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Send us Fan Mail  In this episode of Oh That’s Cool, we talk numbers with Drew Courtway, CFO at Ozarks Tech, now referred to as "Master of Coin." From managing millions in institutional budgets to making smart everyday financial choices, Drew gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how money moves through a college. He also shares real, practical tips for personal finance that anyone can use to better understand their money and plan for the future.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Oh That’s Cool, we’re pawsitively excited to welcome Amethyst Ditieri, the Director of Student Success at Ozarks Technical Community College and a true cat-alyst for helping students find their path. Amethyst shares how she’s been purr-suing student success, guiding future OTC students through the admissions process and helping them land on their feet as they begin their college journey. We also curl up with the story of how Amethyst once pounced on an opportunity to study abroad in Scotland, exploring how that experience shaped her perspective on education, independence, and discovering new horizons. Like any curious cat, she followed her instincts across the pond and returned with stories and lessons that continue to influence her work with students today. Back at OTC, Amethyst is leading the charge on a brand-new onboarding program designed to help students feel welcomed, supported, and ready to pounce on their goals from day one. From helping students navigate admissions to creating systems that make the transition into college smoother, Amethyst is always on the prowl for ways to improve the student experience. So settle in, grab a cozy spot, and join us for a conversation full of curiosity, opportunity, and a few purr-fectly placed cat puns along the way. It’s a claw-some look at how one leader is helping OTC students start their college journeys on the right paw.

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, Sherri Elder and Marilyn Madden from the Early Childhood Development Department at Ozarks Tech talk about Conscious Discipline and what it looks like in real classrooms when children are learning how to name, understand, and regulate big emotions. They break down why emotional regulation is not “extra,” it is foundational, and how teachers can intentionally build skills like calm-down strategies, emotional language, and connection so kids can move from dysregulated moments to learning-ready ones. Just as importantly, they highlight the often-overlooked piece: adult regulation. When educators have tools to manage their own stress and responses, they create the steady, safe environment children need to practice self-control. If you work with young kids (or live with humans at all), this conversation offers practical insight, encouragement, and a healthier way to think about behavior, emotions, and classroom culture.

Send us Fan Mail We are back! In this episode, we sit down with Marcia Wheeler, our Director of Assessment and Accreditation and the force behind the New Faculty Institute, to pull back the curtain on what “assessment” and “accreditation” actually look like on a real college campus. Expect practical tips you can use right away, the most common myths that stress faculty out for no reason, and a few laugh out loud moments that feel way too familiar if you have ever battled Canvas, deadlines, or a department meeting agenda. If you want the behind the scenes playbook for Access, Assess, and Address, plus a fresh boost of confidence for teaching and improving without drowning in paperwork, this one is for you.

Send us Fan Mail  After a short hiatus, Oh, That’s Cool! is back! Jared and Andrew sit down with Nathan Cassidy, longtime OTC communications faculty member and advisor for The Eagle, OTC’s newly relaunched student-run newspaper. Nathan shares insights on teaching public speaking, navigating media’s rapid changes, and guiding students as they bring campus news to life. From stage fright to fake news, and from student reporters to the future of journalism at OTC, this episode dives into why student voices matter and how The Eagle gives them a platform.

Send us Fan Mail  In this special episode of Oh That's Cool, we sit down with Dr. Tracy McGrady, Provost at Ozarks Technical Community College, for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation as she prepares to retire this May. Dr. McGrady reflects on her journey through higher education, shares stories from her time at OTC, and offers wisdom on leadership, learning, and what it means to serve a college community. Whether you're a student, staff member, or simply someone who values education, this episode gives you a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of OTC’s most influential leaders. Don’t miss this thoughtful and celebratory send-off for a true campus legend.

Send us Fan Mail  In this exciting episode of "Oh, That's Cool!" We welcome Meganne Rosen, a passionate faculty member from the Art, Design, and Humanities department at OTC. Meganne shares her insights into the world of art history and drawing, as well as her enthusiasm for upcoming trips and opportunities specifically designed for art students.  Get a sneak peek into experiences that can shape their artistic journeys. Join us for a conversation filled with creativity, inspiration, and practical advice for aspiring artists!

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to another episode of Oh, That’s Cool!—the podcast where we talk about all the amazing people, we work with at Ozarks Technical Community College. Today we’re diving into the excitement, community spirit, and fun of OTC’s Fall 2024 Picnic on the Springfield campus. Whether you're a student, faculty member, or just part of the OTC family, this event is always a highlight of the semester. From food trucks to games, student organizations, and live music, we’ll break down what made this year’s picnic such a blast and why it’s so much more than just a good time on campus. So grab a snack, settle in, and let’s relive the best moments from the Fall 2024 Picnic!"

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Oh, That's Cool!, the podcast where we highlight the amazing people and initiatives shaping the OTC community. I'm your host, Jared Durden, and today we have a special episode featuring two incredible guests from our Counseling Services team. Joining us are Heather Lewellen, the Coordinator of Counseling Services, and Lea Gannaway, one of our dedicated mental health counselors. In this episode, we'll be diving into the accomplishments of the Counseling Services department and exploring the essential resources they provide to support our students' mental health and well-being. Heather and Lea will share insights on the challenges students face and offer practical advice on how to help them thrive both academically and personally. Join us as we explore, "Mental Health at Ozarks Tech."

Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ Welcome back, everyone! 🎉 We’re excited to bring you a special episode today as we dive into something new and incredibly valuable. Joining us is none other than Dr. Erin Wehrman, an Associate Professor from MSU’s Department of Communication, Journalism, Media, and Film. You might remember Dr. Wehrman from our recent Faculty Days on August 14th, where she delivered an insightful and impactful talk. We were so inspired by her presentation that we knew we had to invite her to the podcast for a deeper discussion. This episode is all about "Conflict Resolution"—a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their skills in the classroom or workplace. Get ready for an engaging conversation packed with practical solutions and expert insights. Don’t miss out—hit play now and join the conversation! 🎧

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back, folks! Brace yourselves for an electrifying milestone as we celebrate our 50th episode of "Oh That's Cool"! Today, we embark on a bittersweet journey as we bid farewell to Dr. Joan Barrett, the esteemed Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs at our beloved community college. Join us as we delve into the vibrant tapestry of Dr. Barrett's tenure, exploring her myriad contributions to OTC and gaining deeper insight into her multifaceted roles within our institution. As Dr. Barrett prepares to embark on the next chapter of her life in retirement, we seize the opportunity to glean wisdom from her wealth of experience and unravel her plans for the future. Moreover, we engage in candid conversations surrounding the pressing challenges confronting today's classrooms, amplifying voices and perspectives that resonate deeply within our community. Tune in to yet another riveting episode as we commemorate the legacy of a remarkable leader in "A Student Affairs Vice-Chancellor to Remember."

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back, listeners! Get ready for an enlightening journey in this episode as we sit down with Carol Jones Writing Center Director, Dr. David Ball. Join us as David shares the epic narrative of his life, tracing his roots from a humble small town in Arkansas to the corridors of OTC. Together, we delve into the fascinating realm of artificial intelligence, unraveling its challenges and contemplating the shape of our future. Don't miss out on another captivating installment as we delve into the depths of "A Brief History of Writing."

Send us Fan Mail We are back! In this exciting episode we introduce adjunct Mathematics Instructor, Alysia Swearengin. Alysia shares her story as a former OTC student who is currently working on her master's at MSU.  We learn about her passion for teaching and the lessons she learned right here at OTC. Check out another thrilling episode as we walk discover, "Adjunct's need community too."

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back, listeners! Get ready for an electrifying episode as we dive into the world of healthcare education. Join us as we introduce two remarkable individuals from the Associate of Science in Nursing program within the Health Sciences department: Lead Instructor Dani Brink and Lab Coordinator Sydney Park. Together, we explore their innovative idea for a podcast tailored to their field and students, brainstorming its perfect name along the way. Amidst the discussion, we uncover the myriad challenges and triumphs of their program, shining a spotlight on the incredible journey of their students. Don't miss out on another enlightening installment of Oh That's Cool, " How to start your own podcast."

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back, folks! Hold onto your seats because in this thrilling episode, we're shaking things up a bit. Our very own Education Development Coordinator, Erin Dooley, steps into the spotlight as our new host. Erin takes the reins and dives deep into the world of podcasting, interviewing none other than the renowned podcast hosts, Jared Durden and Andrew Crocker. Prepare to be entertained and enlightened as Erin navigates through a series of hard-hitting questions, uncovering the essence of these podcasting legends and even discovering what type of car best embodies their personalities. Join Erin on this exhilarating journey as she sets the stage and shows Jared and Andrew just how it's done. Strap in for an unforgettable ride! Check out another thrilling episode of, "The Dooley Podcast Take Over."