 24 CEUs over a two-year period in order to renew their license to practice respiratory care.
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Seen at OTC...
What's happening around our campuses and centers
 ... The OTC Springfield campus held its Welcome Day event on Friday, August 19. Hundreds of students came out for the festivities, which included booths from student and local organizations, free food, music, dancing and more. For more photos of this and of the OTC Richwood Valley Welcome Day, visit the OTC Facebook page.
 ... Fall classes began on Monday, August 22. Opening day enrollment of more than 15,000 students meant crowds, energy, and excitement at all of our locations! As seen here, classes were held in the new OTC Lebanon Center for the first time ever. For more photos of opening day at OTC Lebanon and at OTC Springfield, check out the OTC Facebook page.
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The Same 10 Questions We Always Ask
Aaron Light, Director of Clinical Education for the Respiratory Therapy Program
Describe what you do at OTC in 50 words or less.
I teach Pharmacology, Mechanical Ventilation, Pulmonary Disease, and Pathology courses, and one of the Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology courses. I also oversee all clinical experiences in the program. In the spring, I also assist with research on campus.
How long have you been at OTC, and where were you immediately prior?
I have been with OTC since 2003. Prior to that, I was a Respiratory Therapist at St. Johns Hospital, where I continue to work on a once a week basis.
What do you hope to accomplish in your position or department in the coming year?
I hope to continue the research that we have been performing on campus and have become known for. I am also always excited about educating new therapists to go out and work in the community.
What is your favorite thing about working at OTC? OTC is a wonderful place to work because they provided us with the supplies and equipment that we need to create some of the best Respiratory Therapists in the country. Without OTC's support of our program, we wouldn't have been able to win awards in academic excellence from our accrediting body. The individuals on campus also make for a relaxed atmosphere that promotes higher education. What is your favorite thing about living and working in the Ozarks? The people of the community are what make the Ozarks shine. I really enjoy the down-home feel of the community and friendliness of the people Tell us about one person who had a significant impact on your professional life or career choice. Jim Cowan was a therapist at St. Johns that greatly influenced my career. Early in my career he helped me understand the importance of knowing my job and going into any discussion fully prepared with evidence and facts. He also fostered a great sense of patient care in me and taught me the importance of it. What do you have on the walls of your office? I have photos of the eight graduating classes that I have been a part of teaching. If you could have dinner with three famous people, alive or dead, who would they be? My step father that passed away in 2006, Dr. Forrest Bird, and General George S. Patton. If you were to write a book, what would it be about? I only know two subjects very well so it would probably be on respiratory therapy or football. What were the last three songs played on your iPod? ESPN radio is what I normally listen to. Pictured: Aaron with his wife, Trish. |
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Campus Notes
- On September 11, 2001, when the terrorists flew into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, Susan Blakey of the OTC Career Center put up blank poster boards for those who wished to express their feelings. On September 11, 2011, those posters will be on display at the OTC Springfield campus for the first time since the attacks. Blank posters will also be provided for those who wish to add their thoughts.
- Congratulations to Research Assistant Matt Simpson, who was the fan chosen on Thursday, August 25, as the Cardinals' 3 millionth fan since their 2005 inaugural season! Matt won a prize pack that included three tickets to the Champions Club for the game on September 5, three quarter-season tickets for the 2012 season, three shirts & hats, a bat autographed by the team, and autographed photos of Bob Gibson, Bruce Sutter & Red Schoendienst.
- Are you a fan of the blues? OTC students, faculty and staff can now purchase tickets to the Greater Ozarks Blues Festival for the reduced price of only $20! (Tickets at the gate are $30.) The festival will take place at Chesterfield Village on September 9-10, and will feature two stages - one highlighting local artists. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Festival Board member and OTC student Brenda Seely at (417) 818-1864, or via email at bs0175826@otc.edu or brendaseely56@gmail.com.
- The next surplus property auction has been set for October 5. Registration will begin at 8 a.m., and bidding will begin at 9 a.m. For any additional information, visit the auction's website.
- Special thanks to the OTC family from Doran Woods for the flowers sent upon the passing of his mother, Dorothy Collins.
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Local Happenings
- September 3: Pickin' in the Park, Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park. Visitors can enjoy BBQ treats, a bonfire, live bluegrass bands, hayrides, and hands-on activities. The event is free for all ages, but some activities have a small fee. For details, visit www.parkboard.org.
- September 5: Labor Day Run for History, Frisco Highline Trail. This is the first-ever half marathon and 5K run to benefit the History Museum for Springfield-Greene County. Call (417) 864-1976 for details.
- September 9-11: Fourth Annual Greek Festival, St. Thomas the Apostle Orthodox Church. This free event features a wide variety of Greek foods and beverages, traditional music, and costumed dance demonstrations. Souvenirs available include traditional pottery and olive oil-based beauty products, plus cookbooks, paintings, and more. For more information, visit the Festival's Facebook page.
- September 9-11: 16th Annual Japanese Fall Festival, Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden. Traditional Japanese Culture will be on display for all to experience, including music and craft demonstrations, activities for kids, and more. For details. visit peacethroughpeople.org.
- September 9: PostSecret Live at the Gillioz Theatre. Frank Warren, founder and curator of the PostSecret Project will host this unique event that has sold out across the country. PostSecret is a collection of over 200,000 highly personal and artfully decorated postcards mailed anonymously from around the world, displaying the secrets we never voice. The project's latest book, "PostSecret: Confessions on Life, Death, and God," reached #1 on the New York Times Best-Seller List. For more information, check out www.gillioz.org.
- September 16-17: Sertoma Summer Sizzle, Ramada Oasis Convention Center. The Summer Sizzle Charity BBQ event includes state championship BBQ, a music festival, and even a swimming pool! For details, visit www.summersizzle.net.
- September 17-18: Cider Days on Historic Walnut Street. This outdoor fall celebration features more than 100 juried artists and crafters. This year's event will include a free hands-on children's area, scarecrow village, performance stages, food and more. For details, check out www.itsalldowntown.com.
- September 24-25: "Gone With the Wind" at the Gillioz Theatre. This 1939 American historical epic film, winner of eight Academy Awards, will be shown on the big screen for two nights only! For more information, visit www.gillioz.org.
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Birthdays
September
1 - Debbie Kirksey
2 - Christie Campbell
Sally Mattchen
4 - Tracy McGrady
Rebecca Richey
5 - David Steele
Annette Warren
7 - Cindy Tuttle
8 - Susan Gunter
9 - Sally Clark
David Hoffman
Tanya Smith
10 - Lisa Atwell
Leona Mills
11 - David Felin
12 - Lee Marsh
13 - Nancy Doubrava
Karla Gregg
Steve Koehler
Tim Rogers
15 - Kimberly Allen
Virginia Schnabel
17 - Jill Colony
18 - Danyel Anderson
John Gambon
Lisa Gardner
19 - Kim Berry
Rona Butrick
Robert Flatness
Linda Kutz
20 - Kat Allie
Debbie Carlstrom
Patrick Clawson
Richard Turner
21 - Lianne Drysdale
23 - Patricia Knox
James Whitt
24 - Gary King
David Richards
25 - Lance Renner
26 - Carolyn Cantrell
27 - Robert Haralson
Sadie Hopper
28 - Ramona George
Nicole Wallen
29 - Steve Biermann
Christopher Cooper
30 - Anthony Brown
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New Employees, Transfers and Promotions
New Full-Time Permanent Employees:
- Matthew Simpson, Research Assistant. Began August 15.
New Full-Time Temporary Employees:
- Ronald Timmins, Temporary Full-Time Safety and Security Officer. Began August 22.
Transfers/Promotions:
- Sadie Hopper, Assistant Coordinator for Federal Programs. Began new position August 15.
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Next Newsletter Deadline: Friday, September 23
The employee newsletter is sent out on the first of each month. The deadline is one week prior, so mark your calendars if you have news you would like us to include. The deadline for the September newsletter is Friday, September 23.
Send your submissions to either of the following email addresses, and we'll get the word out!
clips@otc.edu
masond@otc.edu
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