3M Foundation forms lasting partnerships with communities worldwide and provides resources to help them succeed and grow—ensuring a more interconnected and thriving world. Goals: Improve the quality of life in underserved families Increase access to youth...

Established by generous donors who have chosen to remain anonymous, these scholarships reflect a shared belief in the transformative power of education. While their names are not publicly recognized, their intention is clear—remove barriers and create opportunities...

Elizabeth Nelson established the Bart “DB” Nelson Memorial Scholarship in 2025 through the Ozarks Tech Foundation to honor the life and legacy of her late husband, Bart Nelson. The scholarship supports students pursuing an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license,...

Betty Thompson died peacefully at home in Springfield, MO, on February 14, 2021, after a many-years-long battle with aspergillosis, a rare lung infection. Jeanie Betty Bonifield was born July 31, 1944, in Woodward, OK. She graduated from Woodward High School where...

To say that Bill and Ann Turner, along with the Turner Family Foundation, are just backers of Ozarks Technical Community College would be a tremendous understatement. “The Turners have been cheerleaders of OTC since day one, and we are grateful to have their...

Bob and Susan Beine have long believed that investing in education is one of the most meaningful ways to strengthen a community. For them, that investment has been centered on Ozarks Tech, where they have seen firsthand how education can transform lives and create...

Burrell Behavioral Health has been a long-standing partner in advancing education, workforce development, and behavioral health services across southwest Missouri. As one of the region’s leading behavioral health organizations, Burrell plays a critical role in...

The Carol Jones Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Carol Jones, a pioneering businesswoman and longtime Springfield leader whose determination and vision transformed the real estate industry in Southwest Missouri. Rising from humble beginnings, she built one...

A Legacy of Service: The Carr Family’s Commitment to Education and Community The values that built a business continue to shape educational opportunities at Ozarks Tech When Jenny Carr speaks about her family’s commitment to education, she’s drawing from a well of...

The Charles T. Banta Sr. Memorial Scholarship was established in 2007 by Charles “Chuck” Banta Jr. to honor the life and legacy of his father. Chuck, a Springfield native and leader of Banta Foods, built upon his family’s business with vision and integrity while...

Charlie and Mary Beth O’Reilly of Springfield, Missouri, have demonstrated a long-standing commitment to supporting education and strengthening opportunities for students across the Ozarks. Their generosity toward Ozarks Tech reflects a shared belief that accessible...

The Christian County Elks Lodge #2777, part of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America, is dedicated to serving others and strengthening the local community through charitable giving, volunteerism, and educational support. Guided...

Christian County Master Gardeners (CCMG) is an organization dedicated to education. Not only do they strive to educate themselves and the public about safe, sustainable and effective garden practices, but they are committed to the continued education of the next...

Stroking the Fires of Knowledge The CFO manages more than 475 private scholarship funds created by individuals, families and companies that want to provide a path to higher education for generations to come. Donors determine the size and eligibility criteria for the...

CoxHealth is a locally-owned non-profit health system that has partnered with OTC to support students, programs, and local economies in the Ozarks region.

The Lewis Family Scholarships honor the life and legacy of David Dean Lewis, a humble Ozarks native whose generosity continues to expand educational opportunity across southwest Missouri. Born in Taney County in 1933, Mr. Lewis lived a life defined by hard work,...

George (David) Koch, 55, left this earth to join his family and our Heavenly Father on Sunday, February 27, 2011 surrounded by his wife and daughters. David was born August 29, 1955 to George and Nancy Koch. David and his family owned and operated the Shady Inn...

The Sgt. Joseph M. Peters Memorial Scholarship was established by his father, Dennis Peters, to honor the memory and sacrifice of Special Agent Sergeant Joseph Michael Peters. Sgt. Peters gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving alongside Army Rangers during a raid...

Dr. Hal Higdon is chancellor of the Ozarks Technical Community College System and president of the OTC Springfield Campus. In these roles, Dr. Higdon oversees the institution’s strategic direction and works to strengthen its resources and funding. The OTC Board of...

Dr. Norman K. Myers is a former president of Ozarks Technical Community College whose leadership helped shape the institution during its formative years and long-term growth. As president, he provided steady guidance focused on expanding access to affordable,...

Dr. Randall and Julie Humphrey are long-time educators in the Springfield area whose careers have been defined by service, leadership, and a deep commitment to student success. The couple met while attending Missouri State University, later married, and both earned...

Dwight Denton Chism – Springfield – 61, passed away Friday, June 1, 2018 surrounded by family. A visitation will be held at The Venues in Springfield, MO on Saturday, June 9 from 4:00-5:30 pm with a celebration of life following from 5:30-6:00. In lieu of flowers,...

Edmund Haun grew up in the Ozarks, familiar with the kind financial hardship that many students encounter. With the unwavering support of his mother, he earned two undergraduate degrees and a master’s degree. In 2018, he and his wife, Darlene, created the Edmund and...

The Talbot Family Scholarship Fund was established through the Ozarks Tech Foundation in 2020 through a transformational gift from Emma Talbot, a lifelong educator whose impact extended far beyond the classroom. A long-time teacher in the Nixa Public School District,...

Foundation Credit Union has been a trusted financial institution in Springfield since 1933, when it was established as the Springfield Teachers Credit Union to serve employees of Springfield Public Schools. For more than 85 years, the organization has remained...

The Frances Collins Memorial Scholarship was established by Deane Collins in honor of his late wife, Frances, who holds the distinction of being the first registered dental hygienist in Springfield, Missouri. Frances and Deane moved to Springfield in 1970, bringing...

Gene and Gerry Diullo established the Anton “Tony” Diullo Memorial Scholarship through the Ozarks Tech Foundation to honor the life and legacy of their late son. This endowed scholarship supports students pursuing a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) degree at Ozarks...

Healthy Blue Missouri – benefits for all your health needs Staying healthy is about more than just doctor visits. Our Medicare plans have extra benefits that support your whole health, from fitness memberships to dental and vision care. Once you sign up for Medicare,...

Lelia Heuer lived most of her life in the Lebanon area. She was a member of Candock Baptist Church and was a great supporter of missions in Haiti. She was a very generous lady who did numerous good deeds including establishing several scholarships for pre-medical...